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Crispin Guest Medieval Noir #3
The Demon's Parchment
In fourteenth century London, Crispin Guest is a disgraced knight convicted of treason and stripped of his land, title and his honor. He has become known as the “Tracker”—a man who can find anything, can solve any puzzle and, with the help of his apprentice, Jack Tucker, an orphaned street urchin with a thief ’s touch—will do so for a price. But this time, even Crispin is wary of taking on his most recent client. Jacob of Provencal is a Jewish physician at the King’s court, even though all Jews were expelled from England nearly a century before. Jacob wants Crispin to find stolen parchments that might be behind the recent, ongoing, gruesome murders of young boys, parchments that someone might have used to bring forth a demon which now stalks the streets and alleys of London.
307 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2010
62 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Jeri Westerson
51 books431 followersLos Angeles native JERI WESTERSON currently writes two new series: a Tudor mystery series, the King’s Fool Mysteries, with Henry VIII’s real court jester Will Somers as the sleuth and a Sherlockian pastiche series called An Irregular Detective Mystery, with one of Holmes’ former Baker Street Irregulars opening his own detective agency. She’s also written fifteen Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Mysteries, a series nominated for thirteen awards from the Agatha, to the Macavity, to the Shamus. She’s written several paranormal series (including a gaslamp-steampunk fantasy series), standalone historical novels, and had stories in several anthologies, the latest of which was included in SOUTH CENTRAL NOIR, an Akashic Noir anthology. She has served as president of the SoCal Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, president and vice president for two chapters of Sisters in Crime (Orange County and Los Angeles), and is also a founding member of the SoCal chapter of the Historical Novel Society. See JeriWesterson.com for discussion guides, book trailers, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 19, 2025
Quite enjoyable, mainly thanks to the reader who did a grand job adopting different voices and accents. A mystery set in the times of Richard II and Henry IV which encouraged me to choose this book.
February 1, 2025
Another amazing mystery in the Crispin Guest medieval noir series !
5 stars well deserved because the plot is really intricate, but never tangled, which means that the author has been able to create a clever interweaving of topics with different characters, keeping the suspense high throughout the book, but without ever making the reader feel lost in the confusion.. on the contrary, the reader is able to perfectly follow the events and investigations carried out by Crispin, remaining amazed at each truth revealed.
___THE PLOT __ Crispin Guest is a former knight, about thirty years old, who 8 years earlier due to a mistake, was deprived of his knighthood, his noble title, his lands and his manor, spared death, but removed from court , he had to start living his life in the poorest part of the city.
In a constant regret of what his life was before, Crispin still manages to react, earning a living with his intelligence and his experiences as a knight, that is, finding lost things (often emotionally and religiously valuable) and investigating about the murders in which he often find himself involved.
This time, looking for stolen parchments, Crispin finds himself having to investigate a series of brutal murders in which the victims are children, he is in fact a serial killer.
__THEMES ADDRESSED IN THE BOOK AND IMPRESSIVE SCENES___ Although the mystery series is defined as "noir" (and a few words and some sex scenes definitely exclude the book from the cozies), I usually don't find shocking scenes or too strong to digest and that's why I love these thrillers: engaging from start to ending, great suspense and thrills, but nothing that makes one feel bad.
However, the themes addressed in this 3rd installment are strong themes: prostitution, child abuse, psychopathic killers, prejudice, marginalization, homosexuality.
Themes to reflect on since they have been part of society in all eras and also in ours.
Don't be scared, the reading is smooth and the author is very good at inserting these themes in the context of a mystery which still remains entertainment for us readers.
The only one point where I had to read quickly, because it nauseated me, was when the murderer, now discovered by Crispin, described in detail the murders, the procedure and his disgusting and perverted sensations... but this was necessary to convey the gravity of the matter and how twisted and wrong the human mind can sometimes be.
___ USUAL CHARACTERS ___ In addition to Crispin, as always we find his faithful friends:
- Twelve-year-old Jack, who, being alone in the world and with a past as a cutpurse, found in Crispin a very important emotional help and point of reference.
- The good Abbot Nicholas in Westminster, always ready to welcome the former knight and help him in case of need.
- The couple who run Crispin's favorite tavern, who despite being only slightly older than Crispin, care about him like a son.
In all of this, with each episode, the bonds between these people become increasingly stronger and more important, thus creating a new family for our hero, a family that asks for nothing in return except affection and which makes Crispin's new life more tolerable and perhaps of greater value than when he was rich.
I love these characters, they are well described not so much physically, but in their way of being: gestures and emotions... they are truly real and believable in their strengths and weaknesses.
Nobody is perfect, including Crispin, each of them is a good person, but with their own flaws and that makes them really believable, interesting and we would love to have them as friends.
Above all, Crispin is fascinating in his determination and physical prowess, in his cunning and desire to defend the just and the oppressed, but also in his stubbornness, his doubts, his pride, his naivety or his absurd prejudices, on which however he reasons and works ...until he admits (even if reluctantly) his own mistakes and changes his vision of things.
___THE HISTORICAL PART and REAL EXISTED CHARACTERS ___ Usually the historical part concerns missing objects, religious relics that actually existed/exist.
This time the story focuses more on facts and characters.
A historical fact introduced in the book is the exile of the Jews from England in 1290 by Edward I and all the ugly popular legends told about the Jewish community to justify their removal.
Added to this is also the popular belief in the creation of monsters (the Golem) and magic.
One of the characters in this mystery is inspired by a Bishop who really existed in Spain during the Inquisition.
Even the serial killer is inspired by someone who, unfortunately, really existed and who claimed hundreds of victims (you will find explanations in the epilogue of the book).
But the historical character that I liked most in this book is a friend of Crispin's disguised as a woman.
Crispin hates his dressing like a woman and his selling her body for money and yet he can't help but be fond of him, because John / Eleonor Rykener (this is his name in the book and also was in real life) is always cheerful, funny and above all kind-hearted.
The always merry John/Eleonor, together with other friends with the same vocation as him, will even carry out a nice rescue of Crispin (who in this episode is beaten up and injured more times than usual).
IN CONCLUSION: this time too, suspense, intrigue, irony, lively jokes, action, a protagonist I adore and his fantastic friends gave me a wonderful read.
Readable as a standalone, but if you read the books in order from the first to the last one (15 in total) you will enjoy each story even more! :-)
( Sorry for any text errors, English is not my mother tongue )
If you are curious to know something more about BOOK#1 and BOOK#2, you can read my reviews here :
BOOK #1 "Veil of Lies" : https://tizicozycorner.blogspot.com/2...
BOOK #2 "Serpent in the Thorns" : https://tizicozycorner.blogspot.com/2...
5 stars well deserved because the plot is really intricate, but never tangled, which means that the author has been able to create a clever interweaving of topics with different characters, keeping the suspense high throughout the book, but without ever making the reader feel lost in the confusion.. on the contrary, the reader is able to perfectly follow the events and investigations carried out by Crispin, remaining amazed at each truth revealed.
___THE PLOT __ Crispin Guest is a former knight, about thirty years old, who 8 years earlier due to a mistake, was deprived of his knighthood, his noble title, his lands and his manor, spared death, but removed from court , he had to start living his life in the poorest part of the city.
In a constant regret of what his life was before, Crispin still manages to react, earning a living with his intelligence and his experiences as a knight, that is, finding lost things (often emotionally and religiously valuable) and investigating about the murders in which he often find himself involved.
This time, looking for stolen parchments, Crispin finds himself having to investigate a series of brutal murders in which the victims are children, he is in fact a serial killer.
__THEMES ADDRESSED IN THE BOOK AND IMPRESSIVE SCENES___ Although the mystery series is defined as "noir" (and a few words and some sex scenes definitely exclude the book from the cozies), I usually don't find shocking scenes or too strong to digest and that's why I love these thrillers: engaging from start to ending, great suspense and thrills, but nothing that makes one feel bad.
However, the themes addressed in this 3rd installment are strong themes: prostitution, child abuse, psychopathic killers, prejudice, marginalization, homosexuality.
Themes to reflect on since they have been part of society in all eras and also in ours.
Don't be scared, the reading is smooth and the author is very good at inserting these themes in the context of a mystery which still remains entertainment for us readers.
The only one point where I had to read quickly, because it nauseated me, was when the murderer, now discovered by Crispin, described in detail the murders, the procedure and his disgusting and perverted sensations... but this was necessary to convey the gravity of the matter and how twisted and wrong the human mind can sometimes be.
___ USUAL CHARACTERS ___ In addition to Crispin, as always we find his faithful friends:
- Twelve-year-old Jack, who, being alone in the world and with a past as a cutpurse, found in Crispin a very important emotional help and point of reference.
- The good Abbot Nicholas in Westminster, always ready to welcome the former knight and help him in case of need.
- The couple who run Crispin's favorite tavern, who despite being only slightly older than Crispin, care about him like a son.
In all of this, with each episode, the bonds between these people become increasingly stronger and more important, thus creating a new family for our hero, a family that asks for nothing in return except affection and which makes Crispin's new life more tolerable and perhaps of greater value than when he was rich.
I love these characters, they are well described not so much physically, but in their way of being: gestures and emotions... they are truly real and believable in their strengths and weaknesses.
Nobody is perfect, including Crispin, each of them is a good person, but with their own flaws and that makes them really believable, interesting and we would love to have them as friends.
Above all, Crispin is fascinating in his determination and physical prowess, in his cunning and desire to defend the just and the oppressed, but also in his stubbornness, his doubts, his pride, his naivety or his absurd prejudices, on which however he reasons and works ...until he admits (even if reluctantly) his own mistakes and changes his vision of things.
___THE HISTORICAL PART and REAL EXISTED CHARACTERS ___ Usually the historical part concerns missing objects, religious relics that actually existed/exist.
This time the story focuses more on facts and characters.
A historical fact introduced in the book is the exile of the Jews from England in 1290 by Edward I and all the ugly popular legends told about the Jewish community to justify their removal.
Added to this is also the popular belief in the creation of monsters (the Golem) and magic.
One of the characters in this mystery is inspired by a Bishop who really existed in Spain during the Inquisition.
Even the serial killer is inspired by someone who, unfortunately, really existed and who claimed hundreds of victims (you will find explanations in the epilogue of the book).
But the historical character that I liked most in this book is a friend of Crispin's disguised as a woman.
Crispin hates his dressing like a woman and his selling her body for money and yet he can't help but be fond of him, because John / Eleonor Rykener (this is his name in the book and also was in real life) is always cheerful, funny and above all kind-hearted.
The always merry John/Eleonor, together with other friends with the same vocation as him, will even carry out a nice rescue of Crispin (who in this episode is beaten up and injured more times than usual).
IN CONCLUSION: this time too, suspense, intrigue, irony, lively jokes, action, a protagonist I adore and his fantastic friends gave me a wonderful read.
Readable as a standalone, but if you read the books in order from the first to the last one (15 in total) you will enjoy each story even more! :-)
( Sorry for any text errors, English is not my mother tongue )
If you are curious to know something more about BOOK#1 and BOOK#2, you can read my reviews here :
BOOK #1 "Veil of Lies" : https://tizicozycorner.blogspot.com/2...
BOOK #2 "Serpent in the Thorns" : https://tizicozycorner.blogspot.com/2...
January 5, 2012
First Sentence: “He’s still out there.”
Crispin Guest was once a nobleman but backing the wrong side caused King Richard to strip him of his title and lands leaving him a veritable outcast living in near squalor. He, and his apprentice Jack Tucker, survive by Guest’s skills which have earned him the sobriquet of “The Tracker” due to his reputation for finding anything. In this case, Guest is approached by a physician to the Queen. The man and his child are staying at the castle—dangerous territory for Guest—and are Jewish, which is rare as all Jews were expelled from England or forced to convert by Edward I in 1290. But need overcomes prejudice, and Guest agrees to search for missing parchments which may be associated with the recent spate of murders of young boys.
Jeri Westerson paints a well-researched, unglamorized picture of 1300s London in which weather is very effectively employed; contributing to both to the sense of place and suspense. Her excellent descriptions make real the squalor and deprivation in which many people lived. It also serves as a contrast between the protagonists of Crispin and Jack and nobility with whom they are involved.
Although this is the third book in the series, the enough history of the characters is provided so new readers don’t feel lost. And what excellent characters are Crispin and Jack; they are master and servant yet dependent upon one another as well. Crispin is also an excellent protagonist in that he is skilled but not infallible and is inclined to let his pride overcome his common sense, yet he received quite a few life lessons which added to his growth as a character even though there were times he seemed unrealistically naive. Young Jack is so appealing in that he is not always brave, but is loyal.
Factual history is effectively woven into the plot with Westerson using historical figures very well and believably in their true persona. There is the complicated relationship of Crispin to John of Gaunt King Richard. The major theme relates to the status of Jews in England. The portrayal of the bigotry and mistrust both Jews and Christians had for each other was very much in play and superstitions ran strong in both faiths although it did feel a bit heavy-handed at times.
Scenes with action and/or suspense, even minor ones were very effectively conveyed with writing that was evocative and visual. Initially, the dialogue sounded too modern to my ear, but this was quickly remedied and progressed to conveying the flavor of the period without being a burden to the reader. I also felt there were a few unfortunate plotting decisions but none so much so as to take me out of the story.
“THE DEMON’S PARCHMENT” had a great number of strengths and a few weaknesses but is well worth reading by those of us who really enjoy historical mysteries.
THE DEMON’S PARCHMENT (Hist Mys- Crispin Guest-England-Middle Ages-1300s) – VG
Westerson, Jeri – 3rd in series
Minotaur Books, 2011
Crispin Guest was once a nobleman but backing the wrong side caused King Richard to strip him of his title and lands leaving him a veritable outcast living in near squalor. He, and his apprentice Jack Tucker, survive by Guest’s skills which have earned him the sobriquet of “The Tracker” due to his reputation for finding anything. In this case, Guest is approached by a physician to the Queen. The man and his child are staying at the castle—dangerous territory for Guest—and are Jewish, which is rare as all Jews were expelled from England or forced to convert by Edward I in 1290. But need overcomes prejudice, and Guest agrees to search for missing parchments which may be associated with the recent spate of murders of young boys.
Jeri Westerson paints a well-researched, unglamorized picture of 1300s London in which weather is very effectively employed; contributing to both to the sense of place and suspense. Her excellent descriptions make real the squalor and deprivation in which many people lived. It also serves as a contrast between the protagonists of Crispin and Jack and nobility with whom they are involved.
Although this is the third book in the series, the enough history of the characters is provided so new readers don’t feel lost. And what excellent characters are Crispin and Jack; they are master and servant yet dependent upon one another as well. Crispin is also an excellent protagonist in that he is skilled but not infallible and is inclined to let his pride overcome his common sense, yet he received quite a few life lessons which added to his growth as a character even though there were times he seemed unrealistically naive. Young Jack is so appealing in that he is not always brave, but is loyal.
Factual history is effectively woven into the plot with Westerson using historical figures very well and believably in their true persona. There is the complicated relationship of Crispin to John of Gaunt King Richard. The major theme relates to the status of Jews in England. The portrayal of the bigotry and mistrust both Jews and Christians had for each other was very much in play and superstitions ran strong in both faiths although it did feel a bit heavy-handed at times.
Scenes with action and/or suspense, even minor ones were very effectively conveyed with writing that was evocative and visual. Initially, the dialogue sounded too modern to my ear, but this was quickly remedied and progressed to conveying the flavor of the period without being a burden to the reader. I also felt there were a few unfortunate plotting decisions but none so much so as to take me out of the story.
“THE DEMON’S PARCHMENT” had a great number of strengths and a few weaknesses but is well worth reading by those of us who really enjoy historical mysteries.
THE DEMON’S PARCHMENT (Hist Mys- Crispin Guest-England-Middle Ages-1300s) – VG
Westerson, Jeri – 3rd in series
Minotaur Books, 2011
September 4, 2010
Historical mysteries are always difficult - there's that fine balance between explanation of whatever time period we're in and moving the plot forward. In this case, there's a good balance mainly because there's an author's note at the end, so precious plot time isn't given over to too much "here's who and here's why" stuff.
Crispin's life in the Shambles is rough, but you have to give a former knight credit for his ability to live in such reduced circumstances. He's blessed with a sharp brain, although he often falls back into a rut created by his (former) class and the times in which he lives. The sodomy/murder of several boys truly horrifies him, and he's even willing to risk his life getting into the Palace to hunt for clues and question witnesses.
What we 21st century readers will be struck by is the incredible anti-semitism and talk of the Jew's blood libel. It's casual and pervasive, and not a little shocking. Crispin's realization that the Jews are perhaps not as guilty as they're accused of being, or as devious, comes a bit quickly in the book (but then, lust can change people's minds, can't it?). It's also interesting how accepted the astrologer is, along with the other superstitious beliefs. Additionally, Crispin seems to be an almost modern man, with his acceptance of John Ryneker's lifestyle - it sometimes felt that the author wants readers to feel closer to him than they might if he shared the prejudices of his era.
ARC provided by publisher.
Crispin's life in the Shambles is rough, but you have to give a former knight credit for his ability to live in such reduced circumstances. He's blessed with a sharp brain, although he often falls back into a rut created by his (former) class and the times in which he lives. The sodomy/murder of several boys truly horrifies him, and he's even willing to risk his life getting into the Palace to hunt for clues and question witnesses.
What we 21st century readers will be struck by is the incredible anti-semitism and talk of the Jew's blood libel. It's casual and pervasive, and not a little shocking. Crispin's realization that the Jews are perhaps not as guilty as they're accused of being, or as devious, comes a bit quickly in the book (but then, lust can change people's minds, can't it?). It's also interesting how accepted the astrologer is, along with the other superstitious beliefs. Additionally, Crispin seems to be an almost modern man, with his acceptance of John Ryneker's lifestyle - it sometimes felt that the author wants readers to feel closer to him than they might if he shared the prejudices of his era.
ARC provided by publisher.
October 23, 2010
Ugh! Where to start. This work of historical fiction is an exercise in frustration. Yes, there's a story here but there are so many cliches it makes it hard to get to the end: serial killers, golems, girls dressed liked boys. I started groaning half way through - didn't Westerson have even one origional idea?
Crispin Guest, disgraced former knight, now makes a living as a Tracker, a sort of private detective for hire. Everyone sings his praises about how smart and perceptive he is although it's a little hard to see that when when Guest gets drunk every 25 pages. And I mean really drunk. The guy gets hammered repeatedly and beat up. After one scene where Guest gets pummled to a pulp by 2 evil holy men (back to that cliche thing) he recovers enough to limp back to the castle where he has a conversation with his love interest, Julianne who, for some reason, doesn't notice his 2 black eyes and broken nose. Then, sensing someone outside the window, Guest leaps two stories into the snow and gives chase to a golem. A chase that makes perfect sense from someone who was beaten unconscious not 2 hours before.
If you're looking for an origional mystery featuring a likable character, this isn't it.
Crispin Guest, disgraced former knight, now makes a living as a Tracker, a sort of private detective for hire. Everyone sings his praises about how smart and perceptive he is although it's a little hard to see that when when Guest gets drunk every 25 pages. And I mean really drunk. The guy gets hammered repeatedly and beat up. After one scene where Guest gets pummled to a pulp by 2 evil holy men (back to that cliche thing) he recovers enough to limp back to the castle where he has a conversation with his love interest, Julianne who, for some reason, doesn't notice his 2 black eyes and broken nose. Then, sensing someone outside the window, Guest leaps two stories into the snow and gives chase to a golem. A chase that makes perfect sense from someone who was beaten unconscious not 2 hours before.
If you're looking for an origional mystery featuring a likable character, this isn't it.
November 25, 2012
So far, this was the best book in the series. Though Crispin still jumps to conclusions (often driven by prejudices), when his reason takes over, he usually comes to the right conclusions. The casual, deeply-rooted medieval bigotry, especially toward Jews will be incredibly uncomfortable to the modern readers. His circumstances might have made Crispin more tolerant than his former peers, but he is still a man of his time. If you can live with this, you'll be treated with a decent mystery with serial killer in its midst. It is quite disturbing that this man actually existed, though author takes liberties with actual historical facts and weaves them into a very readable, if disturbing story.
August 30, 2010
We got into some different territory here in Crispin's life and adventures and meet new characters.
August 11, 2024
This is the third book of the series and I’m still a bit conflicted. I love the atmosphere, the setting, the historical characters and events. But it’s the character of Crispin himself that I’m struggling with.
In romance novels, especially classic ones from the bodice-ripper-era, a heroine can be what’s known as TSTL, or Too Stupid To Live. This sums up my issue with Crispin. On one hand, he is this famous, and infamous, Tracker, who solves mysteries that no one else can. Yet he drinks too much, makes terrible decisions, and allows himself to be caught in dire circumstances. I understand he’s supposed to be the medieval version of Sam Spade - I’d just like to see him begin to learn from his stupid mistakes and make smarter choices.
IMO, Jack is a smarter hero than Crispin.
I haven’t given up on him yet, so I shall continue reading for now.
In romance novels, especially classic ones from the bodice-ripper-era, a heroine can be what’s known as TSTL, or Too Stupid To Live. This sums up my issue with Crispin. On one hand, he is this famous, and infamous, Tracker, who solves mysteries that no one else can. Yet he drinks too much, makes terrible decisions, and allows himself to be caught in dire circumstances. I understand he’s supposed to be the medieval version of Sam Spade - I’d just like to see him begin to learn from his stupid mistakes and make smarter choices.
IMO, Jack is a smarter hero than Crispin.
I haven’t given up on him yet, so I shall continue reading for now.
September 3, 2024
Book 3, Demon’s Parchment, isn’t my favorite in the series so far. The author has wound another engrossing plot and developed new villainous characters but I struggled with the overly dramatic audio narrator. Also, I never warm to a story that requires me to suspend disbelief.
February 28, 2024
A very good story. Certain characters were based on real people which makes it even more interesting.
February 26, 2019
Loved the historical bits in the extra!
May 7, 2013
The way some people go crazy for movie/rock stars, I go crazy for authors. I met Jeri Westerson at this year's L.A. Times Festival of Books and yes, turned into a raving fangirl (and I am not ashamed). Ms. Westerson is the creatrix of a medieval noir series of mysteries starring Crispin Guest, a disgraced 12th century knight known as 'The Tracker' for his ability to find anything or anyone. I told the author my original reason for picking up this series was the cover--I'm a sucker for long-haired men with swords and chain mail. She signed my copy, which elicited and even louder squee of happiness!
For fans of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael or Sharon Newman's Catherine le Vandeur mysteries who've been fiending for whodunits in this time period, this series of medieval noirs should fit the bill.
What I love about this series (outside of Crispin himself...rawr) is how well Westerson immerses a reader in the sights, sounds and yes the stench of a 12th century London without feeling like an info-dump. While going to your local Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is great fun, you really wouldn't want to live back then. Sanitation was nonexistent and well, forget about Twitter. They'd burn you at the stake for possessing a smartphone (and it wouldn't work anyways). It is quite easy to envison Crispin Guest as a BBC-produced miniseries (hint hint hint BBC folks if you know what's good for you, LOL). Crispin has fallen very far from grace due to his treachery against the throne and it is only due to the intercession of the Duke of Lancaster that he wasn't put to death. Now residing in The Shambles, he can barely afford rent or decent food, and yet he is still very much that chivalrous knight with the attitude of noble superiority that only time seems to temper. Finding himself both poor and powerless when he was once surrounded by privilege is quite humbling for the erstwhile knight, and there are instances he does not handle his new status very well.
Crispin is hired by a Jewish physician to locate some important scrolls stolen from his chamber. Big problem since Jews were expelled from England during the reign of Edward I. Jacob of Provencal was specifically requested by King Richard to provide care for his pregnant wife, which grants him and his son Julian, some immunity from persecution. Of course Crispin, being a man of his time, believes the worst things bandied about concerning Jews and his commission gives him no end of disquiet. Granted, the attitudes about Jews during this period are not easy to read, especially as many learned men held these reprehensible views and yet they are a part of the tapestry which is Crispin's world. Meanwhile the eviscerated and sodomized body of a young boy turned up on the banks of the Thames, a crime which stikes to the very heart of Crispin's sense of justice and spurred by the presence of his valet/foundling, the irrepressible Jack Tucker.
There's even a historical cross-dressing personage named John Ryker, arrested more often for dressing as a woman rather than sodomy (and Ms. Westerson includes some interesting historical notes on that subject as well).
So, I am off to read the next Crispin Guest adventure, Troubled Bones.
For fans of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael or Sharon Newman's Catherine le Vandeur mysteries who've been fiending for whodunits in this time period, this series of medieval noirs should fit the bill.
What I love about this series (outside of Crispin himself...rawr) is how well Westerson immerses a reader in the sights, sounds and yes the stench of a 12th century London without feeling like an info-dump. While going to your local Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is great fun, you really wouldn't want to live back then. Sanitation was nonexistent and well, forget about Twitter. They'd burn you at the stake for possessing a smartphone (and it wouldn't work anyways). It is quite easy to envison Crispin Guest as a BBC-produced miniseries (hint hint hint BBC folks if you know what's good for you, LOL). Crispin has fallen very far from grace due to his treachery against the throne and it is only due to the intercession of the Duke of Lancaster that he wasn't put to death. Now residing in The Shambles, he can barely afford rent or decent food, and yet he is still very much that chivalrous knight with the attitude of noble superiority that only time seems to temper. Finding himself both poor and powerless when he was once surrounded by privilege is quite humbling for the erstwhile knight, and there are instances he does not handle his new status very well.
Crispin is hired by a Jewish physician to locate some important scrolls stolen from his chamber. Big problem since Jews were expelled from England during the reign of Edward I. Jacob of Provencal was specifically requested by King Richard to provide care for his pregnant wife, which grants him and his son Julian, some immunity from persecution. Of course Crispin, being a man of his time, believes the worst things bandied about concerning Jews and his commission gives him no end of disquiet. Granted, the attitudes about Jews during this period are not easy to read, especially as many learned men held these reprehensible views and yet they are a part of the tapestry which is Crispin's world. Meanwhile the eviscerated and sodomized body of a young boy turned up on the banks of the Thames, a crime which stikes to the very heart of Crispin's sense of justice and spurred by the presence of his valet/foundling, the irrepressible Jack Tucker.
There's even a historical cross-dressing personage named John Ryker, arrested more often for dressing as a woman rather than sodomy (and Ms. Westerson includes some interesting historical notes on that subject as well).
So, I am off to read the next Crispin Guest adventure, Troubled Bones.
November 2, 2013
This series featuring Crispin Guest, a former knight who was stripped of title and lands when convicted of treason, takes place in London in my favorite time period, the 1300's. He's not a very likable character, prone to excessive drinking and self-pity even twelve years after his conviction, but he's become rather notorious as The Tracker--someone who can find things or people, for a price. Barely scraping by in cold, windy flat in the Shambles with his young servant/assistant Jack, Crispin seems to specialize in cases with a religious background, and this one is no different.
Hired by a Jewish physician who is in the country at the King's invitation to assist the Queen with her barrenness, Crispin is charged with finding some stolen parchments that the physician tells him detail how to raise a Golem, a huge zombie-like creature made of clay who follows the commands of the one who brings it to life. Four young boys have been found dead, naked and beaten and sodomized, and Jacob the physician convinces Crispin that the thief has raised the Golem. Since Crispin saw one of the bodies and was charged by the new Sheriffs to seek the killer, he also accepts the physician's coin to find the parchments.
I want to like this series more than I do. The first book I really enjoyed, but as with the second in series, I was pulled out of the story several times by typos and wrong words being used for the context; for example, 'say your peace' rather than 'say your piece' and 'gage his response' instead of 'gauge his response.' It happened often enough that I found myself LOOKING for mistakes! It seemed poorly edited and proofread given that it is published by a well-known publishing house.
Also, as with the last book, I found the frequent descriptions of the cold weather, the mire and stench of London, the ramshackle condition of Crispin's home and his increasing despair and self-pity to be irritating. It just seemed like a lot of filler that was unnecessarily repeated time and again. I am not sure if I have totally given up on the series yet or not--I do have the next one here on my TBR shelf. I know that it will be a long time before I make my way back to it if I do decide to do so.
Hired by a Jewish physician who is in the country at the King's invitation to assist the Queen with her barrenness, Crispin is charged with finding some stolen parchments that the physician tells him detail how to raise a Golem, a huge zombie-like creature made of clay who follows the commands of the one who brings it to life. Four young boys have been found dead, naked and beaten and sodomized, and Jacob the physician convinces Crispin that the thief has raised the Golem. Since Crispin saw one of the bodies and was charged by the new Sheriffs to seek the killer, he also accepts the physician's coin to find the parchments.
I want to like this series more than I do. The first book I really enjoyed, but as with the second in series, I was pulled out of the story several times by typos and wrong words being used for the context; for example, 'say your peace' rather than 'say your piece' and 'gage his response' instead of 'gauge his response.' It happened often enough that I found myself LOOKING for mistakes! It seemed poorly edited and proofread given that it is published by a well-known publishing house.
Also, as with the last book, I found the frequent descriptions of the cold weather, the mire and stench of London, the ramshackle condition of Crispin's home and his increasing despair and self-pity to be irritating. It just seemed like a lot of filler that was unnecessarily repeated time and again. I am not sure if I have totally given up on the series yet or not--I do have the next one here on my TBR shelf. I know that it will be a long time before I make my way back to it if I do decide to do so.
January 23, 2011
Another Crispin Guest mystery, this one revolves around two story lines.
In the first Crispin is hired by a Jewish doctor who has been brought to England as the Queen's doctor. Part of the story line here is the fact that it has been about a hundred years since the Jewish people had been outlawed in England, along with the fact that Crispin had fought in a Crusade and dislikes Jews. Crispin had been hired to find some papers that had been stolen from the doctor. Along the way Crispin finds out the papers may be related to the making of a golum (a being formed out of clay). He also meets and immediately takes a strong dislike to the Doctor's son. One of the most endearing things about Crispin is his need to think things out to their logical conclusion, without letting prior prejudice get in the way...for too long.
The second story line, which may or may not be connected to the first, revolves around around the gruesome killings and evisceration of young boy's around London. In this one it turns out that Simon Wynchecombe is no longer one of the sheriffs of London (which has got to be a good thing for Crispin). Crispin happens to be walking by the Thames when a boy is pulled from the waters. He, of course feel's compelled to view the body, and then when the new Sheriff's of London arrive on the scene and admit that this is not the first such murder, he feels compelled to ask the sheriff's to hire him to investigate the murders. They seem to still be wondering why they decided to run for sheriff, and don't really want to do anything anywhere near an investigation, they'd rather try to explain away all the facts as being naturally occurring instead of murder.
With his steadfast following of the facts Crispin follows the course of the investigations, letting nothing stand in his way, until each story line's question has it's answers.
While we're still early in the series, will Crispin ever get the girl in the end?
In the first Crispin is hired by a Jewish doctor who has been brought to England as the Queen's doctor. Part of the story line here is the fact that it has been about a hundred years since the Jewish people had been outlawed in England, along with the fact that Crispin had fought in a Crusade and dislikes Jews. Crispin had been hired to find some papers that had been stolen from the doctor. Along the way Crispin finds out the papers may be related to the making of a golum (a being formed out of clay). He also meets and immediately takes a strong dislike to the Doctor's son. One of the most endearing things about Crispin is his need to think things out to their logical conclusion, without letting prior prejudice get in the way...for too long.
The second story line, which may or may not be connected to the first, revolves around around the gruesome killings and evisceration of young boy's around London. In this one it turns out that Simon Wynchecombe is no longer one of the sheriffs of London (which has got to be a good thing for Crispin). Crispin happens to be walking by the Thames when a boy is pulled from the waters. He, of course feel's compelled to view the body, and then when the new Sheriff's of London arrive on the scene and admit that this is not the first such murder, he feels compelled to ask the sheriff's to hire him to investigate the murders. They seem to still be wondering why they decided to run for sheriff, and don't really want to do anything anywhere near an investigation, they'd rather try to explain away all the facts as being naturally occurring instead of murder.
With his steadfast following of the facts Crispin follows the course of the investigations, letting nothing stand in his way, until each story line's question has it's answers.
While we're still early in the series, will Crispin ever get the girl in the end?
August 16, 2011
While this novel is interesting for its historic London imagery, the protagonist, Crispin Guest, aka The Tracker, is an extremely self-absorbed, self-centered man whose ego is still far too big for the down-n-out shoes he now wears. Other characters tell him he is observant and thinks things through and really evaluates the players in his world yet all this book seems to convey was a guy who just has an uncontrollable desire to jump to conclusions and bullheadedly push his way into people and circumstances where a real 'investigator' would pause and consider before acting. Crispin Guest does not actually seem to stop and think anything through and then becomes very petulant each and every time things aren't going the way he wants them.
Interesting history of the era but the main character could certainly use some improvement.
Interesting history of the era but the main character could certainly use some improvement.
July 23, 2012
The Crispin Guest mystery novels are very intriguing and a great history lesson, each one. Crispin and Jack are characters who rapidly grow on one, and I, personally,am excited about having more books in the series to look forward to. The Demon's Parchment draws one into an extremely dark, horrifying tale of the eternal hatred of Christians for Jews, the lies and dreadful tales created in order to cast the entire race out of nations, and the tragedies which follow! Crispin is evolving as a force of right against wrong, a great ally of truth against falsehood, and continually having to think quickly on his feet, trying to sort out allies from enemies. Greatly recommend this book, and the series as read so far!
July 31, 2016
Jeri Westerson's short story, Dark Chamber, took less than 30 minutes to read. Being a short story, it is exactly that - short. I wished the story had gone on much longer as I enjoy Jeri Westerson's Crispin Guest character a great deal. I must admit that I figured out who the murderer is extremely quickly. The answer is right in front of the reader. Ms. Westerson has the sheriffs who give Crispin a hard time in the story; Jack Tucker, Crispin's apprentice, is also present; a member of a household asks for The Tracker's help as well as a character who attempts to grab Crispin from behind. Crispin handles it all well and solves the murder quite quickly. Fun, but I would have loved to read much more!
January 25, 2013
I feel like I have read very similar books before, except their execution was better. I didn't think the mystery was very complicated, nor the action very thrilling. The subjects of treatment of medieval Jews and homosexuality at the time seemed to me to be treated in a rather odd way - I can't exactly place my finger on what I didn't like about it, but I found it unsettling. I think maybe because it was so unbelievably unsubtle. The story lines also seemed to be not quite fit together, and the ending was extremely rushed with her wrapping up some of the thoughts in an unexpectedly quick and needlessly severe way.
I would not read another book in this series.
I would not read another book in this series.
September 24, 2013
Crispin must face his own assumptions about Jews. He lives in a time when 1) there aren't any around because they've been kicked out of the country, and 2) everything on the subject comes either from the Church or from malicious gossip.
Crispin is hired by a Jew to save a parchment that could cause harm in the wrong hands. Everything happens from Crispin's point of view and set of beliefs. THAT's what makes it a great tale. You and I might not think that a piece of paper could bring the devil, but Crispin isn't so sure. And he's seeing evidence that doesn't fit his belief system in other ways. So what will he do?
Crispin is hired by a Jew to save a parchment that could cause harm in the wrong hands. Everything happens from Crispin's point of view and set of beliefs. THAT's what makes it a great tale. You and I might not think that a piece of paper could bring the devil, but Crispin isn't so sure. And he's seeing evidence that doesn't fit his belief system in other ways. So what will he do?
December 1, 2013
When danger is afoot in fourteenth century London Crispin Guest dares to seek the truth no matter the cost. I find myself getting caught up in all the smells, the sounds,the sights and even the tastes of what Jeri Westerson describes. My favorite character besides Crispin is Jack the young boy who is his servant and constant companion. The author deals well with sensitive subjects and the gritty realities of the time period. I can't wait to delve into the next adventure in the Crispin Guest Mystery Series!
August 12, 2017
I don't know how many times I wanted to stop reading this book...but I have a weird book OCD that I have to finish everything I start, even if it's terrible. And truly - this book wasn't very good. The writing seemed a tad simple and the range of emotions the characters felt went from bored to frantic in a single sentence constantly. I was tired for them. I won't even comment on any sort of historical accuracy....because, no. Will I be reading any more of the Crispin books? No, thank you.
March 13, 2018
This was a more darker read. the supernatural aspect was more spooky. The prejudice of that time was well depicted.
December 4, 2017
What can I say-these novels must be compelling! This one is my favorite thus far, the title refers to parchments stolen from a visiting Jewish physician to the Queen. To visit Jacob of Provincal, Crispin must venture into court again, a place he has been barred from by his degradation and then by his refusal to beg for restoration. He meet's Jacob's annoying son Julian in their quarters eventually, but is delayed by the corpse of a boy dragged from the Thames. The boy has been disembowled and sodomized, with ligature marks around his wrists and ankles. The two new Sheriffs hire him to investigate the death because it is disgusting and not the first boy's body found. Crispin learns of the Golem in part from his friend the Abbott who lends him a very anti-Semitic book written by Geoffrey of Monmouth, and in small part from his client, Jacob. In the course of his investigations he rescues a boy who would have been abducted by a mysterious Yorkshireman, a cleric who does not dress in vestments. This leads to his discovery of an undercover community of Jews in London, apart from those who have converted and llive in what is, patently, a ghetto.
Given his initial distaste for Julian, he believes the young man is guilty of the sodomy and disembowlment, but then it becomes apparent that his distaste is veiled attraction. This leads to a crisis of sexuality, which reveals that his affection for Jack is pristine from any sexual interst. His confusion leads him to the whore district where he is further confused to meet an old ally, a man who dresses as a woman and tricks as a prostitute. Crispin is rescued from the Yorkshireman by his cross dressing fellow and his/her allies. A drinking spree predictably results and he finds Jack has gone as bait to his ancestoral home when he wakes. Odder still he borrows a horse from the old Sheriff, and returns to his old estate. He knows to look in the mews, because his old estate now belongs to an old friend, now revealed as someone to revile. Again his nostalgia for his old life is raked back to reveal the true nature of the people he trusted. The golem may or may not be a giant stupid potter who heroically is trying to save boys. In this instance Odo does save Crispin and Jack, but the cost is the burning of his old estate and the man who owned it. The Physician's child is revealed as something less than what seemed as well...a common story with Crispin's attractions and affection. But Jack, well Jack still seems worthy of devotion, especially since he is clever.
This was my favorite so far because it involved the Jews in Britain, and the afterword set some dates about their exclusion that I had not entirely absorbed. Ironically, an education at a School for Religion never detailed any aspects of the history of the Jews in Europe or elsewhere. Despite my affection for Dame Yates, I remained relatively ignorant regarding the exclusion of Jews from Britain, or their clandestine presence, and this novel gave me a little background education. I am also fond of Golems, designed to protect the vulnerable from harm, made of mud and with Scripture engraved on their bodies, inserted into their mouths. Odo, the potter, a man of clay was innocent of heart and wished to protect those most like himself. Nice.
Given his initial distaste for Julian, he believes the young man is guilty of the sodomy and disembowlment, but then it becomes apparent that his distaste is veiled attraction. This leads to a crisis of sexuality, which reveals that his affection for Jack is pristine from any sexual interst. His confusion leads him to the whore district where he is further confused to meet an old ally, a man who dresses as a woman and tricks as a prostitute. Crispin is rescued from the Yorkshireman by his cross dressing fellow and his/her allies. A drinking spree predictably results and he finds Jack has gone as bait to his ancestoral home when he wakes. Odder still he borrows a horse from the old Sheriff, and returns to his old estate. He knows to look in the mews, because his old estate now belongs to an old friend, now revealed as someone to revile. Again his nostalgia for his old life is raked back to reveal the true nature of the people he trusted. The golem may or may not be a giant stupid potter who heroically is trying to save boys. In this instance Odo does save Crispin and Jack, but the cost is the burning of his old estate and the man who owned it. The Physician's child is revealed as something less than what seemed as well...a common story with Crispin's attractions and affection. But Jack, well Jack still seems worthy of devotion, especially since he is clever.
This was my favorite so far because it involved the Jews in Britain, and the afterword set some dates about their exclusion that I had not entirely absorbed. Ironically, an education at a School for Religion never detailed any aspects of the history of the Jews in Europe or elsewhere. Despite my affection for Dame Yates, I remained relatively ignorant regarding the exclusion of Jews from Britain, or their clandestine presence, and this novel gave me a little background education. I am also fond of Golems, designed to protect the vulnerable from harm, made of mud and with Scripture engraved on their bodies, inserted into their mouths. Odo, the potter, a man of clay was innocent of heart and wished to protect those most like himself. Nice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2020
London 1384 ~ Desperate for an heir after 2 years of marriage, the 17~year~old King sent for a well~known Jewish physician from France having already exhausted the Royal and local quacks. Two months after the Jew's arrival, the 4th (number of similar deaths as yet unknown to Guest) naked body of a young boy was fished from the Thames... Guest was there when the body was found and he saw that the victim was disemboweled and was also sodomized... the two London sheriffs did not like to involve themselves into a series of deaths with the same 'modus operandi' and as Guest wanted the case, they agreed to pay him to investigate the murders. Ignorance, prejudice and fear were the main reasons why the Jews were banished from England in 1290 by Royal Decree... greed, envy and covetousness also were the other undeclared motivations. Those who chose to stay were forced to convert but most of them did not really abandon their heritage, their God and their traditions. Secret Jews... a Golem... stolen Jewish parchments from the temporary Royal Physician... a mysterious Excellency who wanted said parchments and apparently a ruthless Jews hunter... and the selling of Guest's estates to his former friend and fellow~knight (for the King was truly a sadistic bastard where Guest was concerned) were all connected to Guest's present murders investigations.
March 31, 2023
I haven't read the earlier Crispin Guest novels, but I didn't feel lost at all in this volume as Crispin is perfectly willing to wallow in self-pity about how he came to his present circumstances. I liked the premise of Crispin's current occupation as the Tracker (your local medieval private detective!). I was also continually frustrated with Crispin being sidetracked by the Jews in the story, since as a reader, I knew (or trusted!) that the author wasn't going to play into antisemitism, so I had to wait for the obvious "They're just like us!" moment from him (yes, I know the author's afterword talked about the medieval attitudes about Jews, but that still didn't stop my annoyance). There's also a small subplot that plays with sexuality, but it ended up being something of a fake-out for plot reasons.
May 20, 2019
Finished this very early this morning, as I could not put it down. I've enjoyed each of the historic mysteries I've read by Jeri Westerson, and this one did not disappoint. I was particularly fascinated in reading the Afterword to learn that it was all based on real events.
Crispin Guest always gets his man, or woman, as the case may be, and in this novel in the series, he is forced to confront many truths about himself that he would rather leave in the past. From beginning to end, this novel takes the reader through the cold, wintry streets of Medieval London, raising questions that seem impossible to answer, then rushing to a fiery conclusion. Great characters, great details that bring the history to life, and an enjoyable tale. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Crispin Guest always gets his man, or woman, as the case may be, and in this novel in the series, he is forced to confront many truths about himself that he would rather leave in the past. From beginning to end, this novel takes the reader through the cold, wintry streets of Medieval London, raising questions that seem impossible to answer, then rushing to a fiery conclusion. Great characters, great details that bring the history to life, and an enjoyable tale. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
October 22, 2025
"It's not always for a fee, Jack. There is honor and responsibility. Being a tracker is more than a fee."
Jeri Westerson, Dark Chamber: A Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Short Story
This fun little story reminded me of something Agatha Christie might have written. She wrote lots of short stories.
This was a medieval mystery. I have not read a whole heck of a lot of stories that take place in this time period.
It was a fun read. The only reason I did not rate it higher is because I mistakenly thought it was a bit more scary. I am not such a fan of the cozy mystery -- even Agatha Christie's.
I would say it is most fun though! If you like short stories and cozy mysteries then it stands to reason you would more than likely enjoy this.
Jeri Westerson, Dark Chamber: A Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Short Story
This fun little story reminded me of something Agatha Christie might have written. She wrote lots of short stories.
This was a medieval mystery. I have not read a whole heck of a lot of stories that take place in this time period.
It was a fun read. The only reason I did not rate it higher is because I mistakenly thought it was a bit more scary. I am not such a fan of the cozy mystery -- even Agatha Christie's.
I would say it is most fun though! If you like short stories and cozy mysteries then it stands to reason you would more than likely enjoy this.
May 30, 2020
This one was a tough read because it deals with the horrific anti-Semitism in medieval times and horrific crimes against children. Crispin is called upon by a visiting Jewish doctor to locate some missing Hebrew scrolls but is sidetracked by the sodomy and murders of four young boys. As he struggles to solve the crimes, he realizes the two might be connected but must confront his own misinformed prejudices before he can find the culprit. Good mystery, historically accurate, if painful, depiction of events.
July 20, 2025
Short but sweet
The story is time from Jack's POV. It's nice to see how much he respects and looks up to Crispin. Jack is also very aware of the class difference between himself and the upper classes. The twist at the end where Crispin forces the murderer to confess using an unusual method felt fresh and memorable.
The story is time from Jack's POV. It's nice to see how much he respects and looks up to Crispin. Jack is also very aware of the class difference between himself and the upper classes. The twist at the end where Crispin forces the murderer to confess using an unusual method felt fresh and memorable.
June 27, 2017
Fascinating
It is fascinating how the tale unfolds, realising the truth of what was done to children was horrific but can relate to similar horrors of the present. A good ending and just.
It is fascinating how the tale unfolds, realising the truth of what was done to children was horrific but can relate to similar horrors of the present. A good ending and just.
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