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Father Eadred #1
Murder at Elmstow Minster: A Father Eadred Tale
It is the 830s; a time of warring Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, declining monastic standards and outbursts of fear of divine retribution. Elmstow Minster – a community of nuns in the Kingdom of the East Angles – has been recently established to atone for the execution of a young prince. The minster is torn between two camps – pious nuns and those who have no intention of giving up their worldly ways. These ungodly women are supported by powerful, degenerate donors, who treat Elmstow as an aristocratic whoring nest. The abbess of Elmstow has been humiliated by the influence wielded over her minster by these rich patrons and plots revenge. Two naked bodies are discovered, hanged together.
A young, introspective priest, Father Eadred, is sent to Elmstow to spy on the declining standards and against his wishes becomes entangled in the task of uncovering the guilty. He challenges the traditional approach of using an ordeal of hot iron to identify the culprits. Instead, he has the novel idea of exploring the evidence. He faces significant opposition, including an attempt on his life. Eadred is befriended by a hermit monk who becomes the only person with whom he can talk about his detection.
Further murders will take place. As Eadred moves closer to the truth the situation is thrown into further disarray when the minster is attacked by the neighbouring kingdom. Can they be saved and the final culprit revealed?
A young, introspective priest, Father Eadred, is sent to Elmstow to spy on the declining standards and against his wishes becomes entangled in the task of uncovering the guilty. He challenges the traditional approach of using an ordeal of hot iron to identify the culprits. Instead, he has the novel idea of exploring the evidence. He faces significant opposition, including an attempt on his life. Eadred is befriended by a hermit monk who becomes the only person with whom he can talk about his detection.
Further murders will take place. As Eadred moves closer to the truth the situation is thrown into further disarray when the minster is attacked by the neighbouring kingdom. Can they be saved and the final culprit revealed?
336 pages, Paperback
Published March 23, 2021
3 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 28, 2021
In the Kingdom of East Angles in the 830’s Father Eadred is sent to Elmstow. His faith is greatly tested when he finds Nuns sent there by powerful families living a life of luxury. Elmstow is being used by rich donors for their pleasure even the Abbess is not immune from the bleak atmosphere of this place. Murder will bring Bishop Aethelbert to oversee the investigation. He appoints Eadred to solve the murders before everyone is put through the ordeal of Hot Iron. Eadred has few friends at Elmstow the Kings Warriors have no respect for him everyone has closed up. This is not an easy read showing the difficulty the church had between its faith and the need for money investment. The pace of the story keeps you waiting for the next surprise round the corner till the very last page.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2021
830s A.D. Elmstow East Anglia. Hereburg is the Abbess of Elmstow, but unfortunately against her best efforts it has become a den of iniquity. So Ceolfrith ealdorman of the East Angles has be sent by the King to the minister. Meanwhile Father Eadred has been sent by Bishop Aethelbert to assess the minster and its sins. But death soon arrives. Father Eadred investigates but these will not be the last killings. But before all the guilty parties are discovered, a Mercian force approaches the minster.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of well-drawn characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of well-drawn characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2021
Having previously enjoyed short stories featuring Father Eadred, the book Murder at Elmstow Minster was a windfall. Lindsay Jacob's extensive knowledge of the Anglo-Saxon era enriches both the characters and the tale. As in the author's other writing, I relish the descriptions of the surrounding countryside. The landscape often takes on a sense of a presence, a being, rather than merely a waterway or hill. A quote describing Eadred's view of a river winding through the grounds near Elmstow, "Eadred followed the course readily with his eye, for its damp spirit hovered above its body." I love reading this.
Reality of the 9th century routines of a priest, lives of slaves, and the station of warriors - both esteemed and hastily recruited, plays out in the pages with all the privileges and drawbacks of the levels of the Anglo-Saxon society.
Eadred is not so keen to leave his ordered, simple life to be dispatched to Elmstow to inquire into a double murder. His reservations are warranted and even his journey to the Minster is discouraging. Elmstow is not a fervently pious religious house with conduct that elevates it beyond reproach. Serious flaws and gashes in the cloistered life are rife, even thrive there, and are laid bare for Eadred to witness and cope with regardless of the effect it has on his confidence and sensibilities. His struggles to perform the task he's been given show Eadred as a fallible, and sometimes gullible, young priest. He feels himself an unlikely hero, but heroic nonetheless. Like so many of us, he struggles with belief in himself and his abilities but keeps going and gains ground where he can.
The monk Tatwine was a delight and has become a favorite character. I hope to see him again. His exuberance shone rays of light across the pages. The friendship and differences in personalities of Eadred and Tatwine worked a little magic all its own. The characters balance each other.
The mystery of the murders is deeper and more complicated than expected. The plot turns corners again and again, resolving some issues while creating new ones. Elmstow is much more than a murder mystery, but rather a peek into the emotions, flaws, skills, and growth experienced by people so many hundreds of years ago who are more like us than not. I so much enjoyed Murder at Elmstow Minster and look forward to the follow-up!
Reality of the 9th century routines of a priest, lives of slaves, and the station of warriors - both esteemed and hastily recruited, plays out in the pages with all the privileges and drawbacks of the levels of the Anglo-Saxon society.
Eadred is not so keen to leave his ordered, simple life to be dispatched to Elmstow to inquire into a double murder. His reservations are warranted and even his journey to the Minster is discouraging. Elmstow is not a fervently pious religious house with conduct that elevates it beyond reproach. Serious flaws and gashes in the cloistered life are rife, even thrive there, and are laid bare for Eadred to witness and cope with regardless of the effect it has on his confidence and sensibilities. His struggles to perform the task he's been given show Eadred as a fallible, and sometimes gullible, young priest. He feels himself an unlikely hero, but heroic nonetheless. Like so many of us, he struggles with belief in himself and his abilities but keeps going and gains ground where he can.
The monk Tatwine was a delight and has become a favorite character. I hope to see him again. His exuberance shone rays of light across the pages. The friendship and differences in personalities of Eadred and Tatwine worked a little magic all its own. The characters balance each other.
The mystery of the murders is deeper and more complicated than expected. The plot turns corners again and again, resolving some issues while creating new ones. Elmstow is much more than a murder mystery, but rather a peek into the emotions, flaws, skills, and growth experienced by people so many hundreds of years ago who are more like us than not. I so much enjoyed Murder at Elmstow Minster and look forward to the follow-up!
June 14, 2021
Father Eadred is a character in the same mould as the famous Brother Cadfael, written by the late, great Ellis Peters. He is a holy man who finds himself required to become a sleuth. Lindsay Jacob writes with the same seductive charm.
The author takes one to the realm of the East Angles in the 830s where King Athelstan and his devout wife have sent their only surviving daughter to the Minster. Soon tragedy strikes and Father Eadred must dig deep to uncover the truth and save the Minster.
Lindsay Jacob has a splendid knowledge of the period and brings it to life with compelling beauty.
The author takes one to the realm of the East Angles in the 830s where King Athelstan and his devout wife have sent their only surviving daughter to the Minster. Soon tragedy strikes and Father Eadred must dig deep to uncover the truth and save the Minster.
Lindsay Jacob has a splendid knowledge of the period and brings it to life with compelling beauty.
October 7, 2021
I liked the premise of this novel very much. Murder mysteries seem to be enjoying an upsurge in popularity at the moment, as do the so-called Dark Ages. So to marry the two together is a brilliant idea. The novel has a very strong opening. The two bodies mentioned in the blurb are indeed discovered, hanging together. What's not revealed is that there is something unusual about them, and this made me think of the symbolism of the murders in Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose.
After this dramatic opening scene, we then have chapters told from different characters' points of view, which sets up the mystery nicely. As with all good murder mysteries, and in the style of Midsomer Murders (a British TV Series) a lot of the suspects are involved in the incident but aren't actually the murderer, so there are lots of false/cold leads, and red herrings, and what ifs - are those who confess to a little bit of wrongdoing definitely innocent of the rest? In terms of the genre, this fits the bill. The plot has been cleverly worked out, the pacing of the reveal is good, and all the clues are there for those who can spot them.
There were a few things which didn't chime quite so resoundingly for me. At times it was difficult to work out who was talking during the dialogue, and perhaps characterisation has been sacrificed a wee bit in the telling of a complicated story. In fact I'd say that in general there is rather too much dialogue, and the book would have benefited from some judicious editing in this regard - one woman on the point of death, and having fallen to the floor in agony, then continues to speak for too long a time, where even a few gasped words would have been difficult for her to manage.
Most of the book is told from the point of view of Eadred, the central character, but at times we were lifted out of this when Eadred tells us things about his own expression, how he appeared, etc. Again, some editing to tighten this up would help, as would checking the passages where past tense slips into present for a few paragraphs. There was an odd choice of word at times and some clunky turns of phrase. Again, some tightening and trimming would make the prose stronger.
There were some historical details that I would question, though I'm not an expert on this period. I wondered, for example, about all the stone buildings, corridors etc, and given that the enemy were Christians, I found it difficult to believe that they would torture and rape nuns. In the case of those they hoped to ransom this is surely pertinent - you can't raise a ransom on 'damaged goods'.
I wasn't convinced by the denouement, where Eadred suddenly acts out of character in relation to one of the postulants and to the last murderer revealed. I felt he went completely against character and his own beliefs but to say more would be too much of a spoiler.
To sum up, maybe not strictly historically accurate in places and maybe a little too graphic in the detail of violence and sex for some readers. Three stars for the caveats, but four overall for an ambitious project tackled by a novice author and a story which was, otherwise, well executed with a good, strong plot. It seems that this might be the beginning of a series and if so, I'm sure the author will develop with experience and guidance, gaining a distinct 'voice', but I strongly suggest a good technical editor to iron out the wrinkles.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
After this dramatic opening scene, we then have chapters told from different characters' points of view, which sets up the mystery nicely. As with all good murder mysteries, and in the style of Midsomer Murders (a British TV Series) a lot of the suspects are involved in the incident but aren't actually the murderer, so there are lots of false/cold leads, and red herrings, and what ifs - are those who confess to a little bit of wrongdoing definitely innocent of the rest? In terms of the genre, this fits the bill. The plot has been cleverly worked out, the pacing of the reveal is good, and all the clues are there for those who can spot them.
There were a few things which didn't chime quite so resoundingly for me. At times it was difficult to work out who was talking during the dialogue, and perhaps characterisation has been sacrificed a wee bit in the telling of a complicated story. In fact I'd say that in general there is rather too much dialogue, and the book would have benefited from some judicious editing in this regard - one woman on the point of death, and having fallen to the floor in agony, then continues to speak for too long a time, where even a few gasped words would have been difficult for her to manage.
Most of the book is told from the point of view of Eadred, the central character, but at times we were lifted out of this when Eadred tells us things about his own expression, how he appeared, etc. Again, some editing to tighten this up would help, as would checking the passages where past tense slips into present for a few paragraphs. There was an odd choice of word at times and some clunky turns of phrase. Again, some tightening and trimming would make the prose stronger.
There were some historical details that I would question, though I'm not an expert on this period. I wondered, for example, about all the stone buildings, corridors etc, and given that the enemy were Christians, I found it difficult to believe that they would torture and rape nuns. In the case of those they hoped to ransom this is surely pertinent - you can't raise a ransom on 'damaged goods'.
I wasn't convinced by the denouement, where Eadred suddenly acts out of character in relation to one of the postulants and to the last murderer revealed. I felt he went completely against character and his own beliefs but to say more would be too much of a spoiler.
To sum up, maybe not strictly historically accurate in places and maybe a little too graphic in the detail of violence and sex for some readers. Three stars for the caveats, but four overall for an ambitious project tackled by a novice author and a story which was, otherwise, well executed with a good, strong plot. It seems that this might be the beginning of a series and if so, I'm sure the author will develop with experience and guidance, gaining a distinct 'voice', but I strongly suggest a good technical editor to iron out the wrinkles.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
May 24, 2021
This is a fine read, it conjures up so much of the magic and mystery of the depths of 9th century England, particularly the powerful significance of the network of monasteries scattered across the land. Father Eadred, a young priest, has been sent to put to trial the unruly inhabitants of Elmstow Minster, something that will be familiar to anyone who has studied the actual history of this period. But a narrative twist brings the fictional story-telling to the fore when Father Eadred opts for a slightly more sophisticated form of detective work than ordeal by hot poker. Shame, you may cry, but what emerges from the gloom of the Dark Ages is a genuinely gripping story of murder, detective work, and the odd naughty nun and rapacious warrior. The characters are well drawn and the language of sin and repentance that wraps around the book's drama and intrigue offer an authentic and much-appreciated line of access to the way the Anglo-Saxon world worked. Bit of magic at work here weaving these worlds together.
May 19, 2021
A rollicking and truculent fictional journey to the edges of early medieval England when Christian righteousness was still struggling to extinguish the last embers of paganism, Murder at Elmstow is a darkly violent and action-packed whodunit set in a religious institution where lascivious sisters and randy warriors are running totally amok and lawlessness reigns supreme. Charged to investigate the rather dubious activities going on within the minster, Eadred, the winsome but still inexperienced father, finds himself upon his arrival totally overwhelmed by the political, religious and murderous shenanigans engulfing the rudderless congregation.
Fiendishly plotted with enough twists and turns to keep the reader on pins and needles and featuring a cast of violent and often malevolent characters, this terrific murder mystery is also an unforgettable voyage into the violent & tumultuous heart of an uncivilized and brutal world. A very entertaining novel that deserves to be enjoyed without moderation👍
Many thanks to the Netgalley and Matador for this marvellous ARC
Fiendishly plotted with enough twists and turns to keep the reader on pins and needles and featuring a cast of violent and often malevolent characters, this terrific murder mystery is also an unforgettable voyage into the violent & tumultuous heart of an uncivilized and brutal world. A very entertaining novel that deserves to be enjoyed without moderation👍
Many thanks to the Netgalley and Matador for this marvellous ARC
October 23, 2022
I enjoyed reading the Father Cadfael series and so when I came across Murder at Elmstow Minster: A Father Eadred Tale, I decided to give it a try. I’m glad that I did as I really enjoyed the story. When a particular grisly murder is uncovered at Elmstow Minster, A young, introspective priest, Father Eadred, is sent there to investigate the crime.
He finds that the minster is torn between two camps. There are pious nuns who are obedient to their vows and mainly richer ones who have no intention of giving up their worldly ways. These ungodly women are supported by powerful, degenerate donors, who treat Elmstow as an aristocratic whoring nest, preying on both willing and unwilling participants to satisfy their lustful behaviour.
Eadred challenges the traditional approach of using an ordeal of hot iron to identify the culprits of the crime and instead takes an evidence-based approach to revealing the murderers. Eadred faces significant opposition to his investigation; however, including an attempt on his life and finds that the only person he can trust is a hermit monk who has befriended him.
Further murders take place and Eadred finds that he is running out of time as he moves closer to the truth. The situation is then thrown into further disarray when the minster is attacked by the neighbouring kingdom of Mercia and Eadred finds that he has to take up arms in the defence of the minster. Will Eadred get to the truth, or will he die in the attempt? I won’t spoil it for readers and so you’ll have to read the book to find out.
Mr Jacob obviously knows the period well and has written a novel which keeps the reader engrossed to the very last page. I can recommend the book to anyone who likes historical murder mysteries.
He finds that the minster is torn between two camps. There are pious nuns who are obedient to their vows and mainly richer ones who have no intention of giving up their worldly ways. These ungodly women are supported by powerful, degenerate donors, who treat Elmstow as an aristocratic whoring nest, preying on both willing and unwilling participants to satisfy their lustful behaviour.
Eadred challenges the traditional approach of using an ordeal of hot iron to identify the culprits of the crime and instead takes an evidence-based approach to revealing the murderers. Eadred faces significant opposition to his investigation; however, including an attempt on his life and finds that the only person he can trust is a hermit monk who has befriended him.
Further murders take place and Eadred finds that he is running out of time as he moves closer to the truth. The situation is then thrown into further disarray when the minster is attacked by the neighbouring kingdom of Mercia and Eadred finds that he has to take up arms in the defence of the minster. Will Eadred get to the truth, or will he die in the attempt? I won’t spoil it for readers and so you’ll have to read the book to find out.
Mr Jacob obviously knows the period well and has written a novel which keeps the reader engrossed to the very last page. I can recommend the book to anyone who likes historical murder mysteries.
September 1, 2023
So I don’t often get much time to read, but I’ve just finished this book after a marathon session from daylight til just now. I could not put it down! What a fantastic journey through medieval England in what is a well-researched, wonderful, suspenseful and plot twisting tale - so refreshing and mysteriously intriguing. Love it. Love it. Love it! Congratulations to the author.
Now I’m off to read his next book.
Now I’m off to read his next book.
February 4, 2022
The Murder at Elmstow Minster is a tale of murder and intrigue. The period of history used in early England is my favorite period for a novel. The story was exciting and stayed with the period. There was a lot of action and debauchery. There were also misbehaving church people.
June 13, 2021
Rather good start from what promises to be the first among many.
I have read a great deal of historical fiction, with characters the fictional to the historical, putting on their deerstalkers and turning detective. Jacob's Father Eadred is one of many religieuse sleuths - Ellis Peters' "Brother Cadfael" series will be the foremost on many readers' minds - but he is joining the ranks of Rabbi David Small, Father Brown, Sister Fidelma, Hildegard and over 300 clerical detectives.
A number of murders and just as many motives and suspects - but not at all wrapped in a few pages - the denoument is drawn out to an interesting conclusion.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
(note: those who like their crime fiction to be bubblegum wholesome would do well to avoid)
I have read a great deal of historical fiction, with characters the fictional to the historical, putting on their deerstalkers and turning detective. Jacob's Father Eadred is one of many religieuse sleuths - Ellis Peters' "Brother Cadfael" series will be the foremost on many readers' minds - but he is joining the ranks of Rabbi David Small, Father Brown, Sister Fidelma, Hildegard and over 300 clerical detectives.
A number of murders and just as many motives and suspects - but not at all wrapped in a few pages - the denoument is drawn out to an interesting conclusion.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
(note: those who like their crime fiction to be bubblegum wholesome would do well to avoid)
July 27, 2021
A very enthralling tale, given to us, by a master alchemist, merging the base metals of historicity and skulduggery, into high carat gold
Yes, I really enjoyed this book as a riveting, flowing read, with so many twists and turns, sizzles and screams and its myriad of surprises
The story is centred in and abouts Elmstow Minster (Minster=a large or important church, often a cathedral, built as part of a monastery)
It is set in the 830s in the Kingdom of the East Angles, prior to King Alfred and the unification of the Kingdoms, into one United Kingdom of Engaland
The principal actor of the tale is Father Eadred, a young pup of a priest, whom we see mature and develop as a character, as he torments and prays and plays detective
I pray and hopefully not in vain, that this tale is the opening curtain, for a long run of Father Eadred detective mysteries
Yes, I really enjoyed this book as a riveting, flowing read, with so many twists and turns, sizzles and screams and its myriad of surprises
The story is centred in and abouts Elmstow Minster (Minster=a large or important church, often a cathedral, built as part of a monastery)
It is set in the 830s in the Kingdom of the East Angles, prior to King Alfred and the unification of the Kingdoms, into one United Kingdom of Engaland
The principal actor of the tale is Father Eadred, a young pup of a priest, whom we see mature and develop as a character, as he torments and prays and plays detective
I pray and hopefully not in vain, that this tale is the opening curtain, for a long run of Father Eadred detective mysteries
April 25, 2021
Murder at Elmstow Minster, is just what you would expect from the title. Set in the 830s at Elmmstow Minster, you have the murder, and then you have pious nuns, not so pious nuns, and priests all getting in the muddle. While I am a religious person, I just didn't really enjoy all the back story and other goings on, so for that reason, this book wasn't for me. However, I do still think it was a well written book and worth your time if this kind of subject matter appeals to you. Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to give my voluntary and honest opinion on #MurderatElmstowMinster.
September 5, 2021
What a great read! I was drawn in immediately by the brilliant combination of fascinating characters and a period of history that I know little about, save “The Last Kingdom”. In fact, I devoured this as much as I did that TV series.
The best bits were the author’s character descriptions, especially the human condition of the main character, the real historical period of the early 9th Century, and of course a darn good murder mystery with multiple twists AND no loose ends! Believe me, it’s all good!
The author’s easy writing style tops it off.
Hurry up Lindsay Jacob with another one! Wanna know how Father Eadred’s doing, and what he does next.
The best bits were the author’s character descriptions, especially the human condition of the main character, the real historical period of the early 9th Century, and of course a darn good murder mystery with multiple twists AND no loose ends! Believe me, it’s all good!
The author’s easy writing style tops it off.
Hurry up Lindsay Jacob with another one! Wanna know how Father Eadred’s doing, and what he does next.
September 21, 2021
I usually choose to read historically based fiction stories and this one did not disappoint.
What was particularly impressive to me with this story was the way one is instantly projected into the minster, the scene of the murder. The storyline takes off and one is immersed. I felt I was there in this medieval setting, watching from the safety of the 21st century.
I Highly Recommend this book to everyone who loves a gripping murder mystery. Having thoroughly enjoyed Lindsay Jacob’s book I am looking forward to the next!
What was particularly impressive to me with this story was the way one is instantly projected into the minster, the scene of the murder. The storyline takes off and one is immersed. I felt I was there in this medieval setting, watching from the safety of the 21st century.
I Highly Recommend this book to everyone who loves a gripping murder mystery. Having thoroughly enjoyed Lindsay Jacob’s book I am looking forward to the next!
August 12, 2021
An excellent historically based fiction. Interesting characters with a good story line and clearly the author has done his homework of the period the book covers. Something for everyone in it. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. Look forward to the next one.
Should add, really appreciate the quality paper and print which made it much easier for me to read.
Should add, really appreciate the quality paper and print which made it much easier for me to read.
September 14, 2021
A tight rhythmical style back to a time where different players held the reins of power. Masterful build up of suspense and intrigue. Nuanced development of character interactions where their purposes cross and really an analogy to today's individuals crafting their way to realise their ambitions and ultimate purpose. Highly recommended.
November 15, 2023
I’m a big fan of books set during the Anglo-Saxon period and to find one featuring a gruesome murder mystery made this book a must read for me. I wasn’t disappointed.
The plot focuses on the main character, a young priest by the name of Eadred, who is sent to Elmstow Minster as the representative of Bishop Aethelbert. His mission is to discover if the young nuns of the Minster – many of whom were the daughters of wealthy nobles – had cast aside their wayward and lustful ways and were following lives of piety and worship. Eadred must also ensure that a holy relic is installed with appropriate religious ceremony.
The first gruesome murders instantly drew me in, making me want to read on to discover who the victims were and what they had done to warrant such a fate. When more murders follow, Eadred is tasked to find the culprit, not an easy thing to do at a time when Elmstow if filled with lustful, East Anglian warriors who spend their days drinking, feasting, and enjoying the youthful flesh of the degenerate nuns.
With only the hermit monk he has befriended to help him, Eadred’s journey to the truth is filled with difficulties, dangers and life-threatening situations. His task is made even harder when the minster is invaded by warriors from the neighbouring kingdom of Mercia. To find out if Eadred eventually gets to the truth about the murders, you will simply have to read the book!
I found Murder at Elmstow Minster an engaging, suspenseful read, with some excellent, well drawn characters. It’s a great start to what I hope will become a series. Book 2 is already published and I very much look forward to reading it.
The plot focuses on the main character, a young priest by the name of Eadred, who is sent to Elmstow Minster as the representative of Bishop Aethelbert. His mission is to discover if the young nuns of the Minster – many of whom were the daughters of wealthy nobles – had cast aside their wayward and lustful ways and were following lives of piety and worship. Eadred must also ensure that a holy relic is installed with appropriate religious ceremony.
The first gruesome murders instantly drew me in, making me want to read on to discover who the victims were and what they had done to warrant such a fate. When more murders follow, Eadred is tasked to find the culprit, not an easy thing to do at a time when Elmstow if filled with lustful, East Anglian warriors who spend their days drinking, feasting, and enjoying the youthful flesh of the degenerate nuns.
With only the hermit monk he has befriended to help him, Eadred’s journey to the truth is filled with difficulties, dangers and life-threatening situations. His task is made even harder when the minster is invaded by warriors from the neighbouring kingdom of Mercia. To find out if Eadred eventually gets to the truth about the murders, you will simply have to read the book!
I found Murder at Elmstow Minster an engaging, suspenseful read, with some excellent, well drawn characters. It’s a great start to what I hope will become a series. Book 2 is already published and I very much look forward to reading it.
November 9, 2025
It’s the 830s in Anglo Saxon England and at a time of feuding between Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, following a night time feast at Elmstow Minster two naked bodies are discovered of notable people in the kingdom, including the King’s daughter. Father Eathred must use his investigate skills, before the challenge of hot iron is used, to root out the murderers. He only has two days to achieve this.
I found this book a bit of a struggle to get into, especially working out who was who. I was however glad I persevered with the story, as I ended up enjoying it. Father Eathred is a great lead character and investigator, and is ably helped by a monk who he forms a strong friendship with. What develops is quite a complex murder mystery involving a range of different motivations and an array of different characters, some of whom are far from likeable! This book has a real feel for the time it is set, and has a bit of a feel for the Ellis Peter’s Cadfael books (although admittedly a few hundred years before Cadfael) and is definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys this time period and style of books. Along the way there are quite a few surprises, a battle and a revenge mission.
Just when you think all is settled there is one final twist.
I found this book a bit of a struggle to get into, especially working out who was who. I was however glad I persevered with the story, as I ended up enjoying it. Father Eathred is a great lead character and investigator, and is ably helped by a monk who he forms a strong friendship with. What develops is quite a complex murder mystery involving a range of different motivations and an array of different characters, some of whom are far from likeable! This book has a real feel for the time it is set, and has a bit of a feel for the Ellis Peter’s Cadfael books (although admittedly a few hundred years before Cadfael) and is definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys this time period and style of books. Along the way there are quite a few surprises, a battle and a revenge mission.
Just when you think all is settled there is one final twist.
September 23, 2023
I'm both surprised and impressed. Lindsay is a friend, so I was kind of worried about reading it. What if I thought it was awful? And, really, it's not even a genre I'd normally consider reading. I suppose I could have just remained silent.
But it turns out that "Murder at Elmstow Minster" is not just a cracking good yarn, but beautifully written. There are plenty of turns of phrase that are totally original, and evocative descriptions. And he recreates a world which makes you question whether the standard moralities of our present world are really as eternal as we think they are.
Since then, I've read the sequel, The Fenland Spell. It's even better, but you're going to enjoy Fenland more if you read Elmstow first.
But it turns out that "Murder at Elmstow Minster" is not just a cracking good yarn, but beautifully written. There are plenty of turns of phrase that are totally original, and evocative descriptions. And he recreates a world which makes you question whether the standard moralities of our present world are really as eternal as we think they are.
Since then, I've read the sequel, The Fenland Spell. It's even better, but you're going to enjoy Fenland more if you read Elmstow first.
October 21, 2025
Lindsay is a most creative, knowledgeable and talented writer, crafting each sentence, page and chapter with wisdom and intrigue. Again with Lindsay's books, once I started I found it difficult to stop reading and following the masterful storyline. I anxiously await the arrival of his next novel.
September 12, 2023
Really enjoyed this, especially the arc of the titular character. I'm intrigued as to where the author takes Father Eadred next, so I'll be picking up 'The Fenland Spell' after my TBR list has diminished a tad.
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