What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan #9
The Field of Blood
After the discovery of three savagely murdered bodies in his parish, Brother Athelstan finds himself involved in the hunt for a dangerous killer. It is clear that two of the victims—a whore and a preacher—surprised the assassin, who was then forced to kill them. But the identity of the third victim and the reason someone would go to so much trouble to kill him remains a mystery. Could the slaying have any connection with Sir John Cranston’s attempt to save a woman unjustly accused of stabbing a clerk?
296 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Paul Doherty
263 books611 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 29, 2021
Read this book in 2010, and its the 9th volume of the wonderful "Brother Athelstan" series.
This mystery is mainly situated in the parish of Brother Athelstan, where three bodies are found, and these are savagely murdered.
What is clear that the murderer has been disturbed in his first killing, leaving him no choice to kill the preacher and whore also.
The third victim remains a mystery, and for Brother Athelstan the chance to start investigating these horrible murders.
With is Sir John Cranston at his side, the Coroner of London, and together they will go into any length to find out the truth behind these murders, and the more they unravel the clues concerning these deaths the more it will become clear at the who and why of it all, and after solving these clues they will be able in the end to apprehend the culprit of these hideous murders.
Highly recommended, for this is another superb addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Brother Athelstan Mystery"!
This mystery is mainly situated in the parish of Brother Athelstan, where three bodies are found, and these are savagely murdered.
What is clear that the murderer has been disturbed in his first killing, leaving him no choice to kill the preacher and whore also.
The third victim remains a mystery, and for Brother Athelstan the chance to start investigating these horrible murders.
With is Sir John Cranston at his side, the Coroner of London, and together they will go into any length to find out the truth behind these murders, and the more they unravel the clues concerning these deaths the more it will become clear at the who and why of it all, and after solving these clues they will be able in the end to apprehend the culprit of these hideous murders.
Highly recommended, for this is another superb addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Brother Athelstan Mystery"!
May 11, 2024
Another enjoyable addition with a twist at the end.
September 5, 2021
Lessons learned.
One thing for sure is I really like these mysteries . This one is test of friendship. Also what lovers won't do to be together. The latter well shame on you!!!!! An how love brings people together. A lesson to remember.
A Damn fine telling!
One thing for sure is I really like these mysteries . This one is test of friendship. Also what lovers won't do to be together. The latter well shame on you!!!!! An how love brings people together. A lesson to remember.
A Damn fine telling!
July 31, 2023
Another adventure for Brother Athelstan and Sir John Cranston. The body count is high – it starts at three, quickly rises to five with the possibility of another six or so.
As ever, this series mixes the high politics of court and its movers and shakers and the low lives of the parishioners of Brother Athelstan’s congregation at St Erconwald’s in Southwark. And, as ever, it’s clear that the lives of the both extremes are more closely linked than either might imagine. This is a charming series that I am enjoyably making my way through – this is book 9 with another 5 to go. The standard is consistently high and aways entertaining.
As ever, this series mixes the high politics of court and its movers and shakers and the low lives of the parishioners of Brother Athelstan’s congregation at St Erconwald’s in Southwark. And, as ever, it’s clear that the lives of the both extremes are more closely linked than either might imagine. This is a charming series that I am enjoyably making my way through – this is book 9 with another 5 to go. The standard is consistently high and aways entertaining.
April 17, 2025
A veces la trama me ha resultado confusa y eso me hacía complicado seguir la historia. Algunos hechos han sido predecibles pero al final hay un giro que yo no me esperaba y eso me ha gustado. A pesar de esto, la historia es muy entretenida.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2017
Fourteenth century London comes alive with shocking realism. I could feel the crowding and smell the dirt. The hero seems to be a saintly fellow, priest and friar, as well as working with a local dignitary to investigate murder. I tend to struggle with the names and roles of the numerous characters, but the suspects become clearer and the body count rises. Brother Athelstan finds the facts, and of course there is a surprise at the end that I could never have guessed.
March 22, 2026
I went into The Field of Blood expecting a gripping medieval mystery with a strong historical atmosphere, but I ended up feeling underwhelmed. The premise sounded promising, with intrigue, crime, and political tension set against a medieval backdrop, yet the execution never fully drew me in. While the book had moments of interest, I often felt detached from the story and struggled to stay invested. It wasn’t terrible, but it didn’t leave much of a lasting impression either.
The plot had the ingredients for a compelling mystery, but I found the pacing uneven. Some sections dragged on with repetitive descriptions and slow investigation scenes, while other moments that should have been tense or dramatic felt rushed. I kept waiting for a big turning point or a moment that would hook me, but the story moved in a predictable and somewhat flat manner. The mystery itself wasn’t particularly engaging, and I guessed parts of it earlier than I would have liked, which reduced the suspense.
The characters felt serviceable but not memorable. I didn’t strongly connect with the protagonist or the supporting cast, and many of them seemed more like functional pieces in the story rather than fully developed individuals. Their motivations and personalities were clear enough, but they lacked emotional depth, which made it hard for me to care about their struggles or outcomes. I found myself reading about them rather than feeling involved with them, which created a sense of distance throughout the novel.
The writing was straightforward and easy to follow, but it sometimes felt dry and repetitive. The historical details were present, and I could see the effort put into creating an authentic medieval atmosphere, yet the prose lacked the vividness that would have made the setting truly immersive. Dialogue occasionally felt stiff, and descriptions sometimes slowed down the narrative instead of enhancing it. Overall, the style was readable but not particularly engaging or distinctive.
The book touches on themes of justice, power, corruption, and religious and political tension, which could have been powerful if explored more deeply. While these ideas were present, they never felt fully developed or impactful. I finished the book without feeling challenged or emotionally affected, and the themes didn’t linger with me afterward. It felt more like a routine mystery than a thought-provoking historical novel.
I did appreciate the historical setting and the effort to build a believable medieval world. There were moments where the atmosphere felt convincing, and I enjoyed glimpses of political intrigue and investigative work. The book was also relatively easy to read, and I never felt completely bored, even if I wasn’t fully engaged.
What disappointed me most was the lack of tension and emotional depth. The pacing issues, predictable mystery, and somewhat flat characters made it difficult to feel invested in the story. I also found the writing repetitive at times, and the themes didn’t leave much of an impact. I kept hoping the story would pick up or surprise me, but it stayed steady and unremarkable throughout.
In the end, I would rate The Field of Blood around 2 out of 5 stars. It’s a readable but ultimately forgettable historical mystery that never quite reaches its potential. While it has a solid premise and some interesting elements, it lacks the tension, character depth, and narrative strength needed to make it truly engaging. I wouldn’t strongly recommend it unless someone is already a big fan of medieval mysteries or the author’s work, as there are more compelling options in the genre.
The plot had the ingredients for a compelling mystery, but I found the pacing uneven. Some sections dragged on with repetitive descriptions and slow investigation scenes, while other moments that should have been tense or dramatic felt rushed. I kept waiting for a big turning point or a moment that would hook me, but the story moved in a predictable and somewhat flat manner. The mystery itself wasn’t particularly engaging, and I guessed parts of it earlier than I would have liked, which reduced the suspense.
The characters felt serviceable but not memorable. I didn’t strongly connect with the protagonist or the supporting cast, and many of them seemed more like functional pieces in the story rather than fully developed individuals. Their motivations and personalities were clear enough, but they lacked emotional depth, which made it hard for me to care about their struggles or outcomes. I found myself reading about them rather than feeling involved with them, which created a sense of distance throughout the novel.
The writing was straightforward and easy to follow, but it sometimes felt dry and repetitive. The historical details were present, and I could see the effort put into creating an authentic medieval atmosphere, yet the prose lacked the vividness that would have made the setting truly immersive. Dialogue occasionally felt stiff, and descriptions sometimes slowed down the narrative instead of enhancing it. Overall, the style was readable but not particularly engaging or distinctive.
The book touches on themes of justice, power, corruption, and religious and political tension, which could have been powerful if explored more deeply. While these ideas were present, they never felt fully developed or impactful. I finished the book without feeling challenged or emotionally affected, and the themes didn’t linger with me afterward. It felt more like a routine mystery than a thought-provoking historical novel.
I did appreciate the historical setting and the effort to build a believable medieval world. There were moments where the atmosphere felt convincing, and I enjoyed glimpses of political intrigue and investigative work. The book was also relatively easy to read, and I never felt completely bored, even if I wasn’t fully engaged.
What disappointed me most was the lack of tension and emotional depth. The pacing issues, predictable mystery, and somewhat flat characters made it difficult to feel invested in the story. I also found the writing repetitive at times, and the themes didn’t leave much of an impact. I kept hoping the story would pick up or surprise me, but it stayed steady and unremarkable throughout.
In the end, I would rate The Field of Blood around 2 out of 5 stars. It’s a readable but ultimately forgettable historical mystery that never quite reaches its potential. While it has a solid premise and some interesting elements, it lacks the tension, character depth, and narrative strength needed to make it truly engaging. I wouldn’t strongly recommend it unless someone is already a big fan of medieval mysteries or the author’s work, as there are more compelling options in the genre.
October 6, 2022
A decent mystery but it adds nothing to the series, and neither character really stood out as characters. They were in the story, but were just coasting on previous characterization without significant personality. Sir Cranston's usual foibles - drinking, sleeping, being bombastic, tricking people into thinking he was a fool etc - are almost gone in this story. Athelstan's behavior is a bit more established, but less significant and he was the focus of this book.
The mysteries are three fold again: a girl and boy want to wed but it is claimed their great-grandparents were related. Three people are found murdered in an old burned out home. A woman is accused of a double murder but Athelstan and Cranston are skeptical.
Without discernable logic or evidence, Athelstan is certain he knows who killed the trio. He manages to figure out how it happened, but with no proof or evidence.
All three murders are wrapped up with more than a little contrivance; definitely not Doherty's best work.
The mysteries are three fold again: a girl and boy want to wed but it is claimed their great-grandparents were related. Three people are found murdered in an old burned out home. A woman is accused of a double murder but Athelstan and Cranston are skeptical.
Without discernable logic or evidence, Athelstan is certain he knows who killed the trio. He manages to figure out how it happened, but with no proof or evidence.
All three murders are wrapped up with more than a little contrivance; definitely not Doherty's best work.
February 28, 2025
The field of Blood
Paul Doherty brings us to the London of 1380, including its smells and sights. Father Athelstan and Cranston must solve a few murders again. Are they related? A King's messenger has been killed? Is the Great Community involved? Who killed the other two people found with his body? An innkeeper is accused of murdering two people. Their bodies are found on her land. Can the Cororner prove her innocence? A great mystery.
Paul Doherty brings us to the London of 1380, including its smells and sights. Father Athelstan and Cranston must solve a few murders again. Are they related? A King's messenger has been killed? Is the Great Community involved? Who killed the other two people found with his body? An innkeeper is accused of murdering two people. Their bodies are found on her land. Can the Cororner prove her innocence? A great mystery.
April 2, 2026
I read a couple of Paul Dohertys books many years ago and loved them. So when I walked back into the library and saw they had lots of his books I picked them up immediately.
Couldn’t put it down. Whilst this is the 9th book in the Brother Athelstan series and I haven’t read the others I didn’t feel it detracted from the story. Loads going on but not so much to confuse you.
You think you get it but then it changes again.
Got another one to read next so will be doing that this weekend too.
Couldn’t put it down. Whilst this is the 9th book in the Brother Athelstan series and I haven’t read the others I didn’t feel it detracted from the story. Loads going on but not so much to confuse you.
You think you get it but then it changes again.
Got another one to read next so will be doing that this weekend too.
February 26, 2018
Tenemos que hablar... No eres tú, tal vez sea yo que me deje sugestionar por el brillo de tu propuesta, pero al conocerte en ningun momento me sentí atrapado ni percibí el amor que yo mismo (ya digo que sea seguramente culpa mía) traté de convencerme que hallaría. Pudo ser bonito. Igual que los sueños que se diluyen al despertar dejando como poso la cruda realidad.
June 28, 2023
Brilliant as always
I can never go wrong with a Brother Athelstan book, they’re always brilliant, entertaining and the history is very interesting. I love reading about Athelstan and the members of his parish council who get up to all sorts of things and their names also are an absolute hoot. Definitely recommended.
I can never go wrong with a Brother Athelstan book, they’re always brilliant, entertaining and the history is very interesting. I love reading about Athelstan and the members of his parish council who get up to all sorts of things and their names also are an absolute hoot. Definitely recommended.
November 2, 2018
The Brother Athelstan series is my favourite murder mystery series. This one has a couple of mysteries going on. It is not too gory when describing how criminals were punished in this period, unlike some of the other books in the series.
December 28, 2021
More than one mystery
I was thrilled with this book as the little friar worked on solving three mysteries. In the end all were solved as the friar used logic as he always does. An excellent read☺😀
I was thrilled with this book as the little friar worked on solving three mysteries. In the end all were solved as the friar used logic as he always does. An excellent read☺😀
April 22, 2023
A good book
I think this is one of the best books in read in this series. I couldn't put this down. What I love as well are the characters that live in Athelstans parish. I feel as though I'm there when I read these books.
ad t
hese book.
I think this is one of the best books in read in this series. I couldn't put this down. What I love as well are the characters that live in Athelstans parish. I feel as though I'm there when I read these books.
ad t
hese book.
February 5, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The first Athelstan book that I’ve read, will definitely read some more. Will have to try to get the start of the series.
3 bodies are found in his parish, 1 of whom turns out to be a royal messenger.
3 bodies are found in his parish, 1 of whom turns out to be a royal messenger.
March 28, 2020
Getting better.
Book number 9 and I am reading them in order. This one was very good. You always feel in the scene with this author. I love that.
Book number 9 and I am reading them in order. This one was very good. You always feel in the scene with this author. I love that.
November 4, 2020
Great story, but the ebook is full of typographical errors.
January 10, 2021
Very predictable but I like the characters.
August 12, 2021
An entertaining whodunnit set in the 1380s
October 11, 2021
Really enjoy this series; love the mysteries and the characters.
November 4, 2022
Comme le précédent, je trouve l'intrigue confuse !
January 29, 2024
Unexpected Ending...
A merry chase, this. As usual, there are three problems to solve, one with a lovely happy ending. And Cranston is largely sober, for him at least!
A merry chase, this. As usual, there are three problems to solve, one with a lovely happy ending. And Cranston is largely sober, for him at least!
March 13, 2024
Matriach38
As usual,this book like all BrotherAthelstan books is intriguing ,full of historical information,humour. "Who done it" right to the end.
As usual,this book like all BrotherAthelstan books is intriguing ,full of historical information,humour. "Who done it" right to the end.
April 17, 2024
I loved it, and I'm glad there are a few more for me to read.
January 23, 2025
very enjoyable.
Athelstan is becoming more assertive vis a vis Cranston
Author is becoming a bit predictble on the villain.
Had my suspicion proven correct.
Athelstan is becoming more assertive vis a vis Cranston
Author is becoming a bit predictble on the villain.
Had my suspicion proven correct.
November 4, 2025
Not for me unfortunately 😔
May 6, 2021
Brilliant.
Another excellent whodunnit with the Sherlock Holmes and Watson of the Middle Ages. Great characters, great villains, and great plot.
Another excellent whodunnit with the Sherlock Holmes and Watson of the Middle Ages. Great characters, great villains, and great plot.
June 7, 2014
Another satisfying entry in one of my favorite historical mystery series; this time three brutally murdered corpses are found in Brother Athelstan's parish, which could lead to a devastating fine on his poor parishioners if the murderer isn't found. Athelstan also serves as secretarius to Sir Jack Cranston, Coroner for the City of London, and the two must also investigate murder charges against a respectable widow accused of burying her victims in a "field of blood" beside her prosperous tavern. Kathryn Vestler is an old friend of Sir Jack's, kind, generous, and hard-working by all accounts, but Athelstan can tell she's lying about mysterious goings-on in and around her tavern; who is she protecting, and can our two heroes get to the truth and save her from hanging?
As always, Athelstan and Sir Jack have wonderful chemistry, bouncing theories off each other as they move about London questioning witnesses and suspects; the parishioners of St. Erconwald's, Athelstan's church, provide comic relief and a very earthy human touch. Recommended to fans of well-researched historical mysteries, especially the medieval period.
As always, Athelstan and Sir Jack have wonderful chemistry, bouncing theories off each other as they move about London questioning witnesses and suspects; the parishioners of St. Erconwald's, Athelstan's church, provide comic relief and a very earthy human touch. Recommended to fans of well-researched historical mysteries, especially the medieval period.
June 1, 2015
Some stories will fit in any setting and this is one. Let the world hear about a possible buried treasure and large numbers will set out to find and claim it, even allowing for the crown's claim on treasure trove. In fact, the crown itself in the person of John of Gaunt, the Lord Protector, might very well get in on this act. Things are complicated by the murderous death of a royal messenger. If the murderer isn't found then the parish in which the death occurred is fined and the people of Brother Athelstan's parish are to poor to sustain such a fine so it is up to the good brother to assist Sir John Cranston to find the guilty party. People's motives don't change much from age to age so there was very little the author had to do to make the reasoning clear. This is the 9th in the series and the characters have tics and stock phrases that could turn them into caricatures, like Sir John with his appetite for ale and habit of crashing into rooms and the bailiff and his dog, always wanting to be with Sir John. It was a good story, well told.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews