This is the third in a series of murder mystery novels featuring Edwin Weaver set in and near early 13th century Lincoln. The previous novel featured the Battle of Lincoln in 1217 when the forces loyal to the new boy king Henry III, son of the notorious king John, triumphed over the invading French who had been invited into England by the barons opposed to John. I read this third one during a visit to Lincoln at Easter, but unfortunately the novel is not set there, but in Conisbrough in south Yorkshire. Given the lack of a dramatic political backdrop, this novel did not appeal as did its predecessors and the plotting relatives of the local earl made for fairly standard novel fare, so a bit disappointing. I like Edwin's character, though, and there is a fourth novel which I will read at some point. ( )