A great addition to the Crispin Guest series. And also a fitting ending? I'll be surprised if the author does not give us a few more nods to the Guest legacy in later novels. Maybe Jack or Christopher will start their own detective service and follow in Crispin's footsteps.
I find it really interesting that most of these happen in religious houses. I knew about the "dead" nun before the main characters caught on, but I was still surprised about the ending.
Kept me interested right up until the end. Sad to see his story end, but maybe he'll make a cameo appearance in future endeavors?

Ah, it’s so tricky to know how to review this one. It’s not just reviewing a book; it’s ending an epic series.

I haven’t read all the Crispin Guest books. In fact, I’ve properly only read the latter half. But I fell in love with them: the characters; the mysteries; the setting… All of it. I hope to track down and start the series from the beginning, as I’ve wanted to fill in certain gaps as soon as I discovered this world.

To try and find the words to review this one… It was everything a Crispin Guest mystery should be. There was murder aplenty, with twists and turns that created intrigue to the plot. It was hard to fathom who the guilty culprit was, and made for an enjoyable read as the secrets are revealed.

For me, it’s always been Crispin’s relationships that gives the book that extra element. His bond with Jack in particular – that’s the main reason I want to go back to the beginning and meet Jack as a boy. This book allows them to take it to a new level, and some of their interactions made me laugh out loud, such as Jack, drunk, promptly falling off his horse as Crispin tries to tell him something.

I’ve never been as drawn to his relationship with Christopher – probably because Jack has already filled that role. But I loved seeing them work together in this, and Christopher’s attempts to be taking it seriously rather than getting excited and swept up in the intrigue.

I felt this book added an additional depth to Crispin by exploring the repercussions of his past actions and everything he had to give up. I’m keeping this review spoiler free, but it was enjoyable to see how it ended – even if there were a few cliché convenient plot points to allow that ending to come about.

If anyone is interesting in heartfelt historical mysteries, this is the series for you. The books are generally quick reads and you find yourself swept back in time to a place where calling someone a ‘knave’ is one of the gravest insults you could deliver. This was a fantastic end to a brilliant series, and I look forward to going back to the beginning.

This is one of my favorite mystery series of all time and I am so sad that this is the final book, but it had a perfect ending! If you have not read this series don't miss out. A former knight turned detective with a medieval setting! What more could you ask for? LOVED this series and this book.

I had the same feeling about this installment of the series as I did about the others in the series (that I have read- not all of them)- it fell a bit flat and lacked pace in places. It seems like Westerton hasn’t quite got a handle on who the author wants Crispin Guest to be- and his character portrayal is not consistent. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

This book is one of a series by the Author - in my opinion reading the previous books first is essential to fully understand the characters and there place in the storyline .

Crispin Guest , Tracker of London , and his apprentice , Jack Tucker are enjoying a drink in the Boar's Tusk when they receive a message ............... two nuns have been killed at St Frideswide priory - has a deadly sin been committed ?
His attention on the murder is distracted with the news that the Henry , Duke of Lancaster has returned to England ..... an army at his back . There is a battle brewing between Henry and Richard for the English throne
Will he be able to catch the killer ............and will he have to consider committing treason again

This is yet another enthralling historical murder mystery , which the Author excels at - I hope this is not the last we see of Crispin et al

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

This was a satisfactory conclusion to the Crispin Guest series. I really enjoyed this series and I'm sorry to see it end.

Maybe it was a bad idea to read the last of a series without having read any of the previous books. But I did, and that could explain why I found this less than satisfactory.

The muder mystery was pefectly competent, but I found the character of Crispin hard to understand or believe. One minute he's fretting over being a traitor to Bolingbroke by swearing allegiance to Richard II, then he's off supporting Bolingbroke again. I didn't get a sense of his motivation nd found him unlikeable and unrelatable, and that was enough to put me off the book, which was ordinary enough in other ways.

Perhaps if you've read the rest of the series it will be much more enjoyable, but as a stand-alone it was a disappointment.

The last instalment in one of my favorite historical mystery series! I was sad to let the Trucker and Jack go but happy to read the epilogue.
This is a dark, twisty and gripping mystery but it's also an excellent historical novel as the mystery is solved quite soon in the book.
It was as compelling and entertaining as usual. I read it slowly because I had to say goodbye to a series I loved.
An excellent story, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The final Crispin Guest story?!? I was crushed when I read the author's introduction to The Deadliest Sin because I have enjoyed this series very much. Here, we find Crispin's past returning with a vengeance when his former Lord and Master John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, dies in the first chapter, foreshadowing radical historical events that will change Guest's life.

At the same time, he is called in as The Tracker of London to unravel a series of brutal murders happening in a a Priory where nuns are being killed according to the Seven Deadly Sins. This part of the story is a tricky mystery which Guest handles with his usual aplomb, discovering the truth behind the murders about halfway through the books, leaving the remaining chapters to deal with the brewing battle between Henry and Richard for the English throne.

Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this series. I would recommending starting from the beginning, although this one can be read on its own.

This title was provided to prepare for an interview for the Historical Novel Society website; no review has yet been written for it by me.

Pride is one of those infamous “Seven Deadly Sins”. It’s also the one that “goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall”, at least according to Proverbs 16, verse 18 of the King James Version of the Bible. Which was still more than two centuries in the future at the close of this final book in the Crispin Guest series.

Which does not make the verse any less apropos.

Because this is a story about pride. The blind pride of the Prioress at St. Frideswide’s Priory, the ambitious pride of Henry of Bolingbroke, the long-ago pride and puissance of the late John of Gaunt, the privileged but unearned pride of Richard of Bordeaux, and last but not least the battered pride of Crispin Guest, once lord, former knight, convicted traitor to the king that is about to be deposed, but loyal to the death to the king that is about to be.

But while all this pride is swirling in the air and down the length and breadth of England, someone is killing the Holy Sisters of St. Frideswide’s Priory and staging their bodies in a gruesome parody of the mural of the Seven Deadly Sins that serves as a chilling backdrop to the reliquary of St. Frideswide’s relics.

Even if some of those relics have been stolen. After all, greed is also one of those seven deadly sins.

Crispin Guest has been reluctantly (very reluctantly) called to the Priory to investigate a string of murders. It’s what he does as the infamous “Tracker of London”. The Prioress’ grudging cooperation and high-handed stonewalling isn’t enough to keep him from figuring out who committed the crimes, but his distraction over the changes sweeping the country and the monarchy make the solution more elusive than it should be.

On every side.

Escape Rating A-: Not every historical mystery series involves itself as much with the politics of its day along with the mystery, but from this reader’s perspective it seems like the best ones do, going all the way back to Ellis Peters’ Brother Cadfael series along with Candace Robb’s Owen Archer and C.S. Harris’ Sebastian St. Cyr series right alongside Crispin Guest. All these series take place during one succession crisis or another in English history, and all of the detectives had some involvement, great or small, in the roiling political climate of their day.

(If you’re wondering, the Cadfael series takes place during the succession war between King Stephen and Empress Maud, Owen Archer protects the city of York as the curtain goes up on the Wars of the Roses, Crispin Guest is collateral damage in that same war as it heats up and royal heads start rolling, while St. Cyr is operating during the Regency, which was itself an inventive solution to the succession crisis that followed in the wake of George III losing the American Colonies and his mind.)

The politics were built into this series from its beginning, all the way back in Veil of Lies, published in 2008. At that point, Crispin had lost everything except his life as part of a plot to push Richard II off the throne and put John of Gaunt on it. (The Wars of the Roses happened because Edward III had too many sons who survived to reproduce, and all of them fought over who had the right to be king in one succession crisis after another from Edward’s death in 1377 to Richard III’s death at Bosworth Field in 1487.

So readers have followed along with Crispin as he learned to be a commoner, and as he honed his skills as the “Tracker of London”. By the time this story takes place in 1399, Crispin has been the Tracker for 15 years. He’s not just learned to survive, but he’s actually become mostly content with his circumstances, only for his entire life to be upended once again.

Crispin’s final case is a troubling one. Someone is murdering nuns inside a closed priory and posing their bodies in horrific tableaus. The Prioress wants the murders solved, but stands in the way of Crispin’s every attempt to solve them. She has her own vision of the work and life of her priory, and doesn’t want anyone to spoil her illusions.

As if three, then four dead sisters didn’t spoil it quite enough.

Without forensics, Crispin is forced to rely on his wits, his memory, and on his opponent making a mistake, while he’s distracted by events in the kingdom that might serve as vindication for his long-ago trials, or that might change his life. Meanwhile, the priory that is supposed to be a haven of religious service is actually a hotbed of sin, vice and favoritism that the prioress doesn’t want Crispin to see – or expose.

The situation is a mess, as so many of the situations Crispin gets himself into are. It’s also an unexpected ending. An ending that Crispin is afraid to anticipate out of fear of having his hopes dashed yet again.

I was sorry to see this much-beloved series come to an end, although the end is in all ways fitting, as Crispin’s journey from disgrace to penitence to vindication has come full circle. But there’s this niggling sensation at the end that, as content as Crispin now is with his restored life and honors, he misses the intellectual challenge of being the Tracker. And that it might just be possible to lure him back.

I sincerely hope so.

Thanks to Netgalley, Severn House and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is the end of a wonderful series and I am sorry to see it reach its close. I first picked up a 'Tracker' book about three years ago and, whilst I had read a lot of historical mysteries, found something absolutely unique about this character.

In this last instalment Crispin and Jack have to figure out who is killing nuns in the style of the Seven Deadly Sins while political tensions rise and he continues to fight his attraction to his married lover.

It's all wrapped up very nicely and I closed the book with a smile on my face but I can't say anymore because it will spoil things for you. Just read it. And then do what I am going to do and go back to the beginning and read them all again.

The Deadliest Sin Earns 5+/5 Religious Relics…Compelling, Clever Favorite!

It’s August, 1399. Crispin Guest, the well-known Tracker of London, opines that the summer’s heat that aggravates the heat of emotions, will soon bring about a client who wishes to engage him to investigate a crime that has led to murder. [Enter a young messenger.] “You’re that Tracker they talk of, aren’t you?” The Lady Prioress of Saint Frideswide Priory is distressed by the recent deaths at the priory. First, the apothecary died suddenly of fever, then, days later, two nuns died under gruesome circumstances. While at the priory reviewing the details and under their noses, a theft is discovered as well as a third victim. Crispin is intrigued by the murders eerily appearing to reference a mural at the priory depicting the seven deadly sins. Motive is difficult to identify, but more worrisome is the killer may be inside the priory. Crispin’s attentions, however, are not fully on the task for which he’s been hired; with each new day reports arrive of the disgruntled Henry Bolingbroke’s march on London to regain, by force if needed, his inheritance taken by the crown, but it is his former squire, Edward Grafton, now held in high esteem at court, who may be the greater disappointment.

Jeri Westerson has done Crispin Guest proud, and left me in tears, with a brilliant final book in this medieval noir mystery. She’s linked multiple murders to the “Seven Deadly Sins” and resolved well storylines shared throughout the series. Her engaging narrative describes a fascinating history behind the priory itself, the meaning of the relics housed there, use of herbal remedies, and even rumors of a centuries-old ghost. Crispin’s dogged methods of investigation uncovers varied theories and motives and impediments from the strong-willed prioress, guarded witnesses and suspects, and uncooperative priest. It is his wit and cleverness, his apprentice’s eagerness and budding expertise, and an undercover scheme, however, that prove Crispin’s worth as a medieval detective. The endearing father/son dynamic twice over, a gripping mystery, shocking conclusion, historical details, and references to class and gender struggles makes this a top favorite for 2021!

The medieval era with which many, like me, are not very familiar, Jeri has included a valuable “Glossary,” yet Ebook readers might find it more convenient to have specific words linked to their definition or insights for real-time help…just saying. And do not overlook the “Afterword.” It is additionally informative.

Medieval noir series brought to a close!

I’ve been putting off reading this last Crispin Guest tale for weeks. Why? I can’t bear the fact that this is his last hooray. I first met Crispin in 2013 in “Veil of Lies” and hunted down the previous series titles published fervently. I have waited breathlessly each subsequent year for the next stage in Crispin’s life, the next mysterious relic that will find its way to him for resolution. The next involvement that will prove dangerous and test the Tracker and his right hand assistant’s fortitude. Ive seen Crispin grow and strengthen despite his weaknesses. And don’t let me get started on Jack Tucker. An amazing character and a great foil to Crispin’s shortcomings. As a youngster to watch him grow was a pleasure. As a father and the Tracker’s assistant he’s a pleasure. Now he provides for Crispin balance and family—belonging. In some ways he’s been the squire that Crispin could never have.
The Crispin now is much more complicated. He’s lived with the general populace. He understands integrity is not a class prerogative.
In this 1399 story, murders in a priory are investigated by Crispin, relics are present, jealousy and love encircle the matter. Jack of course becomes involved, as does Philippa Walcote and Crispin’s son Christopher, whom he can’t acknowledge.
On the political front John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Crispin’s mentor is dying. Richard the Second’s power and popularity is waning, and Henry of Lancaster’s star is rising. Fraught times, with Crispin finding himself thrust into the melėe that Kings, and would be Kingship, brings about. (Once again Westerton’s Afterward is enlightening).
I am content with the way we leave Crispin and the future that stretches before him. He’s a character who’s endured much, grown amazingly despite his many flaws, and is by many of his fellow actors, and by me.
Adieu Crispin Guest aka The Tracker, a colorful character, a medieval detective, who sits squarely and fabulously into the Medieval Noir genre.

A Canongate-Severn ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Crispin Guest is a disgraced knight turned detective on the streets of late 14th-century London. He had lost his noble title and fortune after joining with others to place his mentor John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, on the throne, thus committing treason against King Richard II. Over time, Crispin's successful pursuit of justice under the nickname "the Tracker" has gained him a certain level of renown.

In The Deadliest Sin, opening in 1399, Crispin is asked by the prioress of St. Frideswide's to investigate the deaths of nuns whose murders depict two of the Seven Deadly Sins. At the same time, the political scene is heating up: Henry Bolingbroke, his late mentor's son, is returning from exile abroad and aiming to secure his inheritance.

So, there's a lot that The Deadliest Sin needs to do: solve a complicated murder mystery, present the historical backdrop and engage with Crispin as he decides whether to side with King Richard or Bolingbroke, and wrap up the whole series. It accomplishes all three of these goals superbly. Plus, we get to see a new side to Jack Tucker, Crispin's apprentice, and his former lover Philippa also plays a role. While I'm sorry to say goodbye to Crispin, Jack, and company, the series ends on a terrific note. If you wanted, you could start with this book, since each novel is self-contained, and the necessary backstory is laid out in the beginning of each.

For full piece, including author interview, please see: https://readingthepast.blogspot.com/2021/12/interview-with-jeri-westerson-about.html

Jeri Westerson brings her Crispin Guest series to a close with The Deadliest Sin. Known as the Tracker of London, he is called to Saint Frideswide Priory to investigate the murder of two nuns. Staged to depict two of the seven deadly sins, the prioress fears that there may be more murders to come. With his apprentice Jack Tucker, Crispen begins his investigation, only to have another nun murdered as they search for answers. Prior to the murders, another nun had supposedly died of a fever but Crispin suspects she may have been the first victim. Faced with little information from the remaining nuns and hostility from the caretaker and Father Holbrook, Crispin and Jack are forced to accept assistance from lady Walcote and her son Christopher. They enter the Priory as a visiting nun and an assistant to the caretaker to observe and learn what they can. What Crispin discovers is that the Priory is the scene of more than murder. There is also blackmail, deception and questionable practices by the apothecary.

Crispin Guest was once a knight before being branded a traitor for siding with the Duke of Lancaster against King Richard. Lancaster is now dead but his son Henry is returning from exile to dethrone Richard. Crispin lost his title and lands, but the arrival of Henry now puts everything that he now has in jeopardy. Jack and his wife and children provide the family that he never had. His son with Lady Walcote, who was raised as the son of Clarence Walcote, is now aware of his true parentage and looks up to Crispin. Westerson gives Crispin a well-deserved ending that leaves you with warm feelings for Crispin and Jack. At the same time it was saddening to realize that this is the last adventure. I have enjoyed every book in this series and will definitely miss Crispin Guest. I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House for providing this book for my review.

Jeri Westerson's The Deadliest Sin is intended to be the last volume in her Crispin Guest mystery series. Set near the turn of the 14th Century, The Deadliest Sin follows two plot lines: one in which Tracker of London Crispin Guest is called to investigate a series of murders at Saint Frideswide's Priory, some of which seem connected to the seven deadly sins, and the triumph of Henry IV over Richard II.

Guest, formerly a noble, lost his hereditary title and property when he supported an earlier bchallenge to the rule of Richard II. He's rebuilt his life as a Tracker (essentially a private detective), and the return of Henry raises the threat of the charges of treason that he barely escaped previously. With its dual plot lines, the novel is a bit like a quilt: alternating pieces of one fabric, then another. The mystery at the novel's center is "messy," with the relationship among the ongoing murders unclear.

Ultimately all is resolved, both at St. Frideswide and in the English Court—and in the private life of Guest as well.

This novel provides pleasant enough fare for lovers of historical mysteries—neither completely predictable nor high literature. If you enjoy the genre, particularly when it involves crucial historical moments and issues of social class, you'll find The Deadliest Sin an entertaining read.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “The Deadliest Sin.” All opinions and comments are my own.

The fifteenth -- and last -- Crispin Guest book finds Crispin at the bedside of the dying Duke of Lancaster. It has been twenty-two years since he was banished from court, losing everything. But now he is satisfied with his “job” as The Tracker, solving crimes, finding bad people, even murderers. Will things change, though? There are rumors that the exiled Henry, son of the duke, is making his way back to England. But before that, Crispin has a job; find the killer of two nuns at a local priory, dispatched in ways that mirror elements of the seven deadly sins. Is the murderer the ghost that’s been sighted? Crispin isn’t falling for that, but there are odd occurrences that will keep him on his toes for the length of “The Deadliest Sin.”

Our secondary story concerns his ongoing relationship with Philippa Walcote, the mother of his son (unacknowledged, of course). Her husband is a well-respected mercer in town, and although she and Crispin cast covetous looks at each other, that’s as far as it can go. Philippa goes “undercover” to see if she can find anything out about the murders. This doesn’t last long when another nun is killed. Crispin soon finds out the priest of the priory has his secrets and sins, too.

He learns that the priory is supplying potions for miscarriages. There are those that are not happy with a place that would be doing something like that. Could this be a motive for murder?

Underneath all this investigation is the rumors going about on what Henry is doing. Will he become King now, and what will King Richard do? And how will all this affect Crispin? (History records that this is exactly what happened, and that Henry will soon become Henry IV, the new King of England.)

Crispin decides to do some digging – literally, and surprise! Something awaits them in the churchyard.
Crispin and Jack, his assistant need to do more thinking about what is really going on here. Who’s really taking revenge, and why? It’s all figured out, of course. For there’s a new power in town that must be greeted.

So, Henry comes, and Richard goes. And rewards are offered, and received.

An Afterword explains the “stranger than fiction” nun’s tale that the author, Jeri Westerson used in her story, the fall of Richard, and medieval science’s views on ending pregnancy. She also includes her thoughts on her last book and her thanks to her readers. I for one will definitely miss The Tracker and his world. But then again, reading that Afterword… in any event, “The Deadliest Sin” offers up a solid story, with excellent, engaging characters and an entertaining plotline.

Don't be deterred from reading this if you haven't read the earlier books because, even though it's the last one, it's still a cracking good story that mixes historical fiction with an intriguing mystery. Crispin, a disgraced knight who now works as a detective, along with his apprentice Jack, is investigating the gruesome murders of nuns who have been killed in a way that invokes the seven deadly sins (no spoilers on how that's done). Who would do such a thing? Equally important, however, is the return to England of Henry Bolingbrooke, who wants to take back the crown. I'm a little hazy on events during this period and found myself doing a little side research after finishing the book- which packs a lot into a slim volume. This one will pull you in and keep you guessing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Great read.

An amazing ending book to an excellent series. Even though I am sad the Crispin Guest series has ended, I enjoyed the way the author wrapped up the series. Thank you to the author for this series. I'm looking forward to your other books / series.