From Amazon.com
Joan Wolf appeared on the medieval mystery scene with
No Dark Place, which introduced readers to Hugh de Leon, a young 12th-century Norman accustomed to living by his wits, who unexpectedly discovers that he is heir to the powerful Earl of Wiltshire--and must grapple with the complications that accompany a lightning-fast rise in station. Since Hugh, however, is (of course) a natural paragon of grace, strength, and beauty, readers shouldn't worry about his ability to adapt. What they
should worry about is the sad tendency for his nearest and dearest to get themselves into scrapes that only Hugh can get them out of.
In The Poisoned Serpent, Bernard Radvers, loyal friend to Hugh's late foster father, stands accused of murdering Gilbert de Beauté, Earl of Lincoln and pompous fool. Hugh feels the blow all the more sharply because of the motive attributed to Radvers: to help Hugh--declared by his uncle as betrothed to Gilbert's lovely and self-centered daughter--succeed to the earlship. Hugh's investigation leads him into the tangle of treacherous alliances that define English society during a civil war that pitches knight against knight, where loyalty can be bought with a title, and silence with a knife. He must face a phantasm from his past as well: the charismatic Richard Canville, son of the Sheriff of Lincoln. Hugh knows that Richard's handsome face hides a cold heart; does it also hide a murderous intent?
Wolf's characters are generally well-sketched; Cristen Haslin, whom Hugh loves deeply, is particularly appealing. Strong-willed and pragmatic, she is determined to help Hugh discover the identity of the murderer. The atmosphere of the novel, however, carries none of the persuasive, seemingly effortless detail popularized by Ellis Peters, whose Brother Cadfael mysteries have both charmed and educated readers for years. Wolf is too intent in her focus on the struggle between King Stephen and Empress Matilda, challenger to the throne; the fight is on every mind and on every tongue--but Wolf never moves beyond the most simplistic description and analysis of the rivalry. That said, the relationship between Hugh and Cristen should overwhelm even the weakest of political plots; it is a partnership that augurs well for future novels in the series. --Kelly Flynn
From Publishers Weekly
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 kingdom 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 Beaut?, heiress to the earl of Lincoln. Elizabeth, in turn, is determined to refuse Hugh in favor of another. The murder of Gilbert de Beaut?, 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. (May)
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