The Huntsman's Tale

Oxford Medieval Mysteries, Volume 3

By: Ann Swinfen

Narrated by: Philip Battley

Oxford, late summer, 1353. On hearing that his cousin is short-handed for the harvest, Nicholas Elyot takes a group of friends back to the family farm to help. When a deer hunt in Wychwood ends in tragedy, suspicion is directed toward the huntsman, a boyhood friend of Nicholas. But the victim has made many other enemies, any one of whom could have shot the fatal arrow. Can Nicholas uncover the real killer before it is too late?

©2017 Ann Swinfen (P)2017 Ann Swinfen

Fictional yet Historical learning

The stories by Ann Swinfen Medieval detective like novels are ones I enjoyed immensely. I learn medieval history and a see a plot where interesting characters grow and interact in each proceeding novels. I call it my 2 for 1 novels.

Another Gem of a Mystery!

I’m addicted. It’s the only explanation for why I’ve already bought 2 books that come after this one. Oh, I plan to buy them all!

The author once again depicts accurately the lives of villagers living during the reign of Edward III. In fact, I just looked up two extinct breeds of hunting dogs that are part of this story and the one earlier. You learn many things new every day, it seems; and what a pleasant way to learn them!

I’m keeping this review short, because I’m more than ready to begin the next book in this series!

All I can say is, listen to them! Bye

Keep reading, it gets better after a while.

This begins very, very slowly. A lot of time is spent getting organized and traveling to the farm. I think the murder doesn't occur until halfway through the book. It doesn't help that the narrator speaks somewhat slowly, as if every sentence is important. I don't remember noting that in the previous book. The reader knows who's the killer before the hero does. But I enjoyed the descriptions of country life at the time, and learning something of the character's youthful history. And the scene at the very end was a surprise.

Excellent series! Great characters & history

I have really loved this series. The third book continues with characters you can like and villains you can hate, but still sympathize with as well. The flavor of the era is really unique and I feel like I am getting a history lesson in between a good mystery. This book ends with a twist and I found it to be thoroughly engaging and satisfying . On to book four!

Well told story with a few twists

This series continues to deliver. Although the mystery is not too difficult to figure out there are some rewarding twists. Also there are a lot of great details about medieval agriculture that bring the period alive.

Modern yet Medieval

Very engaging story and characters. I am eager for the next books. I enjoy reading these books because I feel I learn about history and enjoy a good story too.

Backstory keeps me interested

I have grown fond of the characters and that kept me interested. This particular story, however, seemed 20% mystery and 80% filler. It is a bit slow. But I personally enjoy the details and reflective narrative. I will try the next volume. Narrator is excellent with the characters.

Delightful

A well-written and intelligent addition to this satisfying series. I enjoy superior writing and well-developed characters with an interesting plot. Who doesn’t? This series delivers, especially this book.

Wonderful series

Characters are getting better and better. I’ve always enjoyed medieval history and Ann Swinfen’s Oxford series is one of my favorites.
Please try to read them in order and get on her email list as she gives lots of insight into life at that time.
I would have loved to have taken classes from her when she was still teaching!!

Love this series!

I’m really enjoying this series! The characters are well developed and Ann Swinfen breaks the mystery mold of — crime— investigation— solved and perpetrators brought to justice. I’m also learning a lot about medieval life and origins of some present day idioms. The narration is wonderful as well! A very pleasant tale!!!