Murder at Elmstow Minster

A very enthralling tale, given to us, by a master alchemist, merging the base metals of historicity and skulduggery, into high carat gold. Yes, I really enjoyed this book as a riveting, flowing read, with so many twists and turns, sizzles and screams and its myriad of surprises! The story is centred in and abouts Elmstow Minster (Minster=a large or important church, often a cathedral, built as part of a monastery). It is set in the 830s in the Kingdom of the East Angles, prior to King Alfred and the unification of the Kingdoms, into one United Kingdom of England. The principal actor of the tale is Father Eadred, a young pup of a priest, whom we see mature and develop as a character, as he torments and prays and plays detective. I pray and hopefully not in vain, that this tale is the opening curtain, for a long run of Father Eadred detective mysteries! Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/221603/review/830421

Gripping, page-turning murder mystery story set in the middle ages with the clever but sensitive and vulnerable Father Eadred helping to solve some foul murders in a convent. Refreshingly unusual setting, showing a lot of period knowledge. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/221603/review/774141

Father Eadred is a character in the same mould as the famous Brother Cadfael, written by the late, great Ellis Peters. He is a holy man who finds himself required to become a sleuth. Lindsay Jacob writes with the same seductive charm. The author takes one to the realm of the East Angles in the 830s where King Athelstan and his devout wife have sent their only surviving daughter to the Minster. Soon tragedy strikes and Father Eadred must dig deep to uncover the truth and save the Minster. Lindsay Jacob has a splendid knowledge of the period and brings it to life with compelling beauty. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/221603/review/651022

Rather good start from what promises to be the first among many. I have read a great deal of historical fiction, with characters the fictional to the historical, putting on their deerstalkers and turning detective. Jacob's Father Eadred is one of many religieuse sleuths - Ellis Peters' "Brother Cadfael" series will be the foremost on many readers' minds - but he is joining the ranks of Rabbi David Small, Father Brown, Sister Fidelma, Hildegard and over 300 celrical detectives. A number of murders and just as many motives and suspects - but not at all wrapped in a few pages - the denoument is drawn out to an interesting conclusion. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/221603/review/73511

A gripping and authentic medieval detective story. Usually I like my historical detective fiction set in 18th or 19th century, so when a NetGalley ARC of “Murder at Elmstow Minster” became available, I thought I'd see what the 9th century had to offer. The book takes place in the Kingdom of East Angles in the early 9th century and finds young and naïve Father Eadred being sent to Elmstow Minster to investigate the reports of trouble there. His faith is tested when alongside the pious nuns, he finds young women sent there by powerful families living a life of luxury and debauchery. However, when two naked bodies are discovered, hanged together, the Bishop instructs Eadred to investigate the murders. His approach, to examine the evidence rather than immediately put suspects to the hot iron, brings him into conflict with everyone. As Eadred moves closer to the truth the situation gets worse when the minster is attacked by the neighbouring kingdom. Lindsay Jacob is English but has spent a lot of time in Australia, and I feared this would taint the essential flavour of the book, but not so. He has painted Anglo-Saxon England brilliantly and the language and themes seem totally authentic. All through the story is the idea that the pious, naïve and unworldly Eadred struggles to remain unmoved by the sinful and murderous circumstances he finds himself in. There's also commentary on the way in which 830s England handled unruly women, and generally how the gentry behaved. The story moves along nicely, with well-timed reveals and three dimensional characters. Inevitably, comparisons will be made between this book and Name of the Rose, the Ellis Peters Cadfael series and even Barnard Cornwell's Kingdom series. And fans of those books will love this. But actually, Lindsay Jacob has made a good job of creating a new and interesting character who will no doubt soon be involved in a new mystery. Heartily recommended. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/221603/review/657838