Customer Reviews

The Abbot and the Acolyte in Death and Taxes

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Well, what a great tale. The Abbot Rutilius and his new Acolyte, William, are a really humourous new take on the Medieval Mystery genre. In Death and Taxes, they have two murders to solve, a surprising fraud going on in the Abbey kitchens to expose and... was Medieval life really as sexy as this?

There is humour throughout this book, both the subtle kind and the overt but this does not hide the more thought-provoking realities of life in 13th Century France. There is the mentioned-in-passing machinations of the French to get their own man onto the Papal throne, who can and can't benefit from game in the nearby forests, who has the real power over people's lives - Church or State. We see that the past - as they say - really is a different country and that things are done differently there.

I recommend this book to readers of the Brother Cadfael series and to those who found Candace Robb's Archer series a little severe. Read the book and enjoy it.

I discovered that the same authors also wrote Merlin's Kin and Last Free Men

Merlin's KinHaving read Merlin's Kin I was looking on Amazon for any further works from this author when I discovered this gem.
Two such disparate heroes I have never before read: one who relishes food as though every meal may be his last, and whose waterworks constantly cause him trouble and a callow youth innocent in the ways of the world who can teach his companion nothing. It shouldn't work but it does, brilliantly, think of Cadfael with humor, change the scenery to medieval France and you're getting somewhere. I see a brave future for this endearing couple here's to many more mysteries, Gyle Meredon

Jack Everett and David Cole have produced a clever and entertaining tale with The Abbot and the Acolyte. If you enjoy medieval mysteries, this book is well worth your time. It is beautifully written, with some exceptionally well-created characters that even Dickens would be proud of, Rutilius and William first among them. The mystery and intrigues keeps you engaged until the last page, which is rare these days, and there is plenty of action and humour. It is definitely a book that needs a sequel, if not a series. We have to know what becomes of William and Anna-Marie! And the Abbot of course.

Phillip Gillanders

Author of
Druid's Bane
Book One of the Arkaelyon Chronicles.