The Abbot and the Acolyte in Death and Taxes [Paperback]

David Coles (Author), Jack Everett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 12, 2007

Abbot Rutilius, for his sins, is made Papal auditor of monasteries in 13th Century France. With his newly appointed Acolyte, William, he comes to St. Guilhem where money laundering in the abbey kitchens and a nasty murder await investigation. Soon, another murder claims a second monk, twin to the first victim. What is the connection? How can the disagreeable Gilbert be held accountable? Who took the Abbot's pie? It takes an intractable goat and a near-drowning in an underground river to expose the truth. The Abbot acquires a little humility while the Acolyte gains rather more from the Comte's daughter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: libros international (December 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1905988184
• ISBN-13: 978-1905988181
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,520,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle, Easy Reading, June 26, 2008

By 

J. Chippindale (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Abbot and the Acolyte in Death and Taxes (Paperback)

This is the story of a man and a young boy whose friendship blossoms as they travel the country roads of medieval France together. Each in his own way, benefiting the other. On the one hand we have the Abbot Rutilius and on the other his appointed Acolyte William. Rutilius is the Papal auditor of monasteries in 13th century France. He goes around the monasteries checking on their finances and standing in for any Abbot who happens to be away at the time of his visit, as is the case in this book.

William, soon to be fifteen years old is the son of a minor noble who had led an undistinguished life but whose relations had become embroiled with the lost cause of the Cathars. William is quick witted and has also taken something of a shine to Abbot Rutilius. They set off together to the Abbot's next posting, St. Guilhem. Along the way they are robbed of some of their possessions and the Abbot's donkey.

It is a slightly disheveled and flustered pair who arrive at St. Guilhem, only to be told of a death that has recently occurred of one of the monks. On the face of it the death seems to be from natural causes but is later proved to be murder. The Abbot soon realises that all is not as it should be at St. Guilhem. Money is missing from the accounts in both the kitchen and the scriptorium and food is also going missing on a regular basis. Add to that the fact that another body is found and it soon becomes apparent that Rutilius and William have got their hands full in trying to solve the murder's and the false accounting.

The book is an enjoyable piece of light reading with no gimmicks or sensationalism within its pages and it is all the better for it. Just a good, honest medieval mystery.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Escapism in its Purest Form, May 12, 2008

By 

KEN SCOTT author "Scotty" (Spain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Abbot and the Acolyte in Death and Taxes (Paperback)

What better than to put the troubles of the world behind you and curl up on a few cushions on a warm shaded terrace overlooking the Med and immerse yourself in a book that just blows you away. A couple of glasses of Rioja help too!

Not my normal genre, this medieval 'fantasy' murder mystery by David Coles and Jack Everett did just that. The title intrigued me, chapter one reeled me in and before long those occasional glances over the top of the book viewing the latest yacht cruising out to sea became less frequent.
The pages were turning quickly and the plot flowed well as the characters developed, seemingly of their own accord, the sign of a good writer (Or Two). A effortless enjoyable read doing exactly what in says on the tin. Fantasy, escapism... being able to switch off and be transported to another world. It's what a good fantasy novel is all about. Make no mistake this is up there with the best. Another great find for Libros International.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Take an Entertaining Trip to 13th Century France, May 18, 2008

By 

Nikki Leigh "Award Winning Author & Publicst" (Shenandoah Valley, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Abbot and the Acolyte in Death and Taxes (Paperback)

Abbott Rutilius is assigned to travel to various monasteries to balance their accounts in 13th century France. Does that sound serious and boring? You might think so, but you would be wrong. This story includes, robbery, temptation, two murders, tempting women, afternoon romps, food theft, and much more.

The Abbott brings a young man to work with him in his travels and these two get into all sorts of situations. The Abbott seems to often be on the hunt for a decent meal and you can tell that he doesn't feel that he must deny himself of some comforts of life. There's an interesting group of characters in this story and they each play important roles. You will have to read to the end to see who is really innocent and who is really guilty. And, who is that beautiful young woman who seems to pray a lot?

I've seen episodes of the BBC show Cadfael and this reminded me of that series although there is more humor. The Abbott thoroughly enjoys a rich meal. He makes it clearly known when he isn't happy with the food that is prepared. He meets a mysterious woman from a nearby village and is very pleased when she invites him to dinner parties. Abbott Rutilius also has some personal problems that offer some very humorous episodes within the story.

An interesting setting, fascinating characters, suspense, intrigue, misappropriation of church funds and much more await for you in this tale of death and taxes.