“Riveting…The author subtly treats the erotic charge surrounding Eleanor and Thomas while shedding light on thirteenth-century understandings of sexuality. Royal draws together the murder, the manuscript, and the ghost in an unexpected conclusion.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Description
It is May 1272, and Prioress Eleanor of Tyndal, recovering from a near-fatal winter fever, journeys to Amesbury Priory to visit her aunt in time for the Feast of Saint Melor. Although Eleanor hopes to regain her strength in the midst of pleasant childhood memories, death reveals a most troublesome fondness for her company.
A ghost now haunts Amesbury. Is it perhaps the spirit of a pregnant woman who drowned herself in the River Avon? But soon the specter turns murderous. A man is decapitated near the river where the grim figure walks, yet Sister Beatrice, Eleanor’s aunt and acting prioress of Amesbury, shows an uncharacteristic hesitancy about taking charge of any investigation.
As others apparently fall victim to the vengeful ghost, Eleanor struggles to put a human face on the restless spirit, and Brother Thomas, pursuing a secret mission for the church connected with the priory’s famous psaltery, finds that his own demons have unexpectedly taken on a very human form.
Corpses grow in number. Death dances with glee. All hope of sweet spring begins to die, and even love takes on a somber hue.
Praise
“Riveting…The author subtly treats the erotic charge surrounding Eleanor and Thomas while shedding light on thirteenth-century understandings of sexuality. Royal draws together the murder, the manuscript, and the ghost in an unexpected conclusion.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“An age-old story of lust, passion, greed, and murder…Royal’s continuing saga of historical sleuths Eleanor and Thomas and their struggle to contain their inappropriate lust is a rousing tale.” Kirkus Reviews
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | Apr 4, 2016 |
| Release Date | April 5, 2016 |
| Number in Series | 4 |
| Series Display String | The Medieval Mysteries |
| Release Date Machine | 1459814400 |
| Imprint | Blackstone Publishing |
| Provider | Blackstone Publishing |
| Categories | Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Mystery, Women Sleuths, Historical, Fiction - All, Fiction - Adult, Bestselling Mysteries, Bestselling Mystery |
Author Bio
Priscilla Royal grew up in British Columbia, earned a degree in world literature from San Francisco State University, and worked for the federal government in various positions. She is the author of the Medieval Mystery series featuring Eleanor, prioress of Tyndal, and she is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, California Writers Club, and Sisters in Crime.
Narrator Bio
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.
Overview
It is May 1272, and Prioress Eleanor of Tyndal, recovering from a near-fatal winter fever, journeys to Amesbury Priory to visit her aunt in time for the Feast of Saint Melor. Although Eleanor hopes to regain her strength in the midst of pleasant childhood memories, death reveals a most troublesome fondness for her company.
A ghost now haunts Amesbury. Is it perhaps the spirit of a pregnant woman who drowned herself in the River Avon? But soon the specter turns murderous. A man is decapitated near the river where the grim figure walks, yet Sister Beatrice, Eleanor’s aunt and acting prioress of Amesbury, shows an uncharacteristic hesitancy about taking charge of any investigation.
As others apparently fall victim to the vengeful ghost, Eleanor struggles to put a human face on the restless spirit, and Brother Thomas, pursuing a secret mission for the church connected with the priory’s famous psaltery, finds that his own demons have unexpectedly taken on a very human form.
Corpses grow in number. Death dances with glee. All hope of sweet spring begins to die, and even love takes on a somber hue.
Reviews
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