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Roger the Chapman #4
Αθώο αίμα στο Ντέβον
Τον Απρίλιο του 1475, ο Ρογήρος, υποφέροντας από τον πρόωρο θάνατο της συζύγου του Μυρτιάς και έχοντας αφήσει τη νεογέννητη κόρη του Ελισάβετ στο σπίτι της πεθεράς του, ενώ πλησιάζει στην κωμόπολη του Τότνες, παραλίγο να πέσει επάνω σε μια ομάδα παρανόμων που έχουν ληστέψει την περιοχή. Αργότερα μαθαίνει ότι αυτοί οι κακούργοι μπορεί να ευθύνονται για το θάνατο δύο νηπίων, του Ανδρέα και της Μαρίας, όπως του διηγιέται η Γκριζέλντα Μελανούρη που τα φρόντιζε στο σπίτι του Εύδωρου Κολέτ. Ο Ρογήρος θα προσπαθήσει να εξιχνιάσει το διπλό φονικό και να απαντήσει σε διάφορα ερωτήματα που προέκυψαν κατά την ανάκριση. Γιατί έφυγαν τα παιδιά από το σπίτι και που πήγανε; Πως έφυγαν μέρα μεσημέρι, χωρίς κανένας να τα πάρει είδηση; Τι έκαναν οι υπηρέτριες την ώρα εκείνη;
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
38 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Kate Sedley
37 books105 followersBrenda Margaret Lilian Clarke, known by her pen name Kate Sedley, was an English historical novelist best known for her Roger the Chapman mystery series. Born in Bristol in 1926, she also published as Brenda Honeyman and Brenda Clarke.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 25, 2022
Welcome to another in the memoirs of Roger the Chapman
In this story (a combination of medieval mystery and thriller), Roger finds himself away from the Devon coast and a much more experienced man: as a peddler; as a husband; and, as a father.
This story evolves through a series of “accidents” that gradually make Roger aware of the crime that was committed.
Aside from the mystery, what appealed to me most was again the author’s full investment in the details of ordinary life in this period.
Roger comes to his mysteries with several assets that aid his endeavors
A curiosity
An ability to elicit details from most of the folks he talks with
A commitment to follow through
A large and sturdy body to withstand weather and altercations
An ability to read and write
A logical mind given to problem-solving
A relationship with his god that is contentious at times but also seemingly helpful
"For ever since I had renounced my novitiate, four and a half years earlier, just after my mother’s death and in defiance of her wishes, I had been plunged into a series of adventures which, at the risk to myself of injury and danger, had resulted in villains being brought to justice for their crimes. It had been shown to me that I had a talent for solving puzzles and unravelling mysteries that baffled other people; and I had long ago accepted that this was God’s way of exacting retribution for my abandonment of the religious life. Not that my acceptance was meek and wholehearted; far from it! I got angry with God. I told Him plainly that I thought it extremely unfair that He should constantly be interfering in my life like this. I argued that there was no reason why I should obey Him, and that I was entitled to a quiet existence, free from aggravation. He listened sympathetically. He always does. And I always lost."
There is a lot of description of persons, places and things…some, but not all, in furtherance of the plot. For the details of life at this period of time, I have found no one better. Give a look at the following to test your own interest:
"The track broadened as I reached the great tidal marsh, just north of Totnes. Golden-headed kingcups were beginning to close with the fading light, and clumps of reeds and grasses were slowly drained of colour as banks of clouds diminished the sun. Lights from the Foregate pricked the gathering darkness and, high on the hill, torches had been lit on the castle walls."
"I was nearing East Gate, skirting the fences of St Mary’s Priory, when I heard the rattle of wheels behind me. I had been vaguely aware for some minutes past of a cart approaching, and now, turning my head, I saw a gaily painted wagonette, its wooden sides picked out in yellows, reds and greens, and between its beribboned shafts, a patient-eyed mule plodding decorously over the rough and stony ground. A willow framework supported a canvas covering, and within the body of the cart was a tumble of bedding and brightly coloured costumes. Three young men walked alongside the wagon, one at the head of the mule, his hand on the bridle, the other two lagging a little, and all of them plainly footsore. Shoes and hose were white with dust, their tunics well worn and, in places, threadbare. A flute and tabor were tied to the slats at one side of the cart, but even without them, I should have had no difficulty in recognizing this little party of vagabonds as travelling entertainers. Early spring was the time when such bands took to the roads, mumming and miming, juggling and dancing, after spending the winter, if they were lucky, in the household of some great lord, or, if less fortunate, earning a few pence in the streets of a town. And if all else failed, they had a home of sorts in their covered wagon."
"I found in the lee of the castle wall – a narrow-fronted, inhospitable-looking dwelling, but whose bunch of green leaves, hoisted on a pole over the entrance, indicated that its occupant sold ale and food."
"So I bought two meat pies, from a pie shop, and a flask of ale and retraced my steps beneath the West Gate. From there, I followed the track which led downhill, past the cattle market, past the town’s medicinal spring, the Leech Well, and past the Magdalen Leper Hospital to the meadows about St Peter’s Quay, close by the ancient demesne of Cherry Cross. Here, within sight of the placidly flowing Dart and the dam which had tamed the tidal marshes south of the foregate, I assuaged my burning hunger and reflected on the events of the morning."
"On the opposite side of the river, the woods rose steeply, promising a hard climb, so, having finished eating, I lay back on the turf and closed my eyes for a few minutes; or, at least, that was all I intended. By the time I opened them again, however, the sun was well above the horizon, its rays spreading outwards in a shallow saucer of light which foretold another warm day, like the one before. A man, crossing the bridge, an axe resting on one shoulder, grinned and gave me ‘good-day’. He was shortly followed by others, the first carrying a billhook and the second swinging a spade from one sinewy hand. I was reminded that, it now being April, there was much work to be done in the woods; felling timber before the ground became too soft for the carters to cart it away, stripping bark for the tanyards and replanting saplings."
"It was a richly furnished room, with fresh, sweet-smelling rushes covering the floor, three finely carved armchairs, the ceiling beams newly painted in glowing reds and gold, the walls hung with splendid tapestries, whose colours had a pristine glow, a corner cupboard, displaying bowls and cups and plates crafted in gold- and silver-gilt, and a large table, fashioned from the finest oak. From the middle of the ceiling was suspended a candelabra of latten tin, its many filigree pendants tinkling in the slightest breeze. It was the room of a man of wealth, of a man who knew what was due to himself and to his standing within the community he served."
And should you be tempted....read these books in order beginning with Death and the Chapman
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
In this story (a combination of medieval mystery and thriller), Roger finds himself away from the Devon coast and a much more experienced man: as a peddler; as a husband; and, as a father.
This story evolves through a series of “accidents” that gradually make Roger aware of the crime that was committed.
Aside from the mystery, what appealed to me most was again the author’s full investment in the details of ordinary life in this period.
Roger comes to his mysteries with several assets that aid his endeavors
A curiosity
An ability to elicit details from most of the folks he talks with
A commitment to follow through
A large and sturdy body to withstand weather and altercations
An ability to read and write
A logical mind given to problem-solving
A relationship with his god that is contentious at times but also seemingly helpful
"For ever since I had renounced my novitiate, four and a half years earlier, just after my mother’s death and in defiance of her wishes, I had been plunged into a series of adventures which, at the risk to myself of injury and danger, had resulted in villains being brought to justice for their crimes. It had been shown to me that I had a talent for solving puzzles and unravelling mysteries that baffled other people; and I had long ago accepted that this was God’s way of exacting retribution for my abandonment of the religious life. Not that my acceptance was meek and wholehearted; far from it! I got angry with God. I told Him plainly that I thought it extremely unfair that He should constantly be interfering in my life like this. I argued that there was no reason why I should obey Him, and that I was entitled to a quiet existence, free from aggravation. He listened sympathetically. He always does. And I always lost."
There is a lot of description of persons, places and things…some, but not all, in furtherance of the plot. For the details of life at this period of time, I have found no one better. Give a look at the following to test your own interest:
"The track broadened as I reached the great tidal marsh, just north of Totnes. Golden-headed kingcups were beginning to close with the fading light, and clumps of reeds and grasses were slowly drained of colour as banks of clouds diminished the sun. Lights from the Foregate pricked the gathering darkness and, high on the hill, torches had been lit on the castle walls."
"I was nearing East Gate, skirting the fences of St Mary’s Priory, when I heard the rattle of wheels behind me. I had been vaguely aware for some minutes past of a cart approaching, and now, turning my head, I saw a gaily painted wagonette, its wooden sides picked out in yellows, reds and greens, and between its beribboned shafts, a patient-eyed mule plodding decorously over the rough and stony ground. A willow framework supported a canvas covering, and within the body of the cart was a tumble of bedding and brightly coloured costumes. Three young men walked alongside the wagon, one at the head of the mule, his hand on the bridle, the other two lagging a little, and all of them plainly footsore. Shoes and hose were white with dust, their tunics well worn and, in places, threadbare. A flute and tabor were tied to the slats at one side of the cart, but even without them, I should have had no difficulty in recognizing this little party of vagabonds as travelling entertainers. Early spring was the time when such bands took to the roads, mumming and miming, juggling and dancing, after spending the winter, if they were lucky, in the household of some great lord, or, if less fortunate, earning a few pence in the streets of a town. And if all else failed, they had a home of sorts in their covered wagon."
"I found in the lee of the castle wall – a narrow-fronted, inhospitable-looking dwelling, but whose bunch of green leaves, hoisted on a pole over the entrance, indicated that its occupant sold ale and food."
"So I bought two meat pies, from a pie shop, and a flask of ale and retraced my steps beneath the West Gate. From there, I followed the track which led downhill, past the cattle market, past the town’s medicinal spring, the Leech Well, and past the Magdalen Leper Hospital to the meadows about St Peter’s Quay, close by the ancient demesne of Cherry Cross. Here, within sight of the placidly flowing Dart and the dam which had tamed the tidal marshes south of the foregate, I assuaged my burning hunger and reflected on the events of the morning."
"On the opposite side of the river, the woods rose steeply, promising a hard climb, so, having finished eating, I lay back on the turf and closed my eyes for a few minutes; or, at least, that was all I intended. By the time I opened them again, however, the sun was well above the horizon, its rays spreading outwards in a shallow saucer of light which foretold another warm day, like the one before. A man, crossing the bridge, an axe resting on one shoulder, grinned and gave me ‘good-day’. He was shortly followed by others, the first carrying a billhook and the second swinging a spade from one sinewy hand. I was reminded that, it now being April, there was much work to be done in the woods; felling timber before the ground became too soft for the carters to cart it away, stripping bark for the tanyards and replanting saplings."
"It was a richly furnished room, with fresh, sweet-smelling rushes covering the floor, three finely carved armchairs, the ceiling beams newly painted in glowing reds and gold, the walls hung with splendid tapestries, whose colours had a pristine glow, a corner cupboard, displaying bowls and cups and plates crafted in gold- and silver-gilt, and a large table, fashioned from the finest oak. From the middle of the ceiling was suspended a candelabra of latten tin, its many filigree pendants tinkling in the slightest breeze. It was the room of a man of wealth, of a man who knew what was due to himself and to his standing within the community he served."
And should you be tempted....read these books in order beginning with Death and the Chapman
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 2, 2018
A nice quick read and easy to follow. I found the occasional use of modern words a slight issue. It is glaring when someone in medieval England says they were playing "football". That is just one of several modern words that stuck out like sore thumbs but they, mostly, do not detract from the tale. The plot moves at a nice pace. The dialogue is mostly believable. The descriptive sections are well done so you get a good image of most important places.
The only thing I found annoying was the sense of deja vu that happened a few times. It was certainly a repeat of either dialogue or a description of events that was often word for word. This happened a few times going from one chapter to the next. Either the writer did not reread where she left off before continuing or she learned to write from tv. It really did feel like you were getting that slight recap moment after a commercial break. The editor really should have caught this. It was distracting as it was sometimes verbatim and other times had half of it changed. It is not right to muddle the readers like that in a mystery novel.
The only thing I found annoying was the sense of deja vu that happened a few times. It was certainly a repeat of either dialogue or a description of events that was often word for word. This happened a few times going from one chapter to the next. Either the writer did not reread where she left off before continuing or she learned to write from tv. It really did feel like you were getting that slight recap moment after a commercial break. The editor really should have caught this. It was distracting as it was sometimes verbatim and other times had half of it changed. It is not right to muddle the readers like that in a mystery novel.
May 6, 2016
La cuarta parte de una larga serie de libros, donde el misterio está a la vuelta de la esquina.
Desde que dejó la abadía donde le esperaba un futuro en la vida religiosa, Roger ha sido llevado por Dios a sitios donde se le requiere, donde sus dotes de curioso empedernido -chismoso-, su facilidad para hacer preguntas -metiche-, y sus habilidades como observador le harán ser un detective como ninguno.
En esta ocasión se ve en el misterio de dos niños que han sido asesinados, presumiblemente por unos bandidos que rondan fuera de las murallas de las ciudades o por el padrastro de los muchachos con los que no se llevaba muy bien que digamos y que podría haberse valido de brujería para acabar con sus hijastros.
Una lectura que me sorprendió a cada paso, con las preguntas y las respuestas a las que se llegaban, con los sucesos que delataban a una persona u a otra, y al final, cuando Roger debe unir todas las piezas para dar con el rostro del asesino, es realmente impresionante. ME encanta cómo escribe Kate Sedley, necesito más libros de ella.
Desde que dejó la abadía donde le esperaba un futuro en la vida religiosa, Roger ha sido llevado por Dios a sitios donde se le requiere, donde sus dotes de curioso empedernido -chismoso-, su facilidad para hacer preguntas -metiche-, y sus habilidades como observador le harán ser un detective como ninguno.
En esta ocasión se ve en el misterio de dos niños que han sido asesinados, presumiblemente por unos bandidos que rondan fuera de las murallas de las ciudades o por el padrastro de los muchachos con los que no se llevaba muy bien que digamos y que podría haberse valido de brujería para acabar con sus hijastros.
Una lectura que me sorprendió a cada paso, con las preguntas y las respuestas a las que se llegaban, con los sucesos que delataban a una persona u a otra, y al final, cuando Roger debe unir todas las piezas para dar con el rostro del asesino, es realmente impresionante. ME encanta cómo escribe Kate Sedley, necesito más libros de ella.
March 20, 2024
The Holy Innocents
Roger the Chapman #4
By Kate Sedley
Reviewed March 20, 2024
It is April 1475, and Roger the Chapman’s travels take him to the village of Totnes, which is being terrorized by a gang of murderous outlaws.
In no hurry to return home since the death of his wife, Lillis, Roger is willing to hang around Totnes because, as he readily admits, he’s as nosy as the next person when it comes to wanting to know what’s going on … and why.
It is Hocktide, the Monday after Easter, when women would waylay travelers demanding a “ransom” – often a kiss but sometimes more. (Apparently, the roles are reversed the next day, with the men being able to take their revenge for being “hocked”.)
Being cornered by an aggressive group of hockers (including an aged granny who would love nothing more than to make Roger pucker up), Roger is “rescued” by Grizelda Harbourne, who invites Roger to her cottage for some refreshment. While there, Roger learns the story of two young children murdered, it is presumed, by the roving band of criminals. One thing leads to another, and soon Roger is asking around, trying to figure out if the outlaws are really to blame, or is it the step-father, Eudo Colet, a man with a mysterious past and who is said to have married above his station.
Before long, the deaths begin to pile up. First, the children. Later, a woodsman is burned to death while staying at Grizelda’s cottage, and two mummers who are spending the night as they pass through Totnes are found with their throats slit.
The easy answer is to blame all on the outlaws, but Roger is beginning to suspect that there’s more to this series of murders than meets the eye.
Another well-penned medieval mystery by Kate Sedley!
Roger the Chapman #4
By Kate Sedley
Reviewed March 20, 2024
It is April 1475, and Roger the Chapman’s travels take him to the village of Totnes, which is being terrorized by a gang of murderous outlaws.
In no hurry to return home since the death of his wife, Lillis, Roger is willing to hang around Totnes because, as he readily admits, he’s as nosy as the next person when it comes to wanting to know what’s going on … and why.
It is Hocktide, the Monday after Easter, when women would waylay travelers demanding a “ransom” – often a kiss but sometimes more. (Apparently, the roles are reversed the next day, with the men being able to take their revenge for being “hocked”.)
Being cornered by an aggressive group of hockers (including an aged granny who would love nothing more than to make Roger pucker up), Roger is “rescued” by Grizelda Harbourne, who invites Roger to her cottage for some refreshment. While there, Roger learns the story of two young children murdered, it is presumed, by the roving band of criminals. One thing leads to another, and soon Roger is asking around, trying to figure out if the outlaws are really to blame, or is it the step-father, Eudo Colet, a man with a mysterious past and who is said to have married above his station.
Before long, the deaths begin to pile up. First, the children. Later, a woodsman is burned to death while staying at Grizelda’s cottage, and two mummers who are spending the night as they pass through Totnes are found with their throats slit.
The easy answer is to blame all on the outlaws, but Roger is beginning to suspect that there’s more to this series of murders than meets the eye.
Another well-penned medieval mystery by Kate Sedley!
August 23, 2019
Superbly woven tale with an unanticipated ending, which is always fun! It's a great read, especially for medieval history buffs :)
I appreciate Kate Sedley's detailed descriptions. Here are a few favorite passages:
"The covered gallery to my right threw long, slanting shadows across the paving stones, where soft cushions of moss and tall stems of nettle and hairy bittercress were forcing themselves between the uneven flags." page 49
"The fragile golden glow of the candle-flame spread slowly across the room, bringing shadows edging out of their corners like velvet-footed nocturnal beasts of prey." page 62
"Yet something had disturbed my rest, penetrating the veils of sleep which still clung about my eyelids. Or was it simply the echo of a dream?" page 156
I appreciate Kate Sedley's detailed descriptions. Here are a few favorite passages:
"The covered gallery to my right threw long, slanting shadows across the paving stones, where soft cushions of moss and tall stems of nettle and hairy bittercress were forcing themselves between the uneven flags." page 49
"The fragile golden glow of the candle-flame spread slowly across the room, bringing shadows edging out of their corners like velvet-footed nocturnal beasts of prey." page 62
"Yet something had disturbed my rest, penetrating the veils of sleep which still clung about my eyelids. Or was it simply the echo of a dream?" page 156
September 28, 2025
#4 in the 13th Century English Roger the Chapman mystery series. It is 1522 and 70 year old Roger is recounting his life starting with leaving the life of a monk at Glastonbury at age 19 in 1471, to set off into the world as a wandering peddler or chapman and finds his true calling in solving mysteries.
April, 1475. As Roger approaches the thriving coastal village of Totnes, people are on edge as a pack of cutthroats wanders the forest and Roger barely manages to hide from them in the brush. The band has been terrorizing the countryside for weeks and are believed to be responsible for the disappearance of two village children. But how did the children get out of the house unnoticed in broad daylight? Roger ha another mystery to solve.
April, 1475. As Roger approaches the thriving coastal village of Totnes, people are on edge as a pack of cutthroats wanders the forest and Roger barely manages to hide from them in the brush. The band has been terrorizing the countryside for weeks and are believed to be responsible for the disappearance of two village children. But how did the children get out of the house unnoticed in broad daylight? Roger ha another mystery to solve.
July 8, 2018
La mejor entrega de la serie hasta ahora.
Aunque desde el principio tuve mis dudas con respecto a un personaje, la autora hace que no lo tengas claro hasta el final por no saber un dato del asesinato de los niños, aunque lo gracioso es que el dato te lo está dando desde el principio de la historia.
Me he leído el libro prácticamente en dos días (aunque lo empecé antes pero por motivos de trabajo he ido leyendo poco y ha sido este fin de semana cuando he leído casi todo)
Me queda todavía un libro para terminar lo que se publicó de esta serie en España... y me da pena de que la editorial no continuase publicándola porque promete mucho. Habrá que leerla en inglés...
Aunque desde el principio tuve mis dudas con respecto a un personaje, la autora hace que no lo tengas claro hasta el final por no saber un dato del asesinato de los niños, aunque lo gracioso es que el dato te lo está dando desde el principio de la historia.
Me he leído el libro prácticamente en dos días (aunque lo empecé antes pero por motivos de trabajo he ido leyendo poco y ha sido este fin de semana cuando he leído casi todo)
Me queda todavía un libro para terminar lo que se publicó de esta serie en España... y me da pena de que la editorial no continuase publicándola porque promete mucho. Habrá que leerla en inglés...
May 31, 2025
Bad girls
Again, we see Roger mistaken in a woman, which is becoming a frustrating pattern. But the mystery is definitely an intriguing one. I had suspicions from early on that I discounted because of how things appeared to be. Once that assumption was gone, the answer seemed more obvious.
But the whole premise is rather depressing, as the murder of children cannot help but be. While this is the most involved mystery yet (and commensurately a bit longer), there is no satisfying sense of justice done (although no doubt it will be, quite horribly).
Again, we see Roger mistaken in a woman, which is becoming a frustrating pattern. But the mystery is definitely an intriguing one. I had suspicions from early on that I discounted because of how things appeared to be. Once that assumption was gone, the answer seemed more obvious.
But the whole premise is rather depressing, as the murder of children cannot help but be. While this is the most involved mystery yet (and commensurately a bit longer), there is no satisfying sense of justice done (although no doubt it will be, quite horribly).
July 28, 2022
another in a great series.
I always enjoy John Chapman. This time the very end did surprise me. I may have read this before. I had somewhat remembered/guessed the end…but not all of it. There is nothing scary or suspenseful about these books. Clever. True to life at that time. Even when I think I’ve caught the author out..She turns out correct and I am wrong. No gore or violence…well except for the obvious need for bodies..
I always enjoy John Chapman. This time the very end did surprise me. I may have read this before. I had somewhat remembered/guessed the end…but not all of it. There is nothing scary or suspenseful about these books. Clever. True to life at that time. Even when I think I’ve caught the author out..She turns out correct and I am wrong. No gore or violence…well except for the obvious need for bodies..
January 29, 2018
Sedley creates some interesting women characters in this installment but the plot does not hold together well. It was an interesting premise but I figured out "who did it" about halfway through the book.
January 4, 2022
Excellent
Always a good storyline with the delightful Chapman never failing to get involved in a fascinating adventure. Very cleverly twisting the finale proving the culprits who will get their just desserts!
Always a good storyline with the delightful Chapman never failing to get involved in a fascinating adventure. Very cleverly twisting the finale proving the culprits who will get their just desserts!
April 12, 2022
Another good tale
Another good story as Roger travels the country spending more time solving crime than making a living. The background of medieval life and times is always interesting.
Another good story as Roger travels the country spending more time solving crime than making a living. The background of medieval life and times is always interesting.
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October 22, 2021
Good sweet read for a mystery
October 7, 2022
Using modern detective practices in an early medieval setting just doesn't make sense.
March 13, 2023
Absorbing mystery
This book is an absolute page-turner, I couldn’t put it down! A clever mystery that I found totally absorbing from cover to cover.
This book is an absolute page-turner, I couldn’t put it down! A clever mystery that I found totally absorbing from cover to cover.
November 13, 2023
I love these Roger the chapman books.
March 17, 2024
I love these books about Roger the Chapman. His adventures are always exciting and keep you guessing. I do sometimes manage to work it out, but by no means every time.
April 13, 2014
The Holy Innocents is book 4 in Roger the chapman series by Kate Sedley. I simply love this series. I'm only sorry that our library doesn't have book one or book three. I searched the kindle library as well and came up empty.
The two books I've read work as stand-alone titles, however, you miss certain events that lend information to subsequent tales. In this adventure, Roger (a 13th century traveling peddler) finds himself widowed with a baby after his wife died in child birth. I feel I missed a big story from book three to know how that happened! He leaves his baby with a nurse maid and sets out for the road.
Since Roger is a peddler, it is easy for him to bring news from villages he has visited along with his wares. People (mainly women) usually need to purchase something from him, and they are eager to hear about what is going on elsewhere. In this story, he encounters a tale of a mysterious disappearance and death of two children---the holy innocents.
Kate Sedley really makes you enjoy this time period of England. She tells a fascinating story so that I hear Madrigal music in my head, and I smell stale ale in the air! A very enjoyable mystery series for all readers.
The two books I've read work as stand-alone titles, however, you miss certain events that lend information to subsequent tales. In this adventure, Roger (a 13th century traveling peddler) finds himself widowed with a baby after his wife died in child birth. I feel I missed a big story from book three to know how that happened! He leaves his baby with a nurse maid and sets out for the road.
Since Roger is a peddler, it is easy for him to bring news from villages he has visited along with his wares. People (mainly women) usually need to purchase something from him, and they are eager to hear about what is going on elsewhere. In this story, he encounters a tale of a mysterious disappearance and death of two children---the holy innocents.
Kate Sedley really makes you enjoy this time period of England. She tells a fascinating story so that I hear Madrigal music in my head, and I smell stale ale in the air! A very enjoyable mystery series for all readers.
March 11, 2010
This was my first book by Sedley in her Roger the Chapman series. I must admit to thoroughly enjoying the book. I was completely engaged with the characters. I thought the mystery was tightly written. The author does an excellent job of creating a well written story with great historical accuracy and interest. I will definitely be picking up the other books in this series!
October 23, 2012
In this fourth entry in the series, Roger the chapman (peddler) helps to discover who killed two children whose mother died in childbirth and whose step-father stands to inherit all the late mother's substantial wealth if he outlives his step-children.
March 21, 2014
Part of the Roger the Chapman medieval mysteries, this one concerns the mysterious deaths of two children in a town victimized by a marauding band of robbers. Though townspeople attribute the children's deaths to the band, Roger isn't sure, and puts himself in danger over and over to investigate.
May 18, 2014
I perhaps have rated this lower because I read two of the series in a row and the second was too similar to the first. Nonetheless, it was well written and carefully represented the 15th century setting. Just space the readings well apart, say a year, and have an enjoyable and educational read.
August 17, 2014
Au quatrième tome, la mécanique des intrigues de Sedley commence à être évidente. Cela n'empêche pas le plaisir de lecture, mais la série est sans doute une des rares où j'arrive à trouver le coupable avant la fin.
October 30, 2007
Delightfully easy to read, this is a medieval intrigue with a very believable hero, a very young and intelligent pedlar who grows up and learns from his successive adventures.
September 16, 2010
Slow starter, but I liked the ending very much.
April 21, 2011
What a merry dance the culprits lead our Roger. Again our chapman's detective skills are tested and he almost (almost) fails to find the truth.
August 14, 2016
WOW! Holy SH**! I thought this book was amazing...as I have marked the 5th star (rating). Literally 'Whoa'-ing loudly at certain spots. This one will stay with me for awhile....love it.
August 29, 2015
Enjoyable but sadly predictable.
April 25, 2017
Well plotted, kept me guessing about 2/3 of the way through. The ending was quite plausible, if a little sad.
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