Review of Lady of the English by Elizabeth Chadwick, historical fiction based on the life of Henry I’s daughter, Matilda, set in 12th century England and France.
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Synopsis
Following the death of her husband, Empress Matilda returns to her father’s court in England. As he has no surviving legitimate sons, King Henry is making plans and back-up plans for the succession. Part of these plans involve marrying Matilda to Geoffrey, Count of Angou. Matilda is almost twice Geoffrey’s age and sees him as little more than an insolent puppy.
Then Henry dies. Matilda’s cousin Stephen swoops in to take her father’s crown before her supporters can act. United by the need to secure their sons’ futures, Matilda campaigns for England while Geoffrey fights in Normandy. Will they succeed? Can Matilda win back the crown her father promised her?
Review
Of course, anyone who knows the least bit of Medieval English history knows how the story ends. Stephen holds on to the crown until his death, at which point Matilda’s son Henry becomes king. I liked how the author ended the book where she did, at the point where Matilda leaves England and her son comes to the fore of the story.
I like how Lady of the English shows Matilda in a different light to how she is usually seen. Historically, Matilda is thought of as proud, demanding, and overbearing. Book-Matilda is brave, intelligent, and frustrated at not being taken seriously just because she’s a woman. This makes her fascinating and likeable.
She looked round at the menfolk of her family and knew they would never understand, much less want to do so. That her place was above theirs, that she was the only one born of a ruling king and queen, was cause for envy, not worship. Had she been male, she could have led the discussion about to begin without a second thought. As it was, although she was a figurehead, they did not expect her to contribute to the dialogue, any more than they expected her to gird on a sword and don a mail shirt. Geoffrey was here with his army, amply fortified by the two thousand marks Stephen had given to him the previous year. He wanted to talk tactics with Robert, not her.
The author, Elizabeth Chadwick, does a great job of plausibly filling the gaps in the historical record. She really transported me into the 12th century. I appreciated how well she stuck to historical fact; for example, there is an opportunity to sensationalise the story with a possible affair between Matilda and one of her supporters, but the evidence is sketchy and she instead shows Matilda as devoted to God and her family. The book seems really well researched, though I’m not so sure about her use of akashic records.
The ending had me crying my eyes out (this seems to happen a lot these days). For so long, Adeliza had longed for children and once she finally had a family, she had very little time with them before she became unwell and had to leave. It is so sad.
Conclusion
Have you read Lady of the English? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
If you haven’t, you can buy it at Book Depository (they have free international shipping!).
Review of One Corpse Too Many, the second Chronicle of Brother Cadfael by Ellis Peters, a mystery set in 12th century England.
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Synopsis
Following the 1138 Siege of Shrewsbury, 94 people are executed. Brother Cadfael volunteers to clean and dispose of the bodies. Counting them, Cadfael notices that there are 95 bodies. He identifies the extra corpse and is convinced that he must find the killer.
His breakthrough comes when his new helper finds the dead man’s friend lying behind some bushes, badly wounded. Together, the three of them work to gather evidence and Cadfael finds who was behind the attack, and why they attacked.
Review
I really enjoyed One Corpse Too Many. It has a couple of romantic sub-plots, lots of lively intrigue, and interesting characters. The overall story is well constructed. I love the way this author writes; the language feels like it fits the historical setting and it doesn’t linger on the gore-y bits.
One Corpse Too Many was the first of the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael that I read and even though it’s technically the second book in the series, it’s a great starting point. It’s the book that introduces Hugh Beringar; even though Hugh becomes important in the rest of the series, it’s not obvious in this book.
The evidence was attained a bit too conveniently. Cadfael seems to stumble across much of the evidence, especially the last piece that proves who the murderer is, accidentally. Even once he knows who the murderer is, the murderer is only convicted through trial by combat. Granted, it took intelligence to put all the pieces together.
Cadfael was walking back to the hall when his eye fell upon a lad of about twelve, who was sitting in the torchlight on the inner side of the gate house, his back comfortably against the wall, carving his meat into small pieces with a narrow-bladed knife. Cadfael had seen him earlier, in the kitchen, gutting fish with the same knife, but he had not seen the haft of it, and would not have seen it now if the boy had not laid it down beside him on the ground while he ate.
Cadfael halted and gazed, motionless. It was no kitchen knife, but a well-made dagger, and its hilt was a slender shaft of silver, rounded to the hand, showing delicate lines of filigree-work, and glowing round the collar of the blade with small stones. The hilt ended in a twist of silver broken off short. It was hard to believe, but impossible not to believe. Perhaps thought really is prayer.
I liked how Ellis Peters respects both sides of the ongoing war. She doesn’t favour either Stephen or Maud (Matilda) over the other. In fact, many of the characters seem unconcerned about who sits on the throne and it makes no difference to the story.
Conclusion
Have you read One Corpse Too Many? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
If you haven’t, you can buy it at Book Depository (they have free international shipping!).
Review of Daughter of Time by Sarah Woodbury, prequel to the After Cilmeri series of time-travelling historical fiction set in medieval Wales
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Synopsis
Meg has been going through a rough time when a car accident throws her and her two-year-old daughter into 13th century Wales. Her car lands in a marsh and she is rescued by Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Wales. Unsure what to make of her, he takes Meg with him as he deals with a rogue lord.
Along the way, Meg shares what she knows about Welsh history, particularly about Llywelyn’s betrayal and death 14 years later. As they spend more time together, they grow to care about each other and face various challenges together.
Review
It’s pretty obvious that Daughter of Time is a prequel. The story-line is weak (the main villain and conflict are unclear), there is very little character development (Meg doesn’t grow personally at all), and the secondary characters are insubstantial (it might have been easier to care for them if you had already read the main series).
Meg’s reaction to being in Medieval Wales is very believable. She initially distrusts the people around her and doesn’t immediately fall in love with her rescuer. She doesn’t magically understand the local language. However, she also doesn’t think much about her mother and sister at home; they must have been going mad worrying about her disappearing.
I had no idea what he’d said. Confused because his words were unintelligible, even as they tugged at my ear with familiar tones, I didn’t move or say anything, just stared. He tried again. I shook my head, uncertain.
He stayed relaxed, his hands at his sides and walked toward me, speaking a little louder, as if somehow that would help. I was desperately trying to make sense of what he was saying, but as he got closer, my breath rose in my chest until it choked me. He must have seen the fear in my face because he stopped, about three feet from the bed. I finally found my voice.
“What?” The words came out as little more than a squeak. “Who are you?” I dragged my eyes from his face and flashed them around the room again, seeking somewhere to run but no seeing anything but the long distance to the door and the man standing between it and me.
There were a few things that bothered me about Anna. For example, she seemed way too advanced for a 2-year-old; the sentences she uses are too complex. While I loved how everyone treated Anna (especially Llywelyn’s knights), it seemed like she was an extra character that was there because the author was stuck with her, not because she played any part in the story.
The ending made me want to scream. Meg’s return to the present is so sudden; it just happened. I’m not even sure if whatever story-arc the author was pursuing in the 13th century had a conclusion. I assume all the questions I was left with would be answered if I read the first book in the series.
Conclusion
Have you read Daughter of Time? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
If you haven’t, you can buy it at Book Depository (they have free international shipping!). However, I got a copy of the eBook for free on Face Book (obviously the author giving away the prequel in order to get people hooked and buying the rest of the series); if you don’t mind eBooks, go and take a look.
York has played a large role in English history, from the time the Vikings invaded in the 9th century to the beginning of the Tudor era. While the Vikings ruled the north of England, it was capital of the Danelaw and England’s second city; the title “Duke of York” traditionally goes to the reigning monarchs second son; and the archbishop of York is the second most important man in the Church of England.
The Middle Ages was York’s heyday. Much of the city’s layout originates from this time, and quite a few buildings are still in use. Read on for my recommendations of the best places to find Medieval York.
City Walls
The medieval stone walls that were built around York during the 13th century are still mostly in place. They were built on ramparts created when Vikings buried the remains of the Roman walls before building their own walls on top. In the 19th century, the walls were repaired and turned into a public walkway.
Walking the full circuit takes about two hours, but you could easily make a day of it – take it slowly, stop for lunch, and spend some time thoroughly exploring the bars.
Richard III Experience
The Richard III Experience is a small museum found in the city walls. It is housed in Monk Bar, the largest of the remaining gateways and the only one with a functioning portcullis. Most of the building dates from the early 14th century, and Richard III himself had the uppermost floor added.
Richard III’s reign was short and grisly as he fought to retain power. The Experience takes a thorough look at warfare during this time, with displays of weapons and armour, and even the skeleton of a soldier from the Battle of Towton. It also looks at the case for Richard’s involvement in the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower.
Henry VII Experience
Complimentary to the Richard III Experience, the Henry VII Experience is housed in Micklegate Bar. It tells the story of Henry VII, particularly what happened after the Battle of Bosworth and the kind of relationship he had with the city of York.
Clifford’s Tower
All that is left of the two castles built by the Normans in the 11th century is Baile’s Hill (a large mound of dirt with a few trees on it – pretty unremarkable) and Clifford’s Tower. Clifford’s Tower stands at the top of its’ own hill overlooking York Castle Museum. There isn’t all that much to do inside, but it has some gorgeous views.
Clifford’s Tower has played a part in many gruesome medieval events, including a Jewish massacre and the execution of Robert Aske. In fact, its’ name might come from a particularly horrible hanging back when it was still a wooden tower.
Yorkshire Museum
Set in the grounds of what was once the richest abbey in Northern England, Yorkshire Museum has a permanent collection of objects from Medieval York. Called “Capital of the North,” most of the objects displayed are Viking or late medieval. Highlights include the Bedale Hoard, St Mary’s Figure of Christ, and the Middleham Jewel.
Aside from the museum itself, the Yorkshire Museum Gardens house what remains of St Mary’s Abbey. In its’ day, St Mary’s Abbey was among the richest, most powerful monasteries in England. Also in the garden, you can find The Hospitium and the ruins of St Leonard’s Hospital, neither of which are as impressive as the abbey ruins but are both medieval.
Barley Hall
This late medieval townhouse has been restored and opened as a tourist attraction. It was tenanted during the 15th century by the Snawsell family; the father, William Snawsell, was mayor of York in 1468, after which he became an alderman until shortly before his death.
The restoration was done using medieval techniques and historically accurate materials as far as possible. Most of the house is interactive, so you can sit on chairs, pick-up objects, and try on the few available costumes. It’s great fun and very informative.
York Minster
It is believed that a small wooden church stood on this site in the 7th century. The Normans built the first stone Cathedral here, and this building has morphed slightly into the Minster we see today – most of the present building dates from the 13th and 14th centuries.
While you’re there, check-out the undercroft museum. This space is used to display the Roman and Medieval objects found buried under the Minster during engineering works in the 1960s and 70s. Medieval highlights include Saxon Gravestones, the Horn of Ulf, and a ring worn by Walter de Gray (a 13th century archbishop).
Merchant Adventurers Hall
In the Great Hall
Not to be confused with the Merchant Taylor’s Hall, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is one of York’s Guildhalls. Built during the mid-14th century, it is still used as a meeting place for the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York. The Company used to be a guild of importers; today they manage the hall and several charities.
The building combines a Great Hall (for meetings) with an Undercroft (for charity) and a Chapel (for religion). The Great Hall is particularly spectacular, with a double ceiling; also look out for the Evidence Chest, a 14th century box used to store the guild’s important documents.
There are also several smaller rooms (perhaps used for more intimate gatherings) with various items from the Hall’s history on display, including silverware, artworks, and a model Napoleon with a very interesting history. All visitors are given a written guide that explains what everything is and what it was used for.
JORVIK Viking Centre
From outside, the building that houses the JORVIK Viking Centre is disappointing; it looks nothing like you would expect. But once inside, the Viking theme becomes much more apparent.
Visitors are guided into a “capsule” that takes them through a recreation of 10th century York. This recreation is based on what was found during an excavation of the site where the Viking Centre stands today.
Once the ride is over, there is a museum/display area that shows some of the Viking era objects that were uncovered on the site. These include the remains of two people, numerous combs, and a sock. There are also several “Vikings” available to answer questions and show off various aspects of Viking life.
Churches
Holy Trinity Goodramgate
By the 14th century, York had over 40 parish churches. More than a dozen church buildings from the medieval era still stand, and while some have been repurposed, many are still used as places of worship.
Unless you’re really into old churches, I recommend picking two or three churches (in addition to the Minster) and visiting those. They tend to look similar to each other after a while and it can be difficult to pick out something special about each one.
The Shambles is a narrow lane that is said to be one of the UK’s most picturesque streets. Up until the 19th century, it was home to the city’s butchers – several buildings still have their old meat-hooks and shelves for displaying meat on the front.
Today, it is lined with mostly non-meat-selling shops, including at least four Harry Potter themed shops, specialty food shops, and other stores perfect for buying quality souvenirs. Through a small alleyway on the western side of the Shambles, there is an open-air market that is also quite nice to wander around, and much less crowded.
Enjoyed this post? Please share on Social Media or leave a comment. Been to York and carried out your own search for the medieval era? How did it go?
Review of Highland Hearts, an historical romance by Hannah Howell set in medieval Scotland
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Synopsis
Moments after Tessa Delgado frees Sir Revan Halyard from her uncle’s dungeon, Revan kidnaps her. Revan suspects that Tessa’s uncle is involved in a plot to overthrow King James II and she just happens to have the information that he needs. Suddenly they are on the run, trying to reach the King before Uncle Thurkettle and the treacherous Douglases can track them down.
Forced together, Revan and Tessa find themselves increasingly attracted to each other and before long have begun a “no strings attached” affair. This is complicated when Tessa’s other uncle, Sir Silvio Delgado Comyn, demands that Revan marry her. Knowing how Revan feels about the land and money she has inherited, Tessa determines that she must find a way to release him despite how much she has come to love him.
Review
Highland Hearts was fast-paced with lots of action. Revan and Tessa are constantly running from some sort of danger or trying to get their various bits of information to the king. Even once they’ve passed their information on, they quickly uncover more information, making their flight to the king even more urgent.
These two have sex far too soon for my liking. I get that they’ve been alone in a cave together for days on end and there is this immediate connection between them. However, it is the 15th century and Tessa is an obviously virtuous young woman. There is no way they would have done anything like this so quickly in real life.
Despite all the trouble she was in, she knew sleep would come quickly. It was just weighting her body when she felt Revan slip under the blanket and lay down beside her. Wide-eyed with shock, suddenly alert, she turned to stare at his broad back.
“What are you doing?” she squeaked.
“Going to sleep.”
“Ye canna sleep here.”
“’Tis the only place to sleep there is. Wheesht, I am too weary to bother with some fool lass’s outrage. I am also too weary to be any threat to any female. So ye can just calm yourself down and go to sleep.”
It was interesting to see how the characters dealt with Tessa having money while Revan had none. Usually the man has the money while the woman may have a small dowry (and not much more). Revan seems to be the only one who sees any problem with him not having any money to contribute to his potential marriage.
Conclusion
Have you read Highland Hearts? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
York is absolutely littered with old churches, many of them medieval. 14th century York had more than 40 parish churches, plus the cathedral/minster and several monasteries. Many of them are still standing and can be visited. Read on for my comprehensive list of York’s Medieval churches, along with some honourable mentions.
York Minster
York Minster is the huge cathedral at the northern corner of the old city. It is the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe (don’t take my word on that – I haven’t gone to all the Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe and measured them).
There may have been a wooden church on this site in York from the 7th century, but construction on the first stone cathedral here started in the 11th century. That cathedral was significantly remodelled from 1220 onwards and became the magnificent building that we see today.
The Minster is the only medieval church on this list that visitors have to pay to enter. While it’s not overly cheap, it is well worth paying for. You cannot go to York without visiting York Minster.
All Saints North Street
This is one of the more out of the way churches in the centre of York. It is located along a quiet stretch of North Street between Lendal and Ouse bridges; access from the Lendal Bridge end is difficult, so I recommend finding your way along from Micklegate.
All Saints North Street claims to have one of the best collections of medieval stained glass in England. This collection includes the Corporal Acts of Mercy window (showing a local wealthy merchant helping the sick and poor) and the Pricke of Conscience window (based on a middle English poem).
All Saints Pavement
Looking down along one of the first streets in York to be paved, All Saints has a tall lantern tower that can be seen from all around the city; presumably the light used to guide travellers towards the city.
This church has a long history, with firm evidence for it having existed since at least the 10th century. It seems to have been a wealthy church with local leaders and merchants as parishioners and once housed a valuable holy relic. Enter the nave and look up – the stunning blue-panelled ceiling dates from the 15th century.
St Helen Stonegate
Towering over St Helen’s Square, this church in the centre of York is dedicated to the mother of Emperor Constantine. There is a stained-glass window in the church with glass from the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries – two of the panels show images that probably represent St Helen and Constantine. Another interesting feature is a memorial to some particularly long-lived sisters.
Much of the church has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently during the Victorian era. The oldest part still there is the font, which dates from the 12th century. There is still some 13th century stonework, but most of the building dates from the 14th and 15th centuries.
St Martin-le-Grand
Founded in the 11th century, this church was extended in the 13th century and had significant buildings works done in the 15th century. In 1730 it became York’s official civic church, and the National Gazetteer of 1868 called it one of the most beautiful churches in York.
Unfortunately, St Martin-le-Grand was bombed during the Second World War. The remains were rebuilt into a memorial to the victims of war. The south wall is original, as is the window at the west end of the building (it was removed to keep it safe during the war and built into the reconstruction). Today, it is a very calm place to take some time out in the middle of the busy city centre.
St Mary Bishophill Junior
The first part of this church to be built was the tower, which dates from just following the Norman Conquest. Shortly afterwards, the nave was built for the growing congregation. As the room at the base of the tower is presently used as a prayer and meeting space, it claims to be the longest continually used worship space in York.
Saint Denys Walmgate
St Denys is a French saint who reportedly carried his decapitated head for several miles. It is worth visiting because of this story alone, even if the church wasn’t so interesting. The building was originally quite a bit larger but part of the land subsided when the King’s Fishpool was drained and a sewer built nearby.
The Norman-style entrance doorway is one of the oldest features, dating from the 1160s-ish. There are also some 12th century carved heads and roundels (thought to be the oldest glass in York). Other notable features include the rest of the stained-glass windows and monuments to the powerful Percy family who lived nearby.
Of all the medieval churches in York, St Denys Walmgate was my favourite.
St Margaret’s Church
This church has existed since at least the 12th century. It was never as rich as neighbouring St Denys, and very little of the original building has stood the test of time. The building was largely rebuilt and enlarged during the 14th century, and during the 17th century the steeple collapsed and wasn’t repaired for yonks.
Today, it is home to the National Centre for Early Music (early music being medieval and renaissance era music). If you ask me, St Margaret’s is the best setting for such an organisation.
Church of the Holy Trinity Goodramgate
Tucked out of sight behind a busy row of shops, this is the only church in York that still has its’ box-pews. Most of the building is from the 15th century, but there are pieces from as early as the 12th century still visible.
The atmosphere inside is old-fashioned and authentic. It has uneven floors, several small alcoves, no electric lighting, and a gorgeous churchyard. I was there in January and I could see my breath. If you’re interested in LGBT history, this is the place where Anne Lister and Ann Walker “took sacrament to seal their union” in 1834.
St Olave’s Church
Just outside the Marygate entrance to the Museum Gardens, St Olave’s used to be home to the order that built St Mary’s Abbey. It was founded in the early 11th century and dedicated to the Viking warrior/king who took Christianity to Norway.
Its’ location makes it easy to visit alongside the Yorkshire Museum and Museum Gardens. Outside, the entrance seems small. Inside, it is large and airy, if a bit dim due to the lack of electric lighting. The churchyard is gorgeous, surrounded by the city walls with beautiful trees providing shade.
St Andrew’s Evangelical Church
The history of this plain building starts during the 14th century. The church was closed in 1559 and over the following centuries the building had many uses, including a stable, a brothel, and a school. Today, it’s back to being a church. It’s small, but they’ve kept many original features, especially outside.
St Cuthbert’s Church
The Lord Mayor of York, William de Bowes, had this church rebuilt in 1430. It has strong links to the family of James Wolfe (aka the Hero of Quebec) leading to it sometimes being called the Cradle of Canada.
It has combined with St Michael le Belfry and now the building is used as church offices. Going inside for a look is difficult, but there’s nothing to see here that you cannot see at another medieval church.
St Michael’s Spurriergate Church
Today the Spurriergate Centre is a chartable trust with an aim to provide community and hospitality with a Christian focus. It is housed in the building that used to house St Michael’s Church; the first stone church here was built in the 12th century and much of the current building is 14th and 15th century.
St Martin-cum-Gregory
St Martin’s Church dates back to the 11th century, though much of the remaining building is from the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1585, St Martin’s combined with St Gregory’s to become St Martin-cum-Gregory. The church now houses a branch of the Stained-Glass Centre.
The Stained-Glass Centre holds lectures and workshops about stained-glass making techniques and history. The building of St Martin-cum-Gregory has what is supposedly some great stained-glass windows, but opening is limited and it wasn’t open during the time I was in York.
A church has been here since before the Norman Conquest. Afterwards, it was left in some disrepair until a group of Benedictine monks from France rebuilt it. The Priory was caught up in the Dissolution of the Monasteries and became a regular parish church.
Today, there are some lovely displays at the back showing visitors the history of the church, the Bible, and the Benedictine order. It’s one of the few churches I visited in York that looked set-up to receive visitors (not just open).
Honourable Mentions
St Michael le Belfry: this church may or may not be medieval, depending on what date you put on the end of the middle ages. Built between 1525 and 1536, it sits on the site of the old Minster Belfry. It is best known as the church where Guy Fawkes was baptised.
St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church: the original church of St Wilfrid was demolished in 1585. The parish was revived in the 1740s and the present church built in the 1860s in the gothic revival style (it looks medieval).
St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel: this church was built for Presbyterian worship in the 1690s, following the passing of an act allowing greater freedom of worship. Unusually for this time, it is largely made of bricks.
So that’s my super comprehensive list of Medieval Churches in York. Have you visited any of these churches? Tell me what you thought. Do you know of any that I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments.
Review of Highland Sinner, historical romance set in 15th century Scotland by Hannah Howell
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This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Synopsis
Women are being brutally murdered and butchered. Sir Tormand Murray has had affairs with all of them. Before long, rumours are circulating that he is responsible for the deaths and Tormand’s life is threatened by fearful locals intent on justice. His friend, Simon, soon arrives to investigate.
With more women dying and no leads to follow, Simon and Tormand meet with Morainn, a young woman who has visions. Morainn agrees to help but doing so quickly lands her in danger from the killers, and she moves to Tormand’s house so that his relatives can protect them.
Tormand fights his attraction to Morainn, fearing what she means for his future. However, constantly being in the same house makes it impossible to avoid her, and before long he finds himself trying to woo her.
Review
Highland Sinner is just as much mystery as it is romance. Who is murdering all these women? Why are they framing Tormand? Will Morainn ever find out where Walin came from? The ‘Tormand and Morainn relationship’ storyline seems to be secondary to the mystery a lot of the time.
I was pleased by how Tormand had already started getting over his “leaping from one bed to another like some demented toad” before meeting Morainn. There are too many books out there already where the hero acts horribly at the beginning and the heroine changes him.
I absolutely loved Tormand’s relationship with his family. They obviously care for each other and would do anything to save Tormand from suffering. Yet, there’s constant complaining about each other and teasing among them (especially about Tormand’s reputation and attempts to woo Morainn).
I didn’t like how much the relationship between Tormand and Morainn was analysed. There are way too many instances where Tormand ponders his feelings and future, or Morainn weighs the consequences of becoming his lover. It’s an effective way of showing how their relationship progresses, but it feels overdone.
Conclusion
Have you read Highland Sinner? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? What about other books by Hannah Howell? Let me know in the comments.
If you haven’t, it can be bought at Book Depository (they have free worldwide shipping!).
Review of A Deadly Brew, an historical mystery set in Medieval Cambridge by Susanna Gregory
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Synopsis
Doctor Matthew Bartholomew is trying to get on with teaching his students at the University of Cambridge while treating his patients in the town who have the winter fever. Things go wrong, however, when a student and a teacher both die after drinking poisoned wine. This is shortly followed by the murder of a servant on university property.
Bartholomew tries to keep out of the investigation,
leaving it to his friend, Brother Michael. Then their lives are threatened and
Bartholomew is forced to help. Before long he’s dealing with an unusual corpse,
a nun hiding in the home of a prostitute, and students failing disputations due
to the winter fever.
Review
This mystery has a lot of different layers. There’s the sale of the wine and the accidental poisonings. Then there’s the mystery of who brought the poisoned wine into Cambridge and for what reason. Also, there’s all the smuggling going on and the attacks on various characters. It’s all intertwined and was difficult to keep track of.
I had to read this book through twice in order to really
follow the story. The second time, I was much better able to keep track of who
the minor characters were and who exactly did what. It was very complex, and I
liked that, but it made it hard to remember what had already happened and
understand what is going on.
I didn’t like how the main characters (Bartholomew and
Michael) turn out to have very little to do with finally solving the mystery.
They work out what happened to the wine and uncover who killed Master Greene. However,
they have no idea about the mastermind who first brought the poison into
Cambridge until he reveals himself while trying to kill Bartholomew.
“And I suppose our little roles in all
this count for nothing?” asked Michael scathingly.
“Precisely!” said Langelee, with a
superior grin. “And you would not even be alive now, if it were not for me.” He
beamed at them, oblivious of Michael’s indignation.
The author did a fantastic job at recreating the atmosphere of medieval Cambridge. It was like I could feel the cold and I really sympathised with the residents of Michaelhouse not having enough fires and candles during the long winter nights. While I was reading, the world really did feel saturated.
Conclusion
Have you read A Deadly Brew? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? What about other books by Susanna Gregory? Let me know in the comments.
If you haven’t, it can be bought at Book Depository (they have free worldwide shipping!).
Review of The Chosen Queen, historical Fiction set in 11th century Britain by Joanna Courtney
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Synopsis
The Chosen Queen is based on the life of Edyth, daughter of the Earl of east Anglia, wife of king Griffin of Wales, and later married to Harold Godwinson.
When Edyth’s father is exiled from court, the family
go to Wales. There, Edyth catches the eye of King Griffin and when her family
leaves, she stays behind to marry him. As Queen of Wales, Edyth learns how to
support the men in her life rule a country.
Returning with her children to England following
Griffin’s murder, Edyth becomes firm friends with Svana, handfast wife of
Harold Godwinson. As political tensions rise due to the lack of an obvious heir
for the aging king, the pressure on Edyth and Harold to marry and claim their
place at England’s head.
Review
Even though I’m familiar with the history and knew the basics of what was going to happen, especially towards the end, I still found myself hooked. Primary sources from this period of history are largely biased (about men by men), and I enjoyed the way this book focused more on the women.
Despite being a bit modern, the characters are brought
to life well and seem more like actual people than primary sources make them
seem. They seemed understandable and I came to really care for them.
Edyth is a very admirable woman. She is strong,
resilient, and mature. She fights for what she believes in. I particularly
admired her understanding of politics and the way that she helps the men in her
life make decisions. In this way, she has a significant effect on the running
of her country even though she couldn’t hold any official power.
He looked at her curiously and she spun
round to grab his other hand in hers. “We should tour the whole country – the
north first. Let people see you, talk to you. It is what you do well, Harold,
and people will trust a king they have seen with their own eyes.” He nodded
thoughtfully and she pushed on. “Griffin skulked at Rhuddlan. He thought he was
safe, but it was an illusion – as you proved all too well.” Harold grimaced but
now was the time for lessons, not recriminations. “We only rode south when it
was too late – that is not a mistake you can afford to make.”
“You are right. You are so right, Edyth.
See, I told you I needed you as queen.”
The author changed the names of some of the characters
to make it easier for a modern reader. I understand this, and some of these
changes were done well, such as Eadyth/Edyth and Gyrth/Garth. Other changes, I
didn’t like – the difference between the real person’s name and the book
character’s name is just too great. For example, Gunnhild becomes Hannah and
Leofwine becomes Lane.
The Chosen Queen is full of historical detail but isn’t bogged down with it. It really made me feel that I was experiencing the 11th century. The intense political climate of the time is thoroughly explored. The author has clearly done some excellent research into the period; her world-building is excellent both in the big events and the little details.
Conclusion
Have you read The Chosen Queen? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
If you haven’t, it can be bought at Book Depository (they have free worldwide shipping!).
Review of Bride of Lochbarr, an historical romance set in medieval Scotland by Margaret Moore
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Synopsis
Marianne’s brother has demanded that she live with him on his new lands in Scotland while he arranges a marriage for her with an old, senile, but rich Scotsman. While she’s working on an escape, the son of a local chieftain interferes and “rescues” her.
This ruins her reputation in the eyes of her fellow
Normans and Marianne demands that Adair marry her. He reluctantly complies, and
their marriage gets off to a rocky start. Whispers about Adair’s behaviour and suitability
as future leader of the clan eventually force his father to step-in and get the
relationship back on track.
They don’t get to spend much time being happy together
before his father dies. Adair’s rise to leadership is marred by an overthrow
planned by his brother and cousin.
Review
Bride of Lochbarr was a good book. I would recommend it for anyone who likes romances set in Scotland or the middle ages. It uses a standard romance formula with several twists that make it unique, such as the damsel-in-destress turning the hero away.
Marianne and Adair were so perfect for each other.
They had an initial misunderstanding but once they sorted it out, I think their
relationship was stronger for it. They try better to communicate with each
other and once they spend more time together, they really come to like and
trust one another. By the end, they are able to work through issues together,
not just issues between them but also issues with the clan.
I enjoyed the clashes between the Scots and
Normans/English, and the differences in culture. The Scots are clearly
resentful of the Normans, and the Normans don’t like anything to do with the
Scots’ way of life.
“It’s uisge beatha – the water of life. We Scots
make it, and it’s better than wine.”
She
curled her lip at that fulsome praise for the horrific beverage.
“I
should have guessed you wouldn’t appreciate that, either,” he muttered as he
went back to his task.
“Your
drink is terrible, and anyone who appreciates good wine would think so, too.”
I liked how Marianne didn’t let her prejudices against
Scots get in the way of endearing herself to the clan. She sees that for good
or for bad, she is stuck in Scotland and there is nothing to be gained by acting
superior and disdainful.
The baddies of the story are varied and generally well
explained. Cormag is just plain evil and I hold no qualms about hating him; I
was pleased when he died. Lachlann was an unlikely baddie, but he wasn’t really
bad, just weak. Nicholas is bad at the beginning but turns good by the end.
The ending felt a little cut short. It was leading up to a huge showdown between Adair and Lachlann, maybe a battle. Instead, the rebels surrender. The tension was released a wee bit quickly, leaving me feeling mildly dissatisfied.
Conclusion
Have you read Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
