The Straw Men

Athelstan’s mass has been interrupted by the arrival of the coroner of London, John Cranston.  Cranston, after the mass is completed takes Athelstan into London where his presence has been requested to serve as a negotiator.  Ten Upright Men are surrounded inside a tavern, and threaten to kill their hostages.

Moments after Athelstan enters the tavern, soldiers attack, killing The Upright Men.  Athelstan is very angry at the leader of the soldiers, Thibault for doing this.  He immediately departs for his parish, St. Erconwald.

The following day, Cranston informs Athelstan that the Regent, John Gaunt, has requested their attendance at a performance of his mummers, the Straw Men, at the White Tower.  Shortly after the play has finished, two men in the crowd are assassinated by a cross bow.  In addition, two decapitated heads are suddenly discovered on the stage.  Panic ensues.  Later, it appears that one of the Straw Men was the assassin, but he is now dead.  Gaunt wants Athelstan and Cranston to investigate the incident.

Athelstan quickly determines that the dead Straw Man was not the assassin.  However, he is going to need further evidence.  The following morning an attempt is made on the life of Athelstan.  A short time later the body of another Straw Man is found locked in his room.

It doesn’t take long for Athelstan to realise that this is the work of the Upright Men.  Just as he is sure that Gaunt has spies in their camp, he is also sure that their spies are in Gaunt’s camp.  But, who are the spies?

Author Paul Doherty has produced another very good murder mystery, which has plenty of deaths for Athelstan to investigate, but also treachery within his own parish that he has to deal with.  Another enjoyable read.