A Killing Season: A Medieval Mystery

A spooky setup worthy of John Dickson Carr highlights Royal’s brilliant eighth mystery set in 13th-century England (after 2010’s Valley of Dry Bones). When a party of travelers that includes Brother Thomas and Prioress Eleanor of Tyndal arrives outside Baron Herbert’s isolated castle, which some call le chateau doux et dour (sweet and sour in French), Thomas witnesses a tragedy—the fatal fall of one of the baron’s sons, Gervase, from a high window. Inside, Thomas and Eleanor learn that Gervase’s death leaves Herbert with only two of his five sons and heirs alive: the eldest had died of a fever, and the third oldest drowned in what was deemed an accident. The excess of bad luck has led many castle residents to believe that the devil himself is responsible. While the murderer’s identity may surprise few, the rich atmosphere and well-drawn characters make this a superior historical. (Oct.)