Tag: Murder Mystery

Book Review: “The Serpent’s Tale” by Ariana Franklin

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The story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine is legendary. The queen of France decided to divorce her first husband and marry the young upstart Henry Plantagenet. But things turned disastrous for the couple when Eleanor sided with their sons in a revolt against Henry later in life. At this time, Henry took a mistress named Rosamund Clifford, but when Rosamund was found dead in her tower, it is believed that Eleanor exacted her revenge on the poor woman. It is now up to Adelia Aguilar to solve the case before another civil war breaks out. This is the premise of book two in the Mistress of the Art of Death series by Ariana Franklin, which is entitled “The Serpent’s Tale.”

This is one of those books that caught my eye when I was used book shopping. I have never read books by this author, so I didn’t know that this was the second book in a series. I saw that it was a murder mystery featuring Eleanor of Aquitaine, whom I enjoy reading about, so I decided to give it a chance.

We begin with a murder and see Rosamund Clifford being poisoned by an unknown assailant. Who killed Rosamund, the mistress of the king? The only person whom Henry II trusts to solve this case is Adelia Aguilar, a woman known as the mistress of the art of death from Sicily, who is currently helping a woman give birth. She reluctantly agrees to figure out what happened to the royal mistress, so she and her crew, including her young daughter and her daughter’s father, Rowley Picot, the Bishop of St. Albans, venture to Rosamund’s tower. There, she finds the mistress dead, but things get a bit complicated when Eleanor of Aquitaine shows up.

Eleanor decides to take Adelia and her small party to the nunnery at Godstow, but they are trapped due to the weather. One by one, bodies begin to pile up, but not due to the weather. Adelia must find the murderer before they turn their sights on her and her family.

I think the concept of this novel was decent, but what was throwing me was Adelia’s almost modern understanding of the human body instead of the humoral theory, which would have been prevalent during this time. There were also times when it felt like the plot was a bit muddled, and it was a bit hard for me to follow. Overall, it was an okay read, but I don’t know if I would read the rest of the series. If you have read the first book in the Mistress of the Art of Death series, you might enjoy “The Serpent’s Tale” by Ariana Franklin.

Guest Post: “Excerpt from ‘The Witch of Godstow Abbey’ by Lady Harriet & Dr. Peter Stephenson”

On By hmalagisiIn guest post1 Comment

 

I am pleased to welcome Lady Harriet and Dr. Peter Stephenson to my blog to share an excerpt from their novel, The Witch of Godstow Abbey. I would like to thank Lady Harriet, Dr. Peter Stephenson, and The Coffee Pot Book Club for allowing me participate in this blog tour.

Excerpt

From Chapter 2 – A Garden’s Secret

The abbess sat in her chambers, reviewing the abbey’s ledgers. Sister Agnes entered without waiting for the novice outside to announce her.

“My child! What urgency drives you to burst in so?”

“I must tell you what I’ve found, Mother. It is deeply troubling.”

“Then speak, Sister.”

“The piglets did not die by the blade alone. They were prepared first with a potion—I suspect monkshood, judging by the blue tint of their lips and tongues. Before death took them, the executioner drew their vital essence through a small puncture wound near one of the great vessels. Finally, he cut their throats — not as a killing blow, but to bleed them wholly, leaving not a drop of life-humour behind.”

“A sacrifice to the Devil, then?”

“Yes, Mother. I believe that this is the work of those who serve the Enemy.”

Blurb:

A widowed academic investigating strange historical practices gets drawn back in time and into the year 1299 in Oxford. Join a cast of compelling characters-nuns, novices, and outsiders-as they battle the forces of darkness. Enter their struggle against evil, clandestine organizations. Join their life-threatening fight to protect each other, be willing to die for each other, and occasionally fall in love.

Will heroic love and righteous pursuit of justice triumph? Will the horror-inducing villain be found out and overthrown? Or will the courageous troop of those fighting for what is good be overpowered and taken captive?

Set in Oxford, England, in the year 1299, a struggle takes place between the sisters of the local convent and a strange, terrifying local evil society. They discover a secret organization of men who perform unspeakable deeds. The lives of several sisters are in danger.

Join Mother Alice, Sister Agnes, and Isabel, along with Lady Beatrix and Lady Harriet, as they confront and do battle with an evil, secret society intent on attacking them, taking over the convent, and sacrificing a young woman.

If you love stories that keep you turning pages while imparting fascinating accounts of the past, this latest mystery in the “Murders in the Abbey” series will tingle your spine.

Praise for The Witch of Godstow Abbey:

‘Richly atmospheric and quietly gripping, “The Witch of Godstow Abbey” is a worthy addition to your bookshelf.’
~ Yarde Book Promotion, 5* Editorial Review

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3ylMyB

Author Bios:

Lady Harriet holds the legal title “Lady of the Manor,” as defined under English law, and traces her ancestry to Charlemagne’s royal line.

A lifelong reader and devoted genealogist for nearly fifty years, Harriet has always had a passion for stories, whether they are buried in the past or found in the pages of a good book. She is the co-author of We Are Manx, a self-published family saga that explores her Manx heritage and the history of the Isle of Man in rich detail.

She’s also a photographer who prefers being behind the lens, a word lover addicted to word games, and a fan of wooden jigsaw puzzles. She has traveled extensively, with a deep appreciation for history, diverse cultures, and the unexpected joys that can be found away from home. Her career spanned volunteerism, real estate, and systems administration, but now she happily devotes her time to more creative pursuits.

As she puts it: “I’m old enough for Medicare, but not quite old enough to get a birthday card from King Charles—were I a Brit.”

The Witch of Godstow Abbey, written in partnership with Dr. Peter Stephenson, marks her first (but certainly not last) foray into historical fiction. With photography, she creates books of images; with storytelling, she creates images made of words.

Dr. Peter Stephenson has written or contributed to over twenty books, all but one of which are non-fiction technical books. He has published over 1,000 papers in technical journals, technical trade journals, and peer-reviewed legal journals. One of his peer-reviewed papers has over 15,400 downloads.

In addition to writing, Dr. Stephenson has been playing blues and Americana music for 70 years. It is through that performing, and after earning a PhD from Oxford Brookes University, that he was given the appellation “Doc” by the owner of one of his performance venues.

Having visited Oxford several times and being employed by a UK company in nearby Malvern, it was only natural that he would set his tales in Oxfordshire. His academic experience in Oxford town sealed the deal and resulted in his first historical novel, The Whispering Dead of Rewley Abbey—Book 1 in the “Murders in the Abbey” series—which reached the Amazon Kindle bestseller list and won a Pencraft award for literary excellence in the winter of 2025. He now writes with his collaborator and writing partner, Lady Harriet.

Dr. Stephenson lives with two Savannah cats on a pond in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Starting a “new” career at the age of 80, Doc reckons that he has only about the next 20 years to finish the series and retire – again – perhaps this time to Oxford.

Author Links:

Website: https://murdercanbefun.net/
Historium Press author pages:
Lady Harriet https://www.historiumpress.com/lady-harriet
Dr. Peter Stephenson https://www.historiumpress.com/peter-stephenson
Facebook: The Lady and The Doc https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577829971728
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theladyandthedoc/
Amazon Author Page: Lady Harriet: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lady-Harriet/author/B0FVTKJ8D2
Dr. Peter Stephenson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Peter-Stephenson/author/B0B5LXPG15
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52609869.Peter_Stephenson

 

Book Review: “The Secret of Saint Olaf’s Church” by Indrek Hargla

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15th-century Estonia was at the edge of Christendom. It also just finished facing off against the notable Victual Brothers, a band of brigands and pirates who wreaked havoc across the land. In the town of Tallinn, St. Olaf’s Church is being constructed, but nefarious dealings are coming to the surface. A serial killer is turning this once peaceful town, which is finding its identity on its head. Now, an apothecary named Melchior Wakenstede must help the magistrate solve the case before anyone else is killed. This is the premise for the first Apothecary Melchior Mystery by Indrek Hargla, entitled “The Secret of Saint Olaf’s Church.”

I would like to thank Pushkin Vertigo and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. I am not familiar with Indrek Hargla’s works, nor was I familiar with medieval Estonian history, so I was excited to learn more in this novel. 

We begin with a bit of background information about Estonia and Tallinn during this period. The Victual Brothers, a band of pirates loosely joined together, have just been defeated by the Teutonic Order. One of the former commanders of the Teutonic Order,  Henning von Clingenstain, is found murdered, he is beheaded, and a coin is stuck in his mouth. This mystery novel is based on the true case of Henning von Clingenstain, with liberties obviously taken where the written record falls short. 

Hargla has chosen to focus on the stories of those who live in the town of Tallinn, primarily the apothecary Melchior Wakenstede. We also get to see the stories of his wife Keterlyn, Magistrate Dorn, Mertin Tweffell, Kilian Rechpergerin, Burckhart Casendorpe, Prior Eckell, and Brother Wunbaldus. For a small town that is growing, it holds many secrets, including deadly ones. One murder turned into multiple dead bodies. It is up to Melchior to solve the murders and make sure the murderers are brought to justice. 

I will be honest. It took me a while to get used to this book as I am not familiar with this author or Estonian history and culture, which is a bit different than other medieval stories I have read, but I am glad I read it. Hargla showed his audience what life was like in medieval Estonia with a thrilling tale full of twists, turns, and secrets. If you want a medieval murder mystery but you want something different, I suggest you give “The Secret of Saint Olaf’s Church” by Indrek Hargla a try.

Book Review: “Thus with a Kiss I Die” by Christina Dodd

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We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet. Two crazy kids in love, whose families hated each other they decided to make the ultimate sacrifice and die for each other. One of the greatest tragic love stories of all time. But what if it didn’t end in tragedy? What if Romeo and Juliet had their happy ending and had a large family? In this version of Verona, Romeo and Juliet have a large family, and their eldest daughter Rosaline is the most beautiful, headstrong girl in all of Verona. Unfortunately, Rosaline (Rosie) has got herself in quite a mess with an unwanted prince fiancé, a ghost who only she can see, and a murder investigation. Can Rosie solve the case and figure out her love life before things go horribly wrong? This is the premise of the second book of the Daughter of Montague series by Christina Dodd called “Thus with a Kiss I Die.”

I would like to thank Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. While I have not read the first book in this series, I thought the idea of Romeo and Juliet surviving and having a family was such a fun concept. Sometimes you just need a book that is based on a historical work of fiction as a way to escape reality, and that’s okay.

We begin where the first book in the series, “A Daughter of Fair Verona,” left off. Rosie is waiting in a garden for her one true love, Lysander, but her plans are foiled when the Prince of Verona, Escalus, kisses Rosie. Now, she is engaged to a prince. She should be thrilled, but Rosie is trying to think of every possible way to get out of this arrangement. Meanwhile, Rosie and her family are invited to dinner with the Prince and his family, which includes his Nonna Ursula and his young sister, Princess Isabella. Escalus (known as Cal in his family) is an orphan prince. His father was killed by an unknown assassin, and his mother died in a convent while giving birth to Princess Isabella.

While exploring the palace, Rosie hears a voice and discovers that it belongs to the ghost of Prince Escalus the Elder, Cal’s father. He wants Rosie to figure out who killed him, which kicks off the mystery portion of this book. On top of all of this, Juliet is about to give birth. Rosie has her hands full while she is trying to figure out her love life and solve a murder mystery before she is murdered or married to the prince.

This was a fun read that is more modern than historical, with the dialogue. Sure, it’s set in 16th-century Verona with Romeo and Juliet as side characters, but you could place Rosie and Cal in a modern setting and it would work just as well. Overall, I found this an absolute joy and a great escape. If you want a historical fiction novel with a unique twist, a murder mystery, and a love triangle, I suggest you read “Thus with a Kiss I Die” by Christina Dodd.

Television Series Review: “Shardlake”

On By hmalagisiIn Television Series/Movie Reviews1 Comment

The year is 1536 and England is amid great religious change. King Henry VIII and his top advisor Thomas Cromwell wanted to close the top monasteries in the country so they initiated the dissolution of the monasteries. One such religious house is St. Donatus monastery in Scarnsea, so Cromwell sends one of his commissioners, Robin Singleton, to investigate the monastery and persuade the monks to leave their home. However, things do not go to plan and Singleton is brutally murdered. Now, Cromwell must rely on a lawyer named Matthew Shardlake and Jack Barak to solve the murder case and close the monastery once and for all. With a house full of secrets, suspicion, and monks fearful of the future, can Shardlake and Barak solve the case before they become the next victim?

This is the premise of the latest Tudor drama on Disney +, called Shardlake, based on the first book in the Matthew Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom, titled “Dissolution.” I remember falling in love with this book series when I first read it about four years ago and I did hope that one day, it would be turned into a television series because Sansom’s writing style was so vivid and his characters leaped off the pages. When it was first announced that Disney + was going to produce this show, it was exciting to know that it was finally going to be adapted for television, but it was also nerve-wracking because since it is one of my favorite Tudor book series, I was hoping that it would do the book justice.

I decided that before the show was due to release, I was going to reread “Dissolution” as I forgot the story and how it played out in the book. This was a joy as Sansom’s writing style is still vibrant and filled with many twists and turns. I was hoping that the show could capture the sense of excitement and danger and how he recreated the Tudor world that Sansom in his books for his readers, especially after it was announced that CJ Sansom passed away two days before the show premiered. I wanted the show to honor Sansom’s legacy and craft as a wonderful storyteller and extremely passionate about the Tudor dynasty.

As I have recently read “Dissolution” right before watching “Shardlake”, I feel like I cannot keep this review as spoiler-free as I would have liked, so this is your warning, I will be spoiling some things in the show and the book.

Before we dive into the story, we have to set out our cast of characters, starting with Matthew Shardlake, played brilliantly by Arthur Hughes. Hughes can present Shardlake in such a believable way that it feels like he jumped off the pages. We also have Jack Barak, the funny playboy who adds some light notes to the story, played by Anthony Boyle. I am not going to lie, I was shocked that they decided to replace Mark Poer with Jack Barak, but once I saw the interactions between Shardlake and Barak on set, it made sense. Wrapping up the main actors is Thomas Cromwell played masterfully by Sean Bean. When the casting was announced about Bean being Cromwell, it was hard to picture the historical figure, but when I saw him on the screen having his first scene with Shardlake about the relics, my doubts vanished. He does an excellent portrayal of Thomas Cromwell.

I must applaud the casting crew for creating such a diverse cast, just as diverse as the book that it is inspired by. Some of my standouts include Ruby Ashbourne Serkis as Alice, Irfan Shamji as Brother Guy, and Joe Barber as Simon Whelplay. Regarding the casting of Babou Ceesay as Abbot Fabian, I did not have a problem with it because I think he did a great job portraying a character in a fictional drama based on a historical fiction novel. The one character that I was a bit confused about was the inclusion of Norfolk played by Peter Firth, as he was not in the original story and didn’t add much to the story as a whole.

I think as a whole, the costumes did look relatively decent. However, a few, especially Dr. Goodhap’s outfit, looked synthetic and threw off the illusion of it being a Tudor period drama. I also wanted to see more head coverings for the male characters and for Alice, although the clothing colors were not as dark as I feared. I liked the addition of the relics, the parrot, and the manuscripts to add depth to the drama, and the use of candles instead of torches, always a major plus for history nerds when watching historical dramas.

One of my big issues was the monastery of St. Donatus itself. It has been reported that they filmed in Hungary, Romania, and Austria, primarily at Hunedoara Castle and Kruezenstein Castle. That is a big red flag for authenticity. They may be beautiful locations, but they were not an English monastery during the 16th century when monasteries were dissolved. You can tell that it was not filmed in England and it does take away from the illusion that is so important when it comes to historical dramas; you want to be transported to the location that the author had in mind, especially when Sansom included a map on the monastery in his book.

Now let’s address the elephant in the room, the story of the “Shardlake” series. For the most part, the Shardlake television series stays pretty close to the story, except for a few glaring exceptions. When they mentioned the holy relic went missing, they did not mention the beheaded bird on the altar, which is probably for the best because it is a rather disturbing image. We also have the scenes with Simon Whelplay, who is portrayed as a nervous youth who is constantly getting into trouble. His death plays out a little differently in the book, as he slips and falls in the bathhouse, whereas in the show, he plummets from a tower. In both cases, it is revealed that he was drugged with belladonna. I did feel a bit sad that they didn’t flesh out the relationship between Brother Guy and Shardlake as that was my favorite friendship in the book series. They could have easily had a scene where we could see the potential for their friendship to grow past the monastery.

The two major issues I had were inclusions to the plot of the story. I did not like the addition of Norfolk as a big-name villain for Shardlake because, in the book series, the major historical figures took a back seat to the original characters Sansom created. My biggest issue with this show was Barak’s character arc. At first, I thought it was an odd choice to include him over Mark Poer in the series, but then they decided to combine character traits, like Barak falling for Alice which felt so wrong, luckily he does not run away with her. And then Barak randomly killed Goodhap and got away with it. He admitted to Shardlake that he killed Goodhap and it felt like Shardlake ignored the entire issue, which feels completely off for Shardlake. If they do make another season and they have the actors playing Shardlake and Barak back, it is just going to feel a bit awkward between them.

Overall, I thought the “Shardlake” series was a decent adaptation of the Matthew Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom, but the books will always be superior. If you want to jump into the Tudor world with a murder mystery filled with twists and turns, you should check out “Shardlake” on Disney +, and if you want to read the book series, check out the Matthew Shardlake series by CJ Sansom.

What are your opinions about the “Shardlake” series on Disney + and what is your favorite book written by CJ Sansom?

If you are curious about my views about the Matthew Shardlake book series by CJ Sansom, you can find my review here: https://adventuresofatudornerd.com/2020/09/27/book-series-review-the-matthew-shardlake-series-by-c-j-sansom/

Sources for Images and Cast Information:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27390563/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/shardlake

Book Review: “The Colour of Sin” by Toni Mount

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The Colour of SinThe year is 1480 and King Edward IV sits firmly on the throne, yet the Lancasterian threat lurks in the shadow. Things have taken a drastic turn for Sebastian Foxley’s workshop and his family. It has been months since a fire destroyed the Foxley home and workshop, which also left his brother Jude injured. Seb has decided now would be the perfect time to go on a pilgrimage to Canterbury to pray at the shrine of St Thomas Becket. The pilgrimage had its perils on paper before even setting out on the road. What terrors await Seb and his monty crew of pilgrims and can they survive the trip? Toni Mount’s twelfth Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder, “The Colour of Sin,” takes our hero on a journey beyond the streets of his beloved London into a wider world full of intrigue.

I would like to thank Toni Mount for sending me a copy of her latest novel. I have enjoyed the previous Sebastian Foxley novels that I have read, so when I heard about the latest novel, I knew I wanted to read it, even though I did not read the novel, “The Colour of Bone” before jumping into this one.

Mount begins her latest Foxley mystery in the middle of October 1480. The Foxley home is being rebuilt while Seb and Jude are not on cordial terms after the accident a few months ago. Seb has decided that now would be the appropriate time to do the one thing that he promised God he would do if Jude was able to recover; to go on a pilgrimage to Canterbury and pray for Jude at the shrine of St Thomas Becket. When Seb’s beloved Rose finds out about his scheme, she accompanies her husband and their two young children, Dickon and Julia. It was going to be a simple family pilgrimage, until Father Christian, known as Kit, tags along and helps with the children.

Like every good pilgrimage, you need a group of people to make it a success, so Seb, Rose, and Kit are joined by the guide Tanner, the Warenne twins Troilus and Tristan, and Mother Thorogood and her black cat. Seb thought that this pilgrimage would be sort of a vacation and would go as smoothly as it is written in his book. However, the journey is more treacherous than what Seb had planned as there are natural disasters, rogues, kidnappings, and plenty of plots. Even on the road, Sebastian Foxley must battle intrigue and murder plots while dealing with family drama and keeping the ones he cares for alive far from home.

This was yet another fun and intriguing medieval murder mystery that follows Sebastian Foxley and his ever-expanding household. There were so many different story strings, but Mount tied them up neatly in a bow with a dose of political intrigue, religious piety, and drama filled with love and anger. I found this a pleasurable read and I look forward to the next novel in this series. If you are a fan of the Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder Mystery series, I would suggest you read the latest installment, “The Colour of Sin” by Toni Mount.

Guest Post: “Excerpt from ‘Twelve Nights’ by Penny Ingham”

On By hmalagisiIn guest post1 Comment

Twelve Nights Tour BannerToday, I am pleased to welcome Penny Ingham to my blog to share an excerpt from her novel, “Twelve Nights.” I would like to thank The Coffee Pot Book Club and Penny Ingham for allowing me to be part of this blog tour.

Excerpt

‘Poison,’ Stow mused. ‘A woman’s weapon, is it not?’ He turned, fixing his piggy eyes upon Magdalen. “Tell me, why did you poison John Wood?’

Magdalen felt suddenly ice-cold as if she had plunged into the Thames in January as if every last gasp of air had been driven from her lungs. All around her, the players erupted in cries of outraged indignation.

‘I – I did not poison John!’ Magdalen stammered. ‘He is – he was, like a brother to me.’

‘You knew him well?’

‘Well enough, sir.’

‘You were intimately acquainted?’

‘No! I swear on my life!’

But the constable had a bit between his teeth. ‘Was it a lover’s quarrel? Did he spurn you for another? What do they say? Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.’

Magdalen was sinking deeper into the icy water, the glimmers of daylight above her head becoming fainter as she drifted down into the darkness. The players’ protests were growing louder and angrier by the minute but they sounded very far away. The constable banged the tip of his staff upon the boards, once, twice, three times, dragging her back to the surface of her unfolding nightmare.

‘I will have silence!’ Edmund Stow bellowed. ‘Tell me, Mistress Bisset, as his sister then, who were his enemies? Who bore him a grudge?’

Magdalen thought of Richard Cowley’s brawl with John earlier that day, the hatred in his eyes. Did he hate John enough to kill him? But she had no proof, and she knew she would never forgive herself if she falsely accused him. ‘Everyone liked John, sir. He didn’t have any enemies.’

‘Everyone has enemies,’ Stow replied. ‘You came to London from Hampshire, did you not?’ he added, eyeing her appraisingly. ‘You were raised on a farm. You understand plants, which will heal, and which will harm?’

Magdalen dug her fingernails into her palms, focussing on the pain rather than the panic threatening to overwhelm her. ‘I left Hampshire when I was eight years old. I have no knowledge of such things, sir.’

‘Don’t lie to me.’

‘I swear I am innocent, sir.’

‘Believe me, girl, the truth will be out.’ Edmund Stow glared at her for a long moment, perhaps hoping he might see into her very soul. She found herself staring back at him, held fast by his malevolent spell. When at last he released her from his gaze, her legs felt as wobbly as marrow jelly.

Stow’s eyes were sweeping across the stage, seeking a new target. They settled on Burbage and narrowed, taking aim. ‘It seems most likely John Wood was poisoned here at the Theatre.’

‘That is an outrageous accusation!’ Burbage shot back indignantly. ‘You cannot seriously believe one of us killed John?’

‘I believe whatever the evidence suggests, Master Burbage,’ Stow replied haughtily. ‘Tell me, what refreshments do you provide for the players?’

‘We have a pitcher of Malmsey in the ‘tiring house, and one cup.’ Burbage was visibly fighting to remain calm. ‘Before every performance, we share the cup and raise a toast. If someone had poisoned the wine, we would all be dead.’

‘Bring me the pitcher and the cup.’

Burbage glanced at Magdalen, but Stow shook his head. ‘No. She stays here. Send the boy.’

Peter soon returned with the pitcher and cup. Stow sniffed them both cautiously. ‘You have all drunk from this cup?’

The players nodded.

‘But you gave John a second drink, after the play had begun, didn’t you, Magdalen,’ Peter said brightly.

Stow’s beady eyes fixed upon Magdalen again. ‘Is this true?’

Magdalen opened her mouth but no words formed. Peter was right. She had offered John another drink, but only because he had looked so unwell. Will Kempe glared at Peter and rolled his eyes in disgust. Several other players shook their heads despairingly. Peter, suddenly comprehending the gravity of his careless words, fought back tears.

‘So, you do not deny giving the player another drink, Mistress Bisset?’ There was a gleam of triumph in the constable’s eye.

Twelve Nights coverBlurb:

1592. The Theatre, London.

When a player is murdered, suspicion falls on the wardrobe mistress, Magdalen Bisset, because everyone knows poison is a woman’s weapon. The coroner is convinced of her guilt. The scandal-pamphlets demonize her.

Magdalen is innocent, although few are willing to help her prove it. Only handsome Matthew Hilliard offers his assistance, but dare she trust him when nothing about him rings true?

With just two weeks until the inquest, Magdalen ignores anonymous threats to ‘leave it be’, and delves into the dangerous underworld of a city seething with religious and racial tension. As time runs out, she must risk everything in her search for the true killer – for all other roads lead to the gallows.

Buy Links:

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bpYRlk

Penny Ingham 2Author Bio:

Penny has a degree in Classics, and a passion for archaeology – during the summer months, you will often find her on her ‘dig’ with a trowel in her hand. She has had a variety of jobs over the years, including ice cream seller, theatre PR, BBC local radio, and TV critic for a British Forces newspaper.

She has written four novels – ‘The King’s Daughter’ is the story of Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians. ‘The Saxon Wolves’ and ‘The Saxon Plague’ are set in the turbulent aftermath of Roman Britain. Her inspiration for Twelve Nights grew from her love of the theatre in general, and Shakespeare in particular.

Penny has two grown-up children and lives with her husband in Hampshire.

Author Links:

Website: Penny Ingham (wordpress.com)

Twitter: Penny Ingham (@pennyingham) / Twitter

Facebook: Penny Ingham Author Page | Facebook

Instagram: Penny Ingham (@penny.ingham) • Instagram photos and videos

Amazon Author Page: Amazon.co.uk: Penny Ingham: Books, Biography, Blogs, Audiobooks, Kindle

Goodreads: Penny Ingham (Author of The Saxon Wolves) | Goodreads

Guest Post: Excerpt from “The Conjuror’s Apprentice” by G.J. Williams

On By hmalagisiIn guest post1 Comment

The Conjuror’s ApprenticeI am pleased to welcome G.J. Williams to my blog today to share an excerpt from her latest novel, “The Conjuror’s Apprentice.” I want to thank G.J. Williams and The Coffee Pot Book Club for allowing me to be part of this blog tour. 

John Dee stared at the letter, then at Cecil. ‘The letter must have been penned by someone who has sight of this household – and the same person who planted the letter on Jonas.’

The master of the house nodded and put his head in his hands, propelling Mildred to cross the room and put her hand on his shoulder. He glanced up and patted her fingers. ‘Are you quite sure what you read, my dear?’

‘Yes. You heard the words yourself. The letter is to someone who wants testimony of your movements. The scrivener speaks of your visits to Lady Elizabeth. Each one is listed. They even know you are due to visit her again this week.’ Her lips pinched together in anxiety. ‘They state that you hide a book of Elizabeth’s treachery to protect her.’ Mildred looked at John Dee. ‘Why would they make up such stories of us?’

But next to her, Cecil did not move. He kept staring at the wood of his desk, his brow crinkled in thought. A slight flush spread across his cheeks.

Margaretta shifted in her seat, the feelings rising inside her. Dread. Something you’ve done. A secret. You imagine being arrested. You are hiding something. She leaned forward, touched John Dee’s sleeve, and whispered, ‘Mae e’n cuddio rhywbeth.’ He hides something.

Cecil’s eyes darted to her. ‘I do not speak my forefathers’ tongue with ease. What did you say?’

Thank the Lord John Dee stepped in. ‘She says she must away to the kitchen and her chores soon.’ He leaned forward and dropped his voice to a cajoling purr. ‘Is there anything you have secreted, my friend? Better we know.’

Cecil sat up straight and cleared his throat. His wife’s fingers tightened on his shoulder as she looked down, beginning to frown. Her husband looked at the window as if searching for the right words. ‘I…I…hold a book belonging to the Lady Elizabeth. Nothing treasonous. Just her thoughts.’ He swallowed and looked to Dee, a faint beseeching in his eyes.

The room was silent.

Panic. Confusion. It is you, Lady Mildred. Anger.

John Dee leaned forward again, keeping the low, calm voice. ‘Where is this book?’

‘Mildred’s library. Well hidden among the religious texts.’ At this, Lady Cecil gave a short, sharp cry and snatched her hand away from her husband. She walked to the window and put her hands on the glass. They could see her kirtle move with her fearful breathing. Then she turned and faced him, her face pale and fixed in fury. ‘You brought secrets here and put us all in danger? Have your senses left you, husband?’ Her voice was slow and cold.

In an instant, he was on his feet, rebutting her challenge with indignation. ‘No, Mildred. I was showing loyalty to a fragile girl wracked with fears. She is under constant suspicion.

So, when she was summoned to court to attend her sister’s birthing, she dared not take it with her nor leave it behind. I am the only one she trusts. What could I do? Abandon her?’

‘And what is in this book, William?’ asked Dee.

‘Her thoughts on regency. She speaks of a fair rule; of religious tolerance rather than the burning we live with today; of making this land great again and not a puppet of Spain.’

Cecil dropped his head forward, and his voice fell to a murmur. ‘She speaks of a golden age in which men thrive, not fear life.’

Dee sighed. ‘So, she speaks of being queen.’ He waited until Cecil nodded. ‘So, with Mary expecting her own son to succeed her, it is a tome of treason.’ He gave a small laugh. ‘Making my conjuring look pale in comparison.’

Cecil bristled. ‘No. It is a volume of hope. The only treason lies with those who would put a Spanish prince as our ruler.’

He gave a low growl. ‘For the love of God, they circle court like hawks awaiting the death of Mary and her babe so they can grasp power while England mourns.’

John Dee opened his palms in question. ‘Mary herself made Philip King of England. Not a prince. Not her consort. A king.’

Cecil wheeled round. ‘Elizabeth is the rightful heir to the throne. Not a Spanish puppet of the Catholic Pope. A woman of true faith…Protestantism.’

‘So, if Elizabeth aspires to be queen, she is the single threat to the supporters of Philip.’ John Dee pointed an accusing finger. ‘And that book sets out her ambition.’ He paused. ‘That book will take her to the Tower and her death for treason… and someone in your household knows of it. They also know your involvement.’

From the window, Lady Cecil spoke. ‘And her treasonous book is in this house. And somebody knows it.’ She turned to look through the glass onto the bustling street below. ‘May God save us.’

9781915194190Blurb

Born with the ability to hear thoughts and feelings when there is no sound, Margaretta Morgan’s strange gift sees her apprenticed to Doctor John Dee, a mathematician, astronomer, and alchemist. Using her secret link with the hidden side and her master’s brilliance, Margaretta faces her first murder mystery. Margaretta and Dee must uncover the evil bound to unravel the court of Bloody Mary. 

The year is 1555. This is a time ruled by fear. What secrets await to be pulled from the water?

The Conjuror’s Apprentice takes real people and true events in 1555, into which G J Williams weaves a tale of murder and intrigue. Appealing to readers of crime and well-researched historical fiction alike, this is the first in a series which will follow the life, times, plots, and murders of the Tudor Court.

Trigger Warnings:

Descriptions of bodies and the injuries that brought about their death. 

Threat of torture; description of man who has been tortured.

Buy Links

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conjurors-Apprentice-G-J-Williams/dp/1915194199

Waterstones

https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-conjurors-apprentice/g-j-williams/9781915194190

RedDoor

https://www.reddoorpress.co.uk/products/the-conjurors-apprentice?_pos=1&_sid=30c68d694&_ss=r

Gwenllian Author photoAuthor Bio 

After a career as a business psychologist for city firms, G.J. Williams has returned to her first passion – writing tales of murder, mystery, and intrigue. Her psychology background, melded with a love of medieval history, draws her to the twists and turns of the human mind, subconscious powers, and the dark side of people who want too much. 

She lives between Somerset and London in the UK and is regularly found writing on a train next to a grumpy cat and a bucket of tea.

 

Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/gjwilliams92

Book Review: “Of Blood Descended” by Steven Veerapen

On By hmalagisiIn Book ReviewsLeave a comment

60293344._SY475_The year is 1522, and London is in a jovial mood. King Henry VIII and his wife Catherine of Aragon are to play host to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V as he visits England. As one of King Henry VIII’s most loyal advisors, Cardinal Wolsey had the great honor of hosting a grand masque featuring King Arthur and the Black Knight for the distinguished company. Unfortunately, as preparations for the luxurious masque are in full swing, Wolsey’s historian is horrifically murdered. The only one who can solve the case is Anthony Blanke, the son of John Blanke, the trumpeter before the masque is ruined, and Henry VIII discovers the truth. The story of this case is told in Steven Veerapen’s latest novel, “Of Blood Descended.”

I want to thank Steven Veerapen for sending me a copy of his latest novel. I am always in the mood for a good Tudor mystery, and when I heard that the main character was the son of John Blanke, I was intrigued to see how Veerapen would portray his story.

Veerapen begins this novel by introducing Pietro Gonzaga, Cardinal Wolsey’s historian, and his family as Gonzaga is on the cusp of revolutionary discovery. We then cut to Anthony Blanke returning to London after his father, John Blanke’s death. He is reluctant to go back to court and all of its intrigues, but it is necessary as Cardinal Wolsey himself summoned him. Wolsey is hosting a grand masque in honor of King Henry VIII and the Imperial Emperor Charles V; the theme is King Arthur and the Black Knight, and he has decided to cast Anthony as the titular Black Knight.

Progress with the masque goes smoothly until someone discovers Signor Gonzaga’s body after being brutally slain. Gonzaga’s murder sets the stage for a whirlwind chase to find the murderer, but the monster leaves a trail of blood behind him, and no one is safe. The action, intrigue, and mysteries will keep you guessing until the final pages to figure out who the mastermind was behind it all.

I loved the mystery behind the murder and how Veerapen was able to weave the Arthurian legends and prophecies with the story of the Tudors. I enjoyed the cameos from Thomas Boleyn and Anne Boleyn, but my favorite cameo was Henry VIII’s historian Polydore Vergil, who does not appear that often in Tudor historical fiction. I thought Anthony was such a fascinating protagonist as he gave a different perspective on the diversity of London life. Even though characters like Anthony Blanke, Sister Jane, Mark Byfield, and Harry Gainsford are entirely fictional characters, they feel like they would fit exceptionally well in the Tudor world.

I thoroughly enjoyed every twist and turn that Veerapen included in this novel. I hope to see more stories with Anthony, Jane, Mark, and Harry. If you enjoy Tudor murder mysteries, you will be enthralled with “Of Blood Descended” by Steven Veerapen.

Book Review: “The Finder of Lost Things” by Kathy Lynn Emerson

On By hmalagisiIn Book ReviewsLeave a comment

55583378._SY475_Blanche Wainfleet, a merchant’s wife living in England in 1590, has a reputation for finding items that others have deemed lost. Blanche has a gift for finding mementos important to others, from lost handkerchiefs to pets. However, there is one thing that she is searching for that will prove her greatest challenge yet, finding the truth about her sister’s murder. Blanche’s sister Alison fell in love with a Catholic man and converted to the Catholic faith when there was a war between Catholicism and Protestantism. To uncover the truth, Blanche must infiltrate the Otley family who took Alison in during her final days, but will she discover the truth and come out of the ordeal alive? This is the premise of Kathy Lynn Emerson’s latest novel, “The Finder of Lost Things.”

I want to thank Kathy Lynn Emerson for sending me a copy of this novel. I am always looking for new authors to follow in Tudor historical fiction, so when I heard about this novel, I decided to give it a chance.

We first meet Blanche Wainfleet as she is imprisoned at Colchester Castle for reading an illegal book about Catholicism. She is thrown into the same cell as Lady Otley and other devout Catholics arrested for illegally hearing mass. This is all part of an elaborate ruse to infiltrate the Otley family and gain their favor to unearth the truth about Alison. When a royal pardon is passed for all women prisoners, Blanche convinces Lady Otley to allow her to take Alison’s spot in her household. Blanche realizes that her prison cell is safer than living with this family in the Otley household.

I like how Emerson captured the divide between Catholicism and Protestantism during this time. She shows how Catholic priests and those dedicated to Catholicism were in fear for their lives for practicing their faith. To see how she described priest holes was also very good.

I did have a few issues with this title. There were points where I was not sure if I was reading a Tudor novel or something from the late 16th-early 17th century; I wish she would have added more Tudor elements that would have been familiar to readers. Another aspect that I was not comfortable reading was the element of exorcisms with this story. I know that there were incidents where exorcisms happened during the medieval and Tudor times, but Emerson’s description bothered me quite a bit.

Overall, I thought this was a decent novel. I liked the characters, especially the brave and determined Blanche and Kit, her loving husband. I wanted to see more interactions between those two, but maybe she will include this couple in a future novel. If you want a murder mystery novel that shows the Catholic underground during the late reign of Elizabeth I, I would recommend” The Finder of Lost Things” by Kathy Lynn Emerson.