227 pages

4 stars

This book is a wonderful example of a classy historical mystery. Even though I learned the suspect early on, I enjoyed the investigation led by the constabulary, the nun and the lady.

I enjoyed the references to various historical figures such as the Templars and so on. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical mysteries with well-fleshed characters and an intriguing story line.

I want to thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocialfor forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions cited in this review are solely my own.

I liked this novel a great deal. It was a different writing style, pace and format which spoke of great research and historical knowledge, but done in such a way that this reader wasn’t lost with these details, it wore its learning lightly.
There is a list of characters at the beginning that sets out their role in this murder mystery. Each chapter tells you of what the author intends to show you and the arguments for the guilt or presumed innocence of this person, or perhaps a clue to an item or a revelation about a person, that is relevant in some way that is to be determined.
There are references to the Dark Arts, arcane matters of the occult, and scientific discoveries and investigations. Rituals are performed, very similar to the Musgrave Ritual in a Sherlock Holmes story.
There is also medical and forensic knowledge, provided by Sister Agnes, who is a skilled practitioner of herbalism, a healer, nurse and an anatomist, unusual for a Nun in Holy orders, but this helps to create a well rounded female character, who carefully chooses the battles she can win.
We have references to The Knights Templars and their crusades against the Saracens, and their fight to regain the city of Jerusalem. The existence of secret tunnels and a great horde of wealth creates a plausible motive for murder.
Latin is used when trying to perform an exorcism of evil spirits that have infected a possible murderer, luckily, the phrases have been translated.
I loved the reference to the use of hallucinogenic drugs by a Sage, as a retired Nurse, I remember when we used to call Scopolamine the Truth Drug, especially when patients were recovering from anaesthetics following surgery. There were some hilarious confessions to be heard!!
I did guess the killer, but a gentle hint, pay special attention to the spelling of similar names.
A good historical novel, with very likeable central characters. It was a gripping read for an armchair detective, and a promising start to a new series. I am looking forward to the next book.
A five star read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers BooksGoSocial for my ARC, freely given for an honest review.
I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

Set in the 13th century amongst a Cistercian monastery and an Abbey of Benedictine nuns going Upto the dissolution of monasteries and convents in the 16th century, this story of mystery and murder was a page turner in many ways, just like a story from a more recent vintage.

A murder of a young Brother is the start of the story. It leads to the enquiry why this seemingly harmless young man was brutally murdered. The second death was equally brutal and the lawmakers are left with no clues, whilst peasants and rabble rousers talk of mystical curses and occult practices. Before hysteria strikes the lawmakers call on the help of the Sisters from the convent, well versed in the herbal arts and poisons. Also a logical mind to work out the detection of how and why these men were murdered. A bard who gives clues to the murder, and details of a murder to come in verse, is also murdered and it is to the Lady of the Castle, an authority in the area and Sister Agnes to find out who the murderer is and prevent any further bloodshed.

It was the historical research that had gone into this story, coupled with the detailed descriptions of life in a monastery and abbey that added so much depth and layers to the story. Medieval England was still difficult but the work and knowledge found in the abbeys and monasteries were under estimated.
I found the entire book fascinating.

4 stars

This book is an interesting blend of mysticism, occultism, Catholicism, and emerging scientific knowledge all working in combination to create a fascinating murder mystery set in 13th century Oxfordshire. Nuns and monks, under-sheriffs and Templar knights, college students and gentrified nobility - they're all included in this riveting storyline.

If you enjoy historical fiction and mysteries, this is a pretty well-written and researched entry to the genre. It is apparently the first of a series, which I'm excited about because I thought the majority of characters were quite likeable and would relish reading more about the adventures of Sister Agnes and the rest of her Benedictine nun cohorts. (The only caveat I have here is that the jacket blurb for the book says it's recommended for "both young adult and seasoned readers", but I don't know that I would recommend this one for many younger readers - I consider both the language and the subject matter to skew towards more mature readers. But I certainly don't want to gatekeep anything!)

Thanks to NetGalley, author Dr. Peter Stephenson, and BooksGoSocial for giving me access to an eARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.