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Servant of the Crown Mystery #2
Season of the Fox
Raise the Hue and Cry!
A wealthy merchant has been murdered in his own home, and the suspect has fled to sanctuary in a local church. Enter Sir Faucon de Ramis, the king’s new Servant of the Crown in the shire, to solve the murder, assisted by his prickly secretary, Brother Edmund.
As Faucon begins his hunt, the shire’s new Crowner finds himself in the upside-down world of a woman’s trade. Not only does the merchant’s wife own the business—unheard of!—the suspect is the daughter’s betrothed, or so the town believes. But what about the bloody shoe prints and missing tally sticks, and what does the sheriff have to gain?
A wealthy merchant has been murdered in his own home, and the suspect has fled to sanctuary in a local church. Enter Sir Faucon de Ramis, the king’s new Servant of the Crown in the shire, to solve the murder, assisted by his prickly secretary, Brother Edmund.
As Faucon begins his hunt, the shire’s new Crowner finds himself in the upside-down world of a woman’s trade. Not only does the merchant’s wife own the business—unheard of!—the suspect is the daughter’s betrothed, or so the town believes. But what about the bloody shoe prints and missing tally sticks, and what does the sheriff have to gain?
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2015
560 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Denise Domning
49 books268 followersWhat can I say? I’m single and over sixty, I write and I farm on eight acres of slowly improving red earth (it originally looked like Mars had exploded!) on Oak Creek in northern Arizona. I started with chickens, then there were turkeys and Jersey milk cows. But with livestock came the predators: coyotes, bald eagles, black hawks, mountain lions, and, worst of all, raccoons. Dang those nasty creatures! They kill just because they can; think dogs with opposable thumbs. (Five chickens in one night–they reached in through the chain link and killed the birds with no expectation of being able to eat them.) They are the reason I keep livestock guardian dogs. There's the massive Polar Bear, a 135 pound Hungarian Kuvasz, Radha, the svelte and sleek 90 pound Anatolian Shepherd and her new chew toy, Rupert who is some sort of terrier mix and small enough to walk under her belly.
As for what my dogs guard, it's my growing herd of Dorper Sheep, a South African breed that (supposedly) doesn’t need to be sheared and gains all their weight on grass alone. I've also fallen in love with pigs, which are just dogs with snouts. Oh, how those rapscallions make me laugh!
If you're interested in keeping up with my farm antics, you can visit my blog at denisedomning.com or thefarmonoakcreek.com
As for what my dogs guard, it's my growing herd of Dorper Sheep, a South African breed that (supposedly) doesn’t need to be sheared and gains all their weight on grass alone. I've also fallen in love with pigs, which are just dogs with snouts. Oh, how those rapscallions make me laugh!
If you're interested in keeping up with my farm antics, you can visit my blog at denisedomning.com or thefarmonoakcreek.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 16, 2019
Audiobook Review
Season of the Raven introduced me to the wonderful 12th century medieval world that Denise Domning created in Warwickshire where a young knight is chosen for the newly created position of Keeper of the Pleas. Sir Faucon is given little direction about his new post that his powerful bishop uncle gives him beyond his primary task of making sure the King receives the accurate sum from the fines generated by Warwickshire crimes. The shady sheriff used to have the job of this, but he was pocketing a great deal and accepting bribes to look the other way or worse. The sheriff is still around and Faucon butts heads with him on his first murder case and has the pressure of proving to everyone that his uncle was right to choose him for this new position. If that weren't enough, his uncle saddles him with an arrogant, sharp monk as his secretary. Faucon suspects he'll be collecting fines for his own unlawful killing of Edmund before much time has passed.
I listened to that first story, riveted, as medieval village, estate, and priory was vividly brought to life, engaging Faucon and Edmund along with Brother Colin work to solve the murky mystery, and of course, the clever mystery, itself. Season of the Fox picks up where ...Raven left off. Faucon is faced with a new murder to determine who is responsible so he can levy the right fines to the correct person. And, his heart of justice has him acting to aid the young man accused of the crime.
I loved that this new murder is in a big market town and I learned of city life and the world of the emerging wealthy working class who live better than even some nobles if their craft is fine enough. Faucon is startled when the household that he investigates is that of those who work with fine cloth and produce the garments and trimmings for the wealthiest in the land... and it is run by the women who look him in the eye and see themselves as equal to the men. It gives him new thoughts to ponder as he tracks a cunning killer through the 'spore' his prey leaves behind.
Gildart Jackson reprised his role as narrator and I can only offer high praise for his work voicing Faucon, Edmund, Colin, and the surrounding cast of women, classes, and even accents. He adds fabulous nuances and I enjoy the pace and tone he takes throughout especially that exciting alley fight scene.
With this second book, I am convinced that I've found a series that I will eagerly snatch up each new audio release. Yes, historical mystery fans, we have a winner here!
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Season of the Raven introduced me to the wonderful 12th century medieval world that Denise Domning created in Warwickshire where a young knight is chosen for the newly created position of Keeper of the Pleas. Sir Faucon is given little direction about his new post that his powerful bishop uncle gives him beyond his primary task of making sure the King receives the accurate sum from the fines generated by Warwickshire crimes. The shady sheriff used to have the job of this, but he was pocketing a great deal and accepting bribes to look the other way or worse. The sheriff is still around and Faucon butts heads with him on his first murder case and has the pressure of proving to everyone that his uncle was right to choose him for this new position. If that weren't enough, his uncle saddles him with an arrogant, sharp monk as his secretary. Faucon suspects he'll be collecting fines for his own unlawful killing of Edmund before much time has passed.
I listened to that first story, riveted, as medieval village, estate, and priory was vividly brought to life, engaging Faucon and Edmund along with Brother Colin work to solve the murky mystery, and of course, the clever mystery, itself. Season of the Fox picks up where ...Raven left off. Faucon is faced with a new murder to determine who is responsible so he can levy the right fines to the correct person. And, his heart of justice has him acting to aid the young man accused of the crime.
I loved that this new murder is in a big market town and I learned of city life and the world of the emerging wealthy working class who live better than even some nobles if their craft is fine enough. Faucon is startled when the household that he investigates is that of those who work with fine cloth and produce the garments and trimmings for the wealthiest in the land... and it is run by the women who look him in the eye and see themselves as equal to the men. It gives him new thoughts to ponder as he tracks a cunning killer through the 'spore' his prey leaves behind.
Gildart Jackson reprised his role as narrator and I can only offer high praise for his work voicing Faucon, Edmund, Colin, and the surrounding cast of women, classes, and even accents. He adds fabulous nuances and I enjoy the pace and tone he takes throughout especially that exciting alley fight scene.
With this second book, I am convinced that I've found a series that I will eagerly snatch up each new audio release. Yes, historical mystery fans, we have a winner here!
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2016
A mystery that remains a mystery until the end. Thin wisps of clues, vague threads of suspicion are all that is offered while the Servant of the Crown's brain slowly sorts the pieces of this [once again] overly complicated puzzle to the final solution. But unless you can read his mind, you'll have to wait til the end to know what, why and who. If you read a mystery for the thrill of the chase, you won't get it here.
March 5, 2020
Another interesting installment in the Servant of the Crown Mysteries. Set in the late 1100s, the reign of Richard the Lionheart in fact, when new royal officials called Crowners were being introduced. Crowners were supposed to investigate suspicious deaths, and collect the forfeited goods of the killers.
You've guessed, it Crowners were the origin of Coroners. I have a weak spot for Medieval Mysteries and The Servant of the Crown mysteries definitely appeal to it. There are vague shades of Cadfael with some of the characters (Brother Colin) and even some of the situations in this novel.
I appreciate the small details about social history and everyday life in these stories. They really bring the period to life, without bogging down the reader, or listener. The details are just presented in a natural way, through the observations or sights of the characters. Seeing which crops are grown when walking in the gardens, which leads to a brief description of which crops were planted for winter
The language is just right. Modern without any conspicuously jarring terms, and without any effected archaisms.
Recommended for Medieval Mystery fans.
You've guessed, it Crowners were the origin of Coroners. I have a weak spot for Medieval Mysteries and The Servant of the Crown mysteries definitely appeal to it. There are vague shades of Cadfael with some of the characters (Brother Colin) and even some of the situations in this novel.
I appreciate the small details about social history and everyday life in these stories. They really bring the period to life, without bogging down the reader, or listener. The details are just presented in a natural way, through the observations or sights of the characters. Seeing which crops are grown when walking in the gardens, which leads to a brief description of which crops were planted for winter
The language is just right. Modern without any conspicuously jarring terms, and without any effected archaisms.
Recommended for Medieval Mystery fans.
January 20, 2021
Another good story packed full of information about medieval England, this time more about life in a large town and how businesses are run. I'm really enjoying reading about women's positions at this time and the kind of business that it's acceptable and even expected for them to operate. Once again the characters are well drawn and the mystery is entertaining.
December 22, 2022
I’m definitely enjoying this series.
October 18, 2024
An enjoyable quick murder mystery set in medieval times.
December 1, 2018
Great book
Once again the knight and his monk have gotten themselves in another murder mystery. There are more characters in this story to keep up with because almost any of them could be the murderer. I recommend this book to everyone.
Once again the knight and his monk have gotten themselves in another murder mystery. There are more characters in this story to keep up with because almost any of them could be the murderer. I recommend this book to everyone.
February 21, 2024
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
November 17, 2017
This is the second story centred on Faucon de Ramis the new Coronari of Blacklea village.
I especially enjoyed the story of the murdered linsman, whose comfortable lifestyle was provided by craftsmen and women who made garments and embroidered ribbons and trimmings for the wealthy in a sort of early production line.
The original killing which opens the first book and carried through all three stories is left open at the end as a tantalising carrot for the next book.
I hope I can read that one soon as I loved these stories and will look forward to reading more from this author.
I especially enjoyed the story of the murdered linsman, whose comfortable lifestyle was provided by craftsmen and women who made garments and embroidered ribbons and trimmings for the wealthy in a sort of early production line.
The original killing which opens the first book and carried through all three stories is left open at the end as a tantalising carrot for the next book.
I hope I can read that one soon as I loved these stories and will look forward to reading more from this author.
February 5, 2018
Compelling Medieval Tale!
I absolutely adore Denise Domning's talent in weaving a medieval story that pulls you completely in from beginning to end and doesn't need sex to sell! Truly and thoroughly enjoying the series about the royal crowner, Sir Faucon de Ramis and his quirky clerk monk, Edmund. I also love that she weaves in characters from her previous books at the same timing of those stories giving even more depth to these characters and their lives at that time!!! Cannot RECOMMEND STRONGLY enough! MUST READ!
I absolutely adore Denise Domning's talent in weaving a medieval story that pulls you completely in from beginning to end and doesn't need sex to sell! Truly and thoroughly enjoying the series about the royal crowner, Sir Faucon de Ramis and his quirky clerk monk, Edmund. I also love that she weaves in characters from her previous books at the same timing of those stories giving even more depth to these characters and their lives at that time!!! Cannot RECOMMEND STRONGLY enough! MUST READ!
June 29, 2021
Season of the Fox Earns 5+/5 Crowners…Engaging to the Max!
I have become an eager fan of historical mysteries, as of late, especially those set centuries ago in Great Britain’s past: Ellis Peter’s Cadfael, Peter Tremayne’s Sister Fidelma, Howard of Warwick’s Chronicles of Brother Hermitage, and Jeri Westerson’s Crispin Guest. I am fascinated by the authors’ level of research and ability to weave into their fiction some historical events and figures along with use of description, language, and cadence to illustrate, in these examples, medieval society, class differences, religious practices and hierarchy, and a variety of personalities. It was fortuitous to find Denise Domning’s A Servant of the Crown mystery series, and after being totally engaged in book one “Season of the Raven” and just as absorbed in book two “Season of the Fox,” I have added this series to my Top 5 Surprises for 2021.
“Season of the Fox” begins with the first-person narrative of a killer, still unknown, who is angry about being rebuffed in his attempt to do God’s will, as he sees it, by taking into his care a young innocent girl. His murderous intent is hidden from those he meets, however, one of the victims was discovered (“Season of the Raven”), and the new Keeper of the Pleas has seen the mangled remains and knows a killer is present. But, can he root out the killer before another innocent is dispatched to Heaven? Be patient…
It’s been a month since the Archbishop of Canterbury created the new position of Keeper of the Pleas to address corruption, but only two weeks has passed since Sir Faucon de Ramis was elected to the role, dubbed Sir Crowner, to investigate all pleas for justice, call for inquests, record details and witness information, and collect property from the wrongdoers for the crown. Although he solved the murder of a local miller, bringing the real culprit to justice and confiscating their property has been elusive. Even the subsequent pleas ranging from deaths to burglaries and a lover’s spat turned violent have ended with no compensation. His clerk, Brother Edmund, records all information and, with a rather cheeky manner, ensures Faucon is following protocols. Currently, he sits at the bedside of the bruised corpse of an old woman whose granddaughter accuses the uncle of murder. He is a violent man and admits to many times hitting his mother for her own cruelty, yet Faucon recognizes the signs and is quick to render a decision, but before he and Brother Edmund can finish the record, a “hue and cry” is heard from the streets, “…stop him…He’s killed Bernart the Linsman!” The chased man, Peter the Webber, takes refuge in a local church where, to the chagrin of the mass, Father Herebert has granted forty days of sanctuary. Plenty of time, Faucon believes, to detail the crime and ensure the wrongdoer’s property is forfeited to the crown. Oh, if only it were that easy. Some are adamant of Peter’s innocence, despite being seen standing over the victim’s body, so Sir Crowner is set to investigate.
Denise Domning had me enthralled at the first “hue and cry.” Faucon again inserts himself into another murder mystery, sans the sheriff’s traditional interference, with a few compelling scenarios, suspects, and possible motives to ponder. What seems obvious becomes complicated as looks are deceiving, and although forensic science is primitive, Domning creatively manages it well to a final shocking conclusion. Slowly Faucon is gaining recognition and the expertise to execute his duties, but Brother Edmund, well illustrated as infuriating, does not miss an opportunity to remind Faucon of his faux pas and errors in judgement. Even with the embarrassing interruptions, countermanding decisions, and anger over protocols being dismissed, the dynamic between Faucon and Edmund has become a key element I oddly enjoy. To my delight, Brother Colin, a Cadfael-like character, makes an appearance to offer his insights and medical skill. Although a new murder is the main focus and the role of women a fascinating element, this clever, well-developed, and detailed drama is a continuation, relying on matters from book one; the unresolved issues between Faucon and the sheriff Sir Alain and the details surrounding the serial killer are ongoing storylines that may stretch into multiple books, however the issues are quite intriguing, not disappointing at all to wait for a more direct investigation and resolution. Denise’s writing style is poetic in its cadence and easy to read with descriptions employing sensory-laden language to provide excellent pictures of the environment and different characters along with entertaining banter to set tone and personalities making this a delightful page turner. There are two helpful references available: an “Horarium” defining the names given to hours in the day and a “Glossary” defining several content terms. However minor, I do like the new book cover, it piqued my interest, but the stained glass image of the original cover was not only artistic, but a perfect illustration of the era. Mystery fans must try the series!
I have become an eager fan of historical mysteries, as of late, especially those set centuries ago in Great Britain’s past: Ellis Peter’s Cadfael, Peter Tremayne’s Sister Fidelma, Howard of Warwick’s Chronicles of Brother Hermitage, and Jeri Westerson’s Crispin Guest. I am fascinated by the authors’ level of research and ability to weave into their fiction some historical events and figures along with use of description, language, and cadence to illustrate, in these examples, medieval society, class differences, religious practices and hierarchy, and a variety of personalities. It was fortuitous to find Denise Domning’s A Servant of the Crown mystery series, and after being totally engaged in book one “Season of the Raven” and just as absorbed in book two “Season of the Fox,” I have added this series to my Top 5 Surprises for 2021.
“Season of the Fox” begins with the first-person narrative of a killer, still unknown, who is angry about being rebuffed in his attempt to do God’s will, as he sees it, by taking into his care a young innocent girl. His murderous intent is hidden from those he meets, however, one of the victims was discovered (“Season of the Raven”), and the new Keeper of the Pleas has seen the mangled remains and knows a killer is present. But, can he root out the killer before another innocent is dispatched to Heaven? Be patient…
It’s been a month since the Archbishop of Canterbury created the new position of Keeper of the Pleas to address corruption, but only two weeks has passed since Sir Faucon de Ramis was elected to the role, dubbed Sir Crowner, to investigate all pleas for justice, call for inquests, record details and witness information, and collect property from the wrongdoers for the crown. Although he solved the murder of a local miller, bringing the real culprit to justice and confiscating their property has been elusive. Even the subsequent pleas ranging from deaths to burglaries and a lover’s spat turned violent have ended with no compensation. His clerk, Brother Edmund, records all information and, with a rather cheeky manner, ensures Faucon is following protocols. Currently, he sits at the bedside of the bruised corpse of an old woman whose granddaughter accuses the uncle of murder. He is a violent man and admits to many times hitting his mother for her own cruelty, yet Faucon recognizes the signs and is quick to render a decision, but before he and Brother Edmund can finish the record, a “hue and cry” is heard from the streets, “…stop him…He’s killed Bernart the Linsman!” The chased man, Peter the Webber, takes refuge in a local church where, to the chagrin of the mass, Father Herebert has granted forty days of sanctuary. Plenty of time, Faucon believes, to detail the crime and ensure the wrongdoer’s property is forfeited to the crown. Oh, if only it were that easy. Some are adamant of Peter’s innocence, despite being seen standing over the victim’s body, so Sir Crowner is set to investigate.
Denise Domning had me enthralled at the first “hue and cry.” Faucon again inserts himself into another murder mystery, sans the sheriff’s traditional interference, with a few compelling scenarios, suspects, and possible motives to ponder. What seems obvious becomes complicated as looks are deceiving, and although forensic science is primitive, Domning creatively manages it well to a final shocking conclusion. Slowly Faucon is gaining recognition and the expertise to execute his duties, but Brother Edmund, well illustrated as infuriating, does not miss an opportunity to remind Faucon of his faux pas and errors in judgement. Even with the embarrassing interruptions, countermanding decisions, and anger over protocols being dismissed, the dynamic between Faucon and Edmund has become a key element I oddly enjoy. To my delight, Brother Colin, a Cadfael-like character, makes an appearance to offer his insights and medical skill. Although a new murder is the main focus and the role of women a fascinating element, this clever, well-developed, and detailed drama is a continuation, relying on matters from book one; the unresolved issues between Faucon and the sheriff Sir Alain and the details surrounding the serial killer are ongoing storylines that may stretch into multiple books, however the issues are quite intriguing, not disappointing at all to wait for a more direct investigation and resolution. Denise’s writing style is poetic in its cadence and easy to read with descriptions employing sensory-laden language to provide excellent pictures of the environment and different characters along with entertaining banter to set tone and personalities making this a delightful page turner. There are two helpful references available: an “Horarium” defining the names given to hours in the day and a “Glossary” defining several content terms. However minor, I do like the new book cover, it piqued my interest, but the stained glass image of the original cover was not only artistic, but a perfect illustration of the era. Mystery fans must try the series!
February 27, 2024
Book #: 18
Title: Season of the Fox
Author: Denise Domning
Series: Servant of the Crown Mystery #2
Format: 190 pages, Kindle Edition, own
Pub Date: First published February 28, 2015
Started: 2/23/24 Finished: 2/23/24
Awards: none
Categories:
PS16 A book set 24 years before you were born; PS27 A book where someone dies in the first chapter; GR9 A book with fewer than 2024 ratings on Goodreads (1040); GR10 A history or historical fiction book; GR12 A book that has been on your TBR for over a year; GR37 A book that is part of a series; GR38 Two books with similar covers: Book 1; CCLS32 A Book by a Female Author;
CCLS35 A Mystery;
Rating: ***** five out of five stars
A rich merchant is dead and the prime suspect has taken sanctuary in the church proclaiming his innocence. Sir Faucon de Ramis, retired crusader, Keeper of the Pleas (circuit court judge), and Crowner (a representative of the Crown from which the word Coroner is derived) has thirty days to uncover the truth. He quickly discovers that the linen factory is owned by the wife, not the merchant, something unheard of at the time and the laws of inheritance are completely different from the usual expectation. Not only does this greatly increase the number of people who would have motive, but if the accused is innocent, then the real killer is still loose and may try to kill Faucon to keep him from discovering the truth.
This is the best medieval mystery series I've read since Brother Cadfael. I intend to read the entire series. As for the similar covers . . . The Season of the Raven, book one, has Brother Edmund, Sir Faucon in armor, and Brother Benedict, the three main characters of the book on the cover. Sir Faucon is holding a raven on his fist. The Season of the Fox, book two, has the flipped the characters right to left so they're all facing the other way, the raven has been removed and a fox is now at Sir Faucon's feet. Other than the mirror flip, the poses of the main characters are identical. Only the background is changed. For Lost Innocents, book three, the fox has been replaced by two small children, and the background is changed. The poses of the characters are identical.
Title: Season of the Fox
Author: Denise Domning
Series: Servant of the Crown Mystery #2
Format: 190 pages, Kindle Edition, own
Pub Date: First published February 28, 2015
Started: 2/23/24 Finished: 2/23/24
Awards: none
Categories:
PS16 A book set 24 years before you were born; PS27 A book where someone dies in the first chapter; GR9 A book with fewer than 2024 ratings on Goodreads (1040); GR10 A history or historical fiction book; GR12 A book that has been on your TBR for over a year; GR37 A book that is part of a series; GR38 Two books with similar covers: Book 1; CCLS32 A Book by a Female Author;
CCLS35 A Mystery;
Rating: ***** five out of five stars
A rich merchant is dead and the prime suspect has taken sanctuary in the church proclaiming his innocence. Sir Faucon de Ramis, retired crusader, Keeper of the Pleas (circuit court judge), and Crowner (a representative of the Crown from which the word Coroner is derived) has thirty days to uncover the truth. He quickly discovers that the linen factory is owned by the wife, not the merchant, something unheard of at the time and the laws of inheritance are completely different from the usual expectation. Not only does this greatly increase the number of people who would have motive, but if the accused is innocent, then the real killer is still loose and may try to kill Faucon to keep him from discovering the truth.
This is the best medieval mystery series I've read since Brother Cadfael. I intend to read the entire series. As for the similar covers . . . The Season of the Raven, book one, has Brother Edmund, Sir Faucon in armor, and Brother Benedict, the three main characters of the book on the cover. Sir Faucon is holding a raven on his fist. The Season of the Fox, book two, has the flipped the characters right to left so they're all facing the other way, the raven has been removed and a fox is now at Sir Faucon's feet. Other than the mirror flip, the poses of the main characters are identical. Only the background is changed. For Lost Innocents, book three, the fox has been replaced by two small children, and the background is changed. The poses of the characters are identical.
November 12, 2018
Murder Most Foul
In this book, Sir Faucon has been crowner for two weeks, but has settled very quickly into his new role and seems much more comfortable. He has been called to the town of Stanrudde by Abbot Athelard to look into the death of an old woman. While that is nothing to laugh about, the author has managed to inject some humorous moments into the scene.
While there, a hue and cry is raised about a murder, with the murderer gaining sanctuary in the local church just ahead of the mob. Sir Faucon and Brother Edmund go to the murdered merchant’s house and this is definitely murder. Sir Faucon is able to piece some of events together but is puzzled by some things although he can’t put his finger on what is troubling him. Brother Edmund has made strides in his attitude and he and Sir Faucon have a more or less complementary working relationship.
In this story, we learn more about Sir Alain, the sheriff, and also meet another relative of Sir Faucon’s which gives a little more insight into Faucon’s family and his background. Also on the scene is Brother Colin as his home abbey is in Stanrudde, and he is a great help to Sir Faucon as he was in the first book. Sir Faucon has a few adventures (or misadventures) in this story and one of them looks as though it will carry through to the next book.
The murder-mystery is a very good one and while I accurately picked the person I thought was guilty, I wasn’t completely right and the solution was quite complex.
These mediaeval mysteries are lighter than others in the same genre, but I enjoy them and that is what matters to me. The characters are well-depicted for the most part and as I mentioned earlier we do learn a little more about the main characters. The writing is well-done and well edited and historical information is woven throughout the story. I have to add that the covers of this book and the first one are marvellous.
In this book, Sir Faucon has been crowner for two weeks, but has settled very quickly into his new role and seems much more comfortable. He has been called to the town of Stanrudde by Abbot Athelard to look into the death of an old woman. While that is nothing to laugh about, the author has managed to inject some humorous moments into the scene.
While there, a hue and cry is raised about a murder, with the murderer gaining sanctuary in the local church just ahead of the mob. Sir Faucon and Brother Edmund go to the murdered merchant’s house and this is definitely murder. Sir Faucon is able to piece some of events together but is puzzled by some things although he can’t put his finger on what is troubling him. Brother Edmund has made strides in his attitude and he and Sir Faucon have a more or less complementary working relationship.
In this story, we learn more about Sir Alain, the sheriff, and also meet another relative of Sir Faucon’s which gives a little more insight into Faucon’s family and his background. Also on the scene is Brother Colin as his home abbey is in Stanrudde, and he is a great help to Sir Faucon as he was in the first book. Sir Faucon has a few adventures (or misadventures) in this story and one of them looks as though it will carry through to the next book.
The murder-mystery is a very good one and while I accurately picked the person I thought was guilty, I wasn’t completely right and the solution was quite complex.
These mediaeval mysteries are lighter than others in the same genre, but I enjoy them and that is what matters to me. The characters are well-depicted for the most part and as I mentioned earlier we do learn a little more about the main characters. The writing is well-done and well edited and historical information is woven throughout the story. I have to add that the covers of this book and the first one are marvellous.
July 3, 2019
A very enjoyable book. It was a couple of months ago that I read the first book in this series so it was a pleasant surprise to find a boxset with that and this one for free on Bookbub. The backgrounds for the stories are very well researched and you're not to forget that these were the very dark middle ages. Despite that Faucon is very liberal in his thinking, he remains a child of his own day and age with all the inherent prejudices and beliefs. Life was difficult for most people and the poorer you were, the harsher and crueller that life would treat you. Especially for women live was unfair, they couldn't own a business apart from alewives. The master of your family-house (your dad or brother or even your son!)would decide and dictate whom with and when you got married and was even allowed to beat you (not with his fists, only with a stick, not wider than his thumb!). Other injustices of the feudal system are also shown; No-one was supposed to rise above one's station in life. Even weather your ancestry was English or Normandic mattered for all important notions. The book shows also how badly informed and completely uneducated people were back then. Even Faucon, being of noble descent and despite having had lessons when he was young, is illiterate. Most people never left the village and estate where they were born, a trip to a town market would have been a massive enterprise. It's really interesting to find out all those finer details about the everyday life of the lower classes.
September 25, 2017
More of the same. Faucon and Edmund solve a mystery with Colin helping. There is lots of description, and the action moves along acceptably well. Once again much of the solution is in Faucon's head with only a few clues thrown to the readers. The sheriff plays a hand, but Faucon finds a relative to help. There will be more to that story down the road.
I like the main characters, especially Faucon. The secondary characters are interesting as well. Edmund is still an odd mix of traits and talents; I wonder if his back story will ever come out. Colin shows up and offers good counsel, his earlier apothecary training being helpful. Faucon is a quick study; he picks up on details and thinks things through. The sheriff's conflict with Faucon remains unresolved. The strange killings of maidens is also unresolved.
This story takes place in town. The crime takes place in a relatively well off home/shop. The murdered fellow was not particularly well liked, and the implicated murderer is a young man, who runs to sanctuary and plays little into the story except for one interview by Faucon. The family is full of secrets. It is a bit of a sordid tale.
Book #2 is a nice followup to the first in the series, and the familiar characters add color to the story.
I like the main characters, especially Faucon. The secondary characters are interesting as well. Edmund is still an odd mix of traits and talents; I wonder if his back story will ever come out. Colin shows up and offers good counsel, his earlier apothecary training being helpful. Faucon is a quick study; he picks up on details and thinks things through. The sheriff's conflict with Faucon remains unresolved. The strange killings of maidens is also unresolved.
This story takes place in town. The crime takes place in a relatively well off home/shop. The murdered fellow was not particularly well liked, and the implicated murderer is a young man, who runs to sanctuary and plays little into the story except for one interview by Faucon. The family is full of secrets. It is a bit of a sordid tale.
Book #2 is a nice followup to the first in the series, and the familiar characters add color to the story.
September 10, 2018
Newly appointed coroner, Faucon, continues investigating murders and unnatural deaths with his buttoned up monastical clerk in tow. This time, they're called to the brutal murder of a rich merchant.
The story bundles along with Faucon beginning to learn his trade and how to seek out clues using his skills as a huntsman to help him. Brother Colin, the monk who helped him determined the victim in the first novel had been murdered, makes a welcome reappearance and the plot thickens with the sheriff making moves against Faucon.
These books are short but interesting little stories. I find that a lot of the detecting is hidden from the reader's sight as Faucon puts together clues we don't necessarily have a full view of. And the 'bits of information' are forever 'shifting in Faucon's brain' to point him in the right direction without the reader knowing what these bits are and how they are shifting.
Still, it's an enjoyable read. Faucon is an appealing character and there are snippets dropped in about the past of various other regular characters who it would be interesting to learn more about.
The story bundles along with Faucon beginning to learn his trade and how to seek out clues using his skills as a huntsman to help him. Brother Colin, the monk who helped him determined the victim in the first novel had been murdered, makes a welcome reappearance and the plot thickens with the sheriff making moves against Faucon.
These books are short but interesting little stories. I find that a lot of the detecting is hidden from the reader's sight as Faucon puts together clues we don't necessarily have a full view of. And the 'bits of information' are forever 'shifting in Faucon's brain' to point him in the right direction without the reader knowing what these bits are and how they are shifting.
Still, it's an enjoyable read. Faucon is an appealing character and there are snippets dropped in about the past of various other regular characters who it would be interesting to learn more about.
September 16, 2017
And the story of Sir Faucon and Edmund, his secretary, continues. This time in the city rather than a village, and in a household that is, unusually, made wealthy by the work of the women, rather than the men; something that our hero finds a bit difficult to get his head around :)
I like the way a long term antagonist has been set up for him - with two reasons for him to wish Faucon ill, one obvious to anyone who has had dealings with the antagonist, one private and much more personal.
I find the way in which the medieval jury system and punishment works, including paying a large fine rather than be punished in any other way, really interesting.
I like the way a long term antagonist has been set up for him - with two reasons for him to wish Faucon ill, one obvious to anyone who has had dealings with the antagonist, one private and much more personal.
I find the way in which the medieval jury system and punishment works, including paying a large fine rather than be punished in any other way, really interesting.
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April 24, 2020I love this second book in the Servant of the Crown Mystery. The author takes great pains to detail the life of medieval England and the type of crimes the people, royal and peasant, faced. The hero, Faucon, is a perfect picture of a young nobleman striving to better himself and not get involved in the corruption of the age and class. This story involves the murder of a wealthy merchant, a seller of fine linens and cloth, who is found in his workshop with his throat cut. Faucon's trusty companion, Edward, a monk who is a "dot the i's and cross the t's guy", helps him stay on track legally and meet all the requirements of his office.
November 23, 2018
Falcon is a fox
This is only the second book in the series and I'm hooked! The writing is good, the plot interesting and characters vivid. The author doesn't get bogged down with needless description of time and place but gives the reader enough to feel that they are visiting a place in history. As you are drawn in to the story it is easy to see that the characters' lives are no different than our own. Enter Faucon who must solve the mystery without forensic to help him. In a time where surviving by one's wits was a matter of life and death, Faucon is a true master.
This is only the second book in the series and I'm hooked! The writing is good, the plot interesting and characters vivid. The author doesn't get bogged down with needless description of time and place but gives the reader enough to feel that they are visiting a place in history. As you are drawn in to the story it is easy to see that the characters' lives are no different than our own. Enter Faucon who must solve the mystery without forensic to help him. In a time where surviving by one's wits was a matter of life and death, Faucon is a true master.
January 22, 2022
Set shortly after events in Season of the Raven, this continues with Sir Faucon learning the ropes as the new Coronaris ("Crowner", which becomes the origin of Coroner), looking into deaths in the district and makign sure the crown gets what is owed to it.
As before, he is accompanied by Edmund, a monk, who takes peoples oaths and confessions and records them accordingly.
The characters are well written, and the mystery moved along at a good pace. It introduces several suspects and had a good resolution.
As before, he is accompanied by Edmund, a monk, who takes peoples oaths and confessions and records them accordingly.
The characters are well written, and the mystery moved along at a good pace. It introduces several suspects and had a good resolution.
July 1, 2019
Second in the series. This installment brings Faucon to a town, so we get a sense of what life might be like for those in the emergent merchant class around 1192. Even more interesting, the merchant killed in his own shop is in a buisness run by women, quite skilled at making some fashionable iutems that had become popular part of wardrobe among the royals and elite. Some nice probing about gender role expectations and practices in Faucon's world.
July 6, 2019
Strikes a nice balance between leaving you enough clues to put some of the puzzle pieces together yourself before the end, yet still leaving you surprised at the cleverness of our protagonist and his allies. Another great foray into the middle ages with both episodic mystery and longer-ranged story elements that will surely keep readers coming back for more. Feels even better crafted than the preceding book, which is always nice to see.
March 1, 2021
A good story but too much details
Love the story and the characters. My main complaint is the elaborate description of little things like walls, windows, doors of a house or some such (which sometimes takes nearly a page to describe each single one) which maybe important to some readers but which I don’t have the patience for. I skipped these things a lot to move on with the story.
Love the story and the characters. My main complaint is the elaborate description of little things like walls, windows, doors of a house or some such (which sometimes takes nearly a page to describe each single one) which maybe important to some readers but which I don’t have the patience for. I skipped these things a lot to move on with the story.
April 3, 2019
Now that we've gotten to know the characters a little, Faucon and Edmund are off to solve another murder, this time in a larger town. I was glad to see Brother Colin, a monk who helped kick Faucon's critical thinking skills into gear in the first book, again.
These are fairly quick reads, but no less entertaining for all that.
These are fairly quick reads, but no less entertaining for all that.
July 14, 2019
Good historical fiction
This series is so entertaining and it serves to educate me a little bit more about this time period. I love the characters and the storyline. I plan on reading the next book in the series. This one was a little slower than the first book,but still it has been truly enjoyable.
This series is so entertaining and it serves to educate me a little bit more about this time period. I love the characters and the storyline. I plan on reading the next book in the series. This one was a little slower than the first book,but still it has been truly enjoyable.
March 11, 2020
So, this second tale began as I thought, but then we veered to a merchant’s death whose wife is the business owner! I loved the needlwork parts, as I am a needlepointer and an archivist historian. The Sheriff is still questionable, Brother Edmund displays austic-like traits, and then the strange deaths of young females. Intriguing and clever series!
October 27, 2020
Book 2 in the Servant of the Crown Mystery series. A medieval mystery. The characters are developing and the story continues from book 1. Having said that, I think you could read this book without having read the first. More murders to be solved with the help of two monks. Historical back ground is interesting without reading like a history book.
September 24, 2022
Really nice book. This is the tale of a businessman slain in his own home/place of business. The boyfriend of the slain man's daughter is the accused. Who actually did the deed? Sir Crowner - Faucon - and his friend Brother Colin investigate. So interesting to read about society of the time and the jobs various townspeople held.
August 24, 2025
This is a solid medieval murder mystery. Just like in the first book of the series I something did not completely like how the reader is left out a little until very late. You can try to guess, but the circumstances remain unclear, which is actually good, but I felt like I did not always have a chance to find the culprit. Nevertheless, this is definitely worth reading. 4 stars
January 15, 2019
Another winner!
This series continues developing characters and giving an excellent view of this time period. The mystery is fun to follow and does give you clues to work it out on your own.
This series continues developing characters and giving an excellent view of this time period. The mystery is fun to follow and does give you clues to work it out on your own.
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