This is an
engaging and enjoyable historical mystery which uses the medieval setting very
effectively. December 1194 in Exeter and the newly created coroner, Sir John De
Wolfe is called to a local village regarding a shipwreck. A question has been
raised about the fate of the sailors who were washed ashore. A more complicated
question arises with the rape of a well born young woman; the uncertain
jurisdictional lies between the Sheriff and the Coroner make the crime much
more complex to investigate. This situation is further complicated by the fact
that the Sheriff is John de Wolfe’s brother-in-law and the thoroughly dislike
each other. When woman is found dead and apparently attempting to have an
abortion the clamour against a local silversmith turns serious. The story
unwinds carefully, the reveals are very well staged and the resolution
satisfying and complete.
Bernard Knight
deftly uses the investigations inside and outside Exeter to explain the new
created role of coroner and the political and social structure of the period
without ever just dumping information on the reader. With Crowner John involved
in an investigation over which he has undisputed control and in one where every
move he makes is disputed by the existing authority in the shape of the sheriff,
the structures and political pressures of the times are revealed very
naturally. This structure leaves the cast the space to be themselves and not
have to carry ant weight of exposition, which is great as they are a loud rowdy
lot who are all, happily jostling for the reader’s attention.
Connected as
he is to the top of Exeter society by his job and marriage, Crowner John is
connected to the other side of the city by his Welsh, innkeeper mistress,
Nesta. This structure allows the whole of the city to be involved without
feeling that it has been shoehorned in for effect. The very small size of
medieval life is nicely conveyed, social distances were much greater than
physical ones could be and the friction is captured well.
The plot
mechanics are excellent, the threads of the plot are very well set up and as
the investigation continues the questions are neatly raised and answered in
surprising and engaging ways. The sharp bend at the end is thoughtful and
effective; it comes directly from the story yet is suitably unexpected. The
mystery and the setting are well stitched together, the action is not simply
laid over a picturesque setting, it depends on the dynamics of the context to
work. A good fun read.
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