Lost Innocents by Denise Domning

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Twelfth Century England

First Sentence: The shivaree at last.

This novel is the third in the author's Servant of the Crown series.

Sir Faucon de Ramis is the new Crowner of the shire.  He has had the position for a little while.  Yet his investigations have kept him busy.

He is aided in his duties by Brother Edmond.  Brother Edmond is a bit strict in his interpretations of the law.

Sir Faucon, or Sir Crowner as the people call him, has earned the people's respect by his fairness.

The town of Wike has a small population.  Yet there are plenty of secrets and lies.

There has been a murder in Wike.  The hue and cry is raised.  The body of a young girl. has been discovered, unclothed, in the town's well.  The accused young man has escaped into the crown's forest.

Sir Faucon quickly determines that the accusations are incorrect.  The girl did not die from drowning.  She was put in the well after she had died.

So Sir Faucon begins asking questions  The knight learns that this murder is connected to other deep, dark, secrets.

Will Sir Faucon sift though the clues and discover who is responsible for the death of the girl?

I really like the author's characters.  They are realistic.

The author has included an overarching mystery.  Tantalizing clues have appeared at the beginning and end of each of the novels in this set.  I was disappointed that the mystery still hasn't been solved.

 I hope to get a chance to read more in this series.


                                                                                         

Season of the Fox by Denise Demming

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: 12th Century England

First Sentence: Blasphemy! Rage drives my feet until I am almost running - disgraceful behavior! - along the red brown track away from that ... hovel.

This novel is the second in the author's Servant of the Crown series.

Our main character, Sir Faucon de Ramis, is a newly appointed coroner.  His duty is to investigate any untimely deaths. to determine if any fines and duties are due to the King.

Sir Faucon doesn't want to only determine if a murder has been committed.  He wants to discover who the culprit is.  Thus he can ensure that the fines and taxes are levied in a fair and just way.

In this novel a young man has been accused of murder.  He is discovered with the body, and with blood on his hands.  When the hue and cry is raised, the young man  makes a mad dash for the church and claims sanctuary.  He has forty days of safety before he can be prosecuted and punished for his crime.

Fortunately, Sir Faucon is in town investigating another death.

Sir Faucon begins to ask questions.  He soon determines that the young man in the church is not guilty.

If he is innocent, then who is guilty?

I enjoyed this book.  The author has an enjoyable easy-to-read writing style.  The characters seem real, and the plot moves forward.

Also, the plot of the book is bracketed with clues from another evil murder.  Sir Faucon  will soon learn about this horrible and evil crime.

Now on to book three.

                                                 
                                                       

The Ways Between the Worlds by: Alys Clare

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Eleventh Century England, After the Norman Conquest

First Sentence: Come to me! I need you!

This novel is the fourth in Alys Clare's Norman Aelf Fen series which currently runs to seven books.

It has not been very long since the Normans have conquered England.  Along with a new set of rulers and laws the Normans have brought  a fervent belief in Christianity.  Although many have accepted Norman rule, there are those who cling to the old ways of magic and power.

Our main character, Lassaire, is learning to be a healer.  She is also learning how to use and control the magic of the old ways.

One day, in a nightmare, Lassaire receives a dire message.  It is from her Norman warrior friend Rollo.  He is in grave danger.  She can't help him because she can't tell where he is.  When his cries stop, She believes he is alive and safe.

At the abby where Lassaire's sister is a nun, there are two horrible murders.  It seems that the two victims have been sacrificed in the old Celtic manor.

Rollo has been tasked by the king to investigate a rumor.  It seems that the king's ship army might have been destroyed by a practitioner of the old ways.

Once again, Lassaire hears Rollo's cries for help.

Can it be that the deaths, Rollo's cries and the old beliefs are somehow connected?

I have read the first four books in the series.  I have enjoyed them all.  I like the way the author is developing Lassaire's character and her relationship with Rollo.

I suggest that you read the books in order.

For me this was a great read.

                                                 

Music of the Distant Stars by Alys Clare

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Eleventh Century England, After the Norman Conquest

First Sentence: Dawn.

This novel is the third in Alys Clare's Norman Aelf Fen series which currently runs to seven books.

Our main character is Lissaire.  She lives with her Aunt Edild.  Edild is teaching Lissaire to be a healer.  She is also learning another skill.  She is learning how to use what we would call ESP.

One summer, Lissaire's beloved Grannie dies.  She has lived a good life and it's time for her to pass away.

Then one day, Lissaire makes a terrible discovery.  When she visits her Grannie's grave, she discovers that the body of unknown girl has been placed in the grave.

Who is she?  Why was she placed in the grave?

Blame is soon attached to a young man named Derman.  He is a simpleton, with the body of an adult and the mind of a child.  To make matters worse, Derman has run away.

As the plot develops, we discover that there are several people with a motive to kill the girl.  This is strange because she is universally loved by those who knew her.

And then another body is found.  It is Derman.  Is his death somehow connected to the young girl's death?

In the last few pages of the novel, the plot becomes delightfully tangled.  And at the final reveal, I was completely surprised.

This was a great read.  The author has crafted a great historical mystery.   It's a stand alone novel, so it can be read out of series order.



                                                          

Mist Over the Water by Alys Clare

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: 11th Century England, a few years after the Norman Conquest.

First Sentence: It was raining.

This novel is the second in the author's Aelf Fen Norman series which currently runs to seven books.

Mysteries often spring from secrets.  Actions often seem mysterious until the secret is revealed.

So it is with our main character, Lessair. She finds characters whose behavior is mysterious.  And in the end discovers a hidden secret.

Lessair is an apprentice healer.  And she can sense the supernatural.

An urgent request for help.  A cousin has injured his foot.  But why had Lessair been summoned when the cousin could have asked for help from the nearby Ely Abby?

Soon, Lessair becomes entangled with a family secret involving her friend Sibert and the death of his father.

Then,  while investigating this secret, she learns of a deeper and more dangerous secret.  This one could bring war and death to the land.

This was an interesting book.  The liked the way the author switched back and forth from first person third person points of view.


                                                              

Enemies at Home by Lindsey Davis

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Ancient Rome, 89 AD

First Sentence: Even before I started, I knew I should say no.

This novel is the second in Lindsey Davis's Flavia Alba series. This series is a spin-off from Davis's Falco series also based in ancient Rome.

Flavia Albia's father is Marcus Falco.  Flavia was a British orphan adopted by Falco an his wife.  Now Albia is following in her father's footsteps and working as a paid informer.

Flavia has been asked by her friend Manlius Faustus to investigate a murder.  It seems that a newlywed couple has been killed, their silver plate stolen, and their slaves claiming sanctuary in a nearby temple.  In Rome, when a slave holder is killed, suspicion usually falls upon the slaves.  They are questioned under torture and then executed.

Manlius has asked Flavia to examine the evidence and question the slaves, in order to show that the slaves are truly guilty of the crime.

As she investigates, Flavia begins to understand what life is like for slaves.  Although they are possessed by their masters they have emotions and relationships often unseen by their owners.

And lurking in the background is the knowledge that they can be sold off at the whim of their master.  In the end, Flavia learns that this is the ultimate cause of the deaths of the newlyweds.

I enjoyed this book.  I am a big fan of Lindsey Davis's novels.  I's sure that I 'll soon pick up another Flavia Albia novel.



                                              

Scandal Takes a Holiday by Lindsey Davis

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Rome, 76 AD

First Sentence: "If he chucks a stone, he's done for," muttered Petronius.

This novel is the sixteenth in Davis's Falco mystery series which currently runs to twenty books.  There are also five novels featuring Falco's adopted daughter Albia.

Falco is in the port city of Ostia on a missing person case.  His friend Petro is also in Ostia on an investigation.  Since Ostia is near to Rome, both of our intrepid investigators have brought their families along.  For Falco, this means bringing his children, his dog, and his beautiful and intelligent wife Helena.

Unfortunately, Falco's job is not as straight forward as he expected it would be.  The missing person is the author of the scandals column in Rome's news organ the Daily Gazette.  It is possible that our missing person's writing may have gained him some deadly enemies.

While investigating, Falco uncovers what appears to be a kidnapping scheme run by pirates.  It may be that our scandals author may have discovered this as well.

Of course, Falco's family becomes involved with the plot.  Helena helps with the investigation.  Falco's Pa reveals that he is involved in an art smuggling business.  And Falco's Uncle Fulvius (The one nobody ever talks about) makes an appearance.

As the story progresses, it seems that all of Falco's questions take him further away from his missing person assignment.  But in the end, the loose ends are resolved and justice prevails.

The best part of reading a Falco book is observing his family life.  With his Ma and Pa, his sisters, the kids, the dog and his wife Helena, we see what life in a Roman family might have been like.

I enjoyed this book.

                              

Persona Non Grata by Ruth Downie

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Southern Gaul, 119 AD

First Sentence: Justinius was lying in the stinking dark of the ship's hold, bruised and beaten, feeling every breath twist hot knives in this chest.

This novel is the third in Downie's Gaius Ruso mystery series which currently runs to six books.

Or main character, Ruso is a doctor for a Roman military unit in Britannia.  One night, in an attempt to protect a young boy from being roughed up by some Roman legionaries, Ruso breaks his foot.  while waiting for his leg to heal, Ruso receives an enigmatic note from his brother asking him to come home.

So Ruso, and his "barbarian" woman Tilla head to Ruso's family farm in southern Gaul.  Once he arrives he finds his family in disarray.  His sisters are demanding a dowery.  His brother is bungling the family finances.  And, the family is close to loosing the farm to bankruptcy.

The last thing they needed was Ruso to show up.  No one will admit to writing the note.

Then, while Ruso is trying to get a handle on all of the family issues, the husband of Ruso's ex-wife dies unexpectedly at Ruso's farm.  The husband looks like he has been poisoned.  And Ruso is a prime suspect.

Now we follow Ruso and Tilla as they sort out all of the family's problems.  Once again, Tilla shows that she is the smart, level-headed partner that Ruso needs.

Will Ruso and Tilla be able to sort out the murder, and the family's problems?

I enjoyed reading about Ruso and his messy family life.  In my opinion, it was a realistic peek at daily life in an ancient Roman family.

                                                     

Nemesis by Lindsey Davis

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Rome, 79 AD

First Sentence: I find it surprising more people are not killed over dinner at home.

This novel is the twentieth in Davis's Falco series.

As our story begins, there is sadness is Falco's home.  Falco's new born child dies a birth.  Then Falco discovers that his father has died.

As his Pa's sole male heir, Falco inherits his father's wealth and business.  At the funeral, Pa's female friend announces that she is with child.  The will seems to indicate that Falco may have to share the estate with the unborn child, if the child is male.

To make matters worse, a supplier and his wife who are owed money by Falco's auction house turn up dead.  Falco, and his friend Petro, begin to investigate the murder.  They soon discover that there are more deaths related to this case.

The clues lead them in a startling direction.  It seems that someone who has been the nemesis of the family for years may be the ultimate culprit.

I liked this book.  Lindsey Davis is one of my favorite authors.  She uses a unique voice to tell us a wonderfully tangled mystery.

                                                               

Blackstone and the Balloon of Death by Sally Spencer

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: London, England at the start of the Twentieth Century.

First Sentence:  Lady Eustacia Wilton looked down at the letter she was holding in her trembling hands, and read it through once more.

The fifth novel in Spencer's Investigator Blackstone Series.

A murder is committed in front of a theater audience.  The lead actor is stabbed in the neck and falls to his death.  The lead actress holds the knife in her hands and screams.  That's how the play was written.  That's how the play has been performed.

But, tonight, the actor really does die.  And the knife is truly a murder weapon.

In the audience are Inspector Sam Blackstone and his friend Dr. Ellie Carr.  Blackstone begins investigating the death from a police detective's point of view.  While Dr. Carr (a practitioner of the new science of forensics) begins to study the actual cause of death.

In his investigations Blackstone unravels the intricate relationships between the actors, the theater owner, and an influential member of the aristocracy (Blackstone's particular nemeses).

Dr. Ellie becomes engrossed in the actual cause of the actors death.  She quickly realizes that she is faced with finking an extremely lethal form of poison.

Although both Sam and Ellie are working on the same case, they are not working together.  This fact takes its toll on their budding relationship.

Will Blackstone and Ellie discover the clues which will point the finger at the culprit?

Once again the author has penned an engrossing mystery tale.  I enjoyed it.

This novel has been republished with a new title.  I have included links for both versions of the book.

                                                                   

Blackstone and the Firebug by Sally Spencer

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: London, England in 1900

First Sentence: It was a warm spring day.

This novel is the fourth in Spencer's Inspector Blackstone mystery series which currently runs to twelve novels.

It all starts with a fire set by an arsonist in an abandoned warehouse.  Inspector Sam Blackstone and his partner Archie Patterson are assigned to the case.  The firebug sends Blackstone a threatening message: The government must pay 100,000 pounds or the fires will continue.

Of course the government refuses to pay the ransom.  Blackstone feels it is his duty to prevent further fires.  Unfortunately there are other incidents.  A boat is on the river is torched.  And then a bomb is set in London.  Fortunately, the bomb doesn't go off.

After the fire on the boat, a body is found in the river.  The cause of death seems obvious.  Blackstone hears of a doctor practicing the infant science of criminal forensics.  The doctor uses science to investigate, and provides valuable information.

Along the way, the clues lead Blackstone on.  It seems that once again, a culprit might go free because he is a member of the upper class.  Sam thinks he knows who the firebug is, he just can's prove it.

What is the real reason behind the firebug's crimes?

And why does the culprit keep sending his anonymous messages to Sam?

Once again, Sally Spencer ( the pen name for Alan Rustage ) has created a great novel.  Like the others in the series, this one was great fun to read.

I really like the cast of characters.  Blackstone is always guided by his sense of duty to solve cases in a truthful manner.  His partner, Archie Patterson always seems to "know a bloke" who can help by providing some valuable information.  And Doctor Ellie Carr is a strong willed woman working in the male driven society of London in the early twentieth century.  Archie and Dr. Carr are characters so interesting that they could be the stars of their own spin-off series.

For me, this was a very pleasurable read.  I enjoyed it.

It looks like this novel has been retitled as Blackstone and the Burning Secret

                                                                  

Blackstone and the Golden Egg by Sally Spencer

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Central Russia, 1899

First Sentence: Count Rachinsky's country estate was justly famed for its hunting and shooting, and the royal party had had a glorious and bloody day in the cause of which several score of feathered creatures had met the violent fate they had been bred solely to fulfill.

This is the third novel in Sally Spencer's Inspector Blackstone mystery series which currently runs to twelve books.

Sally Spencer is the pen name of Alan Rustage.

Far out on the Russian steppe, at a Russian aristocrat's estate there has been a theft.  A Faberge egg has been stolen.  It was a gift from the Tzar of Russia to the Prince of Wales.

The theft has been kept a secret.  If the Tzar learns about the egg, it could cause an international incident.

The British Government decides to send two men to investigate the crime.  Sir Roderick, a member  of the elite upper class will lead the investigation.  He will be assisted by Inspector Sam Blackstone.

It is a mystery as to why Blackstone has been chosen for this undertaking.  Even he agrees that there are other inspectors what more qualified.  And, then there is Blackstone's opinion of the "Quality" - the members of upper class.

After as eventful trip into Russia, Blackstone and Sir Roderick find that the theft of the egg is not a secret.

So who stole the egg and why?

The aristocrats believe that person of quality, such as themselves, would never stoop to committing such a base crime.  Obviously, the criminal must be a servant or a peasant.

The class distinctions serve to stymie Blackstone at every turn.  Soon he realizes that something deeply secret is going on.

What could it be, and who is involved?

I enjoyed this novel.  Our main character, Blackstone, is an honest copper who tries to do his best for his country.  He is not perfect, but he is a realist.

Once again, the author delivers an interesting plot in an easy to read style.  For me it was a page turner.  I read it in two days (Fast for me).

Although each book in the series is a stand alone novel, I suggest reading them in order.  This novel refers back to action which occurred in the first novel of the series.

For me, a fun read.


                                                           

Blackstone and the Tiger by Sally Spencer

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: London, 1898

First Sentence: From the balcony, the Maharaja could see both the gardens which surrounded his palace and the town which lay beyond.

This novel is the second in Spencer's Blackstone series which currently runs to twelve books.

Sally Spencer is the pen name of Alan Rustage.

There has been a series of kidnappings in London.  Inspector Blackstone has been on the case.  What troubles him is that each successive kidnapping has gotten more complex and brutal.  Even the leaders of the London criminal gangs admit that they could not pull off such crimes.

And then, the son of a visiting Maharaja is kidnapped.

Who is committing these horrible crimes?

What is their motive?

Can Blackstone piece together the clues to discover the identity of the perpetrators?

And, more importantly, can he rescue the Maharaja's son?

This was a very interesting and enjoyable novel.  On the surface, there is a pleasant mystery to solve. On a deeper level, we see how racist some British people of that time were.

FYI - In this novel the author has made copious use of the "n-word" to describe persons of color from India.  In my opinion, the author is trying to demonstrate the low opinion many British citizens had for the people of that region.  I do not think the author intended to portray his own personal feelings.

This was another great novel by Sally Spencer.  I like his style of writing.  It is very readable.  I also like the way he keeps the chapters short.

For me this was a very enjoyable read.


                                                                    

Rendezvous with Death by Sally Spencer

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: England, 1898

First Sentence: The fog had begun of descend just before nightfall, and within minutes it had covered the whole of the area north of the river.

This novel is the first in Spencer's Inspector Blackstone series which currently runs to twelve books.

Sally Spencer is the pen name of English author Alan Rustage.

This novel was a fantastic read.  I just could not put it down.  The pages flew by, and I finished the book in a day. (Which is pretty fast for me!)

Since this is the first book in the series, the author had to introduce us to our main character, Sam Blackstone.  So, sprinkled throughout the novel are tantalizing references to Blackstone's backstory.  But for the most part, the author told us what we needed to know, and got on with the plot.

Inspector Blackstone is a dedicated officer of Scotland Yard.  Normally, his cases are easy to solve.  Just a few questions, and a couple of threats, and the culprit is easily identified.

Now, Blackstone is presented with a different type of murder.  The victim is a member of an aristocratic family more concerned with protecting the family name than identifying the murderer.  Every step of the way it seems that Blackstone's investigation is impeded by the social norms concerning those who live at the top of British society.

Queen Victoria's grand sixtieth Jubilee forms the back drop of the novel.  Could it be that Blackstone's case might have repercussions reaching to the pinnacle of British aristocracy, the Queen herself?

In Blackstone, the author has created a great character.  I liked him, and I liked this novel.

And I intend to read the entire series.

Five Stars!

                                                

Blackstone and the Heart of Darkness by Sally Spencer

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: England in the Year 1900.

First Sentence: Emma Walsingham had been missing for two days when Giles Yarrow, an agricultural laborer, came across the body.

This novel is the sixth in Sally Spencer's Blackstone series which currently runs to twelve books.

Wow! This book was a real page turner.  I just could not put it down.  There is plenty of action.  The exposition and description moves the plot forward without slowing the story down with too many unnecessary details.  And the final solution was a real surprise.

This novel focuses on the investigations of three of the leading characters in this series.

Inspector Sam Blackstone, of Scotland Yard, is investigating a smuggling ring near the salt mines in a rural English village.  His friend and partner Archie Patterson is investigating a brothel which  illegally procures young girls.  And, Dr. Ellie Carr, a female doctor who specializes in the new science of forensic pathology, is investigating a  series of horrible murders involving the young daughters of well-to-do families.

The story moves back and forth between the three plot lines.  At the climax, the solution, while logical, caught me by surprise.

Reading this novel was great fun.  The characters are interesting and unique.  And the plot was wonderfully tangled.

I know I'll be reading the entire series.

Five stars!

                       

Deadly Proof by M. Louisa Locke

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: In 1880's San Francisco, California

First Sentence: Time to head out Dunk.

This novel is the fourth in Locke's Victorian San Francisco series, which also includes four short stories.

Our main character is Annie.  She is an independent woman living is an era when women were expected to be dependent on men.  In the past she has had unfortunate experiences when she let men control her life.  Her beau, Nate, is a man of that era.  He expects to be in control.  He is learning how to treat Annie as an equal.

There has been a murder at a local print shop.  Nate, who is a lawyer, has been retained to investigate the killing.  An innocent woman has been arrested for the murder.  It's Nate's first big case, and it's up to him, with Annie's help, to solve the case and discover the true culprit.

While the investigation is proceeding, Annie and Nate are planning their wedding.  Annie wants the wedding to be perfect for Nate and his family.  Nate just wants Annie to be happy.

Will Annie and Nate find the evidence that will free and innocent woman?
Will they learn how to share their feelings truthfully, and have a prefect wedding after all?

Louisa Lock is one of my favorite authors.  I enjoy the plots she crafts.  Each of her novels has a murder to solve.  And each novel follows Nate and Annie as they learn to respect and love each other.    

For me, this was a nice, easy, and fun read.


                                       

Egypt: The Book of Chaos by Nick Drake

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Egypt, four years after the death of Tutankhamen.

First sentence: I stared down at five severed heads that lay in the dust, at the godforsaken crossroads, in the small dark hour before dawn.

This novel is the third in Drake's Rahotep series.

Due to his loyalty to the Queen of Egypt, Rahotep has lost his status as a Medjay detective. Now there are new ritualistic murders in Thebes.  And he is not allowed to investigate.

There is a new powerful gang in town. They have taken over the opium trade.  And, they are murdering anyone who is in their way.  Which includes Rahotep's friend and partner Khety.

Rahotep wants revenge.

But the Queen needs Rahotep's help.  She is the daughter of Nefertiti and wife to King Ay. The king is soon to die. There is no male relative to take his place.  Only the feared General Horemheb.

So the queen proposes a marriage to one of the sons of the king of the Hittites.  Even though the Hittites are the enemies of Egypt.  The queen believes that this marriage would end the war between the Hittites and Egypt.

The queen wants Rahotep to accompany the Royal Envoy to present the proposal.  Along the way, Rahotep keeps his eyes open, and discovers clues which eventually lead him to the secretive leader of the opium gang.

Will Rahotep discover who the leader is, and get the revenge he desires?

I liked this novel.  The author set the plot in a realistic depiction of Egypt in those long ago days.  There is action.  There is danger.  And along the way, we learn about the Egyptian culture.

For me, it was an enjoyable read.


                                                   

Saturnalia SPQR V by John Maddox Roberts

Gere: Historical Mystery

Rome, 61 AD

First Sentence:  I set foot on Italy once more on a filthy day in December.

This novel is the fifth in Roberts' SPQR series which currently runs to fourteen books.

Our main character, Decius, has been recalled to Rome.  One of his male relatives has been murdered.  Rumors around Rome say that the murdered man has been poisoned, probably by his wife who is widely known as a scandalous woman.

Rome is not a safe place for Decius.  Two separate factions have threatened Decius about the case.  One group will kill Decius if he finds her guilty, the other will kill him if he finds her innocent.

Aided by his fiancee, and his loyal(?) boy servant Hermes, Decius searches to uncover the truth.  Along the way he encounters ruffians, aristocrats, slaves, witches, and a strange religious cult.

It seems that every time he gets close to the truth, Decius finds another body. Someone is doing a good job of covering his tracks.

Will Decius untangle the mystery to discover who is actually the culprit?

This was a enjoyable book.  Roberts uses an easy to read style to paint a realistic portrait of ancient Rome.

In the end we get a great historical fiction novel, with a tangled mystery to solve.


                                                  

Deadly Election by Lindsey Davis

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Ancient Rome in the First Century AD

First Sentence: Never hold an auction in July.

Lindsey Davis is the author of the acclaimed Marcus Didius Falco historical mystery series.  The Flavia Albia mystery series is a spin-off of the Falco novels.  Deadly Election is the third novel of the Flavia Albia series which currently runs to four books.

Albia was adopted by Falco and his wife Helena.  From these two parents, Albia learned to be a very independent woman.

Now, Albia is on her own in Rome.  She participates in the family's auction business.  And, following in her father's footsteps, she is an investigator.

In a recent auction, a strong box that was sold by the family was found to contain a dead body.  No one knows who he was or how he came to be in the safe.

Albia, along with her friend the local magistrate Faustus, start asking questions.

The trail is a long and complicated one which includes auctions, an election, and a toxic family with a complicated family tree.

While Albia and Faustus work together, Albia begins to fall in love with Faustus.  Which is interesting because she once stabbed Faustus in the hand.

Will Albia and Faustus learn who was in the strongbox?

And will they untangle a convoluted family tree to find out who wanted him dead, and why?

For me this was an okay book.  The large number of characters with very similar names made it hard to keep track of who is who.

And since the main character is a woman, there is a lot of talk about emotions and relationships.  Which slows the plot down.

However, if you are a fan of historical mysteries set in the Roman Era, you should enjoy this novel.

                               

An Ensuing Evil and Others by Peter Tremayne

Genre: Historical Mystery, Short Stories

Peter Tremayne is the author of the Sister Fidelma historical mystery series.

In this book Tremayne has compiled of fourteen short mystery stories featuring a unique assemblage of sleuths.

They are:

Macbeth, Shakespeare's Scottish monarch, before he attains the throne.

Doctor Watson relating some of Sherlock Holmes's lesser known mysteries.

Charles Dickens before he became a famous author.

Constable Hardy Drews serving in London during the time of Shakespeare.

Bengali Inspector Ram Jayram during the British Raj.

Captain Richard Roscarrock aboard the HMS Deerhound during the age of sail, investigating a murder that took place during a naval sea battle.

Doctors Ross and Fane solving a locked room mystery aboard an airliner cruising at 32,000 feet.

And, of course, Sister Fidelma finding the true solution to an apparent open-and-shut case.

I enjoyed reading about these different sleuths solving unique mysteries during different historical eras.