Synopses & Reviews
Review
Finalist 2005 Bruce Alexander Award for Tyrant of the Mind
“While the murderer’s identity may surprise few, the rich atmosphere and well-drawn characters make this a superior historical.” Publishers Weekly Starred review for A Killing Season
“Accurate both to its 13th-century period and to the unchanging nature of the human soul, this series deserves both its loyal followers and its new fans.” –Publishers Weekly review for Valley of Dry Bones
Synopsis
The corpse of an unpopular newcomer floats in the priory millpond. A Jewish family, refugees under the 1275 Statute of the Jewry, is accused. Did Jacob ben Asser kill him or was it Gytha, the prioress’ maid? Even Prioress Eleanor now wonders if she wants to unmask the killer.
Synopsis
The summer of 1276 at Tyndal Priory is passing peacefully until a villager's corpse is found floating in the millpond. The murder victim, a newcomer, was greatly disliked in Tyndal. Yet no villager wants to see one of their own hanged for the deed. Fingers quickly point to a trio of Jewish refugees--husband, mother-in-law, and very pregnant wife--forced to take shelter while relocating under the provisions of King Edward's Statute of the Jewry. Riots loom; threats against the Jews mount. Eleanor and Ralf have little time to gather evidence before popular opinion rules the murder solved. But when the prioress' maid Gytha joins the suspect list, the inquiry takes an even more troubling turn. Murder investigations are always grim, but this one grows as ominous as a North Sea storm....
About the Author
Priscilla Royal is the author of the medieval mysteries Tyrant of the Mind and Wine of Violence. She was born in Seattle, grew up in British Columbia, and now resides in Northern California. She is a member of the California Writers Club and Sisters in Crime.