The third volume in Doherty's latest series starring Mathilde of Westminster. It starts with Mathilde going over her memories of times past before settling into the events of 1312. A divided England sees Edward II in conflict with his barons over royal favourite Gaveston.
Queen Isabella is pregnant with her first child and the Scots are on the warpath, raiding into England. The King and Queen are resident in York, staying at a Franciscan friary when one of Gaveston's supporters falls from a bell tower. Did he fall or was he pushed? Then the lay brother in the bell tower is found dead.
As the threats from angry barons get stronger, so the royal party flees. The Queen seeks sanctuary in a fortified priory - only to see more deaths among Gaveston's supporters as well as those of the Noctales. Mathilde is given a royal commission to investigate the possible murders.
With a wide cast of possible suspects which includes ex-Templar knights, unhappy barons plus rivalry within the court her task is not easy. And what of Gaveston himself - can he escape retribution? Warwick is determined to have his head. Time is of the essence - and Mathilde has to look very closely at those around her to find the answers she so badly needs.
A believable, well thought out history mystery which could easily have taken place. Mathilde is turning into a fascinating and very strong character within this series. No meek and mild lady of the court is she - Mathilde is prepared to ask the questions no one else is prepared to do.
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