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The Inquisitor
A brutal murder, a disgraced inquisitor, and a city of secrets.
From the Amazon best-selling author of Daughter of Havenglade comes, The Inquisitor.
In the port city of Pax Grati, a highborn daughter betrothed to the son of a powerful lord has been brutally murdered.
Nestor Atius, left to rot in the dungeons has one chance to find the killer and bring justice to her family and the realm.
But when an unlikely friend reveals the investigation is more than meets the eye, Nestor must make a choice.
As he uncovers the truth, it becomes more and more clear, he is the killer's next target.
A fantasy mystery from the Havenglade World.
From the Amazon best-selling author of Daughter of Havenglade comes, The Inquisitor.
In the port city of Pax Grati, a highborn daughter betrothed to the son of a powerful lord has been brutally murdered.
Nestor Atius, left to rot in the dungeons has one chance to find the killer and bring justice to her family and the realm.
But when an unlikely friend reveals the investigation is more than meets the eye, Nestor must make a choice.
As he uncovers the truth, it becomes more and more clear, he is the killer's next target.
A fantasy mystery from the Havenglade World.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 9, 2023
I was given a copy of this book for free.
The Inquisitor is a fast paced murder mystery. The protagonist is a disgraced monk and you learn his back story and why he was disgraced as the story progresses.
The murder mystery is a major positive, while it was not overly complex and set with tonnes of red herrings, it was laid out in a way that allows the reader to be able to solve the crime alongside the detective. There are no clues withheld unlike some stories that create a deus ex machina and drop something new at the last minute.
One weakness I'd say is that the author plays it safe with themes. The main character is dark skinned and an outsider so he experiences some minor discrimination, but not so much that it becomes a theme. The discrimination is barely touched upon, so much so, it has no real affect on the MC.
Another thing, and this is a personal preference, is the book is too short, this means some parts are rushed, as well as elements of the world building, so what happens is rather than introduce these things organically, what happens is it becomes exposition. Another 10,000 words would have solved this issue.
Overall, a solid read and I look forward to reading more about this world and character.
The Inquisitor is a fast paced murder mystery. The protagonist is a disgraced monk and you learn his back story and why he was disgraced as the story progresses.
The murder mystery is a major positive, while it was not overly complex and set with tonnes of red herrings, it was laid out in a way that allows the reader to be able to solve the crime alongside the detective. There are no clues withheld unlike some stories that create a deus ex machina and drop something new at the last minute.
One weakness I'd say is that the author plays it safe with themes. The main character is dark skinned and an outsider so he experiences some minor discrimination, but not so much that it becomes a theme. The discrimination is barely touched upon, so much so, it has no real affect on the MC.
Another thing, and this is a personal preference, is the book is too short, this means some parts are rushed, as well as elements of the world building, so what happens is rather than introduce these things organically, what happens is it becomes exposition. Another 10,000 words would have solved this issue.
Overall, a solid read and I look forward to reading more about this world and character.
April 2, 2021
For anyone looking for a well-paced, complex mystery with diverse characters and a protagonist with internal struggles then read “The Inquisitor” by H. C. Harrington. Nestor Arias, a “monastic inquisitor” is put in the dungeon for violating his sacred oath to the Order of the Scroll. Nestor is given a reprieve after two years, and will be released from his prison permanently, but only if he can solve the heinous murder of Lord Tibius Kopp’s eldest daughter, Lady Jillis within five days.
Tasked with finding the murderer on orders from Lord Karsax, Nestor is aided by Advisor Kif Odig, a young fellow who doesn’t feel he has a place in the Kingdom of Havenglade.
The story identifies with the characters more than with the mystery. The reader is really caught up in what the characters will do—— will justice be serve or does anybody care? Were people more concerned with finding the right killer or with Nestor’s alleged crimes, his stature or his origin? I liked that it was a period story with today’s issues. It was a quick read.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
Tasked with finding the murderer on orders from Lord Karsax, Nestor is aided by Advisor Kif Odig, a young fellow who doesn’t feel he has a place in the Kingdom of Havenglade.
The story identifies with the characters more than with the mystery. The reader is really caught up in what the characters will do—— will justice be serve or does anybody care? Were people more concerned with finding the right killer or with Nestor’s alleged crimes, his stature or his origin? I liked that it was a period story with today’s issues. It was a quick read.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 4, 2023
A fantastic fast paced medieval style murder mystery, filled with suspense, intrigue and adventure. Nestor is an interesting character that draws you in from the start, and you learn more about his life and circumstances throughout the book.
When a nobles daughter is found murdered, they offer the jailed and disgraced former inquisitor the opportunity to solve the case in 5 days to earn his freedom, knowing his skills alone may help uncover the culprit.
With a delightful Sherlock Holmes style investigation, Inquisitor Nestor Atius and his sidekick Advisor Kif must gather evidence, interrogate the suspects and use their wits to deduce what happened to the poor Lady Jillis.
With a lack of cooperation, interruptions from outside forces, predjudices to Nestor's foreign heritage, and a looming deadline, can the duo help solve the crime in time.
An exciting read if you enjoy fantasy, mystery and a classic 'who dunnit' murder.
When a nobles daughter is found murdered, they offer the jailed and disgraced former inquisitor the opportunity to solve the case in 5 days to earn his freedom, knowing his skills alone may help uncover the culprit.
With a delightful Sherlock Holmes style investigation, Inquisitor Nestor Atius and his sidekick Advisor Kif must gather evidence, interrogate the suspects and use their wits to deduce what happened to the poor Lady Jillis.
With a lack of cooperation, interruptions from outside forces, predjudices to Nestor's foreign heritage, and a looming deadline, can the duo help solve the crime in time.
An exciting read if you enjoy fantasy, mystery and a classic 'who dunnit' murder.
July 29, 2024
If you enjoy murder mysteries, this is for you.
Nestor, the MC, was previously an Inquisitor. However, he fell from grace and spent two years in a dungeon for it. The book follows his release from captivity, and the journey he takes.
It's not a dark book, but it does contain a little discrimination, though, it doesn't really delve into it. So, if you aren't a fan of dark books, you're safe here. Would have been nice to see that played on more, but that may be personal preference. However, the pacing is great, and flows well.
Characters are fully developed, and aren't cookie-cutters of each other. The details are well-done, and you're given small hints and clues throughout the story, so you can try solving the mystery along with Nestor. You really feel like you're there, and it adds to the experience. The map was a lovely addition!
I'm just sad it ended.
Thank you for the ARC!
Nestor, the MC, was previously an Inquisitor. However, he fell from grace and spent two years in a dungeon for it. The book follows his release from captivity, and the journey he takes.
It's not a dark book, but it does contain a little discrimination, though, it doesn't really delve into it. So, if you aren't a fan of dark books, you're safe here. Would have been nice to see that played on more, but that may be personal preference. However, the pacing is great, and flows well.
Characters are fully developed, and aren't cookie-cutters of each other. The details are well-done, and you're given small hints and clues throughout the story, so you can try solving the mystery along with Nestor. You really feel like you're there, and it adds to the experience. The map was a lovely addition!
I'm just sad it ended.
Thank you for the ARC!
November 29, 2023
The Inquisitor is well written with murder, mystery, and magic! A slight nod to romance and set in an olden time, Harrington doesn't miss a beat with this quick, fast paced read. Nestor is clever and observant complimented well by Kif - who is bright and eager. With a chance for freedom and the hope of a reunion with a past lover, Nestor is released from prison to solve a difficult and time sensitive case - he is accompanied by Kif, with little to no help from anyone else - who can they believe? Trust? People out to be in his way, people to hinder their search, and people who question his commitment to the deal keep you turning pages. The story wasn't easily predicted leaving much to look forward to!
April 2, 2021
The Inquisitor is a murder mystery of olden days of castles, lords and horses. You won't be able to put down.
The Magistrate visits Nestor in the dungeons and offers him a deal. Find the murderer who killed Lady Jillis in five days or return to the dungeons.
As Inquisitor Nestor and his partner Kif investigates the murder they have several suspects who could have the motive. Finally coming to a dead end Nestor's smart wit surfaces again.
Can he stop a wrongful death and expose the true murderer?
The Magistrate visits Nestor in the dungeons and offers him a deal. Find the murderer who killed Lady Jillis in five days or return to the dungeons.
As Inquisitor Nestor and his partner Kif investigates the murder they have several suspects who could have the motive. Finally coming to a dead end Nestor's smart wit surfaces again.
Can he stop a wrongful death and expose the true murderer?
July 4, 2024
I like how there is a map of the land! It was a quick murder mystery read! Loved the book. It has good details. The suspense of wondering who did it, why did he do that and where is she?!! First time reading one of H.C.’s books and look forward to reading more!!!
March 31, 2021
I really liked Nestor. He is smart, yet dumb in relations with people, but has a quick mind when it comes to details. Harrington has created a memorable character. The story moved along at a fast pace and it drew me in. It's a very good mystery book and I enjoyed it. I hope Nestor has more adventures in the future.
November 27, 2019
What an enjoyable read this was, from the very first page to the last. The story begins with our main character Nestor, who is sharing the dungeons with some unruly characters. It becomes evident quickly that he is an unlikely prisoner with more wit and ambition than those in his midst. His fate looks poor until he receives a visit from the Magistrate, who requests Nestors help in solving the murder of a prominent family's daughter. He has been made an offer he can't refuse, but has little time to find the lady's killer.
The crime scene is a puzzle and not all of those questioned are forthcoming with information. Nestor must use his talents as an Inquisitor as never before. While the story takes place in Havenglade and has references to events from the Daughter of Havenglade series, this is a stand alone book. Nestor and his side kick Kif work well together, are likeable well developed characters, each with their own back story that has brought them to this point in time. The story moves at a great pace, is a well written and enjoyable read, with some light hearted and humorous moments. Its a mix of fantasy, mystery and who dun it all in one good time!
The crime scene is a puzzle and not all of those questioned are forthcoming with information. Nestor must use his talents as an Inquisitor as never before. While the story takes place in Havenglade and has references to events from the Daughter of Havenglade series, this is a stand alone book. Nestor and his side kick Kif work well together, are likeable well developed characters, each with their own back story that has brought them to this point in time. The story moves at a great pace, is a well written and enjoyable read, with some light hearted and humorous moments. Its a mix of fantasy, mystery and who dun it all in one good time!
August 5, 2020
I really enjoyed the mystery and seeing a different part of this world.
January 2, 2024
A whodunnit in a medieval fantasy setting? Sign me up!
Harrington constructs an engaging and believable world, in which the fantasy elements are more than just backdrop to the mystery - the internal logic of the world plays some key roles in the mystery at hand.
Was a real page-turner! Would like to read more of this detective's adventures.
Harrington constructs an engaging and believable world, in which the fantasy elements are more than just backdrop to the mystery - the internal logic of the world plays some key roles in the mystery at hand.
Was a real page-turner! Would like to read more of this detective's adventures.
August 31, 2023
I really enjoyed The Inquisitor. The prison setting pulled me in at the start and I got interested in Nestor. He was an interesting character to follow and get to know as the book progressed. The whole background story of his forbidden love and how that story unfolded gradually in his thoughts and memories was great. That pulled me in more than anything I think. The mystery was fun to try to solve along the way. The truth ended up being something that had never occured to me. I never got bored or felt like putting the book down. The story kept moving at a nice crisp pace as Nestor investigated. There were lots of different interesting characters and settings as it progressed, and some juicy twists and turns along the way. Overall it was a fun ride following Nestor around and experiencing some of that fantasy world. I’d actually never read a mystery novel set in a fantasy world before so that was something fresh and new. I recommend the book for anyone who likes both fantasy and mystery.
July 19, 2024
This book had a real Sherlock Holmes feel right from the get-go. I love that. The whole dynamic between Kif and Nestor was familiar and fun. The mystery aspect kept me guessing alongside the characters and I liked that all the clues were there for the reader to piece things together as the story played out.
The bit of backstory was good for getting to see Nestor's life outside of the investigation and get a glimpse at how his life had come to where it's at now.
All the characters had a sort of mysteriousness to them that added to the mystery to solve. The author did a great job at putting the reader in this atmosphere of an old medieval detective murder mystery.
Overall, I enjoyed reading The Inquisitor and look forward to seeing what comes next for Nestor and his journey, wherever it may lead.
The bit of backstory was good for getting to see Nestor's life outside of the investigation and get a glimpse at how his life had come to where it's at now.
All the characters had a sort of mysteriousness to them that added to the mystery to solve. The author did a great job at putting the reader in this atmosphere of an old medieval detective murder mystery.
Overall, I enjoyed reading The Inquisitor and look forward to seeing what comes next for Nestor and his journey, wherever it may lead.
April 8, 2025
The Inquisitor. Thoroughly recommended
Reviewed in Australia on 8 April 2025
The Inquisitor. This book was thoroughly engaging. Nestor, our protagonist, has been held in prison but is given a reprieve of 5 days to solve a murder. If successful, he wins his freedom. As a monk, he had broken his vows with his sweetheart and, upon discovery, had been given a gaol sentence. For some reason (not explained, the Bishop holds a grudge against him. I'd have liked to have known more about it although it seems Nestor did too.
With the assistance of a loyal sidekick, Nestor tries to make sense of the crime with some characters helping the investigation and others not so.
I wanted the mystery solved but didn't want the book to be over. It is an excellent piece of writing. For me, my introduction to the work of Harrington but I'll soon be off to find some more
Reviewed in Australia on 8 April 2025
The Inquisitor. This book was thoroughly engaging. Nestor, our protagonist, has been held in prison but is given a reprieve of 5 days to solve a murder. If successful, he wins his freedom. As a monk, he had broken his vows with his sweetheart and, upon discovery, had been given a gaol sentence. For some reason (not explained, the Bishop holds a grudge against him. I'd have liked to have known more about it although it seems Nestor did too.
With the assistance of a loyal sidekick, Nestor tries to make sense of the crime with some characters helping the investigation and others not so.
I wanted the mystery solved but didn't want the book to be over. It is an excellent piece of writing. For me, my introduction to the work of Harrington but I'll soon be off to find some more
September 12, 2024
This was so good! A thrilling and gripping read where we meet our mc Nestor, known as the inquisitor who’s rotting away in the dungeons due to a wrong decision of falling in love. Given a chance to redeem himself and solve the brutal murder of a daughter of a wealthy lord but all is not as it seems! The author draws you in with a mysterious and intriguing storyline, incredible world building and a cast of characters that are interesting and a little complex. Murder, mystery, twists and turns that have you hooked and on the edge of your seat, this sends chills down your spine as we dive into this fantasy world to solve a murder.
June 22, 2022
My review will be through Before We Go as this is a SPFBO read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews