When a
silversmith’s property is badly damaged in a fire, it
looks like an accident, but when there is a worse fire resulting
in a death shortly afterwards. it starts to look like arson.
But who could be setting the fires and why? The victims all
appear to have nothing to do with each other, but surely there
must be a reason…it is up to new under sheriff Hugh
Bradecote and the doughty Sergeant Catchpoll to find out.
This book follows on from The
Lord Bishop’s Clerk (published by The History
Press), and reading that book first is a good idea. It sets
the scene and introduces the characters, whereas this hits
the ground running and sees the pair getting to know each
other better. Set in Worcester in 1143, the author gives a
good picture of life for ordinary townsfolk during the conflict
between Stephen and Matilda. In many ways the case is the
opposite of the first one, as instead of being in the closed
world of an abbey, they have the whole town and environs to
comb for their arsonist. Expect red herrings aplenty, lots
of suspects and a lively style with a dash of humor. This
is a very readable book that entertains with more than just
a good mystery plot, and I eagerly await the next installment.
Highly recommended for all the right reasons.
Reviews
of other titles in this series
Ordeal
by Fire #2
Marked
to Die #3
Hostage
To Fortune #4
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