Falconer and the Ritual of Death (William Falconer) [Hardcover]

Ian Morson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2009 | Series: William Falconer

A William Falconer Mystery - Oxford University, 1271. As old buildings are pulled down to make way for a new purpose-built college, a body is revealed. Regent Master William Falconer deduces that the skeleton is twenty years old. He must try to recall any significant events, when England was involved in an earlier Crusade, which could provide a solution. As the heavens open, and Oxford is threatened with flooding, Falconer is drawn into violent events where the past and the present collide with startling consequences . . .

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A grisly discovery sets the stage for Morson's solid sixth whodunit to feature William Falconer (after 1999's Falconer and the Great Beast). In 1271, workmen tearing down a house to make way for Oxford University's first residential college uncover skeletal remains in a wall. The body's age forces Falconer to probe events two decades earlier when the house was first built. England in 1250 was beset by rumors that the End of Days was coming, and that the Jewish community was responsible for a child's horrific ritual murder. The cold case becomes much warmer after one of the men who found the remains turns up dead himself. The academic sleuth comes to suspect that the truth behind the killings may revolve around closely guarded secrets about the Knights Templar. Morson, who does a nice job conveying the bigotry of 13th-century England, convincingly renders the period through well-chosen detail. (Feb.)
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From Booklist

Morson is back with another suspenseful adventure in his popular thirteenth-century mystery series featuring William Falconer. An old building is being demolished to make way for Oxford University’s new “collegium” when a skeleton is discovered between the foundation walls. Master Falconer, known for his keen-eyed investigative skills, is called upon to identify the skeleton. Falconer can pin down the likely time frame for the death (the building was built 20 years ago), but when he discovers that the back of the skeleton’s skull is bashed in, he realizes he’s investigating a murder. Working without a contemporary crime lab, he still does an impressive job using his own version of forensic science to ferret out the facts of the case. As usual, Morson offers well-researched period detail, a revealing look at life in thirteenth-century England, a riveting plot, and an intriguing cast of characters. Recommend this series to historical-mystery buffs. --Emily Melton

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 201 pages
• Publisher: Severn House Publishers; 1ST edition (February 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0727867024
• ISBN-13: 978-0727867025
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,561,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Falconer and the Ritaul of Death (William Falconer), June 4, 2009

By 

Mikki Mac "Mikki" (Iowa, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Falconer and the Ritual of Death (William Falconer) (Hardcover)

I have always enjoyed this series by Ian Morson. I particularly enjoy medieval mysteries, as it is an interesting period of history and I enjoy seeing the solving of crimes without the modern technology we know of today.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars another in a series, May 24, 2009

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Nancy johns Mohlere "Nancy J. Mohlere" (Huntsville, AL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Falconer and the Ritual of Death (William Falconer) (Hardcover)

Enjoyable return to Oxford and its murders. A wonderful view on the lives of Jews in this period, as they are portrayed as honorable people dealing with superstitious and ignorant townfolk and university students and staff.