Customer Reviews

The Prodigal Son (Severn House Large Print)

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

 

 

Roger the Chapman is sitting in an inn in Bristol minding his own business, but intrigued by a young man who is moving around the patrons asking questions. The man looks familiar and Roger is soon to find out why. The young man is a half brother Roger never knew he had and the familiarity is because of the likeness to Roger's own father.

No sooner have the two met than Roger gets news that his long lost brother has been locked up in the town jail accused of the brutal and savage murder of a young woman the wife of the steward at Croxcombe Manor, near Wells. The murder had taken place several years earlier, but the lady of the manor had spotted Roger's half brother and accused him on the spot.

There is nothing or it but for Roger to set out to Croxcombe Manor, to try to unravel the mystery from the past and unless he can his new found brother will surely hang.

I'm a huge fan of the Chapman mystery series -- I think they're the best historical mysteries written, with the possible exception of the Cadfael stories.

This may not be the absolutely best of the series (I rather liked Roger when he was a callow youth) but it still is far better than most in the genre. It has a real flavor for the times, and the main character is as charming as ever. He's grown through the books but never has lost his basic goodness. The story is complex without being overly complicated and the dialog and descriptions are carefully rendered.

The ending was a bit of a surprise, which is a good thing.

All in all, I don't think any fan of historic mysteries will be disappointed in this series. If possible, start at the beginning and follow through in order since you get to see Roger's character develop.

First Sentence: I first saw the strange young man whilst sipping a beaker of my favourite ale (the cheapest), sitting in a corner of the Green Lattis.

Roger the Chapman (peddler) encounters a young man, John Wedmore, learning he is a hitherto unknown half-brother. When John is accused of having been a woman's page, six years ago and murdering a fellow servant, he asks Roger's help in proving his innocence.

This is the first book I've read by Sedley and my reaction was mixed. There was some rather good plotting and the bit of information that caused Roger to realize the killer was very clever. Sedley does convey the period well, particularly though the cadence of style of her characters speech.

Each character's dialogue is well suited; in particular, a 15-year-old who has just the right level of petulance and arrogance. Sedley writes with a gentle, pleasant element of humor, which I enjoyed.

What disappointed me was the massive amount of coincidences which overwhelmed the story and became almost absurd. I hope this is an anomaly and do plan to read more books in the series

I actually got this book at a library sale for $1.00.Thought I'd give it a try since I love murder mysteries set in 1300-1500 century England. This is the second one of Roger Chapman that I have read and I like them.I like Bernard Knight and Paul Doherty a little better but it's a good story and easy to follow

Kate Sedley's extensive series featuring Roger the Chapman seems to get better and better. Set in 15th century England, the crime-solving adventures of the erstwhile and charming young peddlar finds himself once again in the middle of another murder.

"The Prodigal Son" takes Roger on the road to Croxcombe Manor after he finds he's got a long-lost half-brother. Alas, it's not just a brotherly reunion! His brother has just been arrested for murder while visiting Bristol (where Roger and his family live). Roger undertakes to defend him and sets off to the scene of the crime, which supposedly happened some six years ago. Roger, of course, is convinced this is a case of mistaken identity!

Like Willie Nelson, Roger's on the road again and shortly winds up at his destination--only to find the Bellknapp family in great turmoil. The heir to the family estate has just returned after a years-long absence. Anthony (a true prodigal son) is not warmly welcomed as his own younger brother, spoiled lad that he is, had hopes of inheritance. Thus, the two brothers give the term "sibling rivalry" a sound definition, the love of money (and possessions) being the root of all evil!

Naturally, a murder must occur and the obnoxious Anthony is found dead floating in the estate moat. Roger knows that he has been sent to Croxcombe Manor for a purpose. Sedley strong writing hands take over as she weaves an intricate, sound case and it seems it will tax Roger's ability fully in order to unravel this one.

But Roger's up to it (he's always restless to get involved in such situations) and the reader is the winner. Sedley's penchant for period writing, strong prose style, attention to detail, and sound characterization make "The Prodigal Son" a read worth one's time.

The book arrived quickly and in perfect order. I enjoy this series and was happy to have the newest edition.