This is a great plot driven murder mystery that is not the most fast paced however it does keep you interested from start to finish. I did not find it to be predictable as some murder mysteries can be so that was refreshing!

(Please note this is a part of a series so the character development has been done throughout previous books)

I would definitely recommend :)

"We are, as ever, about to enter the meadows of murder. We are going to hunt the most subtle of killers, a true son of Cain, even though God has yet to brand him as such."

This is an astounding murder mystery set in Medieval London. A medium paced, plot led novel - part of a series though I've yet to read the others (I actually discovered I have the first on my tbr pile!) I assume that the character building for our main investigators, Sir John and Brother Athelstan has likely already been established in previous books, but this was easy enough to jump in at without prior knowledge of it's prequels.

This kept me guessing to the very end, the cleverness properly blew my mind. I would highly recommend!

5 stars

John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was the regent for his young nephew King Richard II in 1382 England. Working for him was his coroner Sir John Cranston and his friend and cohort Brother Athelstan.

The Crown’s treasury has been robbed. The man who designed the fail safe locks has been murdered. He was supposed to destroy his drawings and plans, but did not. Sir John and Brother Athelstan have been asked to investigate. Also six hangmen have been murdered. The pair have been asked to investigate this as well. Are all of these crimes connected?

Sir John and Brother Athelstan come across the “Upright Men” written on paper pinned to the deceased hangmen. Who are they? What is their grievance?

The pair interviewed countless witnesses and those involved in some way with Flambard’s Tower, where the treasury was kept. They want very detailed information about everyone's movements.

Sir John and Brother Athelstan ponder how the thieves could abscond with the treasury. And who they could be. They request that all ships be searched before leaving port, and all carts and such conveyances be inspected.

When they eventually find the thieves, it is as expected. (I suspected them as well.) The Master of Secrets, Thibault, forces a confrontation with startling results.

They go on to discover the secrets held within The Hanging Tree tavern. They are many and buried deep. A conspiracy is uncovered.

This book is written very skillfully. The plotting is linear and easy to follow. Medieval London is described very well: the sights, the sounds and the inhabitants. It was a very rough time in which to live. The reader’s sensibilities are not spared. I could not live there myself.

I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this most remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.