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)
