Rosemary F. (canadianeh) reviewed Wine of Violence (Medieval Mystery, Bk 1) on + 242 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
There are not too many roles for women in a position of authority in medieval England, prioress is one of the few. I truly enjoyed this mystery which is more about monks than nuns - why are they being murdered? While there is a little overemphasis on the inexperience of the young, newly appointed Eleanor of Wynethorpe, the story is a good one and the plot turns interesting to the end. Can't give too much info without spoilers, but if you like a good historical whodunnit, I think this is a good one.
Cameron B. (cameron55) -
This is a really good historical mystery set in England during the rule of Henry III,set in a small Priory when their prioress dies rather than the individual that they wanted for the job, an young and inexperienced Eleanor of Wynethorpe is chosen. There is a lot going on, right after she gets there, a Brother Thomas comes to the Priory at the same time a monk is murdered. Also one of the priests have been siphoning off some of the money that comes into the Priory. this is a great story all the way around,it may be a place of monks and nuns but you still have greed and lust and murder.
Excellent historical mystery. Reminds me of Alys Clare's books. Good read.
Very well drawn characters and interesting history on some of the religious practices of the time, and a good sense of place and time. The author gives some nice misdirection on the murders, but this book spends more time on the emotions and sexuality of the main characters than on the mystery plot. I thought Eleanor and Thomas had a lot of potential as recurring protagonists and I'm not surprised that Royal is up to something like 14 in the series. All in all, good book but didn't knock my socks off - I am reading so many other series right now I'll have to let this one go. But if you like the medieval period and well researched history, give it a try.
