It is the weekend and Detective Superintendent Roy Grace has been called
out to a chicken farm where a body has been found. He takes along his
Sergeant Glenn Branson. Identification of the body is going to be
difficult because it is missing its head and limbs. Why had this been
done to the victim?
The following morning, Cleo, Grace's pregnant
fiancé, discovers her car has been vandalised and a threat made to her
baby. At the same time, Grace has been brought in to headquarters. He
is tasked with protecting a famous actress, Gaia Lafayette, who is going
to be shooting a movie in Brighton. As an aside, Grace is told that
Amis Smallbone has been released from prison. He had threatened Grace
after Grace was responsible for sending him to prison.
Later more
body parts are discovered in a rural lake. This time there is no
torso, nor head. The pathologist feels that the limbs might have been
frozen. Despite the missing head, DNA analysis and a missing persons
report allows the team to identify the victim. It turns out that the
victim is obsessed with all things Gaia.
Once again, author Peter
James has written an intensely, gripping murder mystery full of
surprises. It is a real page turner, hard to put down.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Monday, January 25, 2016
The King's Hounds
Halfdan, a dispossessed Saxon is in the right spot at the right time to
save Winston from robbers. Winston is an illuminator on his way to
Oxford to paint a picture of Cnut for his first wife, Aelfgifu. They
team up, agreeing that Halfdan would work for Winston for food and four
pennies per month. Upon reaching Oxford, they find an inn in which to
live.
The pair are surprised when the owner of the tavern, Alfilda, tells them that Cnut has called a witan to meet in Oxford. When the pair go to meet Aelfgifu, they rather end up meeting Cnut. While talking with Cnut, a noblewoman bursts into the room accusing Cnut of murdering her husband. Cnut tasks the pair with investigating the murder.
As Winston and Halfdan begin their investigation they come up with several different potential suspects. Later as Halfdan does some investigation of his own, he is attacked and has to kill his attacker. Why was he attacked?
Halfdan discovers the victim's sister and learns that she is now without the income that he had provided her. That brings into question the possible motives of the victim's wife and brother. Then the body of the first victim's bodyguard is found with his throat slashed.
Danger ensues for the two investigators as they pursue their objective, not just from people who might want them to stay quiet, but also the king's wrath because they are unable to solve the murder.
Author Martin Jensen has written an intriguing, fast paced murder mystery set in long ago England. A good, enjoyable, quick read.
The pair are surprised when the owner of the tavern, Alfilda, tells them that Cnut has called a witan to meet in Oxford. When the pair go to meet Aelfgifu, they rather end up meeting Cnut. While talking with Cnut, a noblewoman bursts into the room accusing Cnut of murdering her husband. Cnut tasks the pair with investigating the murder.
As Winston and Halfdan begin their investigation they come up with several different potential suspects. Later as Halfdan does some investigation of his own, he is attacked and has to kill his attacker. Why was he attacked?
Halfdan discovers the victim's sister and learns that she is now without the income that he had provided her. That brings into question the possible motives of the victim's wife and brother. Then the body of the first victim's bodyguard is found with his throat slashed.
Danger ensues for the two investigators as they pursue their objective, not just from people who might want them to stay quiet, but also the king's wrath because they are unable to solve the murder.
Author Martin Jensen has written an intriguing, fast paced murder mystery set in long ago England. A good, enjoyable, quick read.
Saturday, January 23, 2016
The Lost Boy
Erica Hedstrom and her sister Anna survived the crash they were involved
in, however Anna lost her baby while Erica's twin boys survived the
Caesarian section following the accident. Anna is experiencing
depression, shutting out her husband Dan. Erica's husband, Patrik had
been rushed to the hospital just before the sister's automobile accident
with an apparent heart attack. He is slowly returning to work.
A short time after returning to his police duties, Patrik is called out to the scene of a murder. A man has been shot in the back of the head in his flat. As the investigation progresses, the more of a mystery the victim becomes. Could the finding of some cocaine by three seven year old boys in a litter bin outside the home of the victim lead to a break in the case?
With the new evidence in place, author Camilla Lackberg picks up the pace in this murder mystery. New twists are thrown into the plot leading to a surprising conclusion. I was completely engrossed in this book, unable to put it down. Lackberg is a top notch mystery writer.
A short time after returning to his police duties, Patrik is called out to the scene of a murder. A man has been shot in the back of the head in his flat. As the investigation progresses, the more of a mystery the victim becomes. Could the finding of some cocaine by three seven year old boys in a litter bin outside the home of the victim lead to a break in the case?
With the new evidence in place, author Camilla Lackberg picks up the pace in this murder mystery. New twists are thrown into the plot leading to a surprising conclusion. I was completely engrossed in this book, unable to put it down. Lackberg is a top notch mystery writer.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Blood of the South
Lassair is in Cambridge when a brouhaha breaks out at the quayside. She
is called upon to help a lady and her infant. There seems to be a
mystery surrounding the pair. She claims to have kin in The Fens.
Later that day evening, Lassair's two mentors, Gurdyman and Hrype, start to teach her how to use a glass ball in a vision quest. The following day Lassair is asked to look at the child because the wet nurse feels that it is sad. Together with Jack Chevestrier, the sheriff's deputy, the decision is made to take the lady and her child to Lassair's village.
Meanwhile, Lassair's part-time lover, Rollo, is busy on an errand for King William Rufus in Constantinople.
When a storm surge hits The Fens, Lassair and Jack are tasked with finding out the identity of a woman who died during the storm. Lassair has a few visions during the search, but are they relevant? Will the stone reveal the identity of the dead woman?
Author Alys Clare spins a good tale full of mystery and folk lore. A good, quick read.
Later that day evening, Lassair's two mentors, Gurdyman and Hrype, start to teach her how to use a glass ball in a vision quest. The following day Lassair is asked to look at the child because the wet nurse feels that it is sad. Together with Jack Chevestrier, the sheriff's deputy, the decision is made to take the lady and her child to Lassair's village.
Meanwhile, Lassair's part-time lover, Rollo, is busy on an errand for King William Rufus in Constantinople.
When a storm surge hits The Fens, Lassair and Jack are tasked with finding out the identity of a woman who died during the storm. Lassair has a few visions during the search, but are they relevant? Will the stone reveal the identity of the dead woman?
Author Alys Clare spins a good tale full of mystery and folk lore. A good, quick read.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Crusade
Abbot William of Malmesbury has gone into northern England in search of
Prince Edgar so that he might record the man's story. He is met and
guided by Owain Rheged who seems to have an interesting story, too.
Edgar's story starts with the fall of England to William. Edgar has been forced to retreat to the safety of Scotland under the care of Malcolm. It isn't long before William threatens Scotland. Malcolm is forced to accept Hadrian's Wall as the border between the two countries. Edgar puts himself in the hands of William and goes to Normandy where he meets William's son, Robert. He and Robert become good friends. Later Robert humiliates William in battle, and becomes the new Duke of Normandy.
Having helped Robert secure his good standing, Edgar and his brothers in arms, Edwin, Sweyn, and Adela head to Italy. They enjoy their time in Italy, however Sweyn falls in love with a Muslim girl. They elope, angering her father. He sends assassins to kill her. Sweyn demands retribution. When the group returns to Normandy, they find William in poor health. With his death, things change in the area.
William Rufus is now King of England. Malcolm tries to take advantage of this and raids into northern England. William sets up an ambush where Malcolm and his son Edward are killed. Back in Normandy, William's brother, Robert prepares to go on crusade to the Holy Land. To finance it he sells a portion of his dukedom to William.
In Constantinople Edgar's small group meet Hereward, long thought to be dead. It is a joyous reunion before moving on to Jerusalem. The trek to Jerusalem will be filled with despair, shame, death and surprise, as will their return to Europe.
Author Stewart Binns has told a great story of the time of the first crusade; the harshness of life and the brutal of war. An immensely good read for fans of historical fiction.
Edgar's story starts with the fall of England to William. Edgar has been forced to retreat to the safety of Scotland under the care of Malcolm. It isn't long before William threatens Scotland. Malcolm is forced to accept Hadrian's Wall as the border between the two countries. Edgar puts himself in the hands of William and goes to Normandy where he meets William's son, Robert. He and Robert become good friends. Later Robert humiliates William in battle, and becomes the new Duke of Normandy.
Having helped Robert secure his good standing, Edgar and his brothers in arms, Edwin, Sweyn, and Adela head to Italy. They enjoy their time in Italy, however Sweyn falls in love with a Muslim girl. They elope, angering her father. He sends assassins to kill her. Sweyn demands retribution. When the group returns to Normandy, they find William in poor health. With his death, things change in the area.
William Rufus is now King of England. Malcolm tries to take advantage of this and raids into northern England. William sets up an ambush where Malcolm and his son Edward are killed. Back in Normandy, William's brother, Robert prepares to go on crusade to the Holy Land. To finance it he sells a portion of his dukedom to William.
In Constantinople Edgar's small group meet Hereward, long thought to be dead. It is a joyous reunion before moving on to Jerusalem. The trek to Jerusalem will be filled with despair, shame, death and surprise, as will their return to Europe.
Author Stewart Binns has told a great story of the time of the first crusade; the harshness of life and the brutal of war. An immensely good read for fans of historical fiction.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Tread Softly On My Dreams
Robert Emmet was born March 24, 1778 in Dublin. Would he survive or
would he die young like many of his siblings, gone before him?
Fortunately Robert would survive and become a quiet lad. He keeps his
thoughts hidden, but he quite agrees with the ideas of Wolfe Tone, that
the Protestants and Catholics need to unite to put Irish grievances
forward to London.
Later his older brother, Thomas, is arrested for being part of a group, known as United Irishmen, wanting autonomy for the Irish. Shortly after that, Robert was expelled from Trinity because he refused to swear allegiance to George III. Martial law was also declared in Ireland. Shortly afterwards, the leader of the group, Lord Fitzgerald was arrested and jailed. Will the fight go out of the Irish now?
Fitzgerald's death in 1798 led to open and widespread rebellion. The British sent in the army to quell the rebellion, and quell it they did, leaving over 30 000 dead. A short time later, Wolfe Tone was captured. Following a court martial, he committed suicide. Having been named as a member of the United Irishmen, Robert must now go into exile.
Later an amnesty is granted to those in exile and Robert is able to return. Although the fires have been suppressed, they still smoulder. Robert begins to scheme and organise. He sets himself up in a house as Mr. Ellis and engages Anne devil to be his housekeeper. Robert sets about getting all of Ireland onside for his planned rebellion.
At the last minute the plans go awry. Had somebody sabotaged them? Was there a spy in their midst? Brutality ensues as the authorities impose martial law. Rewards are offered for the main conspirators. Before long many of the conspirators are in custody, including Robert Emmet.
Author Gretta Curran Browne has been brutally descriptive in her recounting of the life, times and death of the Irish rebels and their English overlords of this time. An excellent read for fans of historical fiction.
Later his older brother, Thomas, is arrested for being part of a group, known as United Irishmen, wanting autonomy for the Irish. Shortly after that, Robert was expelled from Trinity because he refused to swear allegiance to George III. Martial law was also declared in Ireland. Shortly afterwards, the leader of the group, Lord Fitzgerald was arrested and jailed. Will the fight go out of the Irish now?
Fitzgerald's death in 1798 led to open and widespread rebellion. The British sent in the army to quell the rebellion, and quell it they did, leaving over 30 000 dead. A short time later, Wolfe Tone was captured. Following a court martial, he committed suicide. Having been named as a member of the United Irishmen, Robert must now go into exile.
Later an amnesty is granted to those in exile and Robert is able to return. Although the fires have been suppressed, they still smoulder. Robert begins to scheme and organise. He sets himself up in a house as Mr. Ellis and engages Anne devil to be his housekeeper. Robert sets about getting all of Ireland onside for his planned rebellion.
At the last minute the plans go awry. Had somebody sabotaged them? Was there a spy in their midst? Brutality ensues as the authorities impose martial law. Rewards are offered for the main conspirators. Before long many of the conspirators are in custody, including Robert Emmet.
Author Gretta Curran Browne has been brutally descriptive in her recounting of the life, times and death of the Irish rebels and their English overlords of this time. An excellent read for fans of historical fiction.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Rebellion
Robert Bruce escaped to Ireland following the Battle of Falkirk. King
Edward of England now has the Sword of Mercy, the Crown of Arthur, plus
the Stone of Destiny, and all that he needs is the gem encrusted Crosier
of Jesus also known as the Staff of St. Malachy to have complete
control of Britain. Robert intends that Edward shall never have the
last. Unfortunately Bruce falls hostage to the Earl of Ulster.
After several weeks in captivity, Bruce manages to escape with an unlikely companion; Ulster's youngest sixteen year old daughter, Elizabeth. His dash for freedom doesn't last long as the pair are soon captured. Reluctantly, Bruce agrees to submit to Edward. Meanwhile the Comyns fight on in Scotland. In London Edward announces that Bruce will marry Elizabeth.
Having submitted to Edward, Bruce must now fight his own people. At the end of the fighting season, he is appointed Sheriff of Ayr and Lanark. His task now, is to bring in William Wallace. Unfortunately the Scots are unable to maintain the fight against Edward and submit in 1304; all that is except Wallace.
What does the future hold for Scotland now? What role will Robert the Bruce have in it? Will Edward's stranglehold lessen now that he has to return to London to look after things there? Author Robyn Young has told a compelling tale of the history of Britain during these troubled times, leaving the fan of historical fiction looking forward to the third book in this trilogy. Well researched and well presented.
After several weeks in captivity, Bruce manages to escape with an unlikely companion; Ulster's youngest sixteen year old daughter, Elizabeth. His dash for freedom doesn't last long as the pair are soon captured. Reluctantly, Bruce agrees to submit to Edward. Meanwhile the Comyns fight on in Scotland. In London Edward announces that Bruce will marry Elizabeth.
Having submitted to Edward, Bruce must now fight his own people. At the end of the fighting season, he is appointed Sheriff of Ayr and Lanark. His task now, is to bring in William Wallace. Unfortunately the Scots are unable to maintain the fight against Edward and submit in 1304; all that is except Wallace.
What does the future hold for Scotland now? What role will Robert the Bruce have in it? Will Edward's stranglehold lessen now that he has to return to London to look after things there? Author Robyn Young has told a compelling tale of the history of Britain during these troubled times, leaving the fan of historical fiction looking forward to the third book in this trilogy. Well researched and well presented.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)