1394 and the weather around Meaux is wet. Flood waters are encroaching on the arable land and it is predicted to only get worse. Hildegard is tasked with maintaining discipline over some unruly novices but her work is halted when in short succession a stranger arrives claiming to be chased by an assassin and then a member of the workforce from the priory is found murdered. As the weather closes in, can Hildegard get justice.
This appears to the be the final volume in what has been a solid and entertaining series. The research is excellent and generally the plots are strong enough in a crowded genre. I have to admit that the on/off state of Hildegard's 'love life' is somewhat annoying (should she even have one?) but it appears settled here. I did love the idea of the setting being a area that was dangerously flooded, a nice twist. ( )

Medieval mystery at it’s best.

1394—the religious sector and the secular world have their problems. As Hildeguard puts forth, a “schism caused by two men claiming to be the true pope is a contagion. And even our own realm is riven in twain. At least two of our barons see themselves as king in place of their young nephew.” And it seems a catastrophic flood is about to engulf the area that includes Swyne Priory, Haltemprice Priory, and the Abbey of Meaux, or so Josiana the mathematically knowledgeable novice has decided. She’s done all her calculations.
Josiana goes to to Haltemprice to return an astrolabe she’s been using. She fails to return and Hildegard cannot find her, nor the serving girl who went with her. The girl will be discovered down in the salt marsh, the saltings, dead.
A stranger turns up during the night looking for sanctuary and succour with wild tales of being pursued by an assassin. At first Hildegard wonders if he’s killed Lydia. His identity is unknown except he claims to be a minstrel for King Richard, and have witnessed something that had him fearing for his life.
Troublesome novices twin sisters, Bella and Rogella, beguile a young priest. One sister and the priest go missing. But which one? What’s going on here?
All throughout the flood waters threaten lives and property.
Add to this, Hubert is stricken by some sort of burden, refusing to see anyone. Hildegard confronts him and is treated coldly as though by a stranger. His men at arms and Hildegard’s are worried.
The Prioress has told Hildegard that she’s considering naming Hildegard her successor. What of the unspoken plans hinted at between Hildegard and Hubert, lord abbot of Meaux, not so long ago?
A wonderful medieval novel replete with intrigue and conflict, including in the ordinary lives of those within the church, still struggling with their humanity.

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change ( )