What do you think?
Rate this book
Domesday #5
The Serpents of Harbledown
Ralph Delchard, a former soldier in the era-defining Battle of Hastings, and Gervase Bret, an accomplished lawyer, continue to travel the length of England investigating irregularities exposed during the collection of information for the Domesday Book. The pair frequently find that where matters of property are concerned, there are often unpleasant and criminal consequences. The king's work is a dangerous business.
When a young girl is found in a holly patch, dead from a snakebite, her premature death shocks the entire town of Canterbury on the day that Delchard and Bret arrive. But when astonishing truths come to light, the duo must look for a force more vicious than a mere reptile.
When a young girl is found in a holly patch, dead from a snakebite, her premature death shocks the entire town of Canterbury on the day that Delchard and Bret arrive. But when astonishing truths come to light, the duo must look for a force more vicious than a mere reptile.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
38 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Edward Marston
239 books466 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 2, 2011
First Sentence: The search began at dawn.
The Royal Commission, including Sir Ralph Delchard and his bride Golde, travel to Canterbury in order to settle a land dispute between the archbishop and the prior of St. Augustine’s Abbey. Murder takes precedence over land; particularly the murder of a 17-year-old girl found with a snake bite on her neck and an apple, from which one bite was taken, in her hand. Followed shortly but the poisoning of a kind monk, Delchard and Gervase find themselves combating a cunning and dangerous adversary.
Books that include maps and one of Canterbury in the 11th Century are my kind of thing. I also appreciate books that make me think about things such as the difference between perception and reality, and allow me to learn—in this case about the Gnostics. Unfortunately, those were the major highlights of this entry into a series that is, otherwise, one of my favorites.
There were some definitely shortcomings here, including a small portent and a large coincidence. While I have generally felt Marston’s dialogue conveyed the period, here it seemed stilted. The descriptions of the action scenes felt awkward and less exciting than they should have been.
I have loved the characters of Ralph, Gervase and the two priests who accompany them, Canon Hubert and Brother Simon. Part of the reason why I’ve felt the characters worked so well was the interaction between them. Perhaps some of my disappointment with this book was that it seemed fragmented due to the union of the main characters being fragmented. There were very few instances of them working together.
Don’t misunderstand; I did not hate the book. The story definitely kept me reading and I was very glad it did. The insight into the period was strong, as always, and the honesty that any person may be good or bad, regardless of rank or position, is significant. In fact, one of the most chilling characters is not the killer. That element was very effective. Not one to give up on an otherwise favorite author, I am curious to read the next book in this series.
THE SERPENTS OF HARBLEDOWN (Hist Mys-Sir Ralph Delchard/Gervase Bret-England-Middle Ages) – Good
Marston, Edward – 5th in series
St. Martins’ Press, ©1998, US Hardcover – ISBN: 0312180217
The Royal Commission, including Sir Ralph Delchard and his bride Golde, travel to Canterbury in order to settle a land dispute between the archbishop and the prior of St. Augustine’s Abbey. Murder takes precedence over land; particularly the murder of a 17-year-old girl found with a snake bite on her neck and an apple, from which one bite was taken, in her hand. Followed shortly but the poisoning of a kind monk, Delchard and Gervase find themselves combating a cunning and dangerous adversary.
Books that include maps and one of Canterbury in the 11th Century are my kind of thing. I also appreciate books that make me think about things such as the difference between perception and reality, and allow me to learn—in this case about the Gnostics. Unfortunately, those were the major highlights of this entry into a series that is, otherwise, one of my favorites.
There were some definitely shortcomings here, including a small portent and a large coincidence. While I have generally felt Marston’s dialogue conveyed the period, here it seemed stilted. The descriptions of the action scenes felt awkward and less exciting than they should have been.
I have loved the characters of Ralph, Gervase and the two priests who accompany them, Canon Hubert and Brother Simon. Part of the reason why I’ve felt the characters worked so well was the interaction between them. Perhaps some of my disappointment with this book was that it seemed fragmented due to the union of the main characters being fragmented. There were very few instances of them working together.
Don’t misunderstand; I did not hate the book. The story definitely kept me reading and I was very glad it did. The insight into the period was strong, as always, and the honesty that any person may be good or bad, regardless of rank or position, is significant. In fact, one of the most chilling characters is not the killer. That element was very effective. Not one to give up on an otherwise favorite author, I am curious to read the next book in this series.
THE SERPENTS OF HARBLEDOWN (Hist Mys-Sir Ralph Delchard/Gervase Bret-England-Middle Ages) – Good
Marston, Edward – 5th in series
St. Martins’ Press, ©1998, US Hardcover – ISBN: 0312180217
January 4, 2022
Another amazing tale in a series that I love.
A young devout girl found murdered, a lower who knows more than he is letting on, and a secret cult designed to destroy the church at its core.
The twists and turns in this book are brilliant, the dead ends and subplots cunningly confuse and leave you wanting more and more. It's intriguing, gritty and witty by turns, and I love the constant development of the dental characters.
A must read.
A young devout girl found murdered, a lower who knows more than he is letting on, and a secret cult designed to destroy the church at its core.
The twists and turns in this book are brilliant, the dead ends and subplots cunningly confuse and leave you wanting more and more. It's intriguing, gritty and witty by turns, and I love the constant development of the dental characters.
A must read.
March 20, 2023
I love this series, but this one had one issue
I feel like Ralph is going to need to “save the cat” here before he is just an annoying extra in the story. I have loved every book so far (including this one, the story is excellent) but Ralph went from my favorite character to annoying as hell in the span of this book. Gervase could have handled this one on his own.
I feel like Ralph is going to need to “save the cat” here before he is just an annoying extra in the story. I have loved every book so far (including this one, the story is excellent) but Ralph went from my favorite character to annoying as hell in the span of this book. Gervase could have handled this one on his own.
May 4, 2023
Formulaic but enjoyable and easy to read
February 6, 2025
Rating clarification: 3.5 stars
Snakes, monks, heresy, lepers, kidnappers, poisoners....what's not to love?
Best of the series so far. Now on to #6!
Snakes, monks, heresy, lepers, kidnappers, poisoners....what's not to love?
Best of the series so far. Now on to #6!
May 18, 2025
Good book, although I felt the ending was a bit lacklustre: the villain- Phillipe Berbizier, didn’t get a very satisfying send off, the ending was deflated and it’s only saving grace was the joke at the end between Ralph Delchard and Canon Hubert.
Despite the entire book centring around the murder it didn’t live up to my expectations in some areas. The characters feel so far apart in this book, Canon Hubert and Simon are relegated to the background. Ralph and Gervase barely share conversations which is quite unfortunate.
The book feels like it goes back and forward to locations like a yoyo, I understand it is to drive the plot forward but it can sometimes be a bit too much.
I enjoyed the themes of religious cults and the inclusion of Lanfranc. Overall, not my favourite book in the series but it is serviceable and an enjoyable enough read
Despite the entire book centring around the murder it didn’t live up to my expectations in some areas. The characters feel so far apart in this book, Canon Hubert and Simon are relegated to the background. Ralph and Gervase barely share conversations which is quite unfortunate.
The book feels like it goes back and forward to locations like a yoyo, I understand it is to drive the plot forward but it can sometimes be a bit too much.
I enjoyed the themes of religious cults and the inclusion of Lanfranc. Overall, not my favourite book in the series but it is serviceable and an enjoyable enough read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2022
I enjoyed the start of the series, but since the previous book it started going bad. And in this one it really went downhill, so it is the last I will read. A lovesick Sir Ralph, every word he exchanges with his new wife is eye rolling corny. The religious personages are more bombastic than ever. Everything is great drama, and it is painful, like a grand guignol that does not work and it just looks ridiculous. And no detecting, just a sort of hunches vindicated
March 29, 2023
I am so in love with these books. I'm really involved in the characters lives, like I feel that I really know them. This one was really quite interesting and surprising in the plot development. We were introduced to some strange new characters that were quite surprising to me to be honest but it was excellent and I read it in a day, via audiobook. I love the voice actor that does the reading for these he's phenomenal and brings them to life for me.
May 19, 2025
In this fifth book of the Domesday Books series, Saxon lawyer Gervase Brett and Norman soldier Ralph Delchard are charged with solving discrepancies in England’s first census, ordered by William the Conqueror. A 17-year-old girl’s death from snake bite turns out to be much more complicated and hide far bigger secrets.
The mystery is intricately plotted and full of historical details. It was also interesting to read a mystery solved before DNA and even fingerprints.
The mystery is intricately plotted and full of historical details. It was also interesting to read a mystery solved before DNA and even fingerprints.
January 9, 2023
Another historical fiction crime story featuring Gervase Bret and Ralph Delchard, this time with a tinge of heresy. While Marston isn't a master wordsmith, his books are always well researched, with colourful characters and interesting plots that draw the reader in. Definitely worth a read for any fans of Norman history or historical fiction in general.
May 3, 2021
Another brilliantly thought out story in the series
This is another brilliantly crafted story that continues a great series. The plot is one of mystery and suspense, that follows the commission on yet another journey to solve disputes and crimes.
This is another brilliantly crafted story that continues a great series. The plot is one of mystery and suspense, that follows the commission on yet another journey to solve disputes and crimes.
February 7, 2021
Excellent. This is a fast paced and truly engaging story. I couldn't put the book down.
May 27, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this one and worked out the villain for once.
February 25, 2022
Loving this series.
Edward Marston is a genius of a writer.
Edward Marston is a genius of a writer.
June 19, 2023
Great story! Really enjoyed from beginning to end. Lots of twists and turns. Almost figured it out 👍🏻
February 12, 2024
Entertaining
June 3, 2024
Great book totally un-put downable.
October 5, 2019
Despite the fact that there are no deadly snakes in the UK, the initial murder was intriguing. It linked to a second murder with heresy, sexual deviance and leprosy thrown in for good measure. I loved Canon Huberts apoplexy at the evil scent of heresy
November 25, 2012
The Serpents of Harbledown
By Edward Marston
4 stars
pp. 277
I have come to love Edward Marston’s Domesday series set in the 11th century about the kings commissioners, Ralph Declard and Gervase Bret who along with clergy, Canon Hubert and Brother Simon work to resolve differences, encountered during the compilation of The Domesday Book.
In The Serpents of Harbledown the commission arrives in Canterbury just as a young woman, Bertha, has been found dead from a serpents bite. Brother Martin, who runs the local hospital which serves the lepers, fears that there is more to this than meets the eye and tells Gervase Bret that he fears that Bertha has been murdered. As Gervase becomes entangled in the investigation it interferes with the commission’s work of settling a dispute between the priory and abbey.
I enjoy finding out about the life and politics of 11th century England and Marston always does a credible job of his description. Add to that he writes and entertaining and interesting mystery, gives me all the more reason to continue reading this series of books for as long as I can get a hold of them.
By Edward Marston
4 stars
pp. 277
I have come to love Edward Marston’s Domesday series set in the 11th century about the kings commissioners, Ralph Declard and Gervase Bret who along with clergy, Canon Hubert and Brother Simon work to resolve differences, encountered during the compilation of The Domesday Book.
In The Serpents of Harbledown the commission arrives in Canterbury just as a young woman, Bertha, has been found dead from a serpents bite. Brother Martin, who runs the local hospital which serves the lepers, fears that there is more to this than meets the eye and tells Gervase Bret that he fears that Bertha has been murdered. As Gervase becomes entangled in the investigation it interferes with the commission’s work of settling a dispute between the priory and abbey.
I enjoy finding out about the life and politics of 11th century England and Marston always does a credible job of his description. Add to that he writes and entertaining and interesting mystery, gives me all the more reason to continue reading this series of books for as long as I can get a hold of them.
June 24, 2013
I got this one out of order and read the next book in the series before this one. Oh well.
This one finds the commissioner's in Kent, headed for Canterbury. Upon their arrival they are faced with a deep disagreement between the archbishop and the local priory, and also with a poisoned young girl found near a leper's colony. The wife of the house in which they are staying was good friends with the dead girl, so they are drawn into finding out how she was killed.
Then the leader of the monks who run the leper colony dies, and both deaths are soon reclassified as murders, and laid at the doorstep of a French heretic who has snuck into the country.
Interesting sub-plot about what constitutes heresy as opposed to sincerely-held alternative thoughts on the rights of the church and individuals. The main plot was pretty much a pot-boiler, but I still like the history I'm spoon-fed as I read this.
This one finds the commissioner's in Kent, headed for Canterbury. Upon their arrival they are faced with a deep disagreement between the archbishop and the local priory, and also with a poisoned young girl found near a leper's colony. The wife of the house in which they are staying was good friends with the dead girl, so they are drawn into finding out how she was killed.
Then the leader of the monks who run the leper colony dies, and both deaths are soon reclassified as murders, and laid at the doorstep of a French heretic who has snuck into the country.
Interesting sub-plot about what constitutes heresy as opposed to sincerely-held alternative thoughts on the rights of the church and individuals. The main plot was pretty much a pot-boiler, but I still like the history I'm spoon-fed as I read this.
February 14, 2012
Volume V of the Domesday Series; Gervase, Ralph and Hubert travel to Canterbury to settle a land dispute involving the abbey, but the murder of a young girl at the leper colony in Harbledown precedes them. Everyone --- a leper, a priest, a doctor, the girl’s father --- knows more then they tell, and soon there is a another murder. The commission is once again up to their eyeballs in deceit, this time an insidious heresy.
Another solid, intriguing period mystery, full of red herrings and a very suspicious cast of characters that kept me guessing till the end. Once again, Gervase befriends an outcast --- Alain the leper --- to help solve the mystery, showing that he is the sympathetic psychologist of the group, while Ralph gets his clues through physical force. A very enjoyable book; this series has kept up a high level of quality.
Another solid, intriguing period mystery, full of red herrings and a very suspicious cast of characters that kept me guessing till the end. Once again, Gervase befriends an outcast --- Alain the leper --- to help solve the mystery, showing that he is the sympathetic psychologist of the group, while Ralph gets his clues through physical force. A very enjoyable book; this series has kept up a high level of quality.
July 23, 2011
c1996. I think these books are becoming a bit of a guilty pleasure. Not exactly heavy reading and the murder/s plot/s are not always coherent but for some reason I keep wanting to read the next one in the series. I like the historical period these are set in especially when you know that they are based on real places back in the day via Domesday book. Gervase, Ralph, Hubert and Simon with the addition of Golde are on the road again. The characterisation is pretty one dimensional but the places and the historical context are the real protagonists. This particular murder - well unusually - there is no way any one could have guessed despite the red herrings that abounded.
April 24, 2016
Having been ill for the last week, I now have a pile of books beside me on the sofa to read with a view to sending them to a charity shop and, possibly, replacing them with ebooks. I know the last time I read this, I decided to hang on to it but not this time. Edward Marston has improved as a writer since he wrote this - his dialogue was a bit clunky at times. It is a good read, the leading characters are well drawn, if a bit too good to be true for their time, but I feel no desire to reread it or any others of the Domesday Book series. Buying the lot for the Kindle is a possibility, but way down the priority list.
September 18, 2012
I enjoyed this entry in this medieval series featuring Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret as they travel across England at the behest of the King, settling land disputes and collecting information for the Domesday Book. In this book, they are in Canterbury to settle a dispute between the Canterbury cathedral and a priory near the city. Before they can delve too deeply into the matter, a couple of murders sidetrack everyone involved, so Ralph and Gervase are determined to solve them in order to focus on their own mission.
September 22, 2022
The King's commissioners, Ralph Delchard, Gervase Bret, Canon Hubert and Brother Simon, arrive in Canterbury with their mission to review some issues from the Domesday Book. On this same day the body of young Bertha is discovered, apparently killed by snakebit. Nothing is simple with these missions and Ralph and Gervase must solve this mystery before beginning their assigned hearings.
December 29, 2008
The fifth in the series based on real incidents recorded in the Domesday Book. Brainbuilders? No. Just what is needed when the rest of life is chaotic? Yes. Pleasantly written and plotted. An enjoyable series.
September 2, 2011
While I did enjoy this there was a whole Sherlock Holmes/Moriarty superhero component to it that I just didn't like as much as I'd liked the other books. All in all it was still a good read and I will read the entire series.
November 14, 2008
I found this series fascinating and I love the setting. What an imaginative way to present the writing of the Domesday Chronicles.
Currently reading
July 16, 2009This is book 5 in a mystery series set in late 11th century England - one of my favorite time frames. I think that they are nice mysteries.
June 26, 2011
Couldn't get through the first chapeter. Story just didn't get started.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews