Books matching: medieval murder mystery
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- #1
Save:'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a medieval murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery where Brother William of Baskerville investigates charges of heresy as monks begin to die one by one. The book delves into the complexities of religious factions, beliefs, and conflicts during a time of political and religious unrest, with a central mystery surrounding rare parchments in the library. Eco's writing style combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and intellectual discourse, exploring themes of doubt, belief, signs, meaning, and ambiguity.
ON AUGUST 16, 1968, I WAS HANDED A BOOK WRITTEN BY A CERTAIN Abbé Vallet, Le Manuscrit de Dom Adson de Melk, traduit en français d’après l’édition de Dom J. Mabillon (Aux Presses de l’Abbaye de la Sou... - #2
Save:Set in 17th-century Bavaria, 'The Hangman's Daughter' by Oliver Potzsch follows the town's hangman, Jakob Kuisl, his daughter Magdalena, and the young physician Simon as they investigate a series of murders and witchcraft accusations in their small town. The book delves into the historical context of the time period, exploring themes of superstition, witch trials, and the role of the hangman in society. The plot unfolds with a mix of mystery, historical detail, and character development, keeping readers engaged with its fast-paced and action-filled narrative.
The narrative of 'The Hangman's Daughter' is a blend of historical fiction, murder mystery, and character-driven storytelling. Readers are drawn into the lives of Jakob Kuisl, his daughter Magdalena, and the young physician Simon as they navigate through a web of murders, witchcraft accusations, and societal prejudices in 17th-century Bavaria. The book offers a detailed portrayal of life in the late 1600s, incorporating elements of suspense, historical accuracy, and intricate character relationships to create a captivating and immersive reading experience.
Chapter 1 Schongau, The morning of April 24, A.D. 1659 Thirty-five years later Magdalena Kuisl was sitting on a wooden bench in front of the small, squat hangman’s house, pressing the heavy bronze mor... - #3
Save:'The Queen's Man' by Sharon Kay Penman is a medieval murder mystery set in 1192, during the time when Richard the Lionheart was missing and his brother John was scheming to take over the throne. The story follows Justin de Quincy, an illegitimate son of a bishop, who becomes involved in a murder mystery when he witnesses the killing of a messenger carrying a letter to Queen Eleanor of Aquitane. Justin takes it upon himself to deliver the letter and ends up becoming a sleuth for Eleanor, navigating court intrigue and royal politics.
The book offers a well-researched and realistic portrayal of medieval life, seamlessly integrating historical details into the narrative. Despite some clashes between the interests of historical fiction and the mystery genre, the story manages to engage readers with its intriguing plot and likable characters, especially Justin de Quincy. The writing style, though criticized for wooden dialogue and stock characters, effectively captures the tension and strategic struggles of the time period, making it an entertaining historical mystery.
Aubrey de Quincy was caught off balance and furious with himself for his negligence; he ought to have expected this. Throughout their meal, the sole topic had been King Richard’s disappearance. All of... - #4
Save:In the book "The Good Knight" by Sarah Woodbury, readers are taken on an adventurous journey in medieval Wales following the characters Gwen, a bard's daughter and spy, and Gareth, a knight. The story begins with the murder of King Anarawd, which leads to a mystery that Gwen and Gareth must solve. As they navigate through political intrigues and historical events, the plot unfolds with murders, ambushes, and poisonings, keeping readers guessing and engaged. The writing style is described as clean, crisp, and engaging, with well-developed characters that come to life, especially Gwen with her courage and independence. The book offers a blend of historical accuracy and clever storytelling, making it a compelling read for those interested in medieval mysteries.
Gwen’s father, Meilyr, tsked under hisbreath and brought his borrowed horse closer to her side of thepath. He’d been out of sorts since early morning when he’d foundhis horse lame and King Anarawd and... - #5
Save:"Mistress of the Art of Death" follows Adelia Aguilar, a doctor of Death in the 12th century, who is called to investigate the murders of children in Cambridge, England. Despite the challenges of being a female doctor in a male-dominated society, Adelia uses her forensic skills to solve the crimes, alongside a diverse group of characters. The story is a blend of historical fiction and mystery, with intricate plot twists and a setting that immerses the reader in medieval England.
The writing style of "Mistress of the Art of Death" is described as excellent, with detailed descriptions that bring the 1100s setting to life. features a strong and compelling heroine, Adelia, who is smart, witty, and bold, yet faces societal challenges due to her gender. The narrative weaves together elements of suspense, historical accuracy, and character development, creating an engaging and intriguing mystery that keeps readers hooked until the end.
They’re a pleasant interruption in the traffic of carts whose drivers and oxen are surly with fatigue from plowing and sowing. These people are well fed, noisy, exultant with the grace their journey h... - #6
Save:'The Sanctuary Seeker' in the 'Crowner John' series by Bernard Knight follows the story of a former crusader turned coroner, John de Wolfe, in rural Devon during the late 12th century. Along with his two sidekicks, John investigates when two bodies are discovered, delving into the conflicts between the coroner's role and the established sheriff. The narrative vividly brings to life the sights and smells of medieval England, intertwining historical events and laws with a compelling mystery that keeps readers engaged.
- #7
Save:'A Morbid Taste for Bones' in the series 'Chronicles of Brother Cadfael' follows the protagonist Brother Cadfael, a medieval monk and amateur sleuth, as he accompanies a group of monks on a journey to a Welsh village to retrieve the relics of a saint. The local community opposes the relocation of the saint's bones, and when a murder occurs, suspicion falls on the monks. Brother Cadfael takes it upon himself to investigate the murder and unravel the deception surrounding the crime, all while bringing justice to the Welsh village they have invaded.
The plot of the book combines historical fiction with mystery, featuring well-developed characters and intricate descriptions of the medieval setting. The narrative follows Brother Cadfael's intelligent and deft hand in solving the murder mystery, incorporating themes of justice, deception, and the clash between different cultures and beliefs.
ON THE FINE, BRIGHT MORNING IN EARLY MAY when the whole sensational affair of the Gwytherin relics may properly be considered to have begun, Brother Cadfael had been up long before Prime, pricking out... - #8
Save:'An Instance of the Fingerpost' by Iain Pears is a historical mystery novel set in 17th-century Oxford, England. The story revolves around a murder mystery involving the death of Dr. Robert Grove, told through the perspectives of four different narrators. Each narrator presents their version of events, leading to a complex and intriguing narrative filled with academic rivalry, political intrigue, espionage, and religious division. The author skillfully weaves together multiple viewpoints to create a rich and atmospheric portrayal of the turbulent times following the English Restoration.
The novel delves into themes of truth, betrayal, love, and redemption, all while exploring the complexities of human nature and the unreliability of perception. Through meticulous detail and intricate plotting, 'An Instance of the Fingerpost' offers readers a thought-provoking journey into Restoration England, blending historical facts with fictional elements to create a compelling and immersive reading experience.
Marco da Cola, Gentleman of Venice, respectfully presents his greetings. I wish to recount the journey which I made to England in the year 1663, the events which I witnessed and the people I met, thes... - #9
Save:In 'The Devil and the Dark Water' by Stuart Turton, set in the 17th century, the story follows Samuel Pipps, a renowned detective, and his loyal bodyguard Arent Hayes, as they embark on a perilous journey to Amsterdam. Strange occurrences plague their ship, including mysterious symbols, deaths, and whispers of unholy miracles. As the plot unfolds, secrets from the past resurface, creating a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Turton weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and the supernatural, delivering a complex and gripping tale filled with twists and surprises.
The narrative is rich in historical details, portraying life aboard a merchant vessel and the superstitions of the 17th century with vivid imagery. The characters, ranging from strong-willed women to clever detectives, add depth to the story, while the intricate plot keeps readers engaged till the end. Turton's writing style blends elements of locked room mystery, Sherlock Holmes homage, and swashbuckling sea adventure, creating a unique and immersive reading experience that transports readers to a world of intrigue and suspense.
Another whistled by his ear; a third striking his knee, causing him to stumble, bringing jeers from the pitiless mob, who were already searching the ground for more missiles to throw. Hundreds of them... - #10
Save:In "The Second Sleep" by Robert Harris, readers are taken on a journey to a future world that resembles the Middle Ages. The story follows a young priest, Christopher Fairfax, who is sent to conduct a funeral in a remote English village. As he unravels the mystery surrounding the death of the previous priest, Fairfax discovers forbidden knowledge and artifacts that challenge the established beliefs of their society. The novel blends elements of dystopian fiction, mystery, and historical fiction, keeping readers engaged with its unique premise and thought-provoking plot twists.
Harris' writing style in "The Second Sleep" has been praised for its ability to create a suspenseful and immersive atmosphere. The book is filled with intriguing concepts that explore themes of faith, knowledge, and the consequences of societal collapse. With a fast-paced plot and well-developed characters, Harris manages to keep readers guessing until the very end, delivering a story that challenges perceptions of time, history, and human nature.
LATE ON THE afternoon of Tuesday the ninth of April in the Year of Our Risen Lord 1468, a solitary traveller was to be observed picking his way on horseback across the wild moorland of that ancient re...
