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A Council of Wolves: An Anglo-Saxon Mystery
England, AD 879. Called away from his own wedding to accompany his brother on an urgent diplomatic mission for King Alfred of Wessex, the young royal official Lord Edwin of Wimborne becomes suspicious of an “accidental” death that occurs during their stay in neighboring Mercia. As Edwin investigates, he uncovers a tangle of deadly ambitions around the Mercian kingship. Back at home, Edwin’s bride Molly becomes embroiled in events that may have far-reaching consequences as well.
Can Edwin unravel the true course of events in time to save an innocent man and foil a disastrous political plot bolstered by a band of renegade Vikings? When Molly finds the royal estate of Wimborne prey to neglect, embezzlers and seething local discontent, can she turn the tide and make it safe for King Alfred?
Can Edwin unravel the true course of events in time to save an innocent man and foil a disastrous political plot bolstered by a band of renegade Vikings? When Molly finds the royal estate of Wimborne prey to neglect, embezzlers and seething local discontent, can she turn the tide and make it safe for King Alfred?
- GenresMystery
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2021
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23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 17, 2025
Between the Anglo Saxon Chronicle and numerous other sources we know quite a bit about the Anglo Saxons but at the same time we don't. We know that Alfred was the King of the West Saxons and that he defeated Guthrum at the Battle of Edington... but the day to day lives of Anglo Saxons, not so much. Much of what we know is more akin to conjecture about their lives.
I say all this in preface to the book. If I was going to guess how the Anglo Saxons lived, this book nails it. The author makes Alfred's Wessex and neighbouring Mercia come alive. Some of the characters and event might feel a little too neat (some "bad" guys are clearly bad and some "good" guys are clearly good) but in general, it felt realistic. If for only that, I would recommend this book.
But this is a mystery. With historical mysteries, the author has two challenges - to make the history feel real and to make the mystery a challenge to the readers (by challenge I mean, not too simple, not too hard). While far from the best mystery I have ever read, the writer has crafted a mystery that is both entertaining and of the time.
I say all this in preface to the book. If I was going to guess how the Anglo Saxons lived, this book nails it. The author makes Alfred's Wessex and neighbouring Mercia come alive. Some of the characters and event might feel a little too neat (some "bad" guys are clearly bad and some "good" guys are clearly good) but in general, it felt realistic. If for only that, I would recommend this book.
But this is a mystery. With historical mysteries, the author has two challenges - to make the history feel real and to make the mystery a challenge to the readers (by challenge I mean, not too simple, not too hard). While far from the best mystery I have ever read, the writer has crafted a mystery that is both entertaining and of the time.
October 30, 2025
Dr. Springer's novel is promoted as an Anglo-Saxon mystery. While the book is set during King Alfred the Great's reign and highlights many customs of that time, it lacks the authentic feel of the 9th century. There are too many solecisms where modern items and language are used. However, the author's description of Cynric's trial was excellent. It demonstrated how criminal trials were decided not by evidence but by a majority of character witnesses. The final verdict, determined by a "trial by ordeal," was enlightening. However, the rest of the book could have taken place at any time during the Dark and Middle Ages.
May 14, 2022
In England in AD 879, a council is being called to elect the new King of Mercia after the previous Lord’s mysterious death. West Saxon brothers, Edwin and Edmund, are called to represent the King of Wessex and extend an offer of peace to the future ruler. Due to the urgency, Edwin must leave the day after his wedding. His new wife travels to their new estate to find the hall in disarray and the cook aggressively secretive. During the council in Mercia, when a lord’s steward is found dead, Edwin sets out to discover the culprit. Is it connected to the king’s demise? A cold-blooded murderer might win the throne of Mercia if Edwin doesn’t find answers in time.
Sometimes different characters echo one another, recounting events in the same order. For instance, on page 100: “Well, the fellow was last seen going to the latrine. But the latrine’s right there by the hall, so why he was found outside the enclosure by the edge of the wood is a mystery to me” and page 112: “…when I saw him last, he was going out to the latrine. But that would have been close to the hall. How or why he would leave the enclosure and wander about at the edge of the woods, I’ve no idea.” This happens to a lesser degree a few more times.
Besides this, the historical aspects of the story are vibrantly explored. The mystery continues to build up layers as Edwin tries to sift through the events. Meanwhile, his wife Molly is learning to run a household with almost no staff and no family or friends to seek guidance from. Both characters are enjoyable to follow and drive the plot forward with their investigations. This is a well-researched story with excellent characterization and an enjoyable mystery!
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
Sometimes different characters echo one another, recounting events in the same order. For instance, on page 100: “Well, the fellow was last seen going to the latrine. But the latrine’s right there by the hall, so why he was found outside the enclosure by the edge of the wood is a mystery to me” and page 112: “…when I saw him last, he was going out to the latrine. But that would have been close to the hall. How or why he would leave the enclosure and wander about at the edge of the woods, I’ve no idea.” This happens to a lesser degree a few more times.
Besides this, the historical aspects of the story are vibrantly explored. The mystery continues to build up layers as Edwin tries to sift through the events. Meanwhile, his wife Molly is learning to run a household with almost no staff and no family or friends to seek guidance from. Both characters are enjoyable to follow and drive the plot forward with their investigations. This is a well-researched story with excellent characterization and an enjoyable mystery!
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
July 7, 2022
A recreation of the Anglo-Saxon world during the 800s, with intriguing characters and an interesting plot.
Written as two narratives, Lord Edwin and Lady Molgifu (Molly), are a newly married young couple, although living apart at first because of a murder which must be investigated. (No spoilers, so I will say no more!) We travel with the two characters through their trials, tribulations, emotional upheavals – and the mystery, murder and political manoeuvrings that are all part of the plot. Both characters are engrossing and the two narrative Point Of View technique works well.
There is rather a large cast of characters, many with (to many a reader) totally unpronounceable Anglo-Saxon names, but don’t be put off by this, just ‘go with the flow’ as the saying goes.
Has the author slightly manipulated the Anglo-Saxon justice system to blend better with the morals of our 21st century ethics? Maybe, but I don not think this matters. My only other slight query would be for the use of ‘Molly’ as a shortened nickname for Molgifu. ‘Molly’ sounds too modern to my ears which rather pulled me out of the believability of the period – Molgifu was quite pronounceable and memorable, so ‘Molly’ really was not needed.
However, an entertaining read that readers of historical murder mysteries should enjoy. I did.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
Written as two narratives, Lord Edwin and Lady Molgifu (Molly), are a newly married young couple, although living apart at first because of a murder which must be investigated. (No spoilers, so I will say no more!) We travel with the two characters through their trials, tribulations, emotional upheavals – and the mystery, murder and political manoeuvrings that are all part of the plot. Both characters are engrossing and the two narrative Point Of View technique works well.
There is rather a large cast of characters, many with (to many a reader) totally unpronounceable Anglo-Saxon names, but don’t be put off by this, just ‘go with the flow’ as the saying goes.
Has the author slightly manipulated the Anglo-Saxon justice system to blend better with the morals of our 21st century ethics? Maybe, but I don not think this matters. My only other slight query would be for the use of ‘Molly’ as a shortened nickname for Molgifu. ‘Molly’ sounds too modern to my ears which rather pulled me out of the believability of the period – Molgifu was quite pronounceable and memorable, so ‘Molly’ really was not needed.
However, an entertaining read that readers of historical murder mysteries should enjoy. I did.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
July 23, 2024
My knowledge of Anglo-Saxon history is rather sketchy but wanting to learn know more. Purchased this novel on the recommendation of Tom Kearns from the Anglo Saxon History podcast series. I got totally drawn into this novel. Interesting having two narrators Edwin and Molly. The tensions between Mercia and Wessex, the corruption at different levels of societies, the attempts by the Danes to use anything from intrigue and scheming right through to invasion to dominate , the nominal victory of Christianity over Paganism, all set the scene well for a great story. And there are murders that need solving, a great hall that needs renovating, Peasants who expect treats and presents . So much happening in this novel. The trial by ordeal scene was particularly riveting . The battle scene was also depicted well, showing the skill and courage of warriors, along with the draining brutality of war.
Anyhow not wanting to spoil the plot but all I can say really is give this novel a chance. Don't let the fact that this author is not well known yet deter you.
Anyhow not wanting to spoil the plot but all I can say really is give this novel a chance. Don't let the fact that this author is not well known yet deter you.
October 6, 2023
This is a story that transports the reader back in time. It as if you're seeing the people and places in the story. I felt like I was in the kitchens with Molly and in the great house in Mercia with Edmund and Edwin.
The prose is descriptive without dragging. The story kept me guessing to the end. The battles felt real. I wondered who would finally prevail, even knowing the outcome would favor the heroes.
The prose is descriptive without dragging. The story kept me guessing to the end. The battles felt real. I wondered who would finally prevail, even knowing the outcome would favor the heroes.
July 16, 2022
Springer builds a believable Anglo-Saxon world which is a page turner right from the start. All stratas of society, from slaves to kings and the odd Viking, are interwoven into a world of full nobleman's estates, forests and markets.
The novel has pace and a good level of intrigue, with a charming pair of lead characters who nicely balance what is effectively two narratives. Lord Edwin and Lady Molgifu (Molly), a newly married couple, live the first months of their married life apart as royal diplomat, with an eye for foul play, and his wife taking on a run down royal estate.
There is a common theme between Edwin and Molly's narratives - in what could be seen as part mystery, part medieval coming of age novel - of young adults embarking upon their lives in nominal positions of authority. They need to earn the respect of their retainers and patrons alike by creating order and dispensing proportionate justice. There are contrasting challenges between the genders and settings but I felt that it was a marriage of equals, operating in their own spheres, and it's easy to root for the couple and their inevitable reunion.
The justice dispensed is possibly skewed for our modern sensibilities and morality, but Springer's considerable knowledge of the period lends credibility to the justice system.
There is plenty of warmth in this novel as well as murder, mystery, political shenanigans and a bit of gore. Suitable for young adults whilst still being written for the adult market. Don't be put off by the cast of characters with similar names at the beginning - they soon flesh out into clarity.
I look forward to the next instalment. This definitely reads like the first of a series. I thoroughly recommend.
The novel has pace and a good level of intrigue, with a charming pair of lead characters who nicely balance what is effectively two narratives. Lord Edwin and Lady Molgifu (Molly), a newly married couple, live the first months of their married life apart as royal diplomat, with an eye for foul play, and his wife taking on a run down royal estate.
There is a common theme between Edwin and Molly's narratives - in what could be seen as part mystery, part medieval coming of age novel - of young adults embarking upon their lives in nominal positions of authority. They need to earn the respect of their retainers and patrons alike by creating order and dispensing proportionate justice. There are contrasting challenges between the genders and settings but I felt that it was a marriage of equals, operating in their own spheres, and it's easy to root for the couple and their inevitable reunion.
The justice dispensed is possibly skewed for our modern sensibilities and morality, but Springer's considerable knowledge of the period lends credibility to the justice system.
There is plenty of warmth in this novel as well as murder, mystery, political shenanigans and a bit of gore. Suitable for young adults whilst still being written for the adult market. Don't be put off by the cast of characters with similar names at the beginning - they soon flesh out into clarity.
I look forward to the next instalment. This definitely reads like the first of a series. I thoroughly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews