Discussion for The Wayward Apprentice

[Diane , Armchair Tour Guide]

Start discussion here for The Wayward Apprentice by Jason Vail.

[Diane , Armchair Tour Guide]

Summary

Stephen Attebrook, a crippled knight facing poverty and ruin, seems condemned to a quiet life when he takes a position as deputy coroner in the small town of Ludlow.

But instead, he plunges into a web of murder and intrigue.

A death Attebrook rules an accidental drowning turns out to be a murder, and he must find the killer with little evidence pointing the way.

Then a commission to return a runaway apprentice pitches him into the midst of a conflict between a rebellious earl and King Henry III that is about to erupt into civil war.

Caught up in the twilight struggle among spies readying for war, Attebrook races to defend the apprentice against a charge of murder while dodging killers in the employ of one of the factions.
Thirteenth century England has never been brought more vividly to life than in the pages of The Wayward Apprentice. (from Goodreads)

[Diane , Armchair Tour Guide]

This is a decent mystery with a good setting and sense of place. It is obvious that the author researched the time period well, although there were a few parts I questioned as to historical accuracy. My biggest complaint relates to the language spoken by the characters of the book. A lot of colloquialisms and slang specific to 20-21st century English language usage is seen here. This detracts from the medieval setting and makes me forget what time period I am supposed to be in. I also think the character development could be a little better.

[Jean]

I enjoyed it also but found it a bit gorier than most cozy books. However, a friend reminded me that it was a medieval setting. It did hold my attention.

[Karen]

I liked this book well enough to read the next couple in the series. I am not well versed on the time period, so I cannot tell if there is historical accuracy. I like the main character.