Medieval noir series brought to a close!

The Deadliest Sin (Crispin Guest Mystery #15) by Jeri Westerson        

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️     

I’ve been putting off reading this last Crispin Guest tale for weeks. Why? I can’t bear the fact that this is his last hooray. I first met Crispin in 2013 in “Veil of Lies” and hunted down the previous series titles published fervently.  I have waited breathlessly each subsequent year for the next stage in Crispin’s life, the next mysterious relic that will find its way to him for resolution. The next involvement that will prove dangerous and est the Tracker and his right hand assistant’s fortitude. Ive seen Crispin grow and strengthen despite his weaknesses. And don’t let me get started on Jack Tucker. An amazing character and a great foil to Crispin’s shortcomings. As a youngster to watch him grow was a pleasure. As a father and the Tracker’s assistant he’s a pleasure. Now he provides for Crispin balance and family—belonging. In some ways he’s been the squire that Crispin could never have.

The Crispin now is much more complicated. He’s lived with the general populace. He understands integrity is not a class prerogative.

In this 1399 story, murders in a priory are investigated by Crispin, relics are present, jealousy and love encircle the matter. Jack of course becomes involved, as does Philippa Walcote and Crispin’s son Christopher, whom he can’t acknowledge.

On the political front John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Crispin’s mentor is dying. Richard the Second’s power and popularity is waning, and Henry of Lancaster’s star is rising. Fraught times, with  Crispin finding himself thrust into the melėe that Kings, and would be Kingship, brings about. (Once again Westerton’s Afterward is enlightening).

I am content with the way we leave Crispin and the future that stretches before him. He’s a character who’s endured much, grown amazingly despite his many flaws, and is by many of his fellow actors, and by me.

Adieu Crispin Guest aka The Tracker, a colorful character, a medieval detective, who sits squarely and fabulously into the Medieval Noir genre.

A Canongate-Severn ARC via NetGalley 

(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)