Harold of Hereford has just turned 18. He wants to learn more about the
world. Fortunately, due to an inheritance, he is able to hire a
sergeant-at-arms, Eadmer, two men-at-arms and a groom. But first he
must look into his own roots.
From England to France and on to Venice, the group travels. There
Harold, now known as Hal, hopes to be knighted by the Doge. But before
he can meet the Doge, his little group become marines. Unfortunately
the Doge would die before he could knight Hal. However, the new Doge
knights him and assigns him and his crew the task of helping to escort a
young lady, Livia, to the Holy Land and her marriage to an older man.
Enroute the ship is struck by a storm, flounders and sinks. Several
survive including Hal, his crew, Livia and one of her maids. However,
will they survive the gruelling conditions on land? Only Hal, Livia and
Eadmer would make it. Just before their arrival in Antioch, it is
learned that Livia's betrothed is already married. Livia decides to
confront him, but that only endangers her and Hal's crew.
Hal's next adventure finds him becoming a member of the Knights Templar.
Eadmer continues to serve in his role as his sergeant. After a couple
of years the two return to Europe to spread the works of the Knights
Templar. A stop in France allows Hal to purchase land which had once
belonged to his family. Moving on to England, he finds that his mother
had recently died. It isn't long before the pair are on the run. Hal
decides this time to travel to Constantinople.
Returning to England, the pair take on aliases; Robyn of Hode and
William of Scaerlette. They offer their services to Empress Matilda.
Matilda is the daughter of King Henry of England, who Hal had caused
problems for earlier in part due to his heritage. What sort of trouble
is this going to cause the pair?
When Henry suddenly dies, Matilda assumes that she will become Queen of
England. However, her cousin, Stephen immediately goes to England and
convinces the nobility that Henry had declared him to be heir on his
deathbed. What can Matilda do?
Author Stewart Binns continues to relate the story of the civil war that
ensued in England as Matilda and Stephen tried to gain control of that
country. In time, Matilda's son, Henry would become Henry II. Binns'
story is a very good read, fascinating for fans of historical fiction.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Broken Silence
DI Jack Brady has been called out to a murder scene by DCI Gates. Brady
is in rough shape having survived a gunshot wound to his leg, but not
the divorce papers handed to him by his wife. He has been down and out
for months. His DS, Harry Conrad has picked him up very early in the
morning. Can they get back to a good working relationship?
Arriving at the scene, they find that a girl has been strangled and then her face smashed beyond recognition. Brady is sure that she knew her killer. When he gets to the police station, he meets with DI Matthews, who had been taken off the case. Matthews lets him know that he had been with the girl earlier in the night. He asks Brady to help him.
DCI Gates tells Brady that he is bringing in Dr. Amelia Jenkins, a psychologist to help with the case. Brady is unsure as to what she can offer, but reluctantly goes along. The pathology report indicates that the victim, although only 15, had been sexually active. It is also determined that she was likely sexually abused as a child. Naturally Brady's thoughts turn to her stepfather, but a photograph in her bedroom also seems to point a finger at her maths teacher.
Author Danielle Ramsay puts together a gripping murder mystery that the reader will find hard to put down. Surprises await as DI Brady investigates leading to a shocking conclusion. I'm going to be looking for the next books in this series.
Arriving at the scene, they find that a girl has been strangled and then her face smashed beyond recognition. Brady is sure that she knew her killer. When he gets to the police station, he meets with DI Matthews, who had been taken off the case. Matthews lets him know that he had been with the girl earlier in the night. He asks Brady to help him.
DCI Gates tells Brady that he is bringing in Dr. Amelia Jenkins, a psychologist to help with the case. Brady is unsure as to what she can offer, but reluctantly goes along. The pathology report indicates that the victim, although only 15, had been sexually active. It is also determined that she was likely sexually abused as a child. Naturally Brady's thoughts turn to her stepfather, but a photograph in her bedroom also seems to point a finger at her maths teacher.
Author Danielle Ramsay puts together a gripping murder mystery that the reader will find hard to put down. Surprises await as DI Brady investigates leading to a shocking conclusion. I'm going to be looking for the next books in this series.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Kingdom
1306, Perth, Scotland; one of Edward's armies has taken over the city.
Aymer de Valence is killing townspeople one-by-one hoping to draw the
new king of Scotland, Robert Bruce into battle. Bruce is nearby, but
unfortunately for him, his plans are abruptly put aside when his army is
attacked and virtually destroyed by Valence.
Now The Bruce must flee with the remnants of his army and their women. Will anywhere in Scotland be safe for them? Those that are captured, including members of Robert's family, come under the brutal retribution of Edward. Some are executed, some jailed, some put into cages, including Bruce's daughter Marjorie.
Devastated, Robert must either give up his dream of being the king of Scotland or choose to rebuild his army. He chooses the latter, and begins an invasion of his own country. Will he be successful? The death of Edward in July 1307 changes things. Edward II isn't as interested in continuing the fight of his father in the north. He has other pressing concerns. This frees up The Bruce to take on his Scottish enemies before turning on England. Men swarm to his banner.
As Robert's victories mount, he comes to the realisation that he doesn't want his reign to be brutal like that of Edward's. He leans towards leniency. A treaty is reached with the English. Unfortunately they still have Robert's wife, daughter and sisters, plus many castles. How will, or can Robert effect the release of those he loves? Author Robyn Young has written an exciting historical novel of how Robert the Bruce took the throne of Scotland and secured it for the Scots in this third of a trilogy about Bruce. Well researched and written. For fans of Scottish history, and fans of historical fiction, an excellent read.
Now The Bruce must flee with the remnants of his army and their women. Will anywhere in Scotland be safe for them? Those that are captured, including members of Robert's family, come under the brutal retribution of Edward. Some are executed, some jailed, some put into cages, including Bruce's daughter Marjorie.
Devastated, Robert must either give up his dream of being the king of Scotland or choose to rebuild his army. He chooses the latter, and begins an invasion of his own country. Will he be successful? The death of Edward in July 1307 changes things. Edward II isn't as interested in continuing the fight of his father in the north. He has other pressing concerns. This frees up The Bruce to take on his Scottish enemies before turning on England. Men swarm to his banner.
As Robert's victories mount, he comes to the realisation that he doesn't want his reign to be brutal like that of Edward's. He leans towards leniency. A treaty is reached with the English. Unfortunately they still have Robert's wife, daughter and sisters, plus many castles. How will, or can Robert effect the release of those he loves? Author Robyn Young has written an exciting historical novel of how Robert the Bruce took the throne of Scotland and secured it for the Scots in this third of a trilogy about Bruce. Well researched and written. For fans of Scottish history, and fans of historical fiction, an excellent read.
Monday, March 21, 2016
A Banquet of Consequences
DI Thomas Lynley is concerned about his sergeant, Barbara Havers. She
has been forced by their superior to dress more womanly or be
transferred out of The Met. Unfortunately Lynley feels that as a result
she is no longer the good police officer she once was.
Out in Cambridge, a renowned author has passed away quite suddenly. Her death affects many people. The author's friend and editor asks to speak to Barbara about her friend's death as she feels that it is suspicious. A second autopsy proves that the victim was poisoned. When Barbara takes the autopsy report to the friend, she discovers that she too has been poisoned. She begs Lynley to allow her to work on the investigation. However, Superintendent Ardery is having none of it.
Fortunately for Barbara, Lynley is able to convince Ardery to allow her to go ahead with the investigation. However, Lynley is to be in charge and Barbara is to have DS Winston Nkata as a minder.
Barbara and Winston travel to Shaftesbury to investigate that side of the murder while Lynley stays in London to facilitate the investigation there. He also has to report regularly to Ardery as to whether Barbara is keeping her nose clean. Is that something that Barbara can do? Will she and Winston be able to come up with enough evidence in the limited time Ardery has allowed?
Author Elizabeth George uses the first third of her mystery establishing the background and setting the scene. Enough potential suspects are presented in that portion of the book, one would think the solving of the mystery would be easy for the two detectives. However, George makes a true mystery seemingly unsolvable, and yet comes up with a surprising conclusion. Well written and hard to put down.
Out in Cambridge, a renowned author has passed away quite suddenly. Her death affects many people. The author's friend and editor asks to speak to Barbara about her friend's death as she feels that it is suspicious. A second autopsy proves that the victim was poisoned. When Barbara takes the autopsy report to the friend, she discovers that she too has been poisoned. She begs Lynley to allow her to work on the investigation. However, Superintendent Ardery is having none of it.
Fortunately for Barbara, Lynley is able to convince Ardery to allow her to go ahead with the investigation. However, Lynley is to be in charge and Barbara is to have DS Winston Nkata as a minder.
Barbara and Winston travel to Shaftesbury to investigate that side of the murder while Lynley stays in London to facilitate the investigation there. He also has to report regularly to Ardery as to whether Barbara is keeping her nose clean. Is that something that Barbara can do? Will she and Winston be able to come up with enough evidence in the limited time Ardery has allowed?
Author Elizabeth George uses the first third of her mystery establishing the background and setting the scene. Enough potential suspects are presented in that portion of the book, one would think the solving of the mystery would be easy for the two detectives. However, George makes a true mystery seemingly unsolvable, and yet comes up with a surprising conclusion. Well written and hard to put down.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
The Frozen Shroud
About 100 years ago a woman had been brutally murdered on Ravenbank.
Her ghost is always seen on Halloween. Just five years ago a young
woman was brutally murdered in a similar fashion. Following an invitation to a Halloween party, and being told about the
two murders, Daniel Kind is surprised to find that in both cases, the
alleged killer died within a day of the murders.
Meantime, DCI Hannah Scarlett has her hands full with the men in her life. She doesn't know what to think of her friendship with Daniel; she and her DS Greg Wharf, are on the verge having sex when her former lover, Marc walks in on them. He turns around and leaves, but crashes his car further down the road. Wharf is the one who finds it.
The following morning, Hannah's good friend, Terri is found battered to death on Ravenbank. Terri's former boyfriend had been threatening her, he was seen in the area last night and now he seems to have disappeared. The police are looking for him.
When the ex-boyfriend is apprehended, he denies the killing. DCI Fern Larter, the SIO is beginning to believe him. So, who is responsible for the most recent murders? A jealous lover? Or someone else? Meanwhile, through his research, Daniel is able to solve the original murder. Could it have some influence on the current murder? Will Hannah or Fern be able solve the murder of Terri before there is another?
Author Martin Edwards presents plenty of suspects in this mystery with a surprising conclusion. A very good read.
Meantime, DCI Hannah Scarlett has her hands full with the men in her life. She doesn't know what to think of her friendship with Daniel; she and her DS Greg Wharf, are on the verge having sex when her former lover, Marc walks in on them. He turns around and leaves, but crashes his car further down the road. Wharf is the one who finds it.
The following morning, Hannah's good friend, Terri is found battered to death on Ravenbank. Terri's former boyfriend had been threatening her, he was seen in the area last night and now he seems to have disappeared. The police are looking for him.
When the ex-boyfriend is apprehended, he denies the killing. DCI Fern Larter, the SIO is beginning to believe him. So, who is responsible for the most recent murders? A jealous lover? Or someone else? Meanwhile, through his research, Daniel is able to solve the original murder. Could it have some influence on the current murder? Will Hannah or Fern be able solve the murder of Terri before there is another?
Author Martin Edwards presents plenty of suspects in this mystery with a surprising conclusion. A very good read.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Ten Lords A-Leaping
Father Tom Christmas has unfortunately sprained his ankle after jumping
out of an airplane as part of a fundraiser for his church's new roof.
Lady Fairhaven has offered to host him and his daughter for the weekend
while he recovers. He questions his decision to stay once he sees the
animosity between various members of the family.
The following morning while exploring the labyrinth for a bit of peace and reflection, Tom come across the body of Lord Morborne. He has been strangled. Awaiting the police, Tom notices marks on the bodies of various guests at the house, which point to their possible transit through the branches of the labyrinth. However, when the police question everyone, they all seem to have plausible excuses and a potential witness to their whereabouts.
A day later, one of the possible suspects is found murdered in his workshop. Why would this person be killed when the police had him in their sights? Author C. C. Benison then offers up more potential suspects, and provides a surprising conclusion. A good, quick read.
The following morning while exploring the labyrinth for a bit of peace and reflection, Tom come across the body of Lord Morborne. He has been strangled. Awaiting the police, Tom notices marks on the bodies of various guests at the house, which point to their possible transit through the branches of the labyrinth. However, when the police question everyone, they all seem to have plausible excuses and a potential witness to their whereabouts.
A day later, one of the possible suspects is found murdered in his workshop. Why would this person be killed when the police had him in their sights? Author C. C. Benison then offers up more potential suspects, and provides a surprising conclusion. A good, quick read.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Dying in the Dark
A woman has been brutally murdered along the towpath in Whitebridge on
an autumn evening. Chief Inspector Charlie Woodend and his team of DS
Monica Paniatowski and DI Bob Rutter have commenced the investigation .
The following morning the woman is identified when she doesn't show up
for work.
Rutter and his wife, Maria, have been having marriage difficulties recently, and that evening Maria has asked Charlie to come and chat. Unfortunately when he arrives, the house explodes. Maria is killed and Bob has been taken in for questioning. As much as Charlie wants to prove Bob innocent, he is not going to be allowed to. But, when was the last time Charlie did as he was told?
Monika discovers a diary in the flat of the first victim. A clue jumps out at her, which put together with something that Charlie discovers points to a connection between the two victims. How will they gather enough evidence to prove Bob innocent? Then their theory seems to have been tossed out the window. Author Sally Spencer has a huge surprise in store for the reader. This was a book I couldn't put down, reading it from cover to cover non stop.
Rutter and his wife, Maria, have been having marriage difficulties recently, and that evening Maria has asked Charlie to come and chat. Unfortunately when he arrives, the house explodes. Maria is killed and Bob has been taken in for questioning. As much as Charlie wants to prove Bob innocent, he is not going to be allowed to. But, when was the last time Charlie did as he was told?
Monika discovers a diary in the flat of the first victim. A clue jumps out at her, which put together with something that Charlie discovers points to a connection between the two victims. How will they gather enough evidence to prove Bob innocent? Then their theory seems to have been tossed out the window. Author Sally Spencer has a huge surprise in store for the reader. This was a book I couldn't put down, reading it from cover to cover non stop.
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