Murder under the Bridge

Arnold Landon #8

by Roy Lewis

An Arnold Landon mystery

When Arnold Landon is ordered to assist at the excavations of the mediaeval site at Birley Thore he is angry, since it means he is forced to break a promise to Jane Wilson to help her in her research.
At the site he soon becomes aware of ten¬sions among the excavation team. More seri¬ously, he finds himself involved in an inquiry by Detective Chief Inspector Culpeper into ancient Viking practices - the background to an investigation into a series of murders com¬mitted as far apart as France, Switzerland, East Anglia and Northumberland.
The horrific nature of these killings is brought home to Arnold when he and Jane discover a member of the excavation team murdered in a similar manner, and he falls foul of Culpeper for what the Chief Inspector sees as interference.
While attempting to assist Jane Wilson in her research into Thomas Becket and his supporter William Fitzstephen, and the police in their investigation of the Birley Thore killings, Arnold is drawn deeper into Viking folklore, the role of the berserkers, and the way in which Nordic names can have modern, murderous meanings.
Unfortunately for Arnold, his attempts to help end by plunging him into a chilling con¬frontation with the vengeful killer whom the police call Bloodeagle.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, British Literature, Fiction

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 1993

About the author

John Royston Lewis, who published his fiction under the name Roy Lewis, was a prominent English crime writer who wrote more than 60 novels. He was also a teacher, and he taught Law for 10 years before being appointed as One of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Further & Higher Education. He lived in the north of England where many of his novels are set.

Lewis is also the author of several law texts, which he published under the name J.R. Lewis.

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Bev · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of weird...

*My edition (with same ISBN) titled Bloodeagle.

[Emg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might have given it a third star if Arnold had not been so stupidly assuming about one of the characters. Good heavens, what a give away!

[David Marten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always well researched

The Arnold Langdon mysteries are slightly different from the author’s other series and provide an interesting and different background to the norm.

The background in the books is always well researched an the historical detail spot on. I can give no better recommendation for these books than by saying I am always a little sad when I have come to the end of a book and I realise the story is over and I am not going to get any further insight into the relationships between the series main characters.

In this particular book I had identified the murderer well before the end, but there was still a twist that I had not identified.

[Don Gribble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Roy Lewis! Why, because he weaves so much teaching within his murder solving plots.
He instructs about archeology, masonry, and locality in NE England. I learn something new in each novel. I am only on book 8 but I buy them as Joffe Book releases them.
While I am enjoying the Arnold Landon series, I also found the Eric Ward series taught me about different aspects of the law in each book (I finished all 17 and all 8 of the Inspector John Crow series).
My hats off to Roy in that he never repeats what he teaches and I learn something new in every book, as well as solving a murder mystery.
Don Gribble

[Tony P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Well written, good plot, an out-of-the-way locale-, a bit of history -- what's not to like? Well, the denouement: just too fantastical, over the top. And, in retrospect, the protagonist was a weak character, tending to vanish in the plot; far from solving the mystery, almost his only part in the development was to be knocked out and provide a suspenseful finale. While the real detective, who carried the burden of development, was an offensive, dim-witted lout. So, I enjoyed it, but ultimately three stars.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Another great story featuring Arnold Landon and the way his knowledge gets him involved in crimes of murder. A very well written and crafted story and one in which he ended up in a very dangerous situation. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Alžběta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I am repeating myself but I have to say, yet again, that the series gets better with every book. The last three books especially were fantastic (books 6 - 8). I am addicted.
Sorry, this is such a useless review. The book is great - especially if you like relaxing yet intelligent murder mysteries, dry humour, and history.

[Susan Dillaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant plot as always

I like Roy Lewis books and am reading the series they are well written and make you think and I learn about things I never expected to. I would recommend to anyone who likes a good detective story.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a bit darker and weirder than the other books in this series so far and our main character certainly lives a dangerous life for his profession and is lucky even though. Still enjoying the series.

[L Jerome Krovetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Plot is brilli,ant. Characters are well done. This is a great book and well written. Looking for others by this author.

[Joan Riker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books 1-8 are all great

Just finished #8and I wish there was a #9 available! All of this series are excellent entertainment and mentally challenging. Keep up the good work Mr. Lewis.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arnold Landon has been asked to help at a bridge expansion and the archeological dig going on near the bridge. He is on loan from the museum. There are a series of murders beginning in Europe and coming to the area where Arnold is working. The story is interesting in the history and archeological fines back to Roman times. The clues are very old also which just adds to a very interesting read.

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing story

Arnold is seconded to an archeological dig by his boss. He finds himself embroiled in murders again, but this isn't an ordinary murder,. I liked the folklore concerning the Vikings and their customs, which were relevant to the case. There were well developed characters who added an air of mystery and suspense. A good read.

[David Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Roy Lewis masterpiece

An excellent murder mystery with a fascinating insight into a North of England period of history and the Vikings and their beliefs and practices.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the Arnold Landon series!

[Mary Jane Essex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read,

As always, Lewis delivers excellent plot, arcane details, and engaging characters. I hope there are lots more Arnold Landon stories.