Chambers of Death: A Medieval Mystery

Priscilla Royal's sixth book in her Medieval Mysteries series is a well-written tale of murder, religious self-questioning and secular history in 13th century England. The main characters, Mother Eleanor of Tyndale - a very young head of convent/monastery - and her aide, Brother Thomas, who has come to his vocation in a rather roundabout way - take shelter in a lord's steward's house when caught in bad weather with a sick novice. The members of the household are introduced and soon people are being murdered. (Poor Mother Eleanor - she has a way of attracting murder!). As with the previous five books in Royal's series, Mother Eleanor and Brother Thomas find the murderer. But what separates Royal's writing from general historic fiction is her careful depiction of the times she is writing about. Very few historical errors - though she does "appologise" for one in a previous book, and the reader learns as well as enjoys her books. Another ace effort, Ms Royal.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/09) When a traveling companion falls ill, Prioress Eleanor finds herself seeking aid at a manor full of interesting and eccentric characters. Nothing quite seems to be as it should. Eleanor's interest is perked when she discovers that the master of the manor's wife is having an affair with a groomsman. When the groomsman is murdered Eleanor and her other traveling companion, a priest named Thomas find themselves involved in discovering who the guilty party is. Then intrigue deepens as more bodies start to pile up. Being a woman of the cloth earns Eleanor some respect; however, being that it is still medieval times, it is still not enough. She has to do her sleuthing privately. With Thomas' assistance they are able to uncover a great deal of evidence. This evidence goes against what others want to believe. As the story unfolds and truths are revealed, the situation is much more complicated than initially suspected. "Chambers of Death" is a great murder mystery. I enjoyed Priscilla Royal's writing style. With her vivid descriptions and attention to detail, she takes you right into medieval times. The characters are well developed and extremely interesting. Each person has to deal with their humanness and their weaknesses. Eleanor herself has her own temptations to deal with in her unrequited desire for another. Fortunately, unlike most of the other characters, she is able to control her impulses. However, I do have to say that it is the weaknesses of the others and their willingness to succumb to temptations, both in the past and present that makes the storyline so delicious. I highly recommend "Chambers of Death" by Priscilla Royal. It is sixth in a medieval mystery series. It was the first one that I read and I had no problem catching on with the main characters. However, I am now very interested in reading the earlier books in the series.

On her way back to Tyndal Priory, Prioress Eleanor, Brother Tomas and potential postulant Mariota are caught in a dangerous storm so need shelter especially with Mariota being very ill. They are fortunate that Master Stevyn, the steward overseeing the estates of Lord Henry de Lacy, offers them a place to stay as much longer in the torrential rain could have sent Mariota to her maker. From the moment they enter the manor house, the guests sense dark indiscretions and secrets abound amidst their host family. Mistress Constance remains celibate though married to Stevyn's heir, Master Renulf, who has a rather poor opinion about women. The steward's wife Mistress Luce is cuckolding him with Tobye the Groom. The second son defies his father when he chooses not to become a priest as expected by his family and society; instead he just stalks around the manor When Tobye is murdered, the sheriff does not want to investigate the family for fear of retribution so instead arrests the cook to shut the case. Eleanor begins an investigation as she believes the cook is innocent especially when a servant is stabbed; however even the Prioress is unaware how dangerous her inquiry will prove, but she will find out rather quickly the hard way. The series (see FORSAKEN SOUL) takes place during the early years of the reign of Edward I; a time when people firmly believed that imps and Satan walked the earth influencing evil behavior. That sense of life along with a deep look at the cultures of the Church and aristocracy anchor time and place. Eleanor is a strong person who in spite of her religious beliefs insists that some evil is not Satan spawned. Instead she assumes Tobye's homicide and several murders that follow are caused by a human predator. Fans of medieval mysteries will appreciate another great whodunit by a Royal master of the sub-genre. Harriet Klausner