Author Maureen Ash’s clever plot twists and medieval setting make The Alehouse Murders worth reading. Ash skillfully concocts a well balanced story with a dash of intrigue, a pinch of family rivalry, and a splash of tensions between Christians and Jews. The main character is a spiritually tired but appealing Templar Knight who connects with the reader on a very human level.
Templar Knight Mystery Plot Summary - The Alehouse Murders by Maureen Ash
The midsummer fair is about to begin and the town is overflowing with visitors. Four bodies are found in the local alehouse – the alehouse owner, one of the town’s Jews and two strangers. The official in charge of the Lincoln Castle, Lady Nicolaa de la Haye calls on her guest, Sir Bascot de Marins to investigate.
Templar Knight Bascot is recovering from eight years of harsh captivity and torture in the Holy Lands. Bascot is distinguished, intelligent and perceptive. The townspeople are curious about the one-eyed, limping knight and a bit afraid of him too. Bascot is served by his young ward, a mute Italian orphan Bascot rescued from starvation. Gianni is devoted to Bascot and the relationship between the two becomes more like father and son than master and servant. As Bascot works to solve The Alehouse Murders, he finds that as his body heals, his heart and soul are on the mend too.
What first appears to be a tragic end to a bawdy evening in the alehouse evolves into a complex crime involving people from all walks of medieval Lincoln life; from the ladies of the night to the nobility.
Medieval Mystery Review - The Alehouse Murders by Maureen Ash
For historical fiction lovers, The Alehouse Murders provides period details of life in thirteenth century Lincoln, England without overwhelming the reader. Maureen Ash provides well researched facts about the times and life in the various social strata of medieval England.
Two interesting characters hold the reader’s interest. Maureen Ash has created an intriguing hero in Bascot de Marins as he questions his faith and his membership as a Templar Knight. The strength of Nicolaa de Haye provides a glimpse into how women coped in the 12th century. Lady Nicolaa shows her skill in managing her husband and family, while fulfilling her responsibilities to the King for maintaining peace and order in the village.
As the first book in Ash’s Templar Knight series, The Alehouse Murders is a satisfying mystery that makes for a quick read.
411 on Historical Background for The Alehouse Murders
Maureen Ash based The Alehouse Murders on two historical figures. Nicolaa de la Haye was the castellan of medieval Lincoln and was married to Gerard Camville, the sheriff. The town of Lincoln, England thrives today and proudly showcases to its medieval roots including Lincoln Castle.
The Alehouse Murders is published by the Berkley Publishing Group.
Copyright: 2007
ISBN-10: 0425217655
ISBN-13: 978-0425217658
Lynn Brogan - After a career of training and senior level administrative work, Lynn is following her passion; research and writing. Lynn writes Suite101 ...
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