As usual, the depiction of the characters makes them believable, three-dimensional individuals. As Crispin has grown more accepting of his fall from grace, his character has evolved and his life has developed in positive ways. In Traitor's Codex, Crispin once again must confront Richard II with more understanding on the parts of both men.
Westerson's research is wide-ranging and thorough, weaving both real personages and fictional characters skillfully through a series of mysteries in which Crispin is engaged to solve various crimes.
Dame Julian of Norwich, the famous medieval anchorite and one of my favorite historical figures--"all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well"--makes an appearance in the current mystery. Other historical figures who often appear include John of Gaunt and Chaucer--two more favorite historical characters.
Each book in this series, designated as Medieval Noir, presents an intriguing mystery with fascinating historical elements, and I have enjoyed them all.
Read in January; blog review scheduled for May 22.
NetGalley/Severn House
Historical Mystery/Medieval Noir. June 1, 2019. Print length: 224 pages.
Alright, I need to know more about this series. It sounds EPIC!
ReplyDeleteIt is especially interesting in the character development--Crispin has seriously grown up during the series.
DeleteI love the term "Medieval Noir." That's hook enough for me to take a look at these.
ReplyDelete:) A disgraced knight with a talent for locating religious relics and for solving murders in a gritty 13th century London--Crispin isn't the typical hero, but he grows into role, book by book.
DeleteI really want to read this series! And I agree with Sam; Medieval Noir is a great hook.
ReplyDeleteIn Veil of Lies, the first book, Crispin is having a hard time to adjusting to his loss of land and honor, but is determined to survive. I have really enjoyed this series over the last ten years. :)
DeleteME THREE! Medieval Noir is a fantastic term. I love sub-genre classifications like Tartan Noir, Nordic or Scandi Noir and so on. I also enjoy it when real life historical figures are worked into historical novels. This sounds like a great series!
ReplyDelete:) Medieval Noir seems to drum up more interest, doesn't it? Now, since I love Scotland, Edinborough, and Val McDermid, I'm already a Tartan Noir fan. Nordic Noir goes without saying.
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