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The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan #15
The Herald of Hell
A medieval mystery featuring sleuthing monk Brother Athelstan
May, 1381. The Great Revolt draws ever nearer. The Upright Men openly roam the streets of London, waiting for the violence to begin. Their mysterious envoy, the Herald of Hell, appears at night all over the city, striking terror into the hearts of those who oppose them. But who is he?
When his chancery clerk is found hanged in a notorious Southwark brothel, the ruthless Thibault, John of Gaunt’s Master of Secrets, summons Brother Athelstan to investigate. Did Amaury Whitfield really kill himself following a visit from the terrifying Herald of Hell? Athelstan is unconvinced.
In the dead man’s possession was a manuscript containing a great secret which he had been striving to decipher. If he could only unlock the cipher and interpret the messages being carried to the so-called Herald of Hell, Athelstan would be one step closer to catching the killer. But can he crack the code before the Great Revolt begins?
May, 1381. The Great Revolt draws ever nearer. The Upright Men openly roam the streets of London, waiting for the violence to begin. Their mysterious envoy, the Herald of Hell, appears at night all over the city, striking terror into the hearts of those who oppose them. But who is he?
When his chancery clerk is found hanged in a notorious Southwark brothel, the ruthless Thibault, John of Gaunt’s Master of Secrets, summons Brother Athelstan to investigate. Did Amaury Whitfield really kill himself following a visit from the terrifying Herald of Hell? Athelstan is unconvinced.
In the dead man’s possession was a manuscript containing a great secret which he had been striving to decipher. If he could only unlock the cipher and interpret the messages being carried to the so-called Herald of Hell, Athelstan would be one step closer to catching the killer. But can he crack the code before the Great Revolt begins?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2015
96 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books609 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 29, 2018
This delightful mystery by Paul Doherty is already the 15th volume of the brilliant Brother Athelstan series.
Once again the historical knowledge and atmosphere about this period of history comes off the pages in a most amazing fashion.
Storytelling is as ever of a top-notch quality, so much so that it makes this mystery into a page-turner, and a mystery where you will be drawn with ease into the evil medieval times of 14th Century London.
The atmosphere of these medieval times comes vividly off the pages, as well as all the characters, whether they are real or fictional, they are all featuring within this book in a most enjoyable and intriguing way.
The book is set again in the year AD 1381, and by now we've entered the month of May, with the Great Revolt ever drawing nearer in London.
The story itself is about the Upright men who are openly roaming the streets of London and their mysterious envoy, "The Herald of Hell", is appearing at night to strike terror into the hearts of people who oppose them, and so when Thibault's Chancery clerk is found hanged in a notorious Southwark brothel, Thibauld being himself John of Gaunt's Master of Secrets, Brother Athelstan with of course his friend Sir John Cranston are summoned to investigate this dreadful case.
What will follow is a race against time, because in the dead man's possession was a manuscript containing a great secret, and by obtaining that secret Brother Athelstan and Sir John Cranston need time to unlock the cipher, time they hardly have, because they have to crack the code in time before the Great Revolt while at the same moment they have to do all within their power to be on time to catch this ruthless killer.
Recommended to all fans of these kind of books, especially Brother Athelstan's, for this is "A Hellish Exciting Mystery"!
Once again the historical knowledge and atmosphere about this period of history comes off the pages in a most amazing fashion.
Storytelling is as ever of a top-notch quality, so much so that it makes this mystery into a page-turner, and a mystery where you will be drawn with ease into the evil medieval times of 14th Century London.
The atmosphere of these medieval times comes vividly off the pages, as well as all the characters, whether they are real or fictional, they are all featuring within this book in a most enjoyable and intriguing way.
The book is set again in the year AD 1381, and by now we've entered the month of May, with the Great Revolt ever drawing nearer in London.
The story itself is about the Upright men who are openly roaming the streets of London and their mysterious envoy, "The Herald of Hell", is appearing at night to strike terror into the hearts of people who oppose them, and so when Thibault's Chancery clerk is found hanged in a notorious Southwark brothel, Thibauld being himself John of Gaunt's Master of Secrets, Brother Athelstan with of course his friend Sir John Cranston are summoned to investigate this dreadful case.
What will follow is a race against time, because in the dead man's possession was a manuscript containing a great secret, and by obtaining that secret Brother Athelstan and Sir John Cranston need time to unlock the cipher, time they hardly have, because they have to crack the code in time before the Great Revolt while at the same moment they have to do all within their power to be on time to catch this ruthless killer.
Recommended to all fans of these kind of books, especially Brother Athelstan's, for this is "A Hellish Exciting Mystery"!
November 26, 2015
The best Paul Doherty novel in ages.
"The Herald of Hell" takes places literally days before the Great Revolt of 1381. So the atmosphere of the book is one of danger and fear.
A clerk from the secret chancery of John of Gaunt is murdered in a brothel. His servant seeks sanctuary at St Erconwalds and is also murdered. All hell is breaking loose and only Sir Jack Cranston and Brother Athelstan stand in its path.
Well written, fast paced, and damn near unputdownable. "The Herald of Hell" had me on the edge of my seat many times.
As always, Paul loves his little inside jokes. He ties the first Hugh Corbett novel, "Satan in St Marys" into the framework of this book. And, as is his wont, his home town gets a mention. I think he's worked it into just about every novel he's written.
The next book in the series is apparently going to be called "The Great Revolt", we know how it ends, but I am sure we will loose many of Athelstan's parishioners before that book ends. But suffice to say that, in this book, we don't loose anyone we have come to love, but there is at least one hell of a shock for long time readers of the series.
Highly recommended. Fantastic book.
"The Herald of Hell" takes places literally days before the Great Revolt of 1381. So the atmosphere of the book is one of danger and fear.
A clerk from the secret chancery of John of Gaunt is murdered in a brothel. His servant seeks sanctuary at St Erconwalds and is also murdered. All hell is breaking loose and only Sir Jack Cranston and Brother Athelstan stand in its path.
Well written, fast paced, and damn near unputdownable. "The Herald of Hell" had me on the edge of my seat many times.
As always, Paul loves his little inside jokes. He ties the first Hugh Corbett novel, "Satan in St Marys" into the framework of this book. And, as is his wont, his home town gets a mention. I think he's worked it into just about every novel he's written.
The next book in the series is apparently going to be called "The Great Revolt", we know how it ends, but I am sure we will loose many of Athelstan's parishioners before that book ends. But suffice to say that, in this book, we don't loose anyone we have come to love, but there is at least one hell of a shock for long time readers of the series.
Highly recommended. Fantastic book.
January 15, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read any of the other Brother Athelstan books, but I had no trouble figuring out what was going on and who was who.
While I like history, especially English history, I can sometimes have trouble with it all blending together. The year 1381 was a very tumultuous one in England, and while I'd learned about the Peasant's Revolt back in the day, one of the reason I like to read historical mystery is the chance to learn more about events in an immersive, personal way. This book definitely fit the bill, and reading about both daily life and the political currents driving the events of the day were the highlights of the book for me. Doherty could sometimes be a little too microscopic in his descriptions of how people lived, but I found it believable, interesting, and he also managed to make it drive the mystery. This is a closed room puzzle, including a door with leather hinges and a pigskin window. I don't want to say too much about the solution, but some of the differences in what we as twenty-first century readers would take for granted vs. what people had as resources in 1381 will likely keep some readers from figuring things out. For myself, I was pretty sure what was going on, (general culprit but not all the details) but the mystery itself wasn't the most important thing. If I read the sequel, it will be to find out what happens when the Peasant's Revolt hits London and how it will affect the characters I've grown fond of.
I have not read any of the other Brother Athelstan books, but I had no trouble figuring out what was going on and who was who.
While I like history, especially English history, I can sometimes have trouble with it all blending together. The year 1381 was a very tumultuous one in England, and while I'd learned about the Peasant's Revolt back in the day, one of the reason I like to read historical mystery is the chance to learn more about events in an immersive, personal way. This book definitely fit the bill, and reading about both daily life and the political currents driving the events of the day were the highlights of the book for me. Doherty could sometimes be a little too microscopic in his descriptions of how people lived, but I found it believable, interesting, and he also managed to make it drive the mystery. This is a closed room puzzle, including a door with leather hinges and a pigskin window. I don't want to say too much about the solution, but some of the differences in what we as twenty-first century readers would take for granted vs. what people had as resources in 1381 will likely keep some readers from figuring things out. For myself, I was pretty sure what was going on, (general culprit but not all the details) but the mystery itself wasn't the most important thing. If I read the sequel, it will be to find out what happens when the Peasant's Revolt hits London and how it will affect the characters I've grown fond of.
May 20, 2016
At just over 200 pages, I found this a fun and quick read. Set in the days immediately preceding Wat Tyler's Revolt in 1381, the author paints a grim picture of what life in London must have been like. Paranoia is running rampant among the followers of the King, the descriptions of every day life are vivid and in some respects revolting.
The plot is a standard murder mystery, an important clerk in John of Gaunt's intel service in found hanging in his room in an upscale brothel. Bro Athelstan is recruited to determine if the death was really a suicide.
The atmosphere is really well done. The reader can almost feel the panic of the loyal residents as they wait the coming the rebellious peasants. The normal red herrings and false clues are present. I thought it was worth my time 4 stars
The plot is a standard murder mystery, an important clerk in John of Gaunt's intel service in found hanging in his room in an upscale brothel. Bro Athelstan is recruited to determine if the death was really a suicide.
The atmosphere is really well done. The reader can almost feel the panic of the loyal residents as they wait the coming the rebellious peasants. The normal red herrings and false clues are present. I thought it was worth my time 4 stars
December 6, 2022
A clerk is murdered at a Brothel party and London City Coroner Sir John Cranston and his faithful secretary and St Ercoldwald parish priest Brother Athelstan are called.
This mystery is of the locked room type and compounded by lies and evil deeds.
Later on in the story, murdered clerk's assistant is murdered while seeking sanctuary at St Erconwald's, further stumping the intrepid twosome.
Things are moving apace among the Upright Men who aim for revolt to try to address the huge gap between have and have not in England at this time.
Lots going on and Athelstan learns things about some of parishioners and his perceived role in the Great Revolt of 1381.
This one was fast paced and Athelstan and Sir John had more than one riddle to pick apart.
This mystery is of the locked room type and compounded by lies and evil deeds.
Later on in the story, murdered clerk's assistant is murdered while seeking sanctuary at St Erconwald's, further stumping the intrepid twosome.
Things are moving apace among the Upright Men who aim for revolt to try to address the huge gap between have and have not in England at this time.
Lots going on and Athelstan learns things about some of parishioners and his perceived role in the Great Revolt of 1381.
This one was fast paced and Athelstan and Sir John had more than one riddle to pick apart.
December 9, 2015
I am enjoying this newest progression of books revolving around the Peasant's Revolt during the reign of Richard and John of Gaunt. Brother Athelson and Chief Coroner Cranston again investigate plots and murders around London in the atmosphere of dissatisfaction of the populous with the monarchy. This author obviously knows the history well, but also has the remarkable ability to infuse his story with the sights you'd see and the smells, sounds and ambience of this time in historical London. I enjoy his use of vocabulary and his development of the two protagonists as the politics and populace change around them.
September 29, 2021
The fall is coming.
Athelstan is a smart little man an as always gets to the point in this medieval mystery. What I have learnt reading these books is sad. Who people lived or at least tried to. Its always the way the rich over powers the poor or the less fortunate. How can you tax someone who has nothing, who has to dig in a pile of shit scraps to feed there family. Who has a job that pays non to put a roof over there heads. How they are so depressed that they drink away what they earned. How one mans greed bring the whole damn country down on his head. I'm learning a lot just reading these mystery of the down fall of London in 1380's
Athelstan is a smart little man an as always gets to the point in this medieval mystery. What I have learnt reading these books is sad. Who people lived or at least tried to. Its always the way the rich over powers the poor or the less fortunate. How can you tax someone who has nothing, who has to dig in a pile of shit scraps to feed there family. Who has a job that pays non to put a roof over there heads. How they are so depressed that they drink away what they earned. How one mans greed bring the whole damn country down on his head. I'm learning a lot just reading these mystery of the down fall of London in 1380's
May 5, 2016
I have read all of the Brother Athelstan books and have become addicted to them. Other reviewers have detailed the plot, so I won't go there. What I will say is that the series gets darker and contains less humour the nearer it gets to The Great Revolt (Peasant's Revolt is not that accurate a description). This book is quite dark and the plot very involved with the up-coming Revolt. Having ripped through this book I am about to start the next in the series, "The Great Revolt": I am very concerned for Athelstand, Sir John and their comrades and friends.
January 2, 2016
Search for the truth through the thick miasma of Medieval London
This book is the fifteenth in the very successful Brother Athelstan series, and the first I have had the pleasure of reading. Doherty certainly knows his Medieval London and truly brings the stench and squalor alive on the page; at times it almost had me scratching!!
It is 1381 just before the Peasants’ Revolt over poll taxes and general grievances from all sectors of society. The young King Richard II is on the throne and in the clutches of his uncle, John of Gaunt, who has appointed himself Regent; but not all of the movers and shakers of the period are confident of the King’s abilities and a threat is afoot to execute him, and his retinue, and then to sack and burn London.
In the middle of all this plotting, Amaury Whitfield, clerk to Thibault, the Master of Secrets, is found hanging in a room locked and bolted from the inside. The coroner, Sir John Cranston suspects foul play and calls upon his friend and fellow sceptic, Brother Athelstan a Dominican friar to assist in his investigations. Whitfield’s room is at the top of the Golden Oliphant, a notorious tavern cum brothel run by Elizabeth Cheyne.
Adding to the general climate of fear, The Herald of Hell is abroad at night seeking out victims who he marks out by blowing three blasts on his horn, reciting a damning verse and by leaving a bowl of blood containing small onions on stalks, the number representing the number of people in the house.
It is amongst this chaos that Athelstan and Cranston must learn the truth and unmask the murderer, and identify the Upright Men who are fomenting rebellion with the help of their own ‘militia’, the creatively named Earthworms.
This is a real gem of a mystery thriller with so much detail that following Athelstan is a major undertaking requiring the reader to wipe the stench of corruption from his nose and to sniff out the perpetrators.
Very well written and totally convincing, this is a great read!
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
This book is the fifteenth in the very successful Brother Athelstan series, and the first I have had the pleasure of reading. Doherty certainly knows his Medieval London and truly brings the stench and squalor alive on the page; at times it almost had me scratching!!
It is 1381 just before the Peasants’ Revolt over poll taxes and general grievances from all sectors of society. The young King Richard II is on the throne and in the clutches of his uncle, John of Gaunt, who has appointed himself Regent; but not all of the movers and shakers of the period are confident of the King’s abilities and a threat is afoot to execute him, and his retinue, and then to sack and burn London.
In the middle of all this plotting, Amaury Whitfield, clerk to Thibault, the Master of Secrets, is found hanging in a room locked and bolted from the inside. The coroner, Sir John Cranston suspects foul play and calls upon his friend and fellow sceptic, Brother Athelstan a Dominican friar to assist in his investigations. Whitfield’s room is at the top of the Golden Oliphant, a notorious tavern cum brothel run by Elizabeth Cheyne.
Adding to the general climate of fear, The Herald of Hell is abroad at night seeking out victims who he marks out by blowing three blasts on his horn, reciting a damning verse and by leaving a bowl of blood containing small onions on stalks, the number representing the number of people in the house.
It is amongst this chaos that Athelstan and Cranston must learn the truth and unmask the murderer, and identify the Upright Men who are fomenting rebellion with the help of their own ‘militia’, the creatively named Earthworms.
This is a real gem of a mystery thriller with so much detail that following Athelstan is a major undertaking requiring the reader to wipe the stench of corruption from his nose and to sniff out the perpetrators.
Very well written and totally convincing, this is a great read!
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
October 2, 2015
The star rating I’ve given this novel reflects on the quality of the writing and the really good mystery plot. I have to say, though, that I’m just about burned out on The Great Revolt of 1381. From a comment in the Author’s Note following this story it would seem it will take at least one more novel to, hopefully, finish up this particular set of events. I know they were hugely important in the history of the nation, but I’m up to my eyebrows in Earthworms, Upright Men, and John of Gaunt.
Brother Athelstan of St. Erconwald and Sir John Cranston, the High Coroner of London, are called to what is probably the most notorious brothel in Southwark, The Golden Oliphant, to investigate what seems to be a suicide by hanging. Once at the brothel Brother Athelstan discovers that the chancery clerk of Thibault, Master of Secrets to Lord John of Gaunt, Amaury Whitfield, is hanging from a noose in his private room on the top floor of the brothel. At first glance this must be a suicide since it presents the investigators with no possible way for anyone else to have entered Whitfield’s room. However, Brother Athelstan is adamant that a murder has occurred and he and Sir John set out to solve the mystery.
This is a very enjoyable novel from the standpoint of the mysteries solved. You will find more than one secret uncovered, but pay close attention or you will miss the key clue which helps with the solution to the first death. I just breezed right by it and had to let the author explain how it all happened.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
Brother Athelstan of St. Erconwald and Sir John Cranston, the High Coroner of London, are called to what is probably the most notorious brothel in Southwark, The Golden Oliphant, to investigate what seems to be a suicide by hanging. Once at the brothel Brother Athelstan discovers that the chancery clerk of Thibault, Master of Secrets to Lord John of Gaunt, Amaury Whitfield, is hanging from a noose in his private room on the top floor of the brothel. At first glance this must be a suicide since it presents the investigators with no possible way for anyone else to have entered Whitfield’s room. However, Brother Athelstan is adamant that a murder has occurred and he and Sir John set out to solve the mystery.
This is a very enjoyable novel from the standpoint of the mysteries solved. You will find more than one secret uncovered, but pay close attention or you will miss the key clue which helps with the solution to the first death. I just breezed right by it and had to let the author explain how it all happened.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
January 21, 2016
Eye-catching cover? Definitely.
Smart & underestimated monk/detective? Check.
Plantagenet drama? Of course!
Everything about this book supported the idea that I would like it, maybe even love it, but it never caught on. There are some great descriptions of 14th century London but the characters all left me wanting something more.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Smart & underestimated monk/detective? Check.
Plantagenet drama? Of course!
Everything about this book supported the idea that I would like it, maybe even love it, but it never caught on. There are some great descriptions of 14th century London but the characters all left me wanting something more.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
April 22, 2016
It must be my mood? I go back and forth on whether I like Brother Athelstan books. This one will require reading the next one up...not something I am fond of. Anyway, the Upright Men are up to all kinds of things but Athelstan cuts through the woods to find the truth
June 15, 2017
Depuis que Paul Doherty a repris l'écriture des enquêtes du dominicain Athelstan avec La Pierre de sang en 2011, après une interruption de huit ans, les romans de cette série se sont considérablement enrichis en détails, en description.
Ce nouveau volume paru en français ne fait pas exception et le lecteur est pris par le suspens de l'enquête comme par le frisson procuré par le contexte, l'imminence de la Grande Révolte (1381) dont la préparation occupe d'ailleurs une place importante dans les différents volumes.
Deux volumes suivants sont déjà parus en anglais - dont La Grande révolte - et je les attends avec impatience !
Ce nouveau volume paru en français ne fait pas exception et le lecteur est pris par le suspens de l'enquête comme par le frisson procuré par le contexte, l'imminence de la Grande Révolte (1381) dont la préparation occupe d'ailleurs une place importante dans les différents volumes.
Deux volumes suivants sont déjà parus en anglais - dont La Grande révolte - et je les attends avec impatience !
January 31, 2019
I really like how the characters in these books are written. They feel human as even the good guys have foibles.
This isn't a standalone book - you really need to read the entire series to feel the gradual menace building up over the series. I won't say anymore in case its a spoiler as not everyone know 14th century English history!
What I can say is that the storyline does not seem terribly outlandish. The characters act within character, especially given the political & social backdrop of the period.
Can't wait to read the next one!
This isn't a standalone book - you really need to read the entire series to feel the gradual menace building up over the series. I won't say anymore in case its a spoiler as not everyone know 14th century English history!
What I can say is that the storyline does not seem terribly outlandish. The characters act within character, especially given the political & social backdrop of the period.
Can't wait to read the next one!
January 24, 2021
This was one of the better installments in a series I am enjoying. There Is an evolving murder mystery, of course, at the center of the story. Mixed with that is a subtle puzzle regarding the search for the treasured Cross of Lothar, and the civil uprising of the Upright Men. Reading this book at the same time citizens attempted to lay siege on our own US Capitol gave the building revolt in Medieval England an eerie context. Doherty has weaved some additional complexity into some of the recurring characters as well. I will anticipate more of the same when I read the next installment!
May 7, 2025
The Herald of Hell
The Great Revolt, the Summer of Blood or Wat Tyler's Rebellion is near. A man is found hanging in a locked and bolted room on the top floor of a brothel. Other murders follow in various parts of London. A few twist and turns and surprises happen during the story. Can Athelstan solve the murders before the revolt begins? What secrets can be found on two prices of vellum? A great story that ends action that leads to the next book, the Great Revolt.
The Great Revolt, the Summer of Blood or Wat Tyler's Rebellion is near. A man is found hanging in a locked and bolted room on the top floor of a brothel. Other murders follow in various parts of London. A few twist and turns and surprises happen during the story. Can Athelstan solve the murders before the revolt begins? What secrets can be found on two prices of vellum? A great story that ends action that leads to the next book, the Great Revolt.
November 3, 2017
I always annoy a Brother Athelstan book and this one does not disappoint. It's now getting so close to the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, I can taste it. I only hope Doherty doesn't mean it when he writes in the Historical notes that the title of the next novel is something like "The Revolt Finally", which indicates the end of the Athelstan novels.
March 23, 2019
The prequel to The Great Revolt.
Really exciting as always. I love the whole series. This one has intricate plots and ends on a cliff-hanger, urging me to want to read the next.
The characters are so well portrayed that it leaves you loving them and fearing for their safety.
Thoroughly recommended
Really exciting as always. I love the whole series. This one has intricate plots and ends on a cliff-hanger, urging me to want to read the next.
The characters are so well portrayed that it leaves you loving them and fearing for their safety.
Thoroughly recommended
November 6, 2023
excellent and fascinating story in dangerous times
My only gripe is that it was silly not to protect some of the victims. It was likely done to support the plot of course but still silly and obviously manipulative bad decisions which I dislike in my reading. A very interesting story an very well written!
My only gripe is that it was silly not to protect some of the victims. It was likely done to support the plot of course but still silly and obviously manipulative bad decisions which I dislike in my reading. A very interesting story an very well written!
September 2, 2017
I normally love this writer, but this book felt very much that he was following a formula. I struggled to read this one. I knew who did the crime because he has already use that culpert in another book. Oh well, maybe the next one will be less predictable.
July 19, 2020
Bien écrit et prenant Une plongée dans l' époque troublée du Londres de 1381 avec des traitrises des complots parsemés de détails qui facilitent l'immersion Frère Athelstan est un Maigret du Moyen-Âge qui sonde la nature humaine pour résoudre ses enquêtes Lu d'une traite et ... au suivant !
May 9, 2021
Another steady, rather than gripping, entry in the Brother Athelstan series. History is overtaking the friar as he investigates the death of an official clerk in a whorehouse, making for an interesting background, but breaking up the flow of the investigation.
October 9, 2021
I gave this excellent book Five stars! I don't think that the last one registered.
I have loved all of the Brother Athelston books, and enjoyed every one!
They are a worthy successor to the Brother Cadfael books.
I don't want them to end, as I will be absolutely bereft,
February 13, 2017
I enjoyed this. It gives good insight into the Peasants Revolt and develops many of the characters we have met in previous books.
May 12, 2017
The usual quality tale that Doherty writes.
A must have for fans of Brother Athelstan as he heads towards the "Peasants' Revolt".
A must have for fans of Brother Athelstan as he heads towards the "Peasants' Revolt".
July 7, 2017
Good continuation of story. A bit repetitive in places.
September 8, 2018
Le Londres moyenageux sous nos yeux, j'ai tremblé et j'ai ri aussi, tout en cherchant l'assassin. Un très bon livre, qui m'a tenu en haleine.
January 26, 2019
Set in 1381 with the country on the brink of the Peasants’ Revolt Doherty’s hero Friar Athelstan has a killer to find and a code to break.
Read
August 29, 2020Dnf - nothing wrong but didn't really hold my attention.
October 6, 2020
Herald of Hell
Great read the plot is never visible until the last part of the book. The characters are complex without being otherworldly I highly recommend this novel.
Great read the plot is never visible until the last part of the book. The characters are complex without being otherworldly I highly recommend this novel.
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