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Servant of the Crown Mystery #1
Season of the Raven
"The author has an encyclopedic knowledge of the social conditions of the time of Richard I and a great eye for the physical aspect of the countryside as it would have appeared then and the influence of monasteries and the Church. I look forward to more stories about Faucon." ~John Matthews, retired British Coroner A MILLER FOUND UNDER HIS WHEEL It’s 1194 and Sir Faucon de Ramis, the shire’s newly appointed Keeper of the Pleas, must do his duty and make an official declaration of the cause of a miller’s death. Saddled with a clerk who names Faucon his ‘penance', the shire’s first Crowner must thread the tangled relationships between the sheriff, the village of Priors Holston and the priory that once ruled it. As a simple task takes a turn to the political, what seems obvious isn’t and what appears safe turns out to be more dangerous than he could imagine.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2014
About the author
Denise Domning
42 books269 followersWhat can I say? I’m single and over sixty, I write and I farm on eight acres of slowly improving red earth (it originally looked like Mars had exploded!) on Oak Creek in northern Arizona. I started with chickens, then there were turkeys and Jersey milk cows. But with livestock came the predators: coyotes, bald eagles, black hawks, mountain lions, and, worst of all, raccoons. Dang those nasty creatures! They kill just because they can; think dogs with opposable thumbs. (Five chickens in one night–they reached in through the chain link and killed the birds with no expectation of being able to eat them.) They are the reason I keep livestock guardian dogs. There's the massive Polar Bear, a 135 pound Hungarian Kuvasz, Radha, the svelte and sleek 90 pound Anatolian Shepherd and her new chew toy, Rupert who is some sort of terrier mix and small enough to walk under her belly.
As for what my dogs guard, it's my growing herd of Dorper Sheep, a South African breed that (supposedly) doesn’t need to be sheared and gains all their weight on grass alone. I've also fallen in love with pigs, which are just dogs with snouts. Oh, how those rapscallions make me laugh!
If you're interested in keeping up with my farm antics, you can visit my blog at denisedomning.com or thefarmonoakcreek.com
As for what my dogs guard, it's my growing herd of Dorper Sheep, a South African breed that (supposedly) doesn’t need to be sheared and gains all their weight on grass alone. I've also fallen in love with pigs, which are just dogs with snouts. Oh, how those rapscallions make me laugh!
If you're interested in keeping up with my farm antics, you can visit my blog at denisedomning.com or thefarmonoakcreek.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
February 14, 2014
Season of the Raven by Denise Domning is a 2014 Steel Magnolia Press publication.
In the year 1194 Sir Faucon de Ramis is the newly appointed Keeper of the Pleas. He just barely arrives to assume his duties when there is a suspicious death and he must determine if it was a ghastly accident or murder. The deceased man was not all that popular to say the least. He was widowed and and recently remarried, but the marriage was a bad one and so even back in 1194 the wife was the first suspect. But, Sir Faucon doesn't attempt to arrange the facts to fit a certain suspect so he can wrap up the case. As it turns out there is a lot going on in this community. The deceased had a few scandalous secrets and someone wanted those secrets to remain buried, and there were also some political implications to keep the pot stirred. Since Sir Faucon is new to the area and is still learning his way, he must be very careful who he trust and confides in.
There is also another mystery that has Sir Faucon very concerned. The body of a young girl has been found and she is not the child of anyone in the community. So, whose child was she and why was she left in Priors Holston?
If you have read any of Denise Domnings historical women's fiction novels you will be delighted to get reaquainted with a few recognizable characters that appeared in a handful of previous novels. Also if you are a fan of this author you are accustomed to romance being a part of the plot and it should be noted that this book is a historical mystery. There is no romance in this one.
I found this mystery very unique and interesting. A very difficult monk is assigned to assist Sir Faucon in the investigation. This is a wonderful partnership because each man has his own ideas and motives. The investigation, not only into the people of this villiage but in the way the death of determined to be a murder as opposed to an accident. I don't know if liberties were taken, but it all seemed pretty authentic to me. The vernicular was also has a feel of authenticity although I have no idea how people spoke back in 1194. Part of the fun in reading these historical novels is that these folks couldn't rely upon modern technology to help them solve the crime. Instead they had to get creative and use old fashioned detective work.
The book also sets the stage for the continuance of the series by introducing Sir Faucon to a very disturbing series of murders that he hope to get to the bottom of before it's too late.
I really enjoyed this one and I am really excited about the future of this series.
This one is an A.
In the year 1194 Sir Faucon de Ramis is the newly appointed Keeper of the Pleas. He just barely arrives to assume his duties when there is a suspicious death and he must determine if it was a ghastly accident or murder. The deceased man was not all that popular to say the least. He was widowed and and recently remarried, but the marriage was a bad one and so even back in 1194 the wife was the first suspect. But, Sir Faucon doesn't attempt to arrange the facts to fit a certain suspect so he can wrap up the case. As it turns out there is a lot going on in this community. The deceased had a few scandalous secrets and someone wanted those secrets to remain buried, and there were also some political implications to keep the pot stirred. Since Sir Faucon is new to the area and is still learning his way, he must be very careful who he trust and confides in.
There is also another mystery that has Sir Faucon very concerned. The body of a young girl has been found and she is not the child of anyone in the community. So, whose child was she and why was she left in Priors Holston?
If you have read any of Denise Domnings historical women's fiction novels you will be delighted to get reaquainted with a few recognizable characters that appeared in a handful of previous novels. Also if you are a fan of this author you are accustomed to romance being a part of the plot and it should be noted that this book is a historical mystery. There is no romance in this one.
I found this mystery very unique and interesting. A very difficult monk is assigned to assist Sir Faucon in the investigation. This is a wonderful partnership because each man has his own ideas and motives. The investigation, not only into the people of this villiage but in the way the death of determined to be a murder as opposed to an accident. I don't know if liberties were taken, but it all seemed pretty authentic to me. The vernicular was also has a feel of authenticity although I have no idea how people spoke back in 1194. Part of the fun in reading these historical novels is that these folks couldn't rely upon modern technology to help them solve the crime. Instead they had to get creative and use old fashioned detective work.
The book also sets the stage for the continuance of the series by introducing Sir Faucon to a very disturbing series of murders that he hope to get to the bottom of before it's too late.
I really enjoyed this one and I am really excited about the future of this series.
This one is an A.
June 7, 2022
This was a really slow read although it wasn't that long. The work seemed focused on trying to set the scene for the rest of the series without anything much happening in this one. Unfortunately, this made it difficult to become interested in the book - the plot was much too slow. Many informative details were included relating to the legal system in the 12th century, but this didn't add to the plot or the mystery at all. And the way the mystery was written, with the protagonist reaching viable deductions but no explanation given for the reader, was not engaging or enjoyable.
The characters are okay overall. They have some depth, but none of them encouraged any sort of emotional connection. Faucon, the protagonist, was exceptionally boring. There wasn't much personality there and there were zero emotions evident.
I disliked the author's writing style. It felt stilted with dense, difficult to wade through prose. As with the legal system, it felt like the author wanted to include all of the historical research done for this work rather than weaving it into a meaningful and engaging plot.
Overall, this work didn't stand out in any way. It is an okay medieval mystery but lacks any real punch. I picked up and put down this work several times over the last few months (something I never do) just because it couldn't maintain my interest.
The characters are okay overall. They have some depth, but none of them encouraged any sort of emotional connection. Faucon, the protagonist, was exceptionally boring. There wasn't much personality there and there were zero emotions evident.
I disliked the author's writing style. It felt stilted with dense, difficult to wade through prose. As with the legal system, it felt like the author wanted to include all of the historical research done for this work rather than weaving it into a meaningful and engaging plot.
Overall, this work didn't stand out in any way. It is an okay medieval mystery but lacks any real punch. I picked up and put down this work several times over the last few months (something I never do) just because it couldn't maintain my interest.
June 4, 2014
What an absolutely wonderful reading experience this book was for me. I read lots and lots of mysteries, trying to choose historical pieces when possible. This is the first historical mystery written by Denise Domning, though not her first published novel. As evidenced by this book, I think she is quite an accomplished author. I absolutely loved the fact that she had her characters investigating almost the entire time span of this book. So often novels set in this time period (twelfth century England) get bogged down in details of what life was like. I am thrilled to say there was not one recounting of a chamber pot being emptied over pedestrians as they walked along the roadway, no privy or latrine descriptions, and no rats running across people as they tried to sleep. Mentioning those items isn't a bad thing, fixating on them happens all too often in some books and that can simply ruin that book for me.
I think it was very clever of Ms. Domning to allow the reader to learn the duties of The Keeper of the Pleas, coronaries, or crowner along with a twenty-four year old penniless second son just back from the crusades, Sir Faucon de Ramis. This way Brother Edmund, a Benedictine monk acting as legal scribe, can acquaint the reader as well as Sir Faucon with laws and rules of office without the information seeming to be pulled directly from research books. Brother Edmund and Sir Faucon are called very quickly to investigate the death of the miller in a nearby village and arrive just in time to keep the sheriff of the shire from declaring the death an accident. Upon close investigation it is shown to be much different than an accidental death and having far reaching consequences.
This is the first novel in a series and there is a story going on in the background which is not resolved, but will carry over into another book. This wasn't presented so much as a cliffhanger as a method for showing that Sir Faucon's work regarding what is happening in this small community is not entirely settled yet. This first novel was so impressive it makes me want to be sure I'm ready to read any future books which follow in this series.
I received an ARC of this novel through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
I think it was very clever of Ms. Domning to allow the reader to learn the duties of The Keeper of the Pleas, coronaries, or crowner along with a twenty-four year old penniless second son just back from the crusades, Sir Faucon de Ramis. This way Brother Edmund, a Benedictine monk acting as legal scribe, can acquaint the reader as well as Sir Faucon with laws and rules of office without the information seeming to be pulled directly from research books. Brother Edmund and Sir Faucon are called very quickly to investigate the death of the miller in a nearby village and arrive just in time to keep the sheriff of the shire from declaring the death an accident. Upon close investigation it is shown to be much different than an accidental death and having far reaching consequences.
This is the first novel in a series and there is a story going on in the background which is not resolved, but will carry over into another book. This wasn't presented so much as a cliffhanger as a method for showing that Sir Faucon's work regarding what is happening in this small community is not entirely settled yet. This first novel was so impressive it makes me want to be sure I'm ready to read any future books which follow in this series.
I received an ARC of this novel through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 20, 2021
Good range of characters and historical ambience but I have read many similar stories in the genre of historical mystery- this does not stand out.
March 4, 2019
Audiobook Review
A twisting murder mystery set in Medieval 12th Century England along with new to me author and narrator had me eager to put in my earbuds and settle in to listen.
Sir Faucon de Ramis has just returned from the Crusades fighting under King Richard the Lionhearted's banner. He's a second son and his family can boast only a moderate wealth. So, when his mother's uncle, a Bishop offers him a newly created position as Keeper of the Pleas of Warwickshire which comes with the living from the estate of Blacklea and a stipend while he is in the office, he leaps at this opportunity. Little did he know that this would have him saddled with the most annoying stickler monk who seems to forget who is the assistant and now the task of working with a forbidding sheriff. And, that was before a body was found in a nearby village...
I liked Sir Faucon right off the bat. He's young, but not lacking in intelligence or a willingness to work hard. In spite of being trained in the art of war or in being a Crusader, he is not without kindness and understanding even to the lower classes. What really struck me was that he didn't get tetchy when he was in over his head since investigating murder was obviously new to him. He had no trouble admitting ignorance and learning like when an herbalist monk shows him how to better examine a dead body for evidence or his annoying clerk gets up on his high horse. Oddly enough, the infuriating Brother Edmund who started as a thorn in Sir Faucon's side, grew on me. I will look forward to seeing this pair continue solving mysteries together throughout the series.
The historical setting and background of the characters was fleshed out fabulously. I had no trouble seeing with my mind's eye this little corner of Warwickshire or taking it in through all the senses as the author describes sounds, scents, tastes, and visuals so they were in technicolor for me.
Gildart Jackson did wonderful well for his male voices and not badly on his female ones. He was a good match for a medieval era story. I thought he did well with the emotional tones, too, particularly when the suspense rose a few times.
All in all, this first outing with author, narrator, and series was a resounding success. I can't wait to continue on with the rest of the series.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
A twisting murder mystery set in Medieval 12th Century England along with new to me author and narrator had me eager to put in my earbuds and settle in to listen.
Sir Faucon de Ramis has just returned from the Crusades fighting under King Richard the Lionhearted's banner. He's a second son and his family can boast only a moderate wealth. So, when his mother's uncle, a Bishop offers him a newly created position as Keeper of the Pleas of Warwickshire which comes with the living from the estate of Blacklea and a stipend while he is in the office, he leaps at this opportunity. Little did he know that this would have him saddled with the most annoying stickler monk who seems to forget who is the assistant and now the task of working with a forbidding sheriff. And, that was before a body was found in a nearby village...
I liked Sir Faucon right off the bat. He's young, but not lacking in intelligence or a willingness to work hard. In spite of being trained in the art of war or in being a Crusader, he is not without kindness and understanding even to the lower classes. What really struck me was that he didn't get tetchy when he was in over his head since investigating murder was obviously new to him. He had no trouble admitting ignorance and learning like when an herbalist monk shows him how to better examine a dead body for evidence or his annoying clerk gets up on his high horse. Oddly enough, the infuriating Brother Edmund who started as a thorn in Sir Faucon's side, grew on me. I will look forward to seeing this pair continue solving mysteries together throughout the series.
The historical setting and background of the characters was fleshed out fabulously. I had no trouble seeing with my mind's eye this little corner of Warwickshire or taking it in through all the senses as the author describes sounds, scents, tastes, and visuals so they were in technicolor for me.
Gildart Jackson did wonderful well for his male voices and not badly on his female ones. He was a good match for a medieval era story. I thought he did well with the emotional tones, too, particularly when the suspense rose a few times.
All in all, this first outing with author, narrator, and series was a resounding success. I can't wait to continue on with the rest of the series.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2016
This medieval mystery seemed focused on developing characters to set up the rest of the series. I did like Faucon de Ramis and his unwilling assistant, Brother Edmund, but the action was slow moving. The author demonstrated firm knowledge of the late 12th century, and I enjoyed the characters enough to add the second book in this series to my TBR in the hope that things will move along at a faster pace now that everyone has been introduced.
The most intriguing part of this novel are the few pages at the very beginning and end where we are given sneak peeks of a disturbing child killer. I do want to read more about this guy!
The most intriguing part of this novel are the few pages at the very beginning and end where we are given sneak peeks of a disturbing child killer. I do want to read more about this guy!
April 19, 2018
I enjoyed it but not as much as some other medieval mystery authors I have read recently. It was very well researched, full of period terms I was not at all familiar with and had a glossary - very helpful. And the way the local legal system was in a period of transition was very interesting. The plot seemed to drag a bit. Lots of characters and I had a bit of trouble keeping track of who was actually married to whom.
November 3, 2018
Light Mediaeval Mystery
This is a good start to what might well be an excellent series.
Sir Faucon de Remis, a Norman knight, is a returned Crusader after fighting in the Holy Land with King Richard I. As a landless knight, he needs a way to make his living and is persuaded by his uncle, Bishop William, to accept the office of “Keeper of the Pleas”, or Crowner as they were commonly called, a newly-created position intended to curb the rapacity of the Sheriffs, and ensure the Crown received all monies, taxes, and revenues that was its due. The clerk assigned to assist him is Brother Edmund, a Benedictine monk well-versed in the law, who is an officious and unlikeable man.
Their first case is the death of a miller and it is fascinating to be part of the investigation as they learn step-by-step what is involved and how far the power of a crowner reaches. As a former soldier Crowner Faucon is familiar with death, but not so familiar with the subtle differences between a natural death by drowning and murder. Coincidentally, Brother Colin, an herbalist, is there to give advice to the new Crowner on how to tell the difference. This is fiction and I don’t find this coincidence too hard to swallow, and, let’s face it, Sir Faucon had to be educated somehow or else there would have been no story!
I have read a number of mediaeval series so I am familiar with the terms and customs, and this author does justice to the setting and lifestyle of the period. Clothing is described in detail where appropriate to the story and there are some lovely descriptive passages, especially when Sir Faucon first sees the Priory of Radegund.
The characters are fleshed out enough so that the reader can remember who each one is, and also form an opinion of them. The dialogue is natural and the prose is well-written and edited, with no glaring errors that I saw. There is also a good mystery, and the solving of it is done in a believable way. Brother Edmund slowly undergoes a personality change and I think I will enjoy reading more about this pair. The story is book-ended by a delusional child-killer (the killing is not described) that seems to have no place, but must have a purpose that will become evident in future books.
This is a good start to what might well be an excellent series.
Sir Faucon de Remis, a Norman knight, is a returned Crusader after fighting in the Holy Land with King Richard I. As a landless knight, he needs a way to make his living and is persuaded by his uncle, Bishop William, to accept the office of “Keeper of the Pleas”, or Crowner as they were commonly called, a newly-created position intended to curb the rapacity of the Sheriffs, and ensure the Crown received all monies, taxes, and revenues that was its due. The clerk assigned to assist him is Brother Edmund, a Benedictine monk well-versed in the law, who is an officious and unlikeable man.
Their first case is the death of a miller and it is fascinating to be part of the investigation as they learn step-by-step what is involved and how far the power of a crowner reaches. As a former soldier Crowner Faucon is familiar with death, but not so familiar with the subtle differences between a natural death by drowning and murder. Coincidentally, Brother Colin, an herbalist, is there to give advice to the new Crowner on how to tell the difference. This is fiction and I don’t find this coincidence too hard to swallow, and, let’s face it, Sir Faucon had to be educated somehow or else there would have been no story!
I have read a number of mediaeval series so I am familiar with the terms and customs, and this author does justice to the setting and lifestyle of the period. Clothing is described in detail where appropriate to the story and there are some lovely descriptive passages, especially when Sir Faucon first sees the Priory of Radegund.
The characters are fleshed out enough so that the reader can remember who each one is, and also form an opinion of them. The dialogue is natural and the prose is well-written and edited, with no glaring errors that I saw. There is also a good mystery, and the solving of it is done in a believable way. Brother Edmund slowly undergoes a personality change and I think I will enjoy reading more about this pair. The story is book-ended by a delusional child-killer (the killing is not described) that seems to have no place, but must have a purpose that will become evident in future books.
May 7, 2014
There are some very interesting characters in this medieval mystery, but more interesting than the characters are the new terms and positions held during this time period. The Keeper of the Pleas is the new position given to Sir Faucon de Ramis. He is called to this shire and is able to take this position because his mother's dower holdings are in this shire. One has 'to be part of the shire' in order to accept this position. The Keeper of the Pleas should keep medieval justice honest which it was notoriously not and obtain all fines and monies for the Crown and make sure they go to the offices of the Crown and not into someone's pocket such as the sheriff of the shire. The Crowner as the citizens of the area like to call Sir de Ramis is a honest man and appears to be absolutely right for the job. He is not in his new location of Blacklea 24 hours when a ' hue and cry' is raised as a man has been killed, and the new Crowner is off to right a wrong which as it turns out is not all that easy. Plus the Crowner's assistant, an arrogant monk from a nearby priory, is already 'on the scene' so the complications begin as soon as de Ramis arrives. I enjoyed this mystery, but in a couple of places, the Crowner 'knows' a fact about the murder or the people involved in it, and I was unable to see how he learned this fact. Divine intervention? I do not know. I would have liked these spots to have been completely clear to me or any reader. This is only #1 of this mystery series, and I like it enough and the Middle Ages is my favorite time period, that I plan to continue reading the series. I wonder what and where will be in #2. I would like to add that the realism of this time period is present throughout this mystery. My congratulations to the author on this fine point.
November 11, 2016
Good enough read. The writing is clear, the characters are realized as people, although the main one, Faucon, doesn't have much of a personality. However I found the beginning of Raven messy - things happen, lots of people [no idea who really] involved, no real idea of what's going on, leaving the reader adrift. While this is a murder mystery, far too much is kept from the reader and worse really, the solution is overly and unnecessarily complicated and a bit gothic. OTOH it's readable and I'm willing to take a chance on the next. ; )
February 21, 2017
This is a really good mystery with well depicted and believable characters. I felt like I must have missed something, though, since I don't quite get how the main character (the "crowner") came up with the solution.
November 28, 2018
Very good book
I really like this who done it story set in the Middle Ages. Think putting Colombo in this time period. I recommend this book to everyone.
I really like this who done it story set in the Middle Ages. Think putting Colombo in this time period. I recommend this book to everyone.
January 9, 2020
Audiobook Review
I decided to finish this book, which I started a few months ago on Scribd. I picked it because I purchased an e-book collection of the first 3 titles in this series a couple of years ago. Scribd have (finally!) added a button to their mobile app to increase narration speed, which allows me to get through books a lot more quickly.
I'm a real sucker for Medieval Mysteries, and this one, although slow at the start, was very good. The protagonist is the second son of a lord Sir Faucon de Ramis, who is appointed the official 'Crowner' for the county of Warwickshire by his Uncle, a cleric. What's a Crowner? A Crowner was someone who was supposed to convene inquests to determine the cause of suspicious or unexpected deaths, and conduct some investigations, and were attached to some of the local and regional courts of Medieval England. The word is the origin of the modern term Coroner.
The mystery itself is- I won't say simple, but relatively straightforward. There were a few twists and turns, but not many, but the story is set up well for several sequels, especially with the hints of another ongoing mystery. The characterization was good: especially Sir Faucon's grumpy and officious assistant Brother Edmund, and his fellow monk brother Colin- who definitely has parallels with Cadfael.
There's also a good sense of period. This series is set in the late 12th century in the reign of Richard the Lionheart, when the English legal system and practice was beginning to develop, and become increasingly codified and professionalized. (King Richard's father, Henry II is considered by some to have been the originator of English Common Law, for example). Some of the details would appeal to people interesting in that sort of thing, but they're presented in quite a clear and concise manner so reader's don't get too bogged down.
Overall, the characters are compelling, and there are some excellent descriptions of the landscape of 12th century England here, as well as the impact it had on social life and even the law. Faucon is a genuinely sympathetic character, who wants to do what is right and get to the truth, even if it comes at cost to himself: but he is perfectly complimented by his two assistants. The sharp, observant and worldly-wise Brother Colin, and even the cranky Brother Edmund.
I'd certainly be interested in reading, or listening to the next few books in this series.
I decided to finish this book, which I started a few months ago on Scribd. I picked it because I purchased an e-book collection of the first 3 titles in this series a couple of years ago. Scribd have (finally!) added a button to their mobile app to increase narration speed, which allows me to get through books a lot more quickly.
I'm a real sucker for Medieval Mysteries, and this one, although slow at the start, was very good. The protagonist is the second son of a lord Sir Faucon de Ramis, who is appointed the official 'Crowner' for the county of Warwickshire by his Uncle, a cleric. What's a Crowner? A Crowner was someone who was supposed to convene inquests to determine the cause of suspicious or unexpected deaths, and conduct some investigations, and were attached to some of the local and regional courts of Medieval England. The word is the origin of the modern term Coroner.
The mystery itself is- I won't say simple, but relatively straightforward. There were a few twists and turns, but not many, but the story is set up well for several sequels, especially with the hints of another ongoing mystery. The characterization was good: especially Sir Faucon's grumpy and officious assistant Brother Edmund, and his fellow monk brother Colin- who definitely has parallels with Cadfael.
There's also a good sense of period. This series is set in the late 12th century in the reign of Richard the Lionheart, when the English legal system and practice was beginning to develop, and become increasingly codified and professionalized. (King Richard's father, Henry II is considered by some to have been the originator of English Common Law, for example). Some of the details would appeal to people interesting in that sort of thing, but they're presented in quite a clear and concise manner so reader's don't get too bogged down.
Overall, the characters are compelling, and there are some excellent descriptions of the landscape of 12th century England here, as well as the impact it had on social life and even the law. Faucon is a genuinely sympathetic character, who wants to do what is right and get to the truth, even if it comes at cost to himself: but he is perfectly complimented by his two assistants. The sharp, observant and worldly-wise Brother Colin, and even the cranky Brother Edmund.
I'd certainly be interested in reading, or listening to the next few books in this series.
March 9, 2019
This slight book (243 scanty Kindle pages) was a pleasant entertainment. It is also an example of a revival of an old form, the serial. The book, obtained for free on BookBub, starts and ends with a tease for the second book in the series ... and that'll cost you $3.99. Book 3 if $4.99. I find myself curiously resistant to this strategy, no matter how good the first book. And in fairnesss, it was a fun book, with an intriguing hero in Sir Faucon, and some lovely teases of how what happened at the end of the 12th Century (1194) influenced the number of jurors impaneled, and the separation between sheriff and prosecutor. There's even a tease for the love to come. Yet, if so much energy is invested in foreshadowing, doesn't it make sense for the author to be more generous with her story, and interweave, perhaps, two or even the ever-satisfying three threads into the single book? To me, it seems that this serialization of story is more like a forgettable TV series than something like the series published by Dickens.
May 28, 2020
Three & a half stars for this one. Not great, but quite enjoyable. A decent mystery with distinct characters. But what I enjoyed more was all the detail of Medieval life. Most historical novels give some of that, but I learned a lot about English law at that time in this one. The legal system was a very interesting mingling of both church & state. Our “detective” is Sir Faucon de Ramis, who, after returning from the Crusades, has been appointed Keeper of the Pleas by his Bishop uncle. Among the common folk he is simply known as the Crowner, which is where we get our word coroner. That mingling is demonstrated in that he has a monk, Edmond, attached to him as a clerk who not only records what occurs, but reminds & informs Faucon of what the law calls for. It’s a contentious relationship, but ends up being a productive & respectful one. There was a second murder later in the book that is left unsolved, definitely setting us up for the second book in the series. I have no qualms reading more of the Servant of the Crown series if they should come my way.
April 27, 2017
"Who done its" at the turn of the 12th Century in England. Finished the second in the series, as well. Started the third,
Lost Innocents.
Short, quick, entertaining reads. Three are plenty.
Lost Innocents.Short, quick, entertaining reads. Three are plenty.
January 16, 2020
I was immediately drawn to the book. I liked the way it started with the serial killer that holds the 5 books together.
I liked the characters of Edmund and Sir Faucon, and Brother Colin who reminded me of Cadfael.
I think the most impressive thing is the level of detail and historical fact that has been researched and added to the tale. That did add a new layer to the story. I love historical mysteries and the descriptions in this series has got to be one of the best.
The mystery itself was a good one and although there were glimpses of the answer here and there I liked the plot overall.
I'm definitely reading the entire series
I liked the characters of Edmund and Sir Faucon, and Brother Colin who reminded me of Cadfael.
I think the most impressive thing is the level of detail and historical fact that has been researched and added to the tale. That did add a new layer to the story. I love historical mysteries and the descriptions in this series has got to be one of the best.
The mystery itself was a good one and although there were glimpses of the answer here and there I liked the plot overall.
I'm definitely reading the entire series
September 5, 2017
Good start to the series. I enjoyed learning about the rules of law of the 12th century. The characters were quite interesting too. Am looking forward to the next in the series.
December 16, 2022
Very good start to what looks like a promising series.
January 20, 2021
A very interesting read, I like the characters, both surly Edmund, the monk and his boss the "Crowner". They find that they get along well even though they didn't expect to. The mystery was well done and the novel has lots of snippets of information about medieval England.
February 21, 2024
⭐️ 3.5/4 stars ⭐️
September 11, 2017
A medieval whodunit in similar fashion to the Brother Caudfel series; I like it. The three books in the series are woven together, but it is obvious after reading the first one that all the ends will not be tied together until the third book finishes. The first book solves one murder, but one of the murderers, although known in the mind of Faucon, is yet at large and not even charged of his crime.
Sir Faucon, called Pery by his family, is a landless knight home from serving in the Crusades. His appointment as Keeper of the Pleas gives him a little income, lots of responsibility, but puts him in conflict with the local sheriff. He also gets a monk named Edmund, and Edmund is a bit of a puzzle himself. They are at odds immediately but begin to work together as the book progresses. Faucon learns about his position and the people under his jurisdiction. Edmund is his clerk and is keen on the letter of the law but sticks his nose in at awkward times and in awkward ways.
At least there is law, some written and some by tradition, that rules the shire, so the people have some protection. Faucon, with the help of others, picks up clues, makes observations, and mulls over various possibilities. He seems to act judiciously, but the reader is required to accept some of his intuition and conclusions without solid justification. Even so, what happens is reasonable as explained/revealed in the text.
The secondary characters are of some interest. They are representative of mostly common folks of the age. Some relationships are revealed over time that give the story credence and lend new evidence. In my opinion, if you like a decent mystery without the hype of modern techniques, you will find the book pleasurable to read. Be aware there is a fair amount of description to give the reader a strong impression of what life for folks of the day was like in 12th century England.
Sir Faucon, called Pery by his family, is a landless knight home from serving in the Crusades. His appointment as Keeper of the Pleas gives him a little income, lots of responsibility, but puts him in conflict with the local sheriff. He also gets a monk named Edmund, and Edmund is a bit of a puzzle himself. They are at odds immediately but begin to work together as the book progresses. Faucon learns about his position and the people under his jurisdiction. Edmund is his clerk and is keen on the letter of the law but sticks his nose in at awkward times and in awkward ways.
At least there is law, some written and some by tradition, that rules the shire, so the people have some protection. Faucon, with the help of others, picks up clues, makes observations, and mulls over various possibilities. He seems to act judiciously, but the reader is required to accept some of his intuition and conclusions without solid justification. Even so, what happens is reasonable as explained/revealed in the text.
The secondary characters are of some interest. They are representative of mostly common folks of the age. Some relationships are revealed over time that give the story credence and lend new evidence. In my opinion, if you like a decent mystery without the hype of modern techniques, you will find the book pleasurable to read. Be aware there is a fair amount of description to give the reader a strong impression of what life for folks of the day was like in 12th century England.
June 23, 2021
Season of the Raven Earns 5/5 Miller’s Wheels...Engaging Page-Turner!
The story begins with “Michaelmas,” and a first-person narrative by an unnamed figure recounting their part in the death of a young girl. Who they are is left unknown, but whets one’s interest for more...be patient.
Five years ago Sir Faucon de Ramis left for the Holy Lands with King Richard, and now, he has returned and curious why he has been summoned by his uncle, Bishop William of Hereford. Encouraged to discover his situation as second son of the de Vere family has improved, the arrangements made between his uncle and a nobleman/half-relative appointing him Keeper of the Pleas may turn problematic. He’ll receive an annual income from Blacklea Village and the Priory of St. Radegund, but his responsibilities for the staff and upkeep of the home is his to pay, and unfortunately, to avoid any corruption, the position as “servant to the crown” has no compensation. He will record judgements for collection by the sheriffs, hold inquests, gather jurists to confirm findings, and discover and note details of all foul acts like murder, but whether finding the culprit is part of his purview is up for interpretation. However, he isn’t allowed a full night’s rest before his services are required at the mill. Halbert Miller is found lodged under the millwheel...death by misadventure seems obvious, but looks, as they say, are deceiving. Sir Crowner, as Faucon is now dubbed, uses his skill and that of Brother Colin to determine first impressions are false and the death is murder. But, as the killer may have intended, clues are hidden and connections need ferreting, and dealing with Brother Edmund may be Faucon’s greatest impediment.
Denise Domning has created a fascinating tale in “Season of the Raven,” the first book in her A Servant of the Crown series, making me an eager fan. Her writing style is engaging, rich in the cadence of the twelfth century, illustrating the medieval society with its class struggles along with the process under which justice is served, includes vivid images of the mill, the priory, and the surrounding area along with the various personalities, and enriching a compelling mystery with secrets, suspects, and subterfuge all well exposed at the end for a “Wow” conclusion. At first, I worried the prologue-type intro “Michaelmas” was lost to the drama, but my patience was well rewarded with a delightful cliffhanger. Sir Faucon, despite being hardened by battle, has an intuitive and compassionate manner, yet he commands others to respect him and know their place, like Brother Edmund whose smug, impertinent manner is made more taxing by his staunch adherence to rules. Yet despite the lack of a verbal filter, Brother Edmund knows the protocols to follow making him invaluable. Brother Colin’s skill proves most fortuitous since his work at an abbey infirmary provided him the expertise in recognizing patterns in the body’s reaction to all sorts of manner of death; acting much like a forensic scientist, he reminds me, along with his quiet manner, of Peter Ellis’ Brother Cadfael. I hope he is a reoccurring figure. The role of women is limited to wife and care giver, but Domning does portray well strong women in the image of the wives, sisters, and the alewife. This book just made my favorites for 2021!
The story begins with “Michaelmas,” and a first-person narrative by an unnamed figure recounting their part in the death of a young girl. Who they are is left unknown, but whets one’s interest for more...be patient.
Five years ago Sir Faucon de Ramis left for the Holy Lands with King Richard, and now, he has returned and curious why he has been summoned by his uncle, Bishop William of Hereford. Encouraged to discover his situation as second son of the de Vere family has improved, the arrangements made between his uncle and a nobleman/half-relative appointing him Keeper of the Pleas may turn problematic. He’ll receive an annual income from Blacklea Village and the Priory of St. Radegund, but his responsibilities for the staff and upkeep of the home is his to pay, and unfortunately, to avoid any corruption, the position as “servant to the crown” has no compensation. He will record judgements for collection by the sheriffs, hold inquests, gather jurists to confirm findings, and discover and note details of all foul acts like murder, but whether finding the culprit is part of his purview is up for interpretation. However, he isn’t allowed a full night’s rest before his services are required at the mill. Halbert Miller is found lodged under the millwheel...death by misadventure seems obvious, but looks, as they say, are deceiving. Sir Crowner, as Faucon is now dubbed, uses his skill and that of Brother Colin to determine first impressions are false and the death is murder. But, as the killer may have intended, clues are hidden and connections need ferreting, and dealing with Brother Edmund may be Faucon’s greatest impediment.
Denise Domning has created a fascinating tale in “Season of the Raven,” the first book in her A Servant of the Crown series, making me an eager fan. Her writing style is engaging, rich in the cadence of the twelfth century, illustrating the medieval society with its class struggles along with the process under which justice is served, includes vivid images of the mill, the priory, and the surrounding area along with the various personalities, and enriching a compelling mystery with secrets, suspects, and subterfuge all well exposed at the end for a “Wow” conclusion. At first, I worried the prologue-type intro “Michaelmas” was lost to the drama, but my patience was well rewarded with a delightful cliffhanger. Sir Faucon, despite being hardened by battle, has an intuitive and compassionate manner, yet he commands others to respect him and know their place, like Brother Edmund whose smug, impertinent manner is made more taxing by his staunch adherence to rules. Yet despite the lack of a verbal filter, Brother Edmund knows the protocols to follow making him invaluable. Brother Colin’s skill proves most fortuitous since his work at an abbey infirmary provided him the expertise in recognizing patterns in the body’s reaction to all sorts of manner of death; acting much like a forensic scientist, he reminds me, along with his quiet manner, of Peter Ellis’ Brother Cadfael. I hope he is a reoccurring figure. The role of women is limited to wife and care giver, but Domning does portray well strong women in the image of the wives, sisters, and the alewife. This book just made my favorites for 2021!
February 23, 2024
Book #: 17
Title: Season of the Raven
Author: Denise Domning
Series: Servant of the Crown Mystery #1
Format: 287 pages, Kindle Edition, own
Pub Date: First published January 21, 2014
Started: 2/21/24 Ended: 2/23/24
Awards: none
Categories:
PS16 A book set 24 years before you were born; PS27 A book where someone dies in the first chapter; GR6 A book with wings on the cover; GR9 A book with fewer than 2024 ratings on Goodreads (1813); GR10 A history or historical fiction book; GR12 A book that has been on your TBR for over a year; GR37 A book that is part of a series; CCLS1 A Book by an Author You've Never Read Before; CCLS32 A Book by a Female Author; CCLS35 A Mystery; First Book in a Series;
Rating: ***** five out of five stars
Sir Faucon de Ramis, a retired crusader, has been appointed Keeper of the Pleas (a circuit court judge) and Crowner (a representative of the Crown from which the word Coroner is derived.) the first for the village of Priors Holston. When a miller is found dead under his wheel, it looks like a simple case of drowning after passing out drunk. But when Faucon, with the aid of several monks from the monastery, pull his body from the water, he discovers there's no water in the dead man's lungs and the cause of death is a hole in chest caused by a long pointed weapon. It's murder made to look like an accidentand Faucon is in danger for having exposed the hoax.
Edith Pargeter wrote a medieval mystery series called "The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael" starting with "A Morbid Taste for Bones" in 1977, and ending with "Brother Cadfael's Penance" published in 1994 shortly before her death in 1995. I greatly enjoyed the series, and while I've read other medieval mystery series since, nothing has compared to Cadfael until now. Denise does an excellent job of world building and there are long arcs through the series as well as satisfactory conclusion to the murder. I've already started reading the second book in the series.
Title: Season of the Raven
Author: Denise Domning
Series: Servant of the Crown Mystery #1
Format: 287 pages, Kindle Edition, own
Pub Date: First published January 21, 2014
Started: 2/21/24 Ended: 2/23/24
Awards: none
Categories:
PS16 A book set 24 years before you were born; PS27 A book where someone dies in the first chapter; GR6 A book with wings on the cover; GR9 A book with fewer than 2024 ratings on Goodreads (1813); GR10 A history or historical fiction book; GR12 A book that has been on your TBR for over a year; GR37 A book that is part of a series; CCLS1 A Book by an Author You've Never Read Before; CCLS32 A Book by a Female Author; CCLS35 A Mystery; First Book in a Series;
Rating: ***** five out of five stars
Sir Faucon de Ramis, a retired crusader, has been appointed Keeper of the Pleas (a circuit court judge) and Crowner (a representative of the Crown from which the word Coroner is derived.) the first for the village of Priors Holston. When a miller is found dead under his wheel, it looks like a simple case of drowning after passing out drunk. But when Faucon, with the aid of several monks from the monastery, pull his body from the water, he discovers there's no water in the dead man's lungs and the cause of death is a hole in chest caused by a long pointed weapon. It's murder made to look like an accidentand Faucon is in danger for having exposed the hoax.
Edith Pargeter wrote a medieval mystery series called "The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael" starting with "A Morbid Taste for Bones" in 1977, and ending with "Brother Cadfael's Penance" published in 1994 shortly before her death in 1995. I greatly enjoyed the series, and while I've read other medieval mystery series since, nothing has compared to Cadfael until now. Denise does an excellent job of world building and there are long arcs through the series as well as satisfactory conclusion to the murder. I've already started reading the second book in the series.
July 1, 2019
This is a very enjoyable medieval murder mystery set in the late 12th century. Sir Faucon, recently returned from the Crusades, is given a newly created job for his shire: Keeper of the Pleas, otherwise known as a Crowner. We learn about the new position with him, and as some of the description is murky, we join him as he figures it out. Essentially, his job is to make sure that any money due as tax to the Crown upon the death of someone is paid, and if there is a murder committed, he must deduce who owes the tax in this case which goes to the estate of whomever committed the crime. This is a sort of royal safeguard against the sheriff keeping such takings for himself. The current sheriff, then, is set up as a sort of nemesis, and since he is corrupt and powerful, as Faucon figures out how to go forward figuring out who committed crimes, he must deal with this threat as well.
The author knows her history and one learns while reading in an enjoyable fashion. The Crowner has a temperamental assistant, Brother Edmund, who is ordered by the powerful bishop to aid him as a penance. He complains a lot, and seems to be obsessive compulsive about having everything organized (which must be hard in the world in which he lives!). He provides some comedy relief as the plot advances, and his character is given some room to grow. A more interesting supporting character, Brother Colin, is an elderly herbalist who also delights in logical conundrums and has keen detective skills too.
This opening book in the series has a great first focus: a miller found dead, stuck in his turning gristmill as it submerges. But who did it--and how did he actually die?
The author knows her history and one learns while reading in an enjoyable fashion. The Crowner has a temperamental assistant, Brother Edmund, who is ordered by the powerful bishop to aid him as a penance. He complains a lot, and seems to be obsessive compulsive about having everything organized (which must be hard in the world in which he lives!). He provides some comedy relief as the plot advances, and his character is given some room to grow. A more interesting supporting character, Brother Colin, is an elderly herbalist who also delights in logical conundrums and has keen detective skills too.
This opening book in the series has a great first focus: a miller found dead, stuck in his turning gristmill as it submerges. But who did it--and how did he actually die?
November 17, 2017
As a writer of historical mysteries I recently discovered these three novels and was instantly engaged with the unique author voice and style of writing. The research is impeccable, well apart from King Richard being referred to as His Majesty, which was not used until much later, but that’s a minor criticism as the author weaves historical details, descriptions and points of medieval law into the narrative beautifully.
Faucon de Ramis, a young ex-soldier looking for a purpose is nominated by his wealthy uncle into the post or Coronari – Keeper of The Pleas – a post similar to that of a coroner who examines the bodies and determines cause of death. However our hero is quickly drawn in to the villagers lives and sets out to find the killers too – with some help from a supercilious monk called Edmund whose adherence to protocol is frustrating but essential.
I was fascinated by the law that said the wheel that ended a man’s life must be instilled with sin [deodand] as is therefore forfeited to God and had to be given to the church: an act which would ruin the miller’s successor as without a wheel he could not grind the grain. I looked up this English common law of the 11th century which was not abolished until 1846.
Faucon de Ramis, a young ex-soldier looking for a purpose is nominated by his wealthy uncle into the post or Coronari – Keeper of The Pleas – a post similar to that of a coroner who examines the bodies and determines cause of death. However our hero is quickly drawn in to the villagers lives and sets out to find the killers too – with some help from a supercilious monk called Edmund whose adherence to protocol is frustrating but essential.
I was fascinated by the law that said the wheel that ended a man’s life must be instilled with sin [deodand] as is therefore forfeited to God and had to be given to the church: an act which would ruin the miller’s successor as without a wheel he could not grind the grain. I looked up this English common law of the 11th century which was not abolished until 1846.
September 2, 2018
This is a neat little mystery set in the reign of Richard the Lionheart, charting the origin of the coroner system.
Sir Faucon de Ramis, a second son with few prospects, is unexpectedly elevated to the new role of Keeper of the Pleas for his shire. His new job is to record unnatural deaths and take a share of the killer's estate for the Crown. However, Faucon, driven by the thrill of the chase, takes his duties a step further by hunting down the murderer.
Faucon is the hero of this tale, strong and honest, tenacious and determined. He's the ideal person to hold this new office. He's aided and abetted by his clerk, the proper and precise Brother Edmund, a monk who feels his role as clerk to Faucon is a penance he must endure. However, despite their differences, the two men begin to form a relationship, each bringing different qualities to the new process they're implementing.
The world of the late 12th century is well drawn and described. The methods and techniques the characters use for confirming the nature of death and following the evidence trail are convincing for the time period.
I liked this story of medieval murder investigation and it set up both an arc and characters I'd like to read about again.
Sir Faucon de Ramis, a second son with few prospects, is unexpectedly elevated to the new role of Keeper of the Pleas for his shire. His new job is to record unnatural deaths and take a share of the killer's estate for the Crown. However, Faucon, driven by the thrill of the chase, takes his duties a step further by hunting down the murderer.
Faucon is the hero of this tale, strong and honest, tenacious and determined. He's the ideal person to hold this new office. He's aided and abetted by his clerk, the proper and precise Brother Edmund, a monk who feels his role as clerk to Faucon is a penance he must endure. However, despite their differences, the two men begin to form a relationship, each bringing different qualities to the new process they're implementing.
The world of the late 12th century is well drawn and described. The methods and techniques the characters use for confirming the nature of death and following the evidence trail are convincing for the time period.
I liked this story of medieval murder investigation and it set up both an arc and characters I'd like to read about again.
September 24, 2018
I had not read a mystery this old. 12th century. I learned so much of where our current legal practice comes from in old English Law. The author is a great historian and storyteller. You could see the protagonist. Faucon, learning the law as well as how to investigate a death. Nothing felt planted but rather fell logically included. Like the monk who treated people with herbs and how practical experience in how to tell what people died of and even how. He educated the new Coroner in the ways of investigation. Faucon's inquisitiveness and even insight also were introduced in a way to made sense. he was a good tracker of animals and reading signs of where the animal was t4elling a story. He read the clues the same way.
Also, the details of the homes and how they looked was very well told. I could 'see' the space being described and how they told the class. The characters were well drawn and the murder was unfolding in my own mind as it did in Faucon's mind. Not too fast or too slow. About as many clues as I could absorb at the right pace. But also no giveaways in advance as he figured it ou.
Was a rich and education story wrapped up in great storytelling. Now on to book #2 with Donming.
Also, the details of the homes and how they looked was very well told. I could 'see' the space being described and how they told the class. The characters were well drawn and the murder was unfolding in my own mind as it did in Faucon's mind. Not too fast or too slow. About as many clues as I could absorb at the right pace. But also no giveaways in advance as he figured it ou.
Was a rich and education story wrapped up in great storytelling. Now on to book #2 with Donming.
January 3, 2019
Glorious!
Marvelously plotted, skillfully written, and free of anachronism, i.e., well-researched. The protagonist is a young veteran of the Crusades, a member of the lower ranks of the nobility. A second son, he is offered a position by his uncle which offers him more money than he could otherwise hope to gain. This position is that of what would become known as the coroner, the first investigator of murders. He swears his fealty to his uncle, arrives at the new residence which comes with the position, and the very next day is called to his first murder.
This is a lovely cross between Brother Cadfael and the slow-paced police procedurals written by Colin Wilson. The crime is solved, more or less, with the overarching villain being implicated.
But it's a long way between cup and lip, owing to the villain's superior social status, and so I am looking forward to the next three books in the series. It's always entertaining to see an over-privileged bastard get his.
I don't often encounter a modern writer whose fictional voice is so polished, so flawless in execution. I'm very excited by having been introduced to Denise Domning, and I'm really glad that there are three more books to read in this series!
Marvelously plotted, skillfully written, and free of anachronism, i.e., well-researched. The protagonist is a young veteran of the Crusades, a member of the lower ranks of the nobility. A second son, he is offered a position by his uncle which offers him more money than he could otherwise hope to gain. This position is that of what would become known as the coroner, the first investigator of murders. He swears his fealty to his uncle, arrives at the new residence which comes with the position, and the very next day is called to his first murder.
This is a lovely cross between Brother Cadfael and the slow-paced police procedurals written by Colin Wilson. The crime is solved, more or less, with the overarching villain being implicated.
But it's a long way between cup and lip, owing to the villain's superior social status, and so I am looking forward to the next three books in the series. It's always entertaining to see an over-privileged bastard get his.
I don't often encounter a modern writer whose fictional voice is so polished, so flawless in execution. I'm very excited by having been introduced to Denise Domning, and I'm really glad that there are three more books to read in this series!
March 22, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and its taking me back to the Middle Ages in England.
This is not quite as good as The Name of the Rose by Umberto Ecco, but it filled any hankering I have had of being transported to that period of history. Even though Richard Lionheart and his mother Eleanor of Acquitane are mentioned, I wish there had been more of that back story to set us firmly in this historic period. No mention of his youngest brother, despicable John Lackland, but maybe this is before his taking over the English throne because Richard wasn't interested.
Using olde English words is, in my way of thinking, an added treat. However, there is a discrepancy in the description of floors or storeys as they pertain to certain buildings and where the door is located. I was so ensconced in England during this reading that I found it a bit startling. When we Americans say the second floor, the British understand it as their third floor. Our first floor being their ground floor and the next story up being their first floor. I had to assume the author meant the second floor was in the American usage; otherwise, it would be Britain's first floor.
In spite of this little anomaly, I will be looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
This is not quite as good as The Name of the Rose by Umberto Ecco, but it filled any hankering I have had of being transported to that period of history. Even though Richard Lionheart and his mother Eleanor of Acquitane are mentioned, I wish there had been more of that back story to set us firmly in this historic period. No mention of his youngest brother, despicable John Lackland, but maybe this is before his taking over the English throne because Richard wasn't interested.
Using olde English words is, in my way of thinking, an added treat. However, there is a discrepancy in the description of floors or storeys as they pertain to certain buildings and where the door is located. I was so ensconced in England during this reading that I found it a bit startling. When we Americans say the second floor, the British understand it as their third floor. Our first floor being their ground floor and the next story up being their first floor. I had to assume the author meant the second floor was in the American usage; otherwise, it would be Britain's first floor.
In spite of this little anomaly, I will be looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
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