Sanctuary Seeker (Crowner John Mystery) (original 1998; edition 1998)

Fun read. This is a very clever approach of setting a mystery in 12th century England, sort-of a fantasy/mystery blend. The author is well-versed in forensics and medieval history, which makes the book seem very realistic. I look forward to reading the rest of the Crowner John series. ( )

First in the series. Crowners (Coroners) were first appointed in England by Richard I (the Lionheart) in September 1194. This is both an interesting mystery and history lesson . The tension between the coroner Sir John de Wolfe and his brother-in-law the sheriff over whose authority is higher, sheriffs lost a lucrative source of money with the appointment of the coroner and their different concepts of the law and truth. The on-going clash of church and state, and the lives of the 'ordinary' people provides a background for the murder of two returning crusaders. I would certainly read more by Bernard Knight. ( )

A general review of this series:

This is back in the good old days of law enforcement, when trial by combat was definitive and would-be plea bargainers had to fight their accomplice(s) to the death.

I find these books fascinating as living history, perhaps even more than as mysteries. Knight always starts off with a glossary of terms. The period is not romanticized, but neither is it overly repulsive.

Sir John de Wolfe went crusading with Richard the Lionheart. Now back in England, he has been appointed to the newly reconstituted office of Crowner (Coroner). He fights a pitched battle with his corrupt, treacherous brother-in-law, the Sheriff, over official territory. He is very unhappily married to Mathilda, his incompatible wife; their relationship makes sleeping in peasant huts while on duty a treat. One of the things that makes it interesting, is that although Sir John is the central character, and presumably to be regarded with sympathy, his marital problems are not entirely blamed upon his wife.

John is assisted in his duties by his gigantic man of arms, and his clerk, a frail, defrocked priest.

In this volume, Sir John first takes up his duties. His wife urged him to take the unpaid post for the social status, but her brother, the Sheriff, resents the post as an encroachment on his own authority and has his own interest in the case. ( )