Brilliant, macabre and satisfying.

The Stone of Destiny(Brother Athelstan mysteries #20) by Paul Doherty       

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Only Doherty could bring together in 1381 the Stone of Scone of Scotland, happenings from the Great Pestlance, horrific deaths of women from the lowest stratas of society, and tie it all together forming a conundrum that slinks into our favourite Parish, St Erconwald’s of Southwark. And of course right into the lap of our well loved cleric and sleuth, Dominican friar Brother Athelstan, working of course with Sir John Cranston, Lord High Coroner of the city.

Not only this but death raises its head in Westminster Abbey. A sacristan dies in extreme agony. And that's just the beginning.  There's also a visit from Austin Sinclair, Prior of Melrose Abbey in Scotland come amongst other things to study the Great Revolt. He wants to hear the stories from Athelstan's parishioners.

Naturally there are complications coming from every direction, many threads are intertwining to give us once more a medieval murder mystery that reaches politically into interesting places. Many things are as Gollum would say “wicked, tricksy and false!” 

The killer is labeled the Flayer and that moniker brings a shudder to the soul. How the killings fit with St Erconwald’s parishioners is fascinating. And their recent past pushes into the present.

Another fabulous contribution to the Athelstan series!

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley