"Fantastic medieval mystery"
In 1447 Bristol, widower Roger the Chapman leaves his
two-year-old daughter behind with her grandmother to travel
to Hereford. His mother-in-law wants Roger to bring home
her cousin, widow Adela, and the woman's son to live with
them. Upon completing his trek, Roger learns that Clement
Weaver, assumed dead for six years, has also returned home. Clement's father, ailing Alderman Alfred Weaver,
accepts the man as his lost son. However, Alfred's
daughter Alison and her spouse Alderman William Burnett
refuse to believe that Clement is alive. Their thinking
might have to do with the fact she is no longer the
beneficiary of her father's vast estate when he dies.
Adding to the confusion is the bewildering murder of a
fortuneteller. Roger, who has solved some mysteries
before, begins to look into whether this is the real
Clement or an impostor and who killed the seer. The eighth Roger the Chapman medieval mystery is a
powerful historical who-done-it that keeps the star fresh
while providing the audience a clever who-done-it. The
story line contains insight into the late fifteenth
century, but the plot belongs to the hero. Roger seems so
authentic as he still feels guilt and relief with the death
of his wife two years ago who died in child birth, but also
has emotionally moved forward since THE BROTHERS OF
GLASTONBURY. Kate Sedley has written another remarkable
tale that her readers will cherish while newcomers will
search for the past titles. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted August 23, 2001
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