Medieval Crime Fiction: A Critical Overview

by Anne McKendry

Combining elements of medievalism, the historical novel and the detective narrative, medieval crime fiction capitalizes upon the appeal of all three--the most famous examples being Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose (one of the best-selling books ever published) and Ellis Peters' endearing Brother Cadfael series. Hundreds of other novels and series fill out the genre, in settings ranging from the so-called Celtic Enlightenment in seventh-century Ireland to the ruthless Inquisition in fourteenth-century France to the mean streets of medieval London. The detectives are an eclectic group, including weary ex-crusaders, former Knights Templar, enterprising monks and nuns, and historical poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer. This book investigates the enduring popularity of the largely unexamined genre and explores its social, cultural and political contexts.

Genres: Nonfiction

275 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2019

Reviews

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent review of the large variety of crime fiction set in the medieval period. The author is an academic, and since the book appears to be mainly aimed at other academics rather than the casual reader of historical mysteries, the book is, at times, difficult to decipher. Otherwise, I found it fascinating, especially since it provided me with more authors to try — as if I needed this! Recommended.