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english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook Review
I decided to finish this book, which I started a few months ago on Scribd. I picked it because I purchased an e-book collection of the first 3 titles in this series a couple of years ago. Scribd have (finally!) added a button to their mobile app to increase narration speed, which allows me to get through books a lot more quickly.
I'm a real sucker for Medieval Mysteries, and this one, although slow at the start, was very good. The protagonist is the second son of a lord Sir Faucon de Ramis, who is appointed the official 'Crowner' for the county of Warwickshire by his Uncle, a cleric. What's a Crowner? A Crowner was someone who was supposed to convene inquests to determine the cause of suspicious or unexpected deaths, and conduct some investigations, and were attached to some of the local and regional courts of Medieval England. The word is the origin of the modern term Coroner.
The mystery itself is- I won't say simple, but relatively straightforward. There were a few twists and turns, but not many, but the story is set up well for several sequels, especially with the hints of another ongoing mystery. The characterization was good: especially Sir Faucon's grumpy and officious assistant Brother Edmund, and his fellow monk brother Colin- who definitely has parallels with Cadfael.
There's also a good sense of period. This series is set in the late 12th century in the reign of Richard the Lionheart, when the English legal system and practice was beginning to develop, and become increasingly codified and professionalized. (King Richard's father, Henry II is considered by some to have been the originator of English Common Law, for example). Some of the details would appeal to people interesting in that sort of thing, but they're presented in quite a clear and concise manner so reader's don't get too bogged down.
Overall, the characters are compelling, and there are some excellent descriptions of the landscape of 12th century England here, as well as the impact it had on social life and even the law. Faucon is a genuinely sympathetic character, who wants to do what is right and get to the truth, even if it comes at cost to himself: but he is perfectly complimented by his two assistants. The sharp, observant and worldly-wise Brother Colin, and even the cranky Brother Edmund.
I'd certainly be interested in reading, or listening to the next few books in this series.
I decided to finish this book, which I started a few months ago on Scribd. I picked it because I purchased an e-book collection of the first 3 titles in this series a couple of years ago. Scribd have (finally!) added a button to their mobile app to increase narration speed, which allows me to get through books a lot more quickly.
I'm a real sucker for Medieval Mysteries, and this one, although slow at the start, was very good. The protagonist is the second son of a lord Sir Faucon de Ramis, who is appointed the official 'Crowner' for the county of Warwickshire by his Uncle, a cleric. What's a Crowner? A Crowner was someone who was supposed to convene inquests to determine the cause of suspicious or unexpected deaths, and conduct some investigations, and were attached to some of the local and regional courts of Medieval England. The word is the origin of the modern term Coroner.
The mystery itself is- I won't say simple, but relatively straightforward. There were a few twists and turns, but not many, but the story is set up well for several sequels, especially with the hints of another ongoing mystery. The characterization was good: especially Sir Faucon's grumpy and officious assistant Brother Edmund, and his fellow monk brother Colin- who definitely has parallels with Cadfael.
There's also a good sense of period. This series is set in the late 12th century in the reign of Richard the Lionheart, when the English legal system and practice was beginning to develop, and become increasingly codified and professionalized. (King Richard's father, Henry II is considered by some to have been the originator of English Common Law, for example). Some of the details would appeal to people interesting in that sort of thing, but they're presented in quite a clear and concise manner so reader's don't get too bogged down.
Overall, the characters are compelling, and there are some excellent descriptions of the landscape of 12th century England here, as well as the impact it had on social life and even the law. Faucon is a genuinely sympathetic character, who wants to do what is right and get to the truth, even if it comes at cost to himself: but he is perfectly complimented by his two assistants. The sharp, observant and worldly-wise Brother Colin, and even the cranky Brother Edmund.
I'd certainly be interested in reading, or listening to the next few books in this series.
cariadreads's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kminor86's review
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I found the historical setting of this book challenging and kept finding myself frustrated when modern investigative ideas were missed until I remembered that those notions hadn't been discovered yet. Overall though, I really enjoyed it.
affiknittyreads's review against another edition
4.0
Very pleasantly surprised with this! I look forward to the next in the series.
amac_reads's review against another edition
2.0
This was a really slow read although it wasn't that long. The work seemed focused on trying to set the scene for the rest of the series without anything much happening in this one. Unfortunately, this made it difficult to become interested in the book - the plot was much too slow. Many informative details were included relating to the legal system in the 12th century, but this didn't add to the plot or the mystery at all. And the way the mystery was written, with the protagonist reaching viable deductions but no explanation given for the reader, was not engaging or enjoyable.
The characters are okay overall. They have some depth, but none of them encouraged any sort of emotional connection. Faucon, the protagonist, was exceptionally boring. There wasn't much personality there and there were zero emotions evident.
I disliked the author's writing style. It felt stilted with dense, difficult to wade through prose. As with the legal system, it felt like the author wanted to include all of the historical research done for this work rather than weaving it into a meaningful and engaging plot.
Overall, this work didn't stand out in any way. It is an okay medieval mystery but lacks any real punch. I picked up and put down this work several times over the last few months (something I never do) just because it couldn't maintain my interest.
The characters are okay overall. They have some depth, but none of them encouraged any sort of emotional connection. Faucon, the protagonist, was exceptionally boring. There wasn't much personality there and there were zero emotions evident.
I disliked the author's writing style. It felt stilted with dense, difficult to wade through prose. As with the legal system, it felt like the author wanted to include all of the historical research done for this work rather than weaving it into a meaningful and engaging plot.
Overall, this work didn't stand out in any way. It is an okay medieval mystery but lacks any real punch. I picked up and put down this work several times over the last few months (something I never do) just because it couldn't maintain my interest.
yggie's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting little read! Clearly very well researched, it's a bit like a historically accurate documentary that also happens to be a murder mystery.
I didn't even begrudge the author the obvious cliffhangers, there's a good chance I'm reading the next book as well.
I didn't even begrudge the author the obvious cliffhangers, there's a good chance I'm reading the next book as well.
kim_hoag's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy good historical fiction that allows me to “feel” the period clearly. Mysteries don't always allow that as storyline clues become more important than a good period story. So it was with some ambivalence that I began this book simply because I have been disappointed too many times. The feelings were unwarranted simply because this author has done her homework. Her descriptions of Medieval village life reeks of smoke and slop and sweat. The mystery aspect was okay but seemed a little thin albeit complicated. Sir Faucon de Remis, a landless Norman knight (there are also good depictions of Norman/Saxon law differences) has few prospects until his uncle offers him a weighty position on his lands that oversees laws and taxes. Within hours of accepting, there is a murder that also throws him into cross purposes with the sheriff. Sir Faucon, who enjoys hunting, comes into his own with this new position and develops a number of detective skills. I enjoyed his frustration over his clerk, a prickly and presumptuous monk with whom he has to work. Altogether, it was a fun read.
booksuperpower's review against another edition
4.0
Season of the Raven by Denise Domning is a 2014 Steel Magnolia Press publication.
In the year 1194 Sir Faucon de Ramis is the newly appointed Keeper of the Pleas. He just barely arrives to assume his duties when there is a suspicious death and he must determine if it was a ghastly accident or murder. The deceased man was not all that popular to say the least. He was widowed and and recently remarried, but the marriage was a bad one and so even back in 1194 the wife was the first suspect. But, Sir Faucon doesn't attempt to arrange the facts to fit a certain suspect so he can wrap up the case. As it turns out there is a lot going on in this community. The deceased had a few scandalous secrets and someone wanted those secrets to remain buried, and there were also some political implications to keep the pot stirred. Since Sir Faucon is new to the area and is still learning his way, he must be very careful who he trust and confides in.
There is also another mystery that has Sir Faucon very concerned. The body of a young girl has been found and she is not the child of anyone in the community. So, whose child was she and why was she left in Priors Holston?
If you have read any of Denise Domnings historical women's fiction novels you will be delighted to get reaquainted with a few recognizable characters that appeared in a handful of previous novels. Also if you are a fan of this author you are accustomed to romance being a part of the plot and it should be noted that this book is a historical mystery. There is no romance in this one.
I found this mystery very unique and interesting. A very difficult monk is assigned to assist Sir Faucon in the investigation. This is a wonderful partnership because each man has his own ideas and motives. The investigation, not only into the people of this villiage but in the way the death of determined to be a murder as opposed to an accident. I don't know if liberties were taken, but it all seemed pretty authentic to me. The vernicular was also has a feel of authenticity although I have no idea how people spoke back in 1194. Part of the fun in reading these historical novels is that these folks couldn't rely upon modern technology to help them solve the crime. Instead they had to get creative and use old fashioned detective work.
The book also sets the stage for the continuance of the series by introducing Sir Faucon to a very disturbing series of murders that he hope to get to the bottom of before it's too late.
I really enjoyed this one and I am really excited about the future of this series.
This one is an A.
In the year 1194 Sir Faucon de Ramis is the newly appointed Keeper of the Pleas. He just barely arrives to assume his duties when there is a suspicious death and he must determine if it was a ghastly accident or murder. The deceased man was not all that popular to say the least. He was widowed and and recently remarried, but the marriage was a bad one and so even back in 1194 the wife was the first suspect. But, Sir Faucon doesn't attempt to arrange the facts to fit a certain suspect so he can wrap up the case. As it turns out there is a lot going on in this community. The deceased had a few scandalous secrets and someone wanted those secrets to remain buried, and there were also some political implications to keep the pot stirred. Since Sir Faucon is new to the area and is still learning his way, he must be very careful who he trust and confides in.
There is also another mystery that has Sir Faucon very concerned. The body of a young girl has been found and she is not the child of anyone in the community. So, whose child was she and why was she left in Priors Holston?
If you have read any of Denise Domnings historical women's fiction novels you will be delighted to get reaquainted with a few recognizable characters that appeared in a handful of previous novels. Also if you are a fan of this author you are accustomed to romance being a part of the plot and it should be noted that this book is a historical mystery. There is no romance in this one.
I found this mystery very unique and interesting. A very difficult monk is assigned to assist Sir Faucon in the investigation. This is a wonderful partnership because each man has his own ideas and motives. The investigation, not only into the people of this villiage but in the way the death of determined to be a murder as opposed to an accident. I don't know if liberties were taken, but it all seemed pretty authentic to me. The vernicular was also has a feel of authenticity although I have no idea how people spoke back in 1194. Part of the fun in reading these historical novels is that these folks couldn't rely upon modern technology to help them solve the crime. Instead they had to get creative and use old fashioned detective work.
The book also sets the stage for the continuance of the series by introducing Sir Faucon to a very disturbing series of murders that he hope to get to the bottom of before it's too late.
I really enjoyed this one and I am really excited about the future of this series.
This one is an A.
vesper1931's review against another edition
5.0
In 1194 and Sir Faucon de Ramis is employed as the Keeper of the Pleas. One of his duties is to assign the cause of any death. On his first day the Priors Holston's miller, Halbert, is found dead. The Sheriff believes he drowned but Sir Faucon is convinced by Brother Colin, a herbalist, that he was murdered. It is for Sir Faucon to follow the clues. Meanwhile a young girl has been killed elsewhere
An enjoyable well-written mystery, with some likable characters.
An enjoyable well-written mystery, with some likable characters.
nikkigee81's review against another edition
4.0
This, as well as the next two in the series, were offered as a free bundle some time ago. I snatched them up as the brief description seemed intriguing, and sometimes one just takes a chance on freebies.
I read the occasional historical fiction. Mystery, not as much. This series is a 12th century mystery, and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. From my limited knowledge of the period, it seems like the author did her research, and the characters are fleshed out (not too deeply but enough for the first book in a series). I'm glad I have the other two ready to go, as the first one ends with murder being unresolved and now I need to know what happens!
I read the occasional historical fiction. Mystery, not as much. This series is a 12th century mystery, and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. From my limited knowledge of the period, it seems like the author did her research, and the characters are fleshed out (not too deeply but enough for the first book in a series). I'm glad I have the other two ready to go, as the first one ends with murder being unresolved and now I need to know what happens!