King Arthur's Bones (Historical Mystery Series) [Paperback]

The Medieval Murderers (Author)

Book Description

Series: Historical Mystery Series | Publication Date: September 1, 2009

During excavation work at Glastonbury Abbey in the year 1191, an ancient leaden cross is discovered buried several feet below the ground. Inscribed on it are the words Hic iacet sepultus inclitus rex arturius: Here lies buried the renowned King Arthur. Beneath the cross are two skeletons. Could these really be the remains of the legendary King Arthur and his queen, Guinevere? As the monks debate the implications of this extraordinary discovery, the bones are spirited away by the mysterious Guardians, a group determined to keep King Arthur's remains safe until the legend is fulfilled and he returns to protect his country in the hour of its greatest need. As the secret of the bones' hiding place is passed from generation to generation, those entrusted to safeguard the king's remains must withstand treachery, theft, blackmail, and murder in order to keep the legend intact.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Five of Britain's most notable historical mystery authors team for the fifth time (after 2008's The Lost Prophecies) on a volume whose whole, in this case, is less than the sum of its parts. In 1191, the apparent discovery in Glastonbury of the skeletal remains of King Arthur isn't welcomed by some who fear proof of the legendary sovereign's death will weaken the morale of those who hoped for his messianic return. In the book's strongest section, written by Gregory, Meurig ap Rhys, the man who transported the bones to a small Welsh town for safekeeping five years earlier, must decide to whom he can trust the secret of their current location. Two years after Meurig's death, a series of murders places his sister in the role of detective. Gregory manages to integrate the linking device with a compelling, well-paced whodunit that doesn't come across as gimmicky. (Nov.)
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About the Author

The Medieval Murderers are Michael Jecks, Susanna Gregory, Bernard Knight, Ian Morson, Philip Gooden, Simon Beaufort, and C.I. Sansom. They are the authors of The Tainted Relic, Sword of Shame, The Lost Prophecies, and House of Shadows.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK; Complete Numbers Starting with 1, 1st Ed edition (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1847373461
• ISBN-13: 978-1847373465
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,020,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You have to be a "medieval geek"..., November 14, 2009

By 

Jill Meyer (United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: King Arthur's Bones (Historical Mystery Series) (Paperback)

to even pick this book up. Fortunately, I love mysteries, particularly those set in medieval times. This book is actually a collection of five short stories by five well known writers, as well as an epilogue that ties all five together. The first story is set in 1291 and the latest is set in 1818. All the stories are about a set of bones, originally found near Wales, that were rumored to be those of King Arthur. The bones are hidden and rediscovered through the ages and various murders and other mayhem occurred whenever they surfaced.

All five stories are good. I'm not a writer, but I assume these five had fun handing the stories off to each other. One story, the fourth, involves William Shakespeare and his brother. Definitely worth reading if you're interested - and knowledgeable - about the times.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great read for a collaborative novel!, January 7, 2010

By 

Rodney G. Parrish - See all my reviews
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This review is from: King Arthur's Bones (Historical Mystery Series) (Paperback)

The few collaborative novels I have read have been surprisingly well done, including this one. In a larger novel, one writer's style will either draw you in or can eventually become a little monotonous. This succeeds because these are some of the best in the genre. Historical medieval fiction and mystery fans should really enjoy this!

Rodney

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Arthurian mystery, December 28, 2009

By 

McDoc (California) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: King Arthur's Bones (Historical Mystery Series) (Paperback)

An entertaining mystery as well as a portrait of early Britain, King Arthur's Bones is an unusual hybrid that would please lovers of mystery and lovers of Arthurian myth. I have already recommended this fine read to friends. Each portion of the tale had rewarding narration even if "Arthur" was primarily backgrounded.