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Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mysteries #5
The Bone Chess Set
Salisbury 1227A traveling merchant’s death heralds a series of grim mishaps at Salisbury Castle. Ela suspects a plot to discredit her as sheriff. Can she solve the murder and save her reputation, or will she be the next victim?The Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mystery SeriesThis series features a real historical figure—the formidable Ela Longespée. The young Countess of Salisbury was chosen to marry King Henry II’s illegitimate son William. After her husband’s untimely death, Ela served as High Sheriff of Wiltshire, castellan of Salisbury Castle, and ultimately founder and abbess of Lacock Abbey.Book 1: Cathedral of Bones
Book 2: Breach of Faith
Book 3: The Lost Child
Book 4: Forest of Souls
Book 5: The Bone Chess Set
Book 6: Cloister of Whispers
Book 7: Palace of Thorns
Book 8: A Surfeit of Miracles
Book 9: The d’Albiac Inheritance
Book 10: Unholy Sanctuary
Book 2: Breach of Faith
Book 3: The Lost Child
Book 4: Forest of Souls
Book 5: The Bone Chess Set
Book 6: Cloister of Whispers
Book 7: Palace of Thorns
Book 8: A Surfeit of Miracles
Book 9: The d’Albiac Inheritance
Book 10: Unholy Sanctuary
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2021
79 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
J.G. Lewis
12 books45 followersJ. G. Lewis grew up in London, England. She came to the U.S. for college and a career as a museum curator.
Her mysteries evolved from the idea of bringing almost-forgotten but fascinating historical figures to life by creating stories for them. The Ela of Salisbury series features the formidable Ela Longespée, wife of King Henry II’s illegitimate son William. The widowed mother of eight children, Ela served as High Sheriff of Wiltshire and castellan of Salisbury and ultimately founder and abbess of Lacock Abbey.
J. G. Lewis currently lives in Florida with her dogs and horses.
Her mysteries evolved from the idea of bringing almost-forgotten but fascinating historical figures to life by creating stories for them. The Ela of Salisbury series features the formidable Ela Longespée, wife of King Henry II’s illegitimate son William. The widowed mother of eight children, Ela served as High Sheriff of Wiltshire and castellan of Salisbury and ultimately founder and abbess of Lacock Abbey.
J. G. Lewis currently lives in Florida with her dogs and horses.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 28, 2021
I enjoyed this, the fifth in the Ela, Countess of Salisbury, series. It begins with the death of a traveling merchant and follows with a series of unsettling and dangerous occurrences. An expensive chess set is manipulated to eerily mirror or foreshadow activities in the castle; there’s a missing king, a bloody queen, a damaged knight, and a sooty rook. Does the missing king reflect the death of Ela’s husband in the recent past? Is the blood on the queen a threat to Ela herself?
As before, I find the details of 13th Century life intriguing, and the character of Ela the most interesting. Her relationships with her children, servants, knights, and subjects are rich and full; she’s compassionate and understanding even with the most difficult of maids, and she goes out of her way to help those in need, from the widow of the murdered salesman to a pregnant dairymaid in a precarious spot.
Initially it was jarring for a character who’d been relatively faithful to his duties in the earlier books to become so insolent and obstreperous. However, the plot evolved to provide an understandable reason for the change in behavior. There’s also no real follow through or confession relating to the broken arch. These are just quibbles - I’ve complained about the editing before and I still think a better editor would’ve improved the whole series. That said, these books are both entertaining and educational, and I’m always in favor of learning something new.
As before, I find the details of 13th Century life intriguing, and the character of Ela the most interesting. Her relationships with her children, servants, knights, and subjects are rich and full; she’s compassionate and understanding even with the most difficult of maids, and she goes out of her way to help those in need, from the widow of the murdered salesman to a pregnant dairymaid in a precarious spot.
Initially it was jarring for a character who’d been relatively faithful to his duties in the earlier books to become so insolent and obstreperous. However, the plot evolved to provide an understandable reason for the change in behavior. There’s also no real follow through or confession relating to the broken arch. These are just quibbles - I’ve complained about the editing before and I still think a better editor would’ve improved the whole series. That said, these books are both entertaining and educational, and I’m always in favor of learning something new.
December 17, 2022
Salisbury, June 1227. J. G. Lewis’ The Bone Chess Set (Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mysteries #5) continues the story of Ela, Countess of Salisbury, and High Sheriff of Wiltshire and castellan of Salisbury. Ela Longepée was the widow of King Henry II’s illegitimate son, William, who played an important role in British history. Ela also made a name for herself. To be High Sheriff of Wiltshire and casrellan of Salisbury, her childhood home, in the medieval era, this female held an incredible position. The prejudice against women today pales in comparison to what Ela must have faced in 1227.
The story begins with a merchant from the Mid East arrives at Salisbury Castle. Ela purchases an expensive bone chess set. This chess set becomes a symbol for death of the merchant and all the difficulties Ela faces trying to get justice for the merchant and his widow. The reader sees the massive prejudice against the merchant and his widow as they are “infidels”. They worshipped Allah. The lust for power is also quite evident. This story started slowly, but towards the end, it becomes very engaging. 4 stars.
The story begins with a merchant from the Mid East arrives at Salisbury Castle. Ela purchases an expensive bone chess set. This chess set becomes a symbol for death of the merchant and all the difficulties Ela faces trying to get justice for the merchant and his widow. The reader sees the massive prejudice against the merchant and his widow as they are “infidels”. They worshipped Allah. The lust for power is also quite evident. This story started slowly, but towards the end, it becomes very engaging. 4 stars.
October 14, 2023
Excellent and engaging story, about a remarkable woman living in medieval times, and braving a path almost completely denied to women. The plot is well-wrought, the atmosphere completely convincing (making me realistically uneasy at times!), and the pace is excellent. I love this series of fact-based historical fiction and mystery. Ela is a wholly intriguing woman of intelligence and thoughtfulness.
March 14, 2021
Another glimpse into the life of an outstanding historical woman.
All of the Ela of Salisbury books bring Ela and her unique medieval role as Sheriff of Salisbury to life. This installment tells of her battle to hold on to her title and castle in the face of men who would like her power and wealth for themselves.
All of the Ela of Salisbury books bring Ela and her unique medieval role as Sheriff of Salisbury to life. This installment tells of her battle to hold on to her title and castle in the face of men who would like her power and wealth for themselves.
July 12, 2021
Intrigue and murders
The bodies and general misdeeds stacked up in this story of Ela asserting her authority surrounded by a castle full of untrustworthy armed men. At one point I wondered if the miscreants would ever be found. What would she do without trusty Bill? Another enjoyable read.
The bodies and general misdeeds stacked up in this story of Ela asserting her authority surrounded by a castle full of untrustworthy armed men. At one point I wondered if the miscreants would ever be found. What would she do without trusty Bill? Another enjoyable read.
June 24, 2023
Cursed bones?
Well written, well paced and full of surprises. A Muslim merchant died and Ela has to discover who it was. Also the question is why are these things are happening, a castle fire, a falling stone and a sabotaged toilet seat. Who would do such things? Read to find out.
Well written, well paced and full of surprises. A Muslim merchant died and Ela has to discover who it was. Also the question is why are these things are happening, a castle fire, a falling stone and a sabotaged toilet seat. Who would do such things? Read to find out.
November 12, 2023
We continue the saga of Ela as she battles trying to keep her title and lands intact as a widow in mideviel England. I'm really enjoying the series and find it fascinating the inclusion of historical accuracy when available. There are 4 more books in the series.
April 16, 2025
As always a fun read
Its so interesting to read a fictional account of a,strong woman who actually lived and had a reputation as fair and good. I will not forget Ella of Salisbury when ever I want an example of a brave woman ahead of her time.
Its so interesting to read a fictional account of a,strong woman who actually lived and had a reputation as fair and good. I will not forget Ella of Salisbury when ever I want an example of a brave woman ahead of her time.
March 19, 2021
Certainly better than average for the genre. It is not, however, Ellis Peters. 'Nuf said.
April 1, 2021
Well done
I really admire the woman who's life inspired these stories. Each one is well crafted and a very enjoyable read. Can't wait for the next one!
I really admire the woman who's life inspired these stories. Each one is well crafted and a very enjoyable read. Can't wait for the next one!
October 7, 2022
I wish I could have found a printed version to read. This was a really good story and I really like the series.
December 8, 2022
Great read.
December 30, 2023
Good stories!
January 30, 2024
Short but sweet. The book and my review. I am definitely in love with the whole series.
March 8, 2024
Ela
I’m enjoying following the series about Ela of Salisbury in her role as a female Sheriff, as she solves crime and fends off males who are jealous of her profession.
I’m enjoying following the series about Ela of Salisbury in her role as a female Sheriff, as she solves crime and fends off males who are jealous of her profession.
July 22, 2025
Bone chess set
I've enjoyed reading all of Lewis's books. They show study into Medieval history and customs. The mystery is also intriguing and secret til next to the last.
I've enjoyed reading all of Lewis's books. They show study into Medieval history and customs. The mystery is also intriguing and secret til next to the last.
March 14, 2021
Once again it took me only a few hours to read cover to cover. I enjoy her strong character and the atmosphere.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews