The Hound of the Borders

Master of Defense #3

by Peter Tonkin

The third book in the Master of Defence series, featuring Elizabethan sleuth Tom Musgrave. During rehearsals for the first-ever performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Tom is called away to hear the news of his brother's death. The cause? Fear-John was found clinging to the high branches of an ancient oak, frozen in terror. Rumour has it that the Barguest, a mythical hound of terrifying proportions, is at large on the borders of Scotland. A tall story, some might think, and even Tom, who has actually seen the dog before, wonders if there are those who would benefit from such scaremongering. Tom rides north to investigate and finds fearsome characters in these harsh lands that will have no qualms in riding roughshod over his expertise in Logic and fancy Italian swordsmanship.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Mystery Thriller, 16th Century, Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2003

About the author

Peter Tonkin's first novel, KILLER, was published in 1978. His work has included the acclaimed "Mariner" series that have been critically compared with the best of Alistair MacLean, Desmond Bagley and Hammond Innes.

More recently he has been working on a series of detective thrillers with an Elizabethan background. This series, "The Master of Defense", has been characterised as 'James Bond meets Sherlock Holmes meets William Shakespeare'. Each story is a classic 'whodunit' with all the clues presented to the reader exactly as they are presented to the hero, Tom Musgrave. The Kirkus Review described them as having 'Elizabethan detail, rousing action sequences, sound detection...everything a fan of historical mysteries could hope for."

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the midst of rehearsal's for Shakespeare's newest play A Midsummer Night's Dream, Tom Musgrave receives unwelcome news: His brother John has died - frightened to death, rumour has it, by the Barguest, the fearsome hellhound supposedly roaming the Scottish borderlands. To try to separate fact from fiction and discover the truth behind John's death, Tom rides north, soon to find himself in the middle of a murderous conspiracy that may end up costing his own life on topof his brother's.

Engaging and atmospheric, the third book in this historical mystery series delivers another complex tale without enough suspense and action to keep the reader both intrigued and entertained all the way through. While I haven't read the previous book in the series, it didn't feel like I was missing any necessary background for this one.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining, and complex story that merits re-reading to get every detail. Enough 'suspense' and thrills to keep me entertained and the historical details nicely written without too much 'info-dump' as sometimes happens. Well-rounded characters and a fast-paced plot.

[Voirrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much though I enjoyed the first two books of the series this was even better. So much of the book is set in a place and period that I know well - and the descriptive passages of the Cheviots and Teviots, the Debatable Lands, The Wall, Liddesdale, and so forth are glorious - and accurate.

Married as I am to someone who is descended from at least two of the big reiving families, and probably more of them, the whole atmosphere of the period fitted with all I have learn of that history - and in the midst of this setting, and these people, is Tom attempting to solve a murder mystery involving the death of his own brother.

I really, really, want to know more of the women in this story - I do hope book 4 will throw some light onto what becomes of them in the days and months after this book ends.

[Leanne Harrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be better written

I read one reviewer write that Tonkin writes at a higher level than most, but long sentences don't mean higher level reading. Complicated doesn't always mean higher quality.

If he fixes that in future books, they might be worth four stars.

[Mrs Susan J Bociek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new favourite author

I love to read thrillers and mysteries, then occasionally an historical tale to give extra flavour. I am very happy to have 'discovered' the author Peter Tonkin, who has brought life and death in Elizabethan England and the borders of the Scotland of James. Having lived on both sides of the border, I found the tale spellbinding and my imagination was only too happy to help me picture the rugged, frozen and murderous scenes. I am hungry for more.

[R Grisham-Whitehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very poetic

The author painted vivid pictures with his words. I think a little more explanation was needed about the barguest. I also think some of the mystery required more explanation. The master of logic seemed more pedantic than astute. However this is a very enjoyable story and setting.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unexpected Pleasure

I bought this on a whim and when I eventually got to read it I was not so sure I was going to get far into it! Surprisingly I was engaged quickly and found it an easy and intriguing read. Loved the Borders location!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1594 Christmas and Tom Musgrave is called back to the north by the death of his brother. But the journbey is not without incident but that is just the start. What and who is behind the unfolding story. Can Tom the Master of Logic solve the puzzles.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery

[I Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of action and the drama was literally awesome.

[Peter Barrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most enjoyable

[Amanda Meggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very exciting, historical novel set from London to the Scottish border region. The barguest has seemingly killed Tom's brother and he is sent by the queen to investigate. Interesting and realistic characters and a very fast paced story make this a hard to put down.