Cathedral of Bones

Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mysteries, Book 1

By: J. G. Lewis

Narrated by: Madeleine Brolly

Salisbury, 1226

A young pregnant woman is found tangled in reeds in the river Avon, her identity a mystery. Grieving widow Ela Longespée is determined to succeed her husband as sheriff of Salisbury, and quickly takes charge of the investigation. She soon finds herself in the thick of a neighborhood scandal and a struggle to maintain her authority. With multiple suspects, can she identify the true killer?

©2019 J. G. Lewis (P)2020 J. G. Lewis

13th Century Girl Power!

While the end feels a little hurried, the books lays out the story in an interesting and intriguing fashion. This is the first book so I don’t have a great feel for all of the characters yet, but I will continue to book two.

Solid, medieval mystery, a fine yarn

This is a solid, medieval mystery, with an admirable female lead. I enjoyed it, felt the plot was excellent, and the main character, and really, all characters, were very-well developed. I wasn't looking for perfection, just a solid story, and I got just that. I very much enjoyed the setting of Salisbury as it seems the setting is usually Oxford or London for this genre. The books was a top-notch narration, from Madeleine Brolly.

Is it a medieval murder mystery?

This is a decent murder mystery story but it feels like the author was trying to write a very modern story about two separate things. First it is a murder mystery that feels like it should be set in modern Scotland Yard but instead the author has made an effort to squeeze it into the the strictures of the medieval world. Secondly it is a story about how hard it must have been to be a woman in medieval England. All in all not bad but it didn't really grab me.

Wonderfully written AND historically accurate!!!!

I’ve read a lot of history - mainly secondary and tertiary sources, and some primary sources as well. I used to read any and all historical fiction, but the more I read real history, the pickier I’ve become about the fiction.

I began this compelling story, keeping a grain of salt next to me at all times. As soon as I heard the name “William Longspee,” that grain went into my pocket for easy access, and to remind me to do some fact-checking. I was especially interested because I’m working on a non-fiction book and a part of it has to do with Henry III.

As I listened , I became more and more engrossed in the story. An intelligent, well-educated medieval woman solving a crime? Accurate details? Oh boy! I almost felt bad about my plans to fact check.

Before this book was finished, I searched and found 8 more books in this series! I can’t wait for January 21, when I get my next batch of credits

AND, to top everything off, the author’s note at the end of the book dissolved all doubts I had as to the existence of this Countess of Salisbury, Sheriff.

Entertaining medieval mystery

I enjoyed this take on a police procedural set in medieval England featuring a heroine based on a real historical character. Ela of Salisbury is a feminist ahead of her time. I very much like the fact that she is deferred to and respected by the other characters, mostly men, and that she shows intelligence, kindness, and a generosity of spirit. She takes command of her castle quickly and, in her role as sheriff, she energetically pursues the culprits and brings them to justice despite being in deep mourning over the loss of her husband. I look forward to the other novels in the series.

Looking forward to more

This is my favorite genre of mysteries and am happy to make the acquaintance of a new sleuth based on historical characters. I found the story enjoyable but must admit that the outcome was a bit predictable for me and I had identified the murderer long before the protagonist did. I’m skeptical of some of the manner of thinking of some of the characters. That being noted, I am eager to listen to how the overarching story and characters develop in the second installment.

Enjoyable simple story

Compelling characters, but the story is not one to “binge”.
Slow and methodical, almost, I took frequent breaks to reemerge into the 21st century.
I’d not have faired well, personally, 800 years ago.

If you like Cadfael

A twisting story with varied & interesting characters. My only complaint is 21st century sensibilities seep into story.zq

enjoyable listening

really enjoyed reading this so much historical fiction book oh, actually really enjoyed listening to it the narrator was fabulous and so easy to listen to. I like the story and really liked the main character Ella. all in all a very good read oh, very good listen.

Enjoyable

I enjoyed it, and especially found it interesting that it’s based on a real person.