Customer Reviews

The Sanctuary Seeker (Crowner John Medieval Mystery Series)

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Bernard Knight, or to give him his correct title, Professor Bernard Knight, CBE, was a pathologist to the Home office until 1980 when he was appointed Professor of Forensic Pathology at the University of Wales College of medicine, 1980. He has written the extremely successful Crowner John series of medieval mysteries, of which there are now ten or eleven books, His character Crowner John is certainly among my favourite characters in medieval mysteries.

The books are set in 12th century Devon where Crowner (coroner) John has just been appointed to his new post. His office is quickly called in when an unidentified body is found in the village of Widecome. However he soon finds that there is a large stumbling block in his way, the corrupt Richard de Revelle, who is not only the sheriff, but also Sir John's brother.-in-law.

On the surface, for the sake of his wife, Sir John de Wolfe attempts to keep up a working relationship with his brother-in-law, but secretly he regards the sheriff with distaste. A staunch supporter of Richard the Lionheart, he has no time for Sir Richard who is siding with Prince John while Richard is away.

Knight creates a picture of 12th century England and explaining the system of justice without bogging down the story. I found myself caught up in the characters of Sir John, his uncomfortable relationship with his wife and brother-in-law, loyal bodyguard and somewhat weak, but dogged, clerk. These are characters I should like to follow further. Happily, there are more books to this series for me to enjoy. I certainly recommend this those who like to combine their history and mystery.

Bernard Knight's THE SANCTUARY SEEKER is a well written story of when the King's coroner system came into being. History tells us this was originally another ploy of the court to extract monies for the King's treasure from the populance, but these appointed officers did a magnificent job to establish the rule of law for unexplained deaths.
Sir John de Wolfe must confront his brother-in-law who holds the office of sheriff to do his job. The ex-crusader is a man of honor who answers only to King Richard I, but he is aware of the king's failings.
This story of both a killing long hidden and an even older death will keep you reading. The background is perfect if a little heavy on the mud, but it is an excellent historical. I discovered this author in the bibliography of another book and he is one I will follow.
Nash Black, author of SANDPRINTS OF DEATH

The novelty of THE SANCTUARY SEEKER's setting offsets the lack of congruent interest in the murder mystery that is the book's subject. Forgivably, author Bernard Knight is more concerned with introducing his characters and their participation in the several political factions at odds in the walled city of Exeter in medieval England than he is with executing the plot.

The underdeveloped protagonist, John de Wolfe, is an antihero in some respects, but his supporting cast is memorable, especially his hunchbacked clerk Thomas, asinine brother-in-law Richard, and witty mistress Nesta.

Knight paces the book perfectly, and he lends the crassness of the times enough credibility without being overbearing. He also has a dexterity with the English language that makes conversations and descriptions flow easily, which as an aspiring writer I can appreciate.

I will definitely read the sequel, THE POISONED CHALICE.

If Bernard Knight wrote it, it's worth reading and adding to your collection.