The Herald of Hell

May, 1381 and tensions are building in England.  Fourteen year old Richard II is the king, under the regency of his uncle, John of Gaunt.

At his church in St. Erconwald, Athelstan is watching a rehearsal of a midsummer play, when Sir John Cranston’s messenger, Tiptoft approached telling him that his presence is requested at the Gokden Oliphant.  Upon arrival there, he finds turmoil, which could turn into one of the young women being lynched.  Fortunately, Athelstan is able to prevent that from happening.

Further investigation reveals that a man has been hung inside the brothel.  The victim had worked for Thibault, one of Gaunt’s men.  Thibault presents Athelstan with a note the victim had written.  It states that he had heard the Herald of Hell outside his house, so rather than wait for death, he would die of his own choosing.

Thibault tells them that the victim was carrying a secret manuscript.  He has been unable to find it.  However, Athelstan knows where it might be hidden, and does find it.  Thibault wants Athelstan to translate the secret document.  He thinks that it contains plans for the upcoming rebellion.  Athelstan suspects murder rather than suicide.  On the other hand, how could it be murder?  The room was locked on the inside and the window was sealed.

Later, Athelstan receives a warning that there is someone amongst the Upright Men, who is going to approach the young king and kill him.  Cranston is also made aware of this situation.  Why has Gaunt headed to the Scottish Marches at this unstable time?

It is going to take Athelstan some time to get to the crutch of the matter.  How many will die before he solves the killing?  Author Paul Doherty has written a tangled tale of murder, conspiracy and death, which build up to the peasants’ march on London.  A very good read full of tension.  How will those under threat survive?  I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see if the answers reside there.