If you like your historical hysterical then look no further - those in search of more erudite and serious history had better seek elsewhere. Gregory paints a picture of a seedy city in the grip of a bitter winter, while rival factions murder each other and a brothel operates in the cathedral close. Missing relics, a twenty-year old trial, lots of suspects (and bodies), feuds, rival factions and a possible secret fraternity all add to a tortuous plot that will have the reader charging after red herrings. Gregory has carved out a special niche for herself in the sub-genre of historical crime (a sub-sub-genre). Where else would you find an imp-like bishop complete with pitchfork, the loudest choir in England and the most flamboyant form of food poisoning? It is a bit too drawn out for its own good, but will divert a reader pleasantly and originally for quite a long time. Anarchic, anachronistic and arch, but oddly addictive...