Reprinted
from Publishers Weekly - April 17, 2000.
Twelfth-century England provides the setting
for Wolf's second medieval mystery (following No Dark Place),
which serves up history and intrigue in equal measure. Stephen
is the English king, but his crown and his kingdon are prey
to shifting allegiances. Hugh de Leon, heir to the earl of Wiltshire,
has given his heart and pledge to lovely Cristen Haslin, daughter
of Lord Sommerford. But such a marriage does nothing to benefit
Guy De Leon, earl of Wiltshire. Instead, the earl has arranged
for Hugh to marry the lovely Elizabeth de Beauté, heiress
to the earl of Lincoln. Elizabeth, in turn, is determeined to
refuse Hugh in favor of another. The murder of Gilbert de Beauté,
earl of Lincoln, casts suspicion directly on one of Hugh's supporters,
and indirectly on Hugh himself. As
Hugh strives to prove the innocence of that supporter, he finds
himself at odds with the sheriff of Lincoln's son, a foe since
childhood. Handsome knights and strong beautiful ladies perform
here against some absorbing set pieces, including a game that
resembles a huge rugby scrum and a trial as held by England's
chief justiciar. Bold and bright characters, plenty of romance
and a healthy dash of mystery and murder enliven this engaging
novel.
— Publishers Weelky
Hugh strives to prove the innocence of that supporter, he finds
himself at odds with the sheriff of Lincoln's son, a foe since
childhood. Handsome knights and strong beautiful ladies perform
here against some absorbing set pieces, including a game that
resembles a huge rugby scrum and a trial as held by England's
chief justiciar. Bold and bright characters, plenty of romance
and a healthy dash of mystery and murder enliven this engaging
novel.