A fitting end to a masterful Tudor Mystery series!
The Lost Boys of London (Bianca Goddard Mysteries #5)
by Mary Lawrence
It's 1545 London and Bianca Goddard once again is called upon by Constable Patch to lend her skills, and finds herself in the midst of a troubling puzzle. Patch is of course unconcerned that these things are happening outside his jurisdiction. He's ambitious!
At two different times in differing places boys have been hung from neighbouring local church grotesques (gargoyles). Bianca is scared that her young friend Fisk who's been missing will meet the same fate.
Along with Bianca we find ourselves "in a world full of lost boys—abandoned children, of men killed in battle, men scarred from war, of boys who grow into petulant kings, and men who forfeit the gift of loving their children." (Part of a very poignant comment at the end of the novel.)
Meanwhile, over a year ago, Bianca's husband John Grunt had been dragged off with King Henry's army, intent on taking retribution against Scotland. England is winning, well actually raping, pillaging and burning across the borderlands to Edinburgh. Then comes Melrose Abbey and the profaned destruction of the Earl of Angus’s family tomb. The Scots would have their revenge. That came as a rout of the English Army at Ancrum Moor! Fleeing the carnage John struggles for home. A long and painful journey.
There's no media to give a blow by blow update, all Bianca and her friend Cammy can do is rely on passing newsmonger's rumor, "misconstrued by miles of weary couriers". I must admit to sometimes hating the immediacy of communications in our times, but when wondering about loved ones as here, it's a boon.
I love the cover of this book. The watchful poignancy of the young lad reflects that which the novel hints at for those caught up in circumstances beyond their control. Of wariness, helplessness and confusion, and trying to overcome the worst of circumstances.
Having read all previous titles in the series, this last novel was a fitting conclusion. I found that the caring Bianca (as an alchemist/ herbalist), despite her many woes and troubles, marches to the beat of her own drum in a way that fits with the times. She displays insight' courage and charity, alongside starts that occasionally make you scratch your head and wonder what the dickens she's up to. Journeying with her are a string of colorful characters, including a cat, that either enrichen and enliven, or disappoint and disappear.
A Red Puddle Print ARC via NetGalley
*****
by Mary Lawrence
At two different times in differing places boys have been hung from neighbouring local church grotesques (gargoyles). Bianca is scared that her young friend Fisk who's been missing will meet the same fate.
Along with Bianca we find ourselves "in a world full of lost boys—abandoned children, of men killed in battle, men scarred from war, of boys who grow into petulant kings, and men who forfeit the gift of loving their children." (Part of a very poignant comment at the end of the novel.)
Meanwhile, over a year ago, Bianca's husband John Grunt had been dragged off with King Henry's army, intent on taking retribution against Scotland. England is winning, well actually raping, pillaging and burning across the borderlands to Edinburgh. Then comes Melrose Abbey and the profaned destruction of the Earl of Angus’s family tomb. The Scots would have their revenge. That came as a rout of the English Army at Ancrum Moor! Fleeing the carnage John struggles for home. A long and painful journey.
There's no media to give a blow by blow update, all Bianca and her friend Cammy can do is rely on passing newsmonger's rumor, "misconstrued by miles of weary couriers". I must admit to sometimes hating the immediacy of communications in our times, but when wondering about loved ones as here, it's a boon.
I love the cover of this book. The watchful poignancy of the young lad reflects that which the novel hints at for those caught up in circumstances beyond their control. Of wariness, helplessness and confusion, and trying to overcome the worst of circumstances.
Having read all previous titles in the series, this last novel was a fitting conclusion. I found that the caring Bianca (as an alchemist/ herbalist), despite her many woes and troubles, marches to the beat of her own drum in a way that fits with the times. She displays insight' courage and charity, alongside starts that occasionally make you scratch your head and wonder what the dickens she's up to. Journeying with her are a string of colorful characters, including a cat, that either enrichen and enliven, or disappoint and disappear.
A Red Puddle Print ARC via NetGalley
*****
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