Walter Desmond has been exonerated for the murder of a young woman when it is discovered that evidence was concealed at the time of the trial. Having spent twenty-five years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Desmond decides to return to Trafalgar City. He wants to know why the detectives at the time were so determined to have him convicted that they concealed exculpatory evidence.
The town in not particularly eager to embrace Desmond; many, including the woman's family, continue to believe him guilty. This sets up a volatile situation for the Trafalgar police department.
But if Walter didn't commit the murder, that means the killer is still free, and a new investigation must take place.
I'm always happy to return to Trafalgar City and Constable Molly Smith! This was an especially intriguing installment as the news so frequently covers the release of individuals who have served decades for murders they did not commit.
NetGalley/Poisoned Pen Press
Mystery/Police Procedural. Feb. 2, 2016.
Land of Shadows by Priscilla RoyalQueen Eleanor of Castile has just given birth at Woodstock. Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas are there because Eleanor's father has suffered a stroke.
A move against the Jews, in part to increase the king's coffers; the murder of a promiscuous noble woman; a case of PTSD for a veteran of the Crusades; an accusation against Eleanor's nephew; and machinations by the sinister priest (one of those dedicated men with a narrow point of view, more dedicated to the Church than to God--whether he knows it or not) are all part of this medieval mystery set in 1279.
As much as I like this series, it has been uneven in its appeal to me. Some of the books I've loved; some I've cared less for.
Fortunately, Land of Shadows fall into the former category, and I found myself once again immersed in the politics and cultural conventions of the late 13th c. and in Priscilla Royal's vivid characters. Royal not only explains much about her choices at the end, but includes her extensive bibliographic material.
NetGalley/Poisoned Pen Press
Medieval Mystery. Feb. 2, 2016. Print version: 220 pages.
So looking forward to reading this one. Love the Trafalgar setting. Love the characters. :-)
ReplyDeleteI know. A favorite of mine, too!
DeleteUnreasonable Doubt sounds like a good one. I can't imagine being accused of a crime you haven't commited and having to spend so many years in prison before it's figured out. The Trafalgar City is appealing too.
ReplyDeleteI like the cover and title of Land of Shadows, but I am not sure the book is for me.
I love medieval mysteries and Royal's series is usually a winner with me. There have been one or two that I liked less well, but I'm almost always intrigued and mostly well-pleased. Vicky Delany's Constable Molly Smith is also a great series.
DeleteI like the sound of Unreasonable Doubt; it sounds like a good series and intriguing characters too.
ReplyDeleteThe Molly Smith series is a good one! This one was interesting on more than one level.
DeleteBoth of these sound good! I am adding Constable Molly Smith to my list.
ReplyDeleteIn enjoyed both of them! I've read both series for some time now. :)
DeleteI keep seeing the Vicki Delany books and just haven't gotten to them. Sounds like two good and different mysteries!
ReplyDeleteI think you would like Delany's contemporary series, and if you enjoy historical mysteries, Royal is excellent.
DeleteI love Vicki Delany books and still have a couple to read before this one. Glad it was a good one!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy Delany's books for the Canadian setting, the characters, and the plots!
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