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A Case of Murdrum
When a Norman earl is killed while hunting, his son invokes the dreaded murdrum law. This law presumes that the killer is English, and it requires the judicial district in which the crime took place to produce the guilty man or be hit with a massive fine.The job of finding the killer falls to Miles Edwulfson, an English ploughman of noble descent. Miles served as a soldier with the earl in Wales, twenty years earlier, an experience that changed his life. Miles has two problems. First, he doesn't believe the killer was English. Second, the arrow used in the crime belongs to Miles's son, Aelred.Facing opposition from the Norman nobility, his fellow Englishmen, and even his own family, Miles must save Aelred's life and bring the real killer to justice.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2021
263 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 12, 2022
11th Century portrayal of clashes between the classes that did not satisfy, but some of the scenes reflecting back to war with the Welsh held interest.
The writing was not up to the level I am accustomed to in historical fiction.
Kindle Unlimited
The writing was not up to the level I am accustomed to in historical fiction.
Kindle Unlimited
April 16, 2021
Disappointing
Historically interesting. Didn't like the American phrases, and spellings. No real depth to the characters, and a missed opportunity sadly
Historically interesting. Didn't like the American phrases, and spellings. No real depth to the characters, and a missed opportunity sadly
May 25, 2021
Wonderful book
This is a classic tale of who done it in medieval England. A great cast of characters that kept me in the dark till the last few pages. I didn’t see it coming.
This is a classic tale of who done it in medieval England. A great cast of characters that kept me in the dark till the last few pages. I didn’t see it coming.
September 2, 2021
Entertaining book from the author of the trilogy "Death's Head" about Richard The Lionheart.
While it will never rank among Great Fiction or even make the elitist lists made up by Goodreads and others of "you'll love these books" (no, I won't, I've never seen a single one on any of those lists I'd even waste my time reading!), its one of those enjoyable books you can sit down and get lost in for a day or two.
No plot synopsis - hate it when people do that - let's just say it's England, or what is to become England in 1106, 40 years after the Norman Invasion and all is not happy between the French and the natives. One of the French nobles is killed and the fun is in seeing if you can figure out who the bad guy is who killed the nobleman.
A lot of fun with some bloodshed, but not that much, some romance and a fun read. If you've read the "Death's Head" trilogy, you'll definitely want to pick up this one.
While it will never rank among Great Fiction or even make the elitist lists made up by Goodreads and others of "you'll love these books" (no, I won't, I've never seen a single one on any of those lists I'd even waste my time reading!), its one of those enjoyable books you can sit down and get lost in for a day or two.
No plot synopsis - hate it when people do that - let's just say it's England, or what is to become England in 1106, 40 years after the Norman Invasion and all is not happy between the French and the natives. One of the French nobles is killed and the fun is in seeing if you can figure out who the bad guy is who killed the nobleman.
A lot of fun with some bloodshed, but not that much, some romance and a fun read. If you've read the "Death's Head" trilogy, you'll definitely want to pick up this one.
May 10, 2021
This was quite enjoyable to read, even though it came across more like a modern murder mystery (uncovering the murderer of a Norman lord) than something happening in the 11th century. Enjoyed the setting and the characters (especially Lady Blanche). And can't fault the authors grasp of the time period and his research into military matters; the chapters with the flashbacks to the fighting in Wales were especially engrossing, as our hero Miles and his early life were explained. I'd definitely like to see more adventures from Miles Edwulfson and his associates.
April 24, 2022
Fun romp through the past
In 1066, William, the bastard of Normandy, invaded England and seized power over all the existing systems in place. Life in Norman England became even worse for the common people as well as the existant power governmental figure heads of every manor, holding, village, town, and castle, and bitter, rates fueled rebellion arose as the free and the elite banded together in both small and larger battles: some for the common good and more than a few strictly for usurping even greater power and lands for themselves. Those who suffered most were those who seemed to have the least to lose, the workers are villeins, the poorest of the poor.
Barred from most pleasures and gain, the peasants rebelled in the only way they could, by giving their loyalty and all sense of identity over to whichever well heeled and well connected "Lord" of their geographical locations, they served in all ways as instructed by swearing fidelity and loyalty to their new and very often, corrupt, over reaching and grasping for more power and rewards from the new king and members of his fickle and privileged courtiers, from landed families and all-but-royal persons of the same names.
England almost became a subsidiary of France in the race for power, land, money, and status. The manor system of governance began and still exists today, except for the huge differences of actual power and control being made law.
For the peasants, there were no choices to make other than outright rebellion, which of course they could not win, or grudging compliance and simmering rage at their virtual enslavement to the whims and grave cruelties they must obey or forfeit their lives in the process.
Some few peasants were naturally gifted with the skills and commonsense needed by their new situations, and might in some ways reason with the newest authorities on behalf of their neighbors, friends and families, and it is from these that men like Miles emerged. Still Miles and others like him were still not actually in power but served mainly as representatives for the common people of their country.
In Miles character we see one such man emerge. Considered to be an elder, at 40, Miles has served his overlord, Earl Thibault, both in labor and by fighting at his side in the many skirmishes between the fractious Welsh who were always starting skirmishes on their border with England, and in the ongoing battles by the English to claim Welsh lands and natural resources as their own. These were bloody and uncertain times when it might have seemed that war was much more common than any natural tragedy or disease that could sweep away entire populations within a matter of days or weeks, given the ignorance and superstition of the people and the lack of basic hygiene, good food and not yet achieved scientific knowledge and technology we enjoy today.
In to a basic family power struggle comes Miles, charged by those in power with finding and bringing to justice the murderer of Earl. Thibault, who it appears has likely been murdered by a poacher, but of course it happens the guilty person is preemptively identified as Miles' son, Aelfred, a young and idealistic boy who not only poached on land owned by the Earl, but who claims he has not done the murder at all. However there appears to be some very strong evidence (an easily identified arrow found embedded in the dead mans back) that proves his guilt and seals his fate- to be hung by the neck- within a matter of days.
But Miles knows his son and knows him incapable of such a crime. It's one thing to poach a deer to feed the hungry and quite another to murder a man in cold blood, regardless of his capability as an archer of considerable skill.
Still young Aelred is encouraged to flee but refuses to do so because he maintains his innocence and of course is quickly trapped and flung into the gaol ( dungeon ) by an angry and vengeful son of the fallen Earl.
There's no point for anyone to read this story if I reveal all in my review. You'll have to read it if you want to know all the plot lines and how the pieces all fall together and the mystery is solved.
Miles is nothing if not clever and shrew, all good traits that serve well to keep the story interesting and intriguing. There's a backstory that fleshed out the history of the Earl and Miles, as men of particular honesty, integrity, and abilities not very common for the times. There is Miles' faith in his family, even in the face of doubt and evidence that seems overwhelming and beyond doubt. And there is some strong support from some very unlikely persons that might surprise the reader, up to the point of adding a little attraction for another person not expected but certainly welcome as yet another plot twist that catches the reader completely by surprise.
I usually read books like this in a rapid fashion. Not here. I recommend this as a good story set in an uncertain time. Enjoy it. I certainly did.
In 1066, William, the bastard of Normandy, invaded England and seized power over all the existing systems in place. Life in Norman England became even worse for the common people as well as the existant power governmental figure heads of every manor, holding, village, town, and castle, and bitter, rates fueled rebellion arose as the free and the elite banded together in both small and larger battles: some for the common good and more than a few strictly for usurping even greater power and lands for themselves. Those who suffered most were those who seemed to have the least to lose, the workers are villeins, the poorest of the poor.
Barred from most pleasures and gain, the peasants rebelled in the only way they could, by giving their loyalty and all sense of identity over to whichever well heeled and well connected "Lord" of their geographical locations, they served in all ways as instructed by swearing fidelity and loyalty to their new and very often, corrupt, over reaching and grasping for more power and rewards from the new king and members of his fickle and privileged courtiers, from landed families and all-but-royal persons of the same names.
England almost became a subsidiary of France in the race for power, land, money, and status. The manor system of governance began and still exists today, except for the huge differences of actual power and control being made law.
For the peasants, there were no choices to make other than outright rebellion, which of course they could not win, or grudging compliance and simmering rage at their virtual enslavement to the whims and grave cruelties they must obey or forfeit their lives in the process.
Some few peasants were naturally gifted with the skills and commonsense needed by their new situations, and might in some ways reason with the newest authorities on behalf of their neighbors, friends and families, and it is from these that men like Miles emerged. Still Miles and others like him were still not actually in power but served mainly as representatives for the common people of their country.
In Miles character we see one such man emerge. Considered to be an elder, at 40, Miles has served his overlord, Earl Thibault, both in labor and by fighting at his side in the many skirmishes between the fractious Welsh who were always starting skirmishes on their border with England, and in the ongoing battles by the English to claim Welsh lands and natural resources as their own. These were bloody and uncertain times when it might have seemed that war was much more common than any natural tragedy or disease that could sweep away entire populations within a matter of days or weeks, given the ignorance and superstition of the people and the lack of basic hygiene, good food and not yet achieved scientific knowledge and technology we enjoy today.
In to a basic family power struggle comes Miles, charged by those in power with finding and bringing to justice the murderer of Earl. Thibault, who it appears has likely been murdered by a poacher, but of course it happens the guilty person is preemptively identified as Miles' son, Aelfred, a young and idealistic boy who not only poached on land owned by the Earl, but who claims he has not done the murder at all. However there appears to be some very strong evidence (an easily identified arrow found embedded in the dead mans back) that proves his guilt and seals his fate- to be hung by the neck- within a matter of days.
But Miles knows his son and knows him incapable of such a crime. It's one thing to poach a deer to feed the hungry and quite another to murder a man in cold blood, regardless of his capability as an archer of considerable skill.
Still young Aelred is encouraged to flee but refuses to do so because he maintains his innocence and of course is quickly trapped and flung into the gaol ( dungeon ) by an angry and vengeful son of the fallen Earl.
There's no point for anyone to read this story if I reveal all in my review. You'll have to read it if you want to know all the plot lines and how the pieces all fall together and the mystery is solved.
Miles is nothing if not clever and shrew, all good traits that serve well to keep the story interesting and intriguing. There's a backstory that fleshed out the history of the Earl and Miles, as men of particular honesty, integrity, and abilities not very common for the times. There is Miles' faith in his family, even in the face of doubt and evidence that seems overwhelming and beyond doubt. And there is some strong support from some very unlikely persons that might surprise the reader, up to the point of adding a little attraction for another person not expected but certainly welcome as yet another plot twist that catches the reader completely by surprise.
I usually read books like this in a rapid fashion. Not here. I recommend this as a good story set in an uncertain time. Enjoy it. I certainly did.
July 12, 2022
Before I say anything else I do have to say that the word is "Murðrum" the "d" used by the author in the title is in fact an eth(ð) a old letter said as "th" with the tongue behind the teeth.
Now I have that out of the way I can get on with the review. The period of the book is 40 years after the Norman invasion of 1066 and the Normans have yet to become "Anglo-Normans" with few of them willing, or able, to blend in with the native English though, as in this book, they were more than willing to use the existing English laws and infrastructure. When a dead body was found the local Hundred (local government unit) had to prove the deceased was English, rather than foreign, or produce the killer within a given time or else the tything (a group of ten families responsible for each other keeping the law) or parish where the body was found would have to pay a murðrum fine. If you know your history you will have read of the shenanigans that often resulted with bodies being moved from one parish or Hundred to another and back again or moved on even further in order to avoid the risk of said fine.
The book actually consists of two tales. The main tale is the title story of how the freeman and Hundred Pledge Miles Edwulfson seeks to find the killer of the Earl of the fictional Trentshire with Miles' youngest son, one of the would be English freedom fighters whose constant killing of Normans and their foreign hangers on was the reason that King William the Bastard brought in the Murðrum Fine, looking to be the prime suspect. The second, and interspersed tale, is the relationship between the dead Earl and Miles Edwulfson, a relationship forged during a failed attack on the Welsh (based on historical events).
I found it to be a very entertaining book and the twist at the end when the killer and his motives are revealed a surprise, though I had picked up on a clue as to his motives. That was because I have, myself, extensively researched the period for my own novel "Woden's Wolf", the final chapters of which deal with exactly this period.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1...
The research is, on the whole, very good and the details of the period dropped into the tale in such a way as to inform but not lecture. There are some points that are debatable, such as Miles having a rabbit skin lined cloak and rabbits often being seen in the woods. The animals were introduced into England by the Normans and were guarded and protected by warreners in warrens. Whilst the odd escapee could have been in the woods an English freeman would be risking his freedom, or even his life, if he wore a cloak that was lined with a multitude of the creature. There is also the fact that, at that time, Flemish would have been close enough to English to not need translating.
Taking of language, one is not always sure which language, English or French, is being spoken. This is most apparent when dealing with the Welsh hermit, David: how does he, Miles and the Lady Blanch converse? Sure a woodland hermit could be bi-lingual, especially as David is now living in England, but tri-lingual? Hmm: there is no indication that Blanch can speak any English and, until then, one assumes Miles and her had been speaking French.
Talking of language; the spelling indicates the author is American though, he does use the British English "gaol" rather than the America "jail". There are also some unusual word choices made too. Some can throw you a mite. One noticeable one is folk being executed by being "hung" rather than "hanged".
Anything else I want to pick holes in you ask? Well, only the common one I, and other traditional archers make, that you cannot have a drawn bow aimed at a target like you can with a gun or a crossbow. A drawn traditional wood bow is 9/10th broken on full draw and a draw is normally held for 2-5 seconds only, unless it is of very low draw weight. If you want to threaten someone with a wood bow it is held down with just the initial slack taken from the string.
So, after all the nit picking would I recommend this book? Yes I would. It gives a good insight into the period and for those not familiar with the period a lot of quality details most historical writers covering the period would skip over.
Now I have that out of the way I can get on with the review. The period of the book is 40 years after the Norman invasion of 1066 and the Normans have yet to become "Anglo-Normans" with few of them willing, or able, to blend in with the native English though, as in this book, they were more than willing to use the existing English laws and infrastructure. When a dead body was found the local Hundred (local government unit) had to prove the deceased was English, rather than foreign, or produce the killer within a given time or else the tything (a group of ten families responsible for each other keeping the law) or parish where the body was found would have to pay a murðrum fine. If you know your history you will have read of the shenanigans that often resulted with bodies being moved from one parish or Hundred to another and back again or moved on even further in order to avoid the risk of said fine.
The book actually consists of two tales. The main tale is the title story of how the freeman and Hundred Pledge Miles Edwulfson seeks to find the killer of the Earl of the fictional Trentshire with Miles' youngest son, one of the would be English freedom fighters whose constant killing of Normans and their foreign hangers on was the reason that King William the Bastard brought in the Murðrum Fine, looking to be the prime suspect. The second, and interspersed tale, is the relationship between the dead Earl and Miles Edwulfson, a relationship forged during a failed attack on the Welsh (based on historical events).
I found it to be a very entertaining book and the twist at the end when the killer and his motives are revealed a surprise, though I had picked up on a clue as to his motives. That was because I have, myself, extensively researched the period for my own novel "Woden's Wolf", the final chapters of which deal with exactly this period.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1...
The research is, on the whole, very good and the details of the period dropped into the tale in such a way as to inform but not lecture. There are some points that are debatable, such as Miles having a rabbit skin lined cloak and rabbits often being seen in the woods. The animals were introduced into England by the Normans and were guarded and protected by warreners in warrens. Whilst the odd escapee could have been in the woods an English freeman would be risking his freedom, or even his life, if he wore a cloak that was lined with a multitude of the creature. There is also the fact that, at that time, Flemish would have been close enough to English to not need translating.
Taking of language, one is not always sure which language, English or French, is being spoken. This is most apparent when dealing with the Welsh hermit, David: how does he, Miles and the Lady Blanch converse? Sure a woodland hermit could be bi-lingual, especially as David is now living in England, but tri-lingual? Hmm: there is no indication that Blanch can speak any English and, until then, one assumes Miles and her had been speaking French.
Talking of language; the spelling indicates the author is American though, he does use the British English "gaol" rather than the America "jail". There are also some unusual word choices made too. Some can throw you a mite. One noticeable one is folk being executed by being "hung" rather than "hanged".
Anything else I want to pick holes in you ask? Well, only the common one I, and other traditional archers make, that you cannot have a drawn bow aimed at a target like you can with a gun or a crossbow. A drawn traditional wood bow is 9/10th broken on full draw and a draw is normally held for 2-5 seconds only, unless it is of very low draw weight. If you want to threaten someone with a wood bow it is held down with just the initial slack taken from the string.
So, after all the nit picking would I recommend this book? Yes I would. It gives a good insight into the period and for those not familiar with the period a lot of quality details most historical writers covering the period would skip over.
December 31, 2023
A Saxon yeoman living in what was once Mercia is called upon to dig into the murder of a local Earl. The Norman conquerors lay heavily on the shoulders of the conquered Saxons, including severe mistreatment of our hero who steadily plods on, fearing his son may be the killer.
This was a mixed bag. There was some fair amount of historical detail that was well done, but a great deal more that was not. Almost all terms were modernized or even Americanized, so the Normans are called Frenchmen, the Saxons are called English, a lot of modern colloquialisms and phrases were used, and so on.
The story was fairly well told, although the historical details felt more pushed into the story than an organic part of the storytelling. Our hero is stumbling and headstrong, getting himself thrown a beating more than once and even hanged because he just cannot show anyone respect except the women. Then suddenly he figures it all out and sets up a trick to capture the bad guy.
I was entertained but frustrated all at once. The segments of Miles' background in a campaign against the Welsh are intertwined with the main story and were more interesting than the mystery. Pretty much nobody looks good in this, and as usual the faith of the characters is at most a very minor bit of background and excuse for oaths and swear words rather than shot through their very lives and worldview.
This was a mixed bag. There was some fair amount of historical detail that was well done, but a great deal more that was not. Almost all terms were modernized or even Americanized, so the Normans are called Frenchmen, the Saxons are called English, a lot of modern colloquialisms and phrases were used, and so on.
The story was fairly well told, although the historical details felt more pushed into the story than an organic part of the storytelling. Our hero is stumbling and headstrong, getting himself thrown a beating more than once and even hanged because he just cannot show anyone respect except the women. Then suddenly he figures it all out and sets up a trick to capture the bad guy.
I was entertained but frustrated all at once. The segments of Miles' background in a campaign against the Welsh are intertwined with the main story and were more interesting than the mystery. Pretty much nobody looks good in this, and as usual the faith of the characters is at most a very minor bit of background and excuse for oaths and swear words rather than shot through their very lives and worldview.
January 26, 2022
5 STARS, 11 CENTURY CRIME, FULL OF ACTION
5 STARS for this worthy crime mystery novel during a time we usually never get much information on, the 11th century or about. We are schooled about murdrum & how it affects everyone from the villains who aren't even free but work the lands & everything that makes life function for the lords, clergy, royalty, & free men few that they were. The landowners & business men also would have to pay a few if one of their own was responsible or found responsible for the murdrum.
A very exciting way to see how the French & English pioneered their murder laws. Lots of details of time period & plenty of fighting action of that time using their weapons.
RECOMMENDED
5 STARS for this worthy crime mystery novel during a time we usually never get much information on, the 11th century or about. We are schooled about murdrum & how it affects everyone from the villains who aren't even free but work the lands & everything that makes life function for the lords, clergy, royalty, & free men few that they were. The landowners & business men also would have to pay a few if one of their own was responsible or found responsible for the murdrum.
A very exciting way to see how the French & English pioneered their murder laws. Lots of details of time period & plenty of fighting action of that time using their weapons.
RECOMMENDED
February 17, 2024
1066 and how their world changed
Living in a time when your life turns upside down! Going from nobility to a lowly free man. The adaptations you have to make just to stay alive when the ruling class sees you as a non entity and disposable. This was life after 1066 A.D. The main characters are believable as well as the living conditions of the time period. A murder is solved and there is background information woven in between involving the murdered man and the one who solves the crime. I found it filler information but not sure if it was necessary. Lots of research was done however and I appreciated that.
Living in a time when your life turns upside down! Going from nobility to a lowly free man. The adaptations you have to make just to stay alive when the ruling class sees you as a non entity and disposable. This was life after 1066 A.D. The main characters are believable as well as the living conditions of the time period. A murder is solved and there is background information woven in between involving the murdered man and the one who solves the crime. I found it filler information but not sure if it was necessary. Lots of research was done however and I appreciated that.
May 12, 2023
A very enjoyable read indeed.It will appeal I am sure to any fans of history,Medieval history in particular.Of course it did remind me very much of Bernard Knight 's Crowner John novels ( although not as superior) and the Doomsday books by Edward Marston.There was a great plot,a whodunit,lots of interesting characters.The main character of Miles Edwulfson was interesting,I can definitely see some longevity there.In fact I almost couldn't put it down it was that engrossing.I eagerly await the next one!
October 8, 2024
Miles Edwulfson, the righteous
I have tried to read the Cadfael books, but couldn't get through them. I wanted to see if another series of this age would be better. It was better, as I could follow the murder, the investigation, and the ending. The terminology stopped me a few times, as I had to look up some things. It was a good story, even though I did not like two stories, 40 years apart being told. So, due to the storyline and characters, a 4.0 out of 5 rating.
I have tried to read the Cadfael books, but couldn't get through them. I wanted to see if another series of this age would be better. It was better, as I could follow the murder, the investigation, and the ending. The terminology stopped me a few times, as I had to look up some things. It was a good story, even though I did not like two stories, 40 years apart being told. So, due to the storyline and characters, a 4.0 out of 5 rating.
March 25, 2025
3.5 stars
Another dip back in time - this mystery series is set in 1106 A.D. Crazy political intrigue and lawlessness abound in dear old England. Knights, squires, and ladies. Hangings, beheadings.
In this first installment, we meet Miles Edwulfson, a freeman farmer who is tasked with finding the killer of the local lord. In this time, England is ruled by the French where there is no love lost, on either side.
Another dip back in time - this mystery series is set in 1106 A.D. Crazy political intrigue and lawlessness abound in dear old England. Knights, squires, and ladies. Hangings, beheadings.
In this first installment, we meet Miles Edwulfson, a freeman farmer who is tasked with finding the killer of the local lord. In this time, England is ruled by the French where there is no love lost, on either side.
April 8, 2022
This is an interesting tale. Set in England 40 years after the Norman Conquest. Miles is a free man and farmer. The Earl of Trent is murdered while out hunting, and the killer used one of Miles’ sons arrows to do the deed. Miles knows he hates the Normans, but is sure Aeldred would not commit murder. Miles has 4 days to investigate before his son is hanged.
March 26, 2024
Great story
Enjoyed this, would be interested in reading the next one in the series. Only criticism, that for me, could have done without as much of the earlier battles from 20 years ago. I can understand that it provided background and formation of historical relationships, for good or ill, but I found it a bit disrupting to the rhythm of the story.
Enjoyed this, would be interested in reading the next one in the series. Only criticism, that for me, could have done without as much of the earlier battles from 20 years ago. I can understand that it provided background and formation of historical relationships, for good or ill, but I found it a bit disrupting to the rhythm of the story.
September 16, 2024
Medieval murder mystery
If you like the Cadfael series, then you will probably like this too.
This book gives an excellent view into the life of the English in the generation after William the Conqueror...er, conquered.
The plot has great twists and turns. The characters are interesting. I highly recommend reading this!
If you like the Cadfael series, then you will probably like this too.
This book gives an excellent view into the life of the English in the generation after William the Conqueror...er, conquered.
The plot has great twists and turns. The characters are interesting. I highly recommend reading this!
September 14, 2021
Well wrtitten murder mystery set in norman times
This is a short and well put together story and a must read. It doesnt contain the unnecessary political verbage and cynicism that clouds some of Mr, Bromall's works.
This is a short and well put together story and a must read. It doesnt contain the unnecessary political verbage and cynicism that clouds some of Mr, Bromall's works.
October 31, 2022
As another reviewer indicated, I most enjoyed the battle flashbacks. The pacing of the murder investigation dragged in the middle but resolved with a pleasant surprise. I may read the sequel as I was enjoying the character development once the pace picked up.
September 16, 2021
Meticulous details enrich a riveting tale of murder, jealousy, and medieval life.
January 31, 2022
A great read
A good mystery with lots of twists and turns with some interesting historical information. Well worth the read. If read more of the same.
A good mystery with lots of twists and turns with some interesting historical information. Well worth the read. If read more of the same.
March 20, 2022
Great story, good ending
Lots of memorable characters, great warring scenes, author keeps a good pace. Good who-done-it set in ancient times. I Recommend!
Lots of memorable characters, great warring scenes, author keeps a good pace. Good who-done-it set in ancient times. I Recommend!
July 15, 2022
Miles in conflict over miles of conflict over a treasure
Did it actually exist? The treasure of a long departed king, hidden by fiery magic the Miles didn’t believe in.
Did it actually exist? The treasure of a long departed king, hidden by fiery magic the Miles didn’t believe in.
February 3, 2023
I was completely invested in Miles. I even enjoyed the flash backs and that is saying a lot. The murderer was a surprise to me even though it made perfect sense.
August 25, 2024
Murdrum!
Glad the author followed his dream to write. A really good book! He wrote it. You read it. Just might have to buy the next one.
Glad the author followed his dream to write. A really good book! He wrote it. You read it. Just might have to buy the next one.
December 28, 2021
Excellent medieval fiction by the author of the Death Heads' series. It takes place not long after the Norman Conquest, when the law of "murdrum" was in effect. Basically this meant that if a Norman was killed by an Anglo-Saxon, then two outcomes could occur: 1) The killer was identified; or 2) The Killer wasn't identified or apprehended, in which case the perpetrator's village was left financially desolate.
A noble was murdered during a hunt. All signs eventually point to Miles, a ploughman who was also a freeman. Miles flees and tries to gather clues as to the actual killer's identity. A great period piece, missing out on five stars as the conclusion was a bit kitsch.
A noble was murdered during a hunt. All signs eventually point to Miles, a ploughman who was also a freeman. Miles flees and tries to gather clues as to the actual killer's identity. A great period piece, missing out on five stars as the conclusion was a bit kitsch.
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