1323 Events have lead Andrew Harclay, Earl of Carlisle to his death for treason, where he curses among others, King Edward II, who had also been cursed by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster a year earlier.
Then the first death occurs. Sir Richard Lee, Circuit Judge of the Northern Realm is sent by the King to investigate at Pontefract.
An entertaining and well-written historical novel with a likeable main character. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )

REVIEW

The Summoner’s Sins by Keith Moray
Sandal Castle Medieval Thrillers #2

In Book one of the series, I met Richard Lee, the king’s Circuit Judge of the Northern Realm. He is judge of crimes committed and determines the penalty the accused must pay. In book two we find him engaged to Wilhelmina, still traveling with his friend Hubert of Loxley, and this time on a mission for the king deaths occurring attributed to a curse and perhaps related sorcery. The story follows Richard on his trip as he pursues information and ultimate justice. Will he find out who is killing innocents and why or will he not?

What I liked:
* Richard: intelligent, honest, well informed in the law, lenient in some eyes, committed to making the law honest and even handed, competent soldier-and lethal, in love with his fiancé Wilhelmina.
* Hubert: husband, father, protector, enforcer, strong, determined, good friend, has a sense of humor, carver of toys for his son.
* The look into a time long past and being thankful I live today
* Thinking about the sorcery/witchcraft idea and how it related to the story/murders
* Watching Richard unravel the mystery
* The way clues are eked out slowly
* The ultimate unveiling of the riddle and how it was resolved

What I didn’t like:
* That punishment was so harsh and people so eager to see others treated harshly
* Being reminded of how horrible disease was in the past and how few cures there actually were

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in the series? Yes

Thank you to Sapere Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars ( )

Third in the Sandal Castle Mysteries, this one is set in Pontefract where there has been a series of murders, including the royal executioner. Are they connected to the curse of a traitor? It’s up to the Northern Circuit Judge, Sir Richard Lee, to find out.

This is an exciting historical thriller and a great addition to the series. I enjoy books which combine historical fact with fiction and I also enjoy books which are set in my home county, being a Yorkshire lass myself! It’s an entertaining mystery, easy to read with some engaging characters and some great villains. It’s well written and vividly depicted. I look forward to the next instalment. ( )