The Nightingale Gallery

Edward III has died; John of Gaunt is regent and his 10 year old nephew is to be king.  Thomas Springwell thinks that now he will be able to control the realm because of his wealth.

Brother Athelstan serves as recorder and scrivener for the coroner, of London, Sir John Cranston.  They are called upon because Springwell as been murdered by one of his servants.  John of Gaunt feels that the death is a threat to his regency.

Athelstan and Cranston question the members of Springwell's household.  Athelstan comes away feeling something is amiss.  The following day a member of the aforementioned household is found hanging under London Bridge.  The sheriff is sure it is a suicide.

Later, both Athelstan and Cranston come to the conclusion that neither suicide was a suicide, but rather murder.  They now need to gather the evidence to prove it.  A few days later another member of the household is dead.  It is surely another murder.  Later in the day, the two are attacked, unsuccessfully, by a pair of footpads.  Obviously someone wants them to stop their investigation.  But the investigation will not be stopped, and the truth is presented to the remaining members of the household in front of the young king and John of Gaunt.

Author Paul Doherty has presented an excellent historical murder mystery, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  The surprise ending was a good way to conclude it, too.