The Lancelot Murders

Merlin has been summoned to Arthur's rooms.  There he is informed that Guenevere has dissolved her marriage to Arthur and married Lancelot.  Britomart receives intelligence that Guenevere and Lancelot are trying to forge an alliance with Emperor Justinian.  Arthur orders their arrest and the bringing of them to Camelot from Corfe.

An attempt is made on Arthur's life.  It was dark, and the villain was not seen.  In order to frustrate Guenevere's scheme, Arthur agrees to a celebration of her birthday, inviting heads of state from across Europe.  Merlin feels that this will help boost England in the eyes of other states in Europe.

Two of Merlin's ravens are murdered one night and a bloody knife with black feathers is found in Arthur's bed when he goes to get into it.  Is this a warning to Merlin, or Arthur, or both?

While in Corfe, an arrow just misses Arthur.  Lancelot fired it, but claims he had been jostled.  He is put in the dungeon anyways.  Guenevere imperiously demands his release.  Later, although well guarded, Lancelot is found over the body of Guenevere's father.

As Merlin and Arthur begin the investigation into the murder, Merlin wonders how Lancelot got the knife he used to commit the murder.  What role has international politics played in the murder?  Many questions are unanswered.

Lancelot escapes custody just before the final banquet.  During the banquet the Byzantine delegate is found murdered.  Merlin decides he needs to travel to France to find answers before the trial of Lancelot begins.  Will it be enough before more deaths occur?

In this sequel to The Excalibur Murders, author J. M. C. Blair has written an excellent mystery set in the time of King Arthur.  Merlin provides the reader with plenty of hints about who the villain might be, but it isn't right up until the last moment the reader finds out.