The Poisoned Serpent

I loved "No Dark Place" but I liked this book even better!Hugh de Leon has now been declared his Uncle's heir but he has more pressing concerns than becoming the next Earl of Wiltshire.He's in deeply love with Cristen Haslin, daughter of one of his Uncle's Knights and he's knee deep in trouble, especially when the father of the woman his powerful Uncle wants him to marry (and it's not Cristen) is murdered and a dear friend is unjustly accused of the crime.There is also the long fingered shadow from his adopted past, in the guise of the charming and charismatic Richard Canville, the son of the Sheriff of Lincoln.Add to this two orphan children, several dogs, and a likable young Squire whose sense of honour is soon to be tested to the limit and you have a book you just don't want to put down!Well worth taking on holiday with you for a jolly good "beach read" and what's better it can be read on its own without its prequel "No Dark Place."

If you like mysteries ("who done it"), reading about medieval times or like stories that have a little romance, THIS is you BOOK! I would give development and the history of the characters a "B." The plot would be an "A-." "A+++" for the historical content. After reading a forth of the book, I couldn't put it down (especially in the last chapters). I am not a huge fan of mystery novels, but my book club was reading it. I ended up really enjoying the story.For parents of children who read on an adult level and is searching for books that their children to read, this book contains one romantic instance that is not very inappropriate for children that are 12 years or older, in my point of view. The romantic instance is only one page long, too. I am constantly reading books with my 12-year-old niece (who is an advanced reader and mature for her age) in mind. I would feel secure in recommending this book to her parents. Moreover, teenagers in high school would be fine with the content if the story held their interest.

In "The Poisoned Serpent," Joan Wolf gives us an intriguing mystery populated by a large cast of well-drawn, attractive characters. First and foremost, there is Hugh de Leon, first introduced in "No Dark Place," the charismatic young knight whose personality and intellect intimidates almost everyone except Cristen Haslin. Hugh and Cristen consider themselves betrowthed, but Hugh's uncle, the Earl of Wiltshire, has other ideas.Surrounding these two main players, and involved one way or another in the murder of the Earl of Lincoln, are Bernard Radvers, Hugh's foster father's knight; Richard Canville, Hugh's boyhood rival; Alan Stanham, Richard's young squire; Iseult and Nicholas Rye whose father is selling what he knows about the murder; and Benjamin, a large dog. All of these characters, and many more besides, come to life in the pages of "The Poisoned Serpent."Besides her expert characterization, Joan Wolf gives us a fascinating view of daily life in the castles and towns of 12th century England. When the locale and the characters are combined with a suspenseful mystery...well, you are in for a truly enjoyable reading experience. I highly recommend "The Poisoned Serpent."

In her previous book, "No Dark Place," Joan Wolf presented us with Hugh DeLeon, the long lost heir of the Earl of Wiltshire. In that selection the story seemed contrived and stilted. NOT so now! In "The Poisoned Serpent," the reader is given and excellent view of the year 1139. This wasn't a highlighted year in the history of England. Rather, we are given a glimpse into crime solving, without the use of science; but with deductive reasoning. This plot centers around, "Who stabbed Gilbert DeBeaute,Earl of Lincoln?" Charged with the crime is Bernard Radvers who was caught holding the dagger as he stood over the dead body. While the Sheriff of Lincoln seems to think he has an open and shut case, Hugh disagrees. Thrown into the character mix is Richard Canville, handsome son of the Sheriff of Lincoln, as well as, Elizabeth DeBeaut, the beautiful spoiled daughter. Add in the Hardding family, a Saxon family who distrust the Normans, a great game called camp-ball,and an another stabbing, you have the essence of a can't-put-down-novel.This novel gives a wonderfully vivid picture of life in a castle city. England wasn't very peaceful, yet these citizen worry about selling their goods, going to the fair and taking care of their families. The character development is far above the previous book. We get another glimpse into the relationship between Hugh and Cristen, with an unwanted engagement to Elizabeth DeBeaute thrown in.Fans of Joan Wolf will remember many of her earlier books as well as her first person romance novels of a few years ago. This selection is equal to or above what she has written previously. As a reader, I look forward to the further adventures of Hugh and Cristen; now the addition of several dogs and two foster children. The future looks bright for everyone, but I'm certain there is a dark shadow lingering somewhere ready to strike. We can only hope the next book will be coming soon.

It has been less than a year since Hugh discovered that he is a De Leon, the nephew and heir to the Earl of Wiltshire. Kidnapped when he was eight, Hugh was raised as the foster son of the Sheriff of Lincoln and his wife. His new rank in society brings with it the expectation that he will enter into a marriage that will increase his family's power base. The obstinate Hugh plans to wed Cristen Haslin whose father the Lord of Somerford is a vassal to Wiltshire.Hugh is prepared to give up his new position and elope with his beloved Cristen. However, before they can complete their plans, Hugh learns that his boyhood friend is accused of killing the Earl of Lincoln. Hugh knows his pal could never perform such a heinous task. He rushes to Lincoln to ferret out the identity of the real killer even though the adjudicating officials are convinced that recent military events tie Hugh's friend to the crime.The civil war that raged in England between the forces of Matilda and Stephen affected nobles and commoners alike albeit in different ways. It is during this turbulent time frame that the events in THE POISONED SERPENT occur. Honor is something that can be purchased for a fee or some land, and truth is judged by whom is in control at the time. Joan Wolf is a talented storyteller who writes a clever historical mystery starring an engaging hero whose ethics makes him stand out among his peers. Fans of medieval mysteries will want Lord Hugh and his band of merry followers to return in future engagements.Harriet Klausner