Medieval mystery intrigues!
The Hour of the Fox (A Brother Chandler Mystery #1)
by Cassandra Clark
Politics and power in 1399 medieval England as seen through the eyes of a a reluctant spy / investigator, friar Brother Rodric Chandler These are the times of Richard II, Henry Bolingbroke and the Duke of Lancaster. Chandler is in the employ of Bolingbroke, although he does appear conflicted about his role, not that this stops him.
He's a regular visitor to the Tower to question prisonersChandler is astute, an expert in herbs' has a "practical knowledge of poisons", and is well versed in languages.
A turning point for Chandler is when a dead novice is found naked and seemingly drowned. Chandler has been called by his friend Sir Arnold Archer to help him with his investigations. Eventually Chandler finds he cannot let the mysterious death go, even though he has instructions to the contrary. The novice's death is a small flashpoint marking the turning of the political future.
Chaucer plays a part, although I'm still unsure about what his game is.
Chandler's household is a strange one. I found his servant Beata troubling. Their relationship has unresolved sexual undertones.
His friend Archer, one of the City coroners, is a seeker of the mysteries of alchemy along with a group of "fellow Lollard alchemists." Chandler worries for his friend being in the company of Wycliffe's followers. Lollards were aligned with Richard, increasingly a dangerous relationship.
In Matilda Nijmegen a maid of a household whom Chaucer helped, who has become part of Chaucer's household, we see the making of a spy. Chaucer encourages her in this. Fascinating! As is the relationship developing between Mattie and Chandler.
Chandler is gradually opening up before our eyes. I am sure there are further depths and secrets to explore. Something I look forward to.
I'd forgotten that the nursery rhyme "The Grand Old Duke of York" was a satirical comment of this time. It was a clever and whimsical touch by Clark to make that segue, adding color to this already colorful mystery.
The last we see of Chandler, he leaves Windsor in Thomas Swynford’s entourage heading North. Who rides in as Chandler rides out it is cloaked by Swynford's departure--another question!
This period is a fascinating vehicle for the novel. Ripe with death, greed, and the pursuit of power, including questions of freedom of worship and the divine right of kings. An intriguing read!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
*****
by Cassandra Clark
He's a regular visitor to the Tower to question prisonersChandler is astute, an expert in herbs' has a "practical knowledge of poisons", and is well versed in languages.
A turning point for Chandler is when a dead novice is found naked and seemingly drowned. Chandler has been called by his friend Sir Arnold Archer to help him with his investigations. Eventually Chandler finds he cannot let the mysterious death go, even though he has instructions to the contrary. The novice's death is a small flashpoint marking the turning of the political future.
Chaucer plays a part, although I'm still unsure about what his game is.
Chandler's household is a strange one. I found his servant Beata troubling. Their relationship has unresolved sexual undertones.
His friend Archer, one of the City coroners, is a seeker of the mysteries of alchemy along with a group of "fellow Lollard alchemists." Chandler worries for his friend being in the company of Wycliffe's followers. Lollards were aligned with Richard, increasingly a dangerous relationship.
In Matilda Nijmegen a maid of a household whom Chaucer helped, who has become part of Chaucer's household, we see the making of a spy. Chaucer encourages her in this. Fascinating! As is the relationship developing between Mattie and Chandler.
Chandler is gradually opening up before our eyes. I am sure there are further depths and secrets to explore. Something I look forward to.
I'd forgotten that the nursery rhyme "The Grand Old Duke of York" was a satirical comment of this time. It was a clever and whimsical touch by Clark to make that segue, adding color to this already colorful mystery.
The last we see of Chandler, he leaves Windsor in Thomas Swynford’s entourage heading North. Who rides in as Chandler rides out it is cloaked by Swynford's departure--another question!
This period is a fascinating vehicle for the novel. Ripe with death, greed, and the pursuit of power, including questions of freedom of worship and the divine right of kings. An intriguing read!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
*****
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