Starred review from February 1, 2010
Two deaths—the stabbing murder of Harry Mappestone at his Herefordshire castle, Goodrich, in September 1102, and the apparently more natural passing of the duchess of Normandy across the Channel the following spring—propel Beaufort's exceptional sixth Sir Geoffrey Mappestone mystery (after 2004's The
Coiners' Quarrel
). Sir Geoffrey, a crusader knight, reluctantly comes to Goodrich to claim his late brother's estates. Geoffrey's sister urges him to marry soon and produce an heir to secure the family inheritance. A local bishop asks Geoffrey to investigate the duchess's death. While her doctors said the duchess died from complications of childbirth, the bishop suspects the duke's jealous mistress poisoned her. Well-rounded characters, rich period detail, and a clever closing twist or two put this in the same league as the best work of Kate Sedley and Michael Jecks. Beaufort is the pseudonym of Susanna Gregory, author of the Thomas Chaloner series, and the historian Beau Riffenburgh.
Starred review from April 1, 2010
After Henry Mappestone is murdered, his brother Geoffrey ("The Coiner's Quarrel") inherits Goodrich Castle in the Welsh Marchesalong with the disgruntled, starving Welsh, greedy, unscrupulous Norman lords, and Henry I of England, who wants Geoffrey's loyalty. After several attempts on his life, Geoffrey, known for his problem-solving ability and tactical military experience in the Crusades, must untangle a skein of intrigue before the Welsh rebel against England. VERDICT Beaufort, a pseudonym for two ex-Cambridge academics (one of whom also writes under the name Susanna Gregory), brings Norman England vividly to life. Full of drama, suspense, and plot twists, this is a complicated story of murder, superstition, revenge, and greed that will appeal to fans of medieval historicals.
Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2010
Sir Geoffrey Mappestone, home from the Crusades, is eager to return to Jerusalem to fight again. Unfortunately, he has fallen out with his patron, Prince Tancred, so a return to battle will be difficult. Besides, his sister, Joan, insists that Geoffrey should marry and produce an heir. But Geoffrey is focused instead on solving the mysterious death of his brother Henry six months earlier. Witnesses are reluctant to talk, and Geoffreys quest is frustrated at every turn. So when an old friend invites him to visit, Geoffrey welcomes the distraction. Then Geoffreys life is threatened and several other guests die, and hes convinced that theres a link to his investigation into his brothers death. Or is there? Perhaps its something to do with his choice of a bridethe merging of the great estates through marriage can affect the politics of the region and even the country. When more deaths occur, Geoffrey knows he has stumbled into something dark and deadly. Meticulously researched, cleverly plotted, and rich in characterization and period ambience, this is another fine entry in Beauforts entertaining and enjoyable twelfth-century historical mystery series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)