Wheel of Fate (Roger the Chapman Mysteries) [Hardcover]

Kate Sedley (Author)

Book Description

Series: Roger the Chapman Mysteries | Publication Date: May 1, 2010

In fifteenth-century London, the child-king is not the only one under threat - 1483. Amidst the chaos following the death of King Edward IV, Roger the Chapman is called to London to investigate a threat to the Godslove family. In the past year, there have been two deaths and a mysterious poisoning. Roger dismisses their worries at first but, when another member of the family disappears, he stumbles across a shocking secret that threatens to destroy the entire Godslove family . . .

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

British author Sedley smoothly integrates a complex murder case with the cataclysmic political events that roiled England in 1483 in her solid 19th Roger the Chapman historical (after 2009's The Dance of Death). Rakish investigator Roger makes his way home to the West Country after the announcement of Edward IV's death only to find his family gone. Eventually, he tracks his wife, Adela, to London, where she insists that he help her hosts, the Godsloves, who believe they've been targeted for death. Two members of the Godslove clan have been killed, and a third survived an attempt on her life. Roger explores a number of possible theories, including one that a criminal sent to prison by attorney Oswald Godslove seeks revenge. Meanwhile, he must work to avoid getting enmeshed in the struggles for power as England prepares to be ruled by a 12-year-old, Edward V. Sedley's encyclopedic knowledge of the times is evident on every page. (June)
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From Booklist

Sedley’s latest offering in her Roger the Chapman series sees the intrepid peddler returning home after months on the road, only to learn that his wife has left him after hearing that he fathered an illegitimate child. Panicked, Roger follows his wife to London after learning she’s staying with distant cousins, the Godsloves. After he pleads his case and his wife agrees to reconcile, Roger learns that the Godsloves believe they’re under a curse; after urging from his wife, he investigates their claim. In the chaos of London in the wake of the death of King Edward IV, Roger employs all his considerable investigative skills to the Godslove case and eventually learns of a terrible secret from their past. Sedley’s ability to capture the intimate details of daily life in fifteenth-century England, combined with both her well-researched plot built around the sociopolitical situation of the time and a likable, larger-than-life main character, make this latest entry in her Roger the Chapman series a fine choice for fans of historical mysteries. --Emily Melton

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Severn House Publishers (May 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0727868705
• ISBN-13: 978-0727868701
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #667,662 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kate Sedley: a master of mystery and history, April 26, 2010

By 

Muriel Knobloch (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wheel of Fate (Roger the Chapman Mysteries) (Hardcover)

Roger the Chapman gets drawn into the tragic deaths and accidents surrounding the Godslove family. Anxious for peace and quiet, Roger travels to London seeking his wife who left him. After reaching London, and clearing up the misunderstanding with his wife, Adela, Roger is pushed into helping these "relatives" solve their problem with attacks and death. Roger's investigation becomes increasingly complicated. At the same time, England is plunged into fear and unrest with the death of Edward IV. Roger is torn with his loyalty to Duke Richard, and his desire to return home to Bristol.

Kate Sedley writes so well. The story moves along very quickly, and is not bogged down with boring detail. Yet, you really get a feeling of the life and times of the Middle Ages. An excellent book.