Justice for the Damned

I picked up this book on a whim at a visit to my local library. I really enjoyed the storyline and look forward to reading Ms. Royal's other works. Geek that I am, I especially appreciated her Author's Notes and bibliography (a rare thing in a fiction book). I'm always curious about where other writer's get their ideas from, and Ms. Royal has made several fascinating suggestions that will keep me busy for awhile (after I finish reading her other books, that is!) Wonderful writer.

In the winter of 1271 Prioress Eleanor was ill and almost died by the spring. She returns to Amesbury Priory where she took her vows. Deep dark gloomy thoughts drown her and it is hoped that a change of scenery will bring her back to life. Accompanying her is Brother Thomas but he is on a secret mission from his spy master. Thomas's job is go find the manuscript thief who would steal the priceless Psalter. Both become involved in the lives of the people who depend on the abbey for their livelihood. On her way to visit a widow, Eleanor comes across the headless body of Eulfalow. It is said the abbey and the surrounding area is haunted by the ghost of Queen Elfrida who died at the abbey in the tenth century or the ghost of Eda, a woman who drowned in the river and was buried in unconsecrated ground because the verdict of her death was suicide. A monk guarding the Psalter is killed by the supposed "ghost". These new deaths are linked and it is up to Thomas and Eleanor to find and discover who and why. Priscilla Royal writes some of the best medieval mysteries on the market today. Readers of Judith Tarr and Sharon Kay Penman will enjoy this medieval mystery that brings to life a bygone era when the church was all powerful and denizens from hell are believed to be walking the earth. The audience gets a glimpse as well of the merchant class and how the leaders of the abbeys live. However, as vivid as all that is, the investigation by Thomas and Eleanor make for exciting thirteenth century whodunit worthy of an Agatha Award nomination. Harriet Klausner

Priscilla Royal has once again written a rich, complex, and intriguing mystery. This time she takes us to Amesbury Prior, which adds an element of Eleanor's history to the series. And once again, Brother Thomas helps his prioress. As these two protagonists continue to work together, it's interesting to see their relationship grow into one of friendship and respect no matter how much Eleanor wishes it were more. Let's hope we see more in the series...and none too soon! Eleanor Sullivan, Author of Assumed Dead

Reviewed by Cheri Fisher for Reader Views (4/07) The story in "Justice of the Damned" takes place at the Amesbury Priory in the spring of 1272. The author, Priscilla Royal, writes in her notes that the actual priory did exist with the same Prioress Ida from the story. The real characters end there and the story is fictional. Royal does an excellent job describing the medieval times. Her detailed descriptions of what life must have been like in the year 1272, includes vivid descriptions of the clothing, food, homes and characters' teeth. I was quickly engaged by the story and also found it to be a very good murder mystery. The main character, Prioress Eleanor of Tyndal, returns to Amesbury Priory where she grew up. She has gone to stay with her aunt in hopes that she will fully recover her strength from an illness that nearly claimed her life and to be there for the Feast of Saint Melor. She has traveled to Amesbury with Brother Thomas, with whom she has secret feelings for. Much to Eleanor's dismay, quiet is going to elude her on this trip. Not long after she arrives, one of the locals is found near the river without his head. Everyone quickly believes that he was the unfortunate victim of the late Queen Elfrida or Mistress Eda's ghosts. They fear that Queen Elfrida's spirit is upset because several monks were recently caught taking in the pleasures of the local inn instead of praying her soul out of purgatory. And Mistress Eda's spirit may have risen because it appears that she was unjustly accused of taking her own life and not buried on sanctified grounds. As the ghost goes on a killing spree, Eleanor finds it hard to believe that a ghost, especially a woman's ghost would do these kinds of heinous acts. She and Thomas begin an investigation of their own. This leads them into the locals' lives where they have to quickly learn to discern between local gossip and actual stories. As Thomas moves ahead with the investigation, he is thrown into situations in the village that will completely test his faith. I have always found Poisoned Pen Press books to be good quality and this one lives up to its reputation. If you enjoy stories about the medieval times and murder mysteries, then you will enjoy "Justice for the Damned."