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Sir Geoffrey Mappestone #4
The King's Spies
A Sir Geoffrey Mappestone mysteryMarch 1102. Robert de Bellme, the Black Earl of Shrewsbury, is summoned to appear before King Henry, to answer for siding with the Duke of Normandy against the King. Meanwhile, Sir Geoffrey and Sir Roger witness a man murdered the illegitimate nephew of Robert de Bellme. Solving his murder is only the first step in uncovering the plot against the King.
493 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
About the author
Simon Beaufort
38 books49 followersAKA Susanna Gregory with Beau Riffenburgh (her husband).
Simon Beaufort is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Cruwys, a Cambridge academic who was previously a coroner's officer. She writes detective fiction.
Simon Beaufort is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Cruwys, a Cambridge academic who was previously a coroner's officer. She writes detective fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 29, 2019
Once only
October 28, 2020
The story is well plotted but most of the characters are totally unbelievable in this one even though some of them are based on real people.
July 8, 2021
I definitely give this phenomenal novel 5 stars!
January 4, 2023
Love this series. On to the next one.
August 24, 2007
THE KING'S SPIES (Historical Mystery-England-1102) – VG
Beaufort, Simon – 4th in series
Severn House, 2003- UK Hardcover
Crusader Knight Sir Geoffrey Mappestone witnesses a man who is murdered by hanging. The man is a member of the Belleme family, who repeatedly conspire against King Henry. There is some evidence that the Belleme family has found the secret of Greek Fire and plan to use it against the King. Henry orders Geoff to infiltrate the Belleme castle to ensure their defeat and exile from England.
*** This is a wonderfully written book full of interesting, and mostly fact-based characters; Geoff who'd rather be back at the Crusades, his loyal friend Roger who is not always the sole of discretion, the gay squire Durand, Bishop Maurice of London who insisted his frequent need for sex was a medical necessity, and the Belleme women who practice witchcraft and fight as knights. This was a fascinating time in British History and Beaufort does an excellent job of using that period as a backdrop to what is essentially a murder mystery. Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this.
Beaufort, Simon – 4th in series
Severn House, 2003- UK Hardcover
Crusader Knight Sir Geoffrey Mappestone witnesses a man who is murdered by hanging. The man is a member of the Belleme family, who repeatedly conspire against King Henry. There is some evidence that the Belleme family has found the secret of Greek Fire and plan to use it against the King. Henry orders Geoff to infiltrate the Belleme castle to ensure their defeat and exile from England.
*** This is a wonderfully written book full of interesting, and mostly fact-based characters; Geoff who'd rather be back at the Crusades, his loyal friend Roger who is not always the sole of discretion, the gay squire Durand, Bishop Maurice of London who insisted his frequent need for sex was a medical necessity, and the Belleme women who practice witchcraft and fight as knights. This was a fascinating time in British History and Beaufort does an excellent job of using that period as a backdrop to what is essentially a murder mystery. Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this.
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November 19, 2011I have read most of the Sir Geoffrey Mappestone series,and this is one of the best----there is murder,suspense,often bizarre characters,and humour. What more could you ask for?
February 5, 2012
My interest is flagging...Henry I is not coming off well, although he is intelligent and cunning.
September 4, 2015
Better. I figured out that I >REALLY< don't like Sir Roger so that tints my feelings about the series.
February 21, 2016
Early 12th Century
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews