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Belinda Lawrence Murder Mystery #2
The Embroidered Corpse
Two startling murders that replicate the death of a mediaeval English king and the discovery of a mysterious ancient tapestry lead Belinda Lawrence and her associate Hazel Whitby into a vortex of suspense involving a bizarre religious cult, an enigmatic academic, a group of monks devoted to aggression and clues to a thrilling conspiracy nearly a thousand years old. Are the Godwins, self-proclaimed spiritual leaders, really devoted to their religious group? Is Sir Gerald Taylor, revered university don, as benign as he appears? What is the origin of the puzzling tapestry discovered in the old country house? It is the murder of a local villager that ensnares Belinda and Hazel in this web of intrigue and as they follow up each clue they little realise that their own lives are to a greater extent in danger. Although pessimistic, Mark Sallinger, Belinda's lover, is coaxed into aiding the women as they attempt to solve the riddle, a riddle that creates more uncertainty at every turn. And each perilous turn brings the trio closer to an electrifying climax and imminent death. Following on from Capable of Murder, this is the second in the Belinda Lawrence Mystery Series and continues the lively young Australian's adventures in England with the same degree of wicked humour and heart-stopping excitement.
196 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2006
9 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Brian Kavanagh
46 books55 followersBrian Kavanagh has many years’ experience in the Australian Film
Industry in areas of production, direction, editing and writing. His
editing credits include The Chant Of Jimmie Blacksmith, Odd
Angry Shot, The Devil's Playground, Long Weekend, Sex Is A
Four-Letter Word and the recent comedy, Dags. He received a
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian Film Editors
Guild and an Australian Film Institute award for Best Editing for
Frog Dreaming. His first feature film which he produced and
directed, A City's Child, won an AFI award for actress Monica
Maughan and was invited to screen at the London Film Festival
as well as Edinburgh, Montreal, Chicago and Adelaide, where it
won the Gold Southern Cross Advertiser Award for Best Australian
Film. He is a member of the Australian Society of Authors.
Author of Belinda Lawrence mystery series, CAPABLE OF MURDER,
THE EMBROIDERED CORPSE,
BLOODY HAM.
Industry in areas of production, direction, editing and writing. His
editing credits include The Chant Of Jimmie Blacksmith, Odd
Angry Shot, The Devil's Playground, Long Weekend, Sex Is A
Four-Letter Word and the recent comedy, Dags. He received a
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian Film Editors
Guild and an Australian Film Institute award for Best Editing for
Frog Dreaming. His first feature film which he produced and
directed, A City's Child, won an AFI award for actress Monica
Maughan and was invited to screen at the London Film Festival
as well as Edinburgh, Montreal, Chicago and Adelaide, where it
won the Gold Southern Cross Advertiser Award for Best Australian
Film. He is a member of the Australian Society of Authors.
Author of Belinda Lawrence mystery series, CAPABLE OF MURDER,
THE EMBROIDERED CORPSE,
BLOODY HAM.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 3, 2015
3 - 3.5 stars.
bit of a deux ex machina at the end but decent story.
bit of a deux ex machina at the end but decent story.
June 22, 2011
THE EMBROIDERED CORPSE is the sequel to CAPABLE OF MURDER. Our Australian heroine, Belinda Lawrence, has put the events surrounding the murder of her aunt behind her and has now moved permanently to England. She is living quietly in the village of Mitford in the house bequeathed to her by her late aunt. However, her sleuthing days are not over. After a trip to purchase antique furniture for her friend Hazel’s shop, Belinda finds herself in the possession of a mysterious piece of tapestry that may, or may not, be linked to the famous Bayeux Tapestry. However, ownership brings danger. Two murders occur in quick succession. The first is that of the original owner of the tapestry. The second murder is the local vicar who had offered to help her check the tapestry’s authenticity. Both men are killed in the same bizarre way. Belinda and her friends start to investigate and find they learn more than they wanted to know about a medieval French invasion of England, royal shenanigans, monks and people who are not afraid to kill for what they believe in.
THE EMBROIDERED CORPSE is a cosy murder mystery. Belinda is a feisty and believable heroine who is in total control of herself. She can actually walk out of a bedroom leaving a naked man in her bed without a second glance – now that’s control. Her best friend, Hazel, is an antique dealer who has just gone through a divorce, and is consoling herself with young men and lots of alcohol to stave off the horror of being rejected for a younger woman. Belinda also has a gorgeous boyfriend, Mark, a real estate agent who would like more snuggling in bed, more sex, and less chasing after obscure clues. This unlikely trio have to deal with mad, and probably murderous monks, along with their religious leaders (who may just be the true descendents of the British throne) trying to kill, kidnap or generally harass anyone to get their hands on the tapestry. At first Hazel and Mark think Belinda is off her rocker for thinking that there is more to the tapestry than meets the eye. But as the strange events mount up, and when Hazel is beaten up by one of the monks, they change their minds and allow Belinda to go off and follow up her suspicions.
Hazel and Mark both appeared in the first novel, albeit as suspects. Despite the fact that the brewing romance between Mark and Belinda in the first book has now been consummated in the second, the romance does not get in the way of the action. Once again author, Brian Kavenagh, has produced a well-written book, with a believable plot with just a touch of suspense and gothic horror, culminating in a very spooky graveyard climax. He has obviously researched his subject well, and has his British history down pat, and yes, it is widely believed that some parts of the original tapestry are missing. Kavenagh skilfully weaves true history, legend and fiction to produce another outstanding story. I can’t wait for the soon-to-be-released third in the series, BLOODY HAM
THE EMBROIDERED CORPSE is a cosy murder mystery. Belinda is a feisty and believable heroine who is in total control of herself. She can actually walk out of a bedroom leaving a naked man in her bed without a second glance – now that’s control. Her best friend, Hazel, is an antique dealer who has just gone through a divorce, and is consoling herself with young men and lots of alcohol to stave off the horror of being rejected for a younger woman. Belinda also has a gorgeous boyfriend, Mark, a real estate agent who would like more snuggling in bed, more sex, and less chasing after obscure clues. This unlikely trio have to deal with mad, and probably murderous monks, along with their religious leaders (who may just be the true descendents of the British throne) trying to kill, kidnap or generally harass anyone to get their hands on the tapestry. At first Hazel and Mark think Belinda is off her rocker for thinking that there is more to the tapestry than meets the eye. But as the strange events mount up, and when Hazel is beaten up by one of the monks, they change their minds and allow Belinda to go off and follow up her suspicions.
Hazel and Mark both appeared in the first novel, albeit as suspects. Despite the fact that the brewing romance between Mark and Belinda in the first book has now been consummated in the second, the romance does not get in the way of the action. Once again author, Brian Kavenagh, has produced a well-written book, with a believable plot with just a touch of suspense and gothic horror, culminating in a very spooky graveyard climax. He has obviously researched his subject well, and has his British history down pat, and yes, it is widely believed that some parts of the original tapestry are missing. Kavenagh skilfully weaves true history, legend and fiction to produce another outstanding story. I can’t wait for the soon-to-be-released third in the series, BLOODY HAM
January 25, 2018
"The Embroidered Corpse" definitely had the potential to be another good read by Brian Kavanagh; unfortunately, the brevity of the text caused the story to fall short of expectations. Here is the deal, Mr Kavanagh is brilliant at creating a world of mystery and intrigue loosely based on history. Yet, he fails to take the time to invest the reader in the characters.
In the first book, "Capable of Murder" we are introduced to our herione, Belinda. At the time, it is unclear whether or not Mark is a good guy or a bad guy. Yet in the beginning of TEC they are lovers and it never seems as if there is any real fondness between them. The problem with the lack of good characterizations is symptomatic throughout this book. At times I was unsure if Irving really liked any of the characters including Belinda. I just was not emotionally invested in them even though the plot itself was marvelous.
Hazel and Belinda attend an auction of estate and hidden in a drawer on one of the items purchased is a tapestry similar to that of the Bayeux tapestry depicting the death of Sir Harold. The tapestry is stolen and the bodies begin piling up around Belinda, Hazel, and Mark. Soon they are on a mission to unravel the clues that will lead to answers that will unravel the significance of the mysterious tapestry square.
As I stated, I truly enjoyed the historical references and the fictional mystery of the plot; but, without the proper character investment a mystery cannot stand up on its own merit. The sad part is this book was only 188 pages and could have easily accommodated 100+ pages more to enhance the characters. At this point it is unlikely I will continue on with the series.
In the first book, "Capable of Murder" we are introduced to our herione, Belinda. At the time, it is unclear whether or not Mark is a good guy or a bad guy. Yet in the beginning of TEC they are lovers and it never seems as if there is any real fondness between them. The problem with the lack of good characterizations is symptomatic throughout this book. At times I was unsure if Irving really liked any of the characters including Belinda. I just was not emotionally invested in them even though the plot itself was marvelous.
Hazel and Belinda attend an auction of estate and hidden in a drawer on one of the items purchased is a tapestry similar to that of the Bayeux tapestry depicting the death of Sir Harold. The tapestry is stolen and the bodies begin piling up around Belinda, Hazel, and Mark. Soon they are on a mission to unravel the clues that will lead to answers that will unravel the significance of the mysterious tapestry square.
As I stated, I truly enjoyed the historical references and the fictional mystery of the plot; but, without the proper character investment a mystery cannot stand up on its own merit. The sad part is this book was only 188 pages and could have easily accommodated 100+ pages more to enhance the characters. At this point it is unlikely I will continue on with the series.
October 28, 2014
In this, the second in the Belinda Lawrence series, Aussie Belinda has settled nicely into her Bath cottage, willed to her by her great-aunt. The garden had been renovated back to its original state, and she had tourists who visited to see the garden in all its splendour. She had since teamed up with the irrepressible Hazel Whitby, and they were on the hunt for antiques for Hazel’s shop.
After their visit to an old country house, where they met an elderly gentleman who explained he was the last in his family line, so all his beautiful treasures would have to be auctioned on his passing, they were horrified to learn of his murder. His death appeared to replicate the manner in which an English king from long ago had also died…
When Hazel managed to acquire a lovely piece for her shop, Belinda was stunned to discover a tapestry hidden in the drawer of the desk, a work of art she had admired on their previous visit. The connection of this tapestry to work over a thousand years old astounded her. And so began their troubles, their sudden involvement with a religious cult and strange, silent monks, and the Godwins. Another vicious murder in the same manner had Belinda and her friends highly suspicious and wary of the danger….not so the police. They didn’t believe the deaths were connected!
The web of intrigue deepened as did the danger…could Belinda solve this mystery before the killer or killers struck again? Were hers and Hazel’s lives in danger?
I quite enjoyed this mystery, and look forward to reading the third in the series…
After their visit to an old country house, where they met an elderly gentleman who explained he was the last in his family line, so all his beautiful treasures would have to be auctioned on his passing, they were horrified to learn of his murder. His death appeared to replicate the manner in which an English king from long ago had also died…
When Hazel managed to acquire a lovely piece for her shop, Belinda was stunned to discover a tapestry hidden in the drawer of the desk, a work of art she had admired on their previous visit. The connection of this tapestry to work over a thousand years old astounded her. And so began their troubles, their sudden involvement with a religious cult and strange, silent monks, and the Godwins. Another vicious murder in the same manner had Belinda and her friends highly suspicious and wary of the danger….not so the police. They didn’t believe the deaths were connected!
The web of intrigue deepened as did the danger…could Belinda solve this mystery before the killer or killers struck again? Were hers and Hazel’s lives in danger?
I quite enjoyed this mystery, and look forward to reading the third in the series…
August 26, 2013
Medieval mysteries can always "suck me in" and this was no exception. Ancient tapestries and churchyards are always good fodder for a murder plot :) The pace of this "cozy" murder was good, gradually bringing the reader to the finish, building on the mystery all the way. I didn't suspect who was actually at the back of the crimes, or one of the familial connections, which is surprising since I usually pick the criminal early in the story. This was a nice change!
I would have liked to know more about the character's private thoughts and lives. I was surprised to read that Mark has begun a relationship with Belinda as in the forerunner, Capable of Murder, it appeared that she didn't particularly like him. He was a rather colourless man, in spite of his good looks, and I did not get to know him much better in this novel, which relegated him to a minor role in my mind.
Belinda's business partner, Hazel, is an intriguing character, bad tempered and of rampant tastes, which is unusual. Most authors do not give their older female characters much more than the kind, wise role and I found her endearing for being otherwise. As I got to know her better, I found her more interesting than Belinda.
All in all, a good, well-written and intricately plotted murder mystery, with a satisfying ending.
I would have liked to know more about the character's private thoughts and lives. I was surprised to read that Mark has begun a relationship with Belinda as in the forerunner, Capable of Murder, it appeared that she didn't particularly like him. He was a rather colourless man, in spite of his good looks, and I did not get to know him much better in this novel, which relegated him to a minor role in my mind.
Belinda's business partner, Hazel, is an intriguing character, bad tempered and of rampant tastes, which is unusual. Most authors do not give their older female characters much more than the kind, wise role and I found her endearing for being otherwise. As I got to know her better, I found her more interesting than Belinda.
All in all, a good, well-written and intricately plotted murder mystery, with a satisfying ending.
May 23, 2013
The Bayeux tapestry is what caught my eye and wrapped up in an English mystery. What more could I ask. Well, less redundant with all the happenings. The history lesson about the tapestry was very interesting and the so was the mystery. The story is about an piece of embroidery that may be a missing piece of the tapestry, and what happens when it falls into the hands of the protag, Belinda.
April 21, 2010
This book was outstanding. The storyline, the characters, dialogue, and actually teaching me about the famous Bayeux Tapestry. My only complaint is that the book was too short. Soon I'll head over to the 3rd in the series.
May 16, 2013
I enjoyed this although it was rather a fantasy in many ways. The premise dealt with the end of the reign of Harold, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England and it's ramifications for various people.
October 17, 2013
Really enjoyable read. Loved the historic link & am looking forward to the next one in the series
June 14, 2018
I fell in love with Belinda Lawrence in the first Belinda Lawrence Mystery book, Capable of Murder and couldn't wait to read the next installment in this series. And let me tell you The Embroidered Corpse did NOT disappoint !!!
Brian Kavanagh knows how to capture the readers attention and holding it from the first page until the last word !! And the twists, turns and secrets that unfold will have the reader turning pages as fast as they can. There are so many things going on that keep the reader focused and you cannot help but fall in love with everything surrounding Belinda, her friends and the things that she stumbles across.
As I said I love Belinda....and I love her friends and her cottage and especially the situations that she gets into. Who would think that attending an auction with her friend Hazel would lead her down a dark road involving an old tapestry ? Well that is exactly what happens in The Embroidered Corpse and one's imagination cannot even begin to amount to the degree of storytelling that Kavanagh is quite capable of !!!
I suggest that you don't even give it any thought other than to pick the book up and open it to begin reading an amazingly captivating and exciting journey...... I predict you will also become a fan of this series !!!
Brian Kavanagh knows how to capture the readers attention and holding it from the first page until the last word !! And the twists, turns and secrets that unfold will have the reader turning pages as fast as they can. There are so many things going on that keep the reader focused and you cannot help but fall in love with everything surrounding Belinda, her friends and the things that she stumbles across.
As I said I love Belinda....and I love her friends and her cottage and especially the situations that she gets into. Who would think that attending an auction with her friend Hazel would lead her down a dark road involving an old tapestry ? Well that is exactly what happens in The Embroidered Corpse and one's imagination cannot even begin to amount to the degree of storytelling that Kavanagh is quite capable of !!!
I suggest that you don't even give it any thought other than to pick the book up and open it to begin reading an amazingly captivating and exciting journey...... I predict you will also become a fan of this series !!!
July 20, 2014
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Another good mystery by Mr. Kavanagh, but somehow I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first one.
I still liked Belinda and her determination to solve the mystery, and the historical references were interesting and intriguing. But, the interactions between the main characters--namely, Belinda, Hazel and Mark--left a bit to be desired, in my opinion. Despite being lovers, the relationship between Belinda and Mark seemed kind of ho-hum and not very affectionate at times. I also couldn't understand why Mark and Hazel so vehemently belittled and dismissed Belinda's concerns and theories about the tapestry. Their assistance with the mystery was very grudging and had the feel of indulging a silly child's fantasies rather than a genuine desire to help.
The mystery itself was fairly well done. Even though--to me at least--the culprits were obvious early on in the story, the reason for their murderous pursuit of the tapestry piece and its significance was not so apparent. Thus, the mystery was more about whywhodunit rather than whodunit.
Despite a bit of disappointment in this book, I still plan to continue on with this enjoyable series.
Another good mystery by Mr. Kavanagh, but somehow I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first one.
I still liked Belinda and her determination to solve the mystery, and the historical references were interesting and intriguing. But, the interactions between the main characters--namely, Belinda, Hazel and Mark--left a bit to be desired, in my opinion. Despite being lovers, the relationship between Belinda and Mark seemed kind of ho-hum and not very affectionate at times. I also couldn't understand why Mark and Hazel so vehemently belittled and dismissed Belinda's concerns and theories about the tapestry. Their assistance with the mystery was very grudging and had the feel of indulging a silly child's fantasies rather than a genuine desire to help.
The mystery itself was fairly well done. Even though--to me at least--the culprits were obvious early on in the story, the reason for their murderous pursuit of the tapestry piece and its significance was not so apparent. Thus, the mystery was more about whywhodunit rather than whodunit.
Despite a bit of disappointment in this book, I still plan to continue on with this enjoyable series.
September 9, 2013
Belinda and Hazel have gone shopping again for antiques -- great setup to introduce the ladies, the relationship between Belinda and Mark (the man who wants to marry her), and get right into the mystery component as part of the historical study. I very much enjoy how well the author weaves factual history into the story so that the reader gains real information without effort, while the characters solve the mystery. One factor I stumbled on may disappoint some American readers -- the introduction of a religious 'communal' group that has been overdone in our culture -- but I hope they'll keep reading to get past it. It is not the same as what we're used to seeing, and needs to not stand in the way of enjoying another really good Belinda Lawrence mystery.
October 2, 2011
Again with the high body count. What is up with that?
Also I do not agree with some of the conclusions drawn about a certain tapestry in this book. But maybe that is because I have a background in Archaeology and know how to interpret some things.
Also I do not agree with some of the conclusions drawn about a certain tapestry in this book. But maybe that is because I have a background in Archaeology and know how to interpret some things.
September 21, 2008
I think that this is my favorite of the series, but it's hard to say for sure. LOL
September 22, 2013
Nice historical aspect to a modern mystery, very readable... the character Hazel was unlikeable unfortunately, but the main characters were pleasant and believable.
abandoned
December 14, 2014I give up. I couldn't get past page 43 and believe me, I tried. This book simply didn't engage me. And there was far less Hazel than I'd hoped for, so I got stuck with lots of Belinda and Mark.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews