Helpful Score: 3
An easy, fun, and "historically" informative read.
Sandra (mycatscanread) -
Helpful Score: 3
A good mystery, but I had trouble getting into it at the beginning, most likely because it's the first of its kind I've read.
Helpful Score: 3
Becoming one of my favorite Historical series.
Helpful Score: 3
I got this book on a whim and was totally pleased with the book. In fact after reading this book I have been tracking down the others in the series and finding my self enthralled with the politics of the church and state in this time period of British history. You find yourself caring about the main characters and wanting to know how they progress in their lives.
Helpful Score: 2
Really good historical mystery. Robb is the best replacement I've found for Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael books.
Helpful Score: 2
a fun read, now one of my favorites.
owen archer saves the lives of a jongleur-french for english traveling minstrel, and his leman, french for mistress, and to prove that no good turn goes unpunished, they try to kill him but only cause the loss of sight in one eye. so what does a capt of archers do when he can no longer be an archer in the 1600's?
you will have to read this book to find out.
I would suggest that this be read before going on to others as it sets up the main characters.
great for learning about the period with out all the olde english words.
owen archer saves the lives of a jongleur-french for english traveling minstrel, and his leman, french for mistress, and to prove that no good turn goes unpunished, they try to kill him but only cause the loss of sight in one eye. so what does a capt of archers do when he can no longer be an archer in the 1600's?
you will have to read this book to find out.
I would suggest that this be read before going on to others as it sets up the main characters.
great for learning about the period with out all the olde english words.
Helpful Score: 2
An easy read, this book is a medieval murder mystery. A good account of medieval life and the power and influence of the Catholic church in 1363. The hero, Owen Archer is in a series of books by this author. I enjoyed it. Geny
Thomas F. (hardtack) -
Helpful Score: 2
This mystery takes place in the 14th Century. A former captain of archers is now working undercover as an apprentice apothecary. Hmmmmm.... a former soldier now working with herbs. Skip back two centuries and you might confuse him with Brother Cadfael.
Well, who cares if maybe the author took a good idea from Ellis Peters. Robb then modified it a bit and produced a good story. I found myself ignoring my other open books and continually picking this one up to read.
Not only did I enjoy the story, but I learned something too. I never knew the Church employed summoners to ferret out sin.
While the chief protagonist is male, the ladies will enjoy the book as there are at least three or four strong woman characters.
Well, who cares if maybe the author took a good idea from Ellis Peters. Robb then modified it a bit and produced a good story. I found myself ignoring my other open books and continually picking this one up to read.
Not only did I enjoy the story, but I learned something too. I never knew the Church employed summoners to ferret out sin.
While the chief protagonist is male, the ladies will enjoy the book as there are at least three or four strong woman characters.
Helpful Score: 1
Lovely story if a bit predictable
Helpful Score: 1
a great book. a first read of the author for me and i will read more. set in medival england. a good read for all.
Fun mystery set in medieval York, with great period detail.
If you love historical mysteries this one is awesome for that time period!
Meet Owen Archer, possibly the world's first undercover cop. Long before DNA, before "caught on tape", even before fingerprints, Owen Archer is asked by the Archbishop to investigate two suspicious deaths at the abbey outside the town of York. It is the fourteenth century, and all he can rely on is questions, reactions, and deductions. He must pretend he needs employment, and becomes an apprentice under Lucie Wilton, who runs her husband's apothacary during his illness, and is herself an apprentice. What really happened at the abbey? Why is Master Wilton so ill? Who was the pilgrim who died first? What really happened to the Summonor? All the characters are well fleshed out and the intrigue continues right to the end...great Medieval mystery! D. (gardngal)
From the back cover: Christmastide 1363 - and, at an abbey in York, two pilgrims lie mysteriously dead of an herbal remedy. Suspicious, the Archbishop sends for Owen Archer, a Welshman with the charm of the devil, who's lost one eye to the wars in France and must make a new career as an honest spy.
Good Book!
