Falconer's Trial (William Falconer) [Hardcover]

Ian Morson (Author)

Book Description

Series: William Falconer | Publication Date: February 1, 2010

Master William Falconer returns in this chilling and atmospheric medieval murder mystery. - Oxford, April 1272. The Lady Ann Segrim has been murdered, and a Regent Master has been taken at the scene of the crime, red-handed. The suspect is William Falconer, but, strangely, he doesn’t deny the charges. Using Falconer’s own logical methods to solve the crime, Symon, along with Saphira Le Veske, Falconer’s new lover, sets out to clear his name, uncovering an extraordinary plot in the process.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Oxford regent master William Falconer, the hero of Morson's medieval historical series, goes to jail on a murder charge in the well-crafted seventh entry (after 2009's Falconer and the Ritual of Death). When a witness spots Falconer bending over the corpse of Ann Segrim on a garden path, his hands covered in blood, the authorities soon learn that Falconer provided the victim, who was poisoned, with a potion a few days before, ostensibly to treat an illness. Incarcerated, Falconer must allow others, including the town constable, Peter Bullock, and the academic's Jewish lover, Saphira Le Veske, to gather the clues that will spare him from execution. Among many theories to explain Segrim's murder is one pointing to her husband's half-brother, whose advances she may have rejected. Another involves a Templar plot to kill the royal family. Despite relegating the main character to a supporting role, Morson keeps the action moving briskly. (Feb.)
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From Booklist

William Falconer, regent master at Oxford University, returns in an all-new medieval murder mystery with a startling twist; this time around, William himself is accused of murder and is hauled off to rot in the local gaol. Since his mentor seems unable or, more accurately, unwilling to defend himself, Thomas Symon, Falconer’s favorite pupil, takes it upon himself to investigate the poisoning death of William’s long unconsummated love interest, Ann Segrim. Assisted by Falconer’s new Jewish mistress, who coincidentally is studying the art of herbs and their use in medicines and as poisons, Thomas begins to unravel a labyrinthine plot that smacks of scholarly hubris. As usual, Morson peppers the suspenseful plot with time-sensitive philosophical and theological debates, conjuring up the inbred and contentious medieval university culture with aplomb. --Margaret Flanagan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Severn House Publishers (February 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0727868268
• ISBN-13: 978-0727868268
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,123,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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