Book review: Satan’s Lullaby by Priscilla Royal

Satan's Lullaby (Medieval Mystery, #11)Satan’s Lullaby by Priscilla Royal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite mystery series, and I hoard the author’s books until her next one comes out (I know–it’s a really bad habit). The actual mysteries in the series are somewhat secondary to the quality of the author’s research in the time period and her ability to reflect medieval attitudes on various topics without 21st century judgment.
In this book, the two main characters of the series have to deal with a bishop-to-be who is “auditing” the religious house. This religious house is unusual in that it is run by women, and it is clear that the bishop-to-be is less than thrilled by the fact that women are in charge (since women are naturally inferior, of course).
I enjoyed reading about how deftly this character’s obstinacy and sense of superiority were dealt with in order to solve the murder. The fact that the two main characters were to some extent sidelined gave the author more opportunities to round out the secondary characters in the series, which only adds to the series’s depth.
This is yet another solid addition to the series. If you like mysteries set in medieval times, this is definitely not to be missed! (The series is best read in order.)

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book review: Covenant with Hell by Priscilla Royal

Covenant with Hell  (Medieval Mystery, #10)Covenant with Hell by Priscilla Royal

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you’ve read my reviews of Priscilla Royal’s previous 9 books, you know that I love this series. This 10th addition to the series is no exception. The book takes place at Our Lady of Walsingham shrine, and there is a lot of great background explaining the shrine and its origins. Our two main characters, Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas, are back, although since the mystery takes place at the shrine, none of the other regulars make an appearance.
The mystery itself is relatively straightforward. A young nun has been killed, there is a plot to assassinate Edward I (I’m sure fans of the Welsh trilogy by Sharon Kay Penman wish it had succeeded, but I digress), and the question is whether the two events are related and, if so, who is the killer, and who is the assassin?
There is also plenty of historical detail about the medieval attitude towards religion and religious artifacts. The author, as always, does a fabulous job of integrating these details in a seamless way with the story, so you never feel like you’re being lectured–you just absorb the details while reading the story.
The mystery is wrapped up in a satisfactory fashion with a convenient dangling hook that I hope means many more books in the series to come!

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Book review: The Sanctity of Hate by Priscilla Royal

Sanctity of Hate (Medieval Mystery, #9)Sanctity of Hate by Priscilla Royal

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was beyond delighted after finishing “Sanctity of Hate.” I love this series and think very highly of the author, but the past couple of books in this series have been somewhat disappointing. This book, however, returns to the author’s usual high standards of impeccably researched historical detail, quirky, true-to-the-time and thoughtfully drawn characters, and an interesting murder mystery plot. What makes this book especially stand out, however, is the thoughtful portrayal of medieval times and the treatment of Jews during this period. The author does not disguise the truth of the deep and rampant anti-Semitism that existed during the middle ages, but she also puts that anti-Semitism in context in a fair and compassionate way. (And her portrayal of the anti-Semitism prevalent during this time period gives one pause about whether and how far we’ve evolved in our thinking since that time.)
All of the larger social issues are dealt with using a subtle and light hand. There is no preachiness, and the treatment of Jews is dealt with factually and realistically.
I highly recommend this book as a worthy addition to the series. And I absolutely LOVE the ending!

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