The Manor of Death

By: Bernard Knight

Narrated by: Paul Matthews

When a body is discovered in the harbour town of Axmouth, Sir John de Wolfe, the county coroner, is summoned to investigate.

The manner of the young man's death is a matter of some dispute - but, as Sir John soon discovers, it was no accident. The victim did not drown, as the manor reeve alleges, but was strangled. In the ensuing investigation, Sir John is frustrated by what appears to be a conspiracy of silence among the seamen and townsfolk. Just what is the local population trying to hide?

As Crowner John is to learn, there are many inhabitants of Axmouth who will go to any lengths to ensure the shocking truth remains hidden...

©2008 Bernard Knight (P)2008 WF Howes Ltd

Crowner John mysteries the best

The Crowner John mysteries are the best if you like 12the and Early 13th Century Medievel England. They are really great. You get a real feel for life in those time and the books are filled with a real depth of character and period detail. The plots are drawn from the archives of Exeter so there is a great deal of versimilitude about them. Paul Matthews is a great reader who lends uniqueness to every character.

Very Good

This is the first book in the series that I have read. The characters are expertly drawn. The plot was intriguing, and held my attention throughout. I will continue with the books.

Good Medievil Mystery

If you are a fan of the medieval mystery book then Bernard Knight is right up your alley. I have all of them and this one, like the others doesn't disappoint.

The characters are rich and you often want to grab them and shake them when they are being obtuse or stupid just as you would if they were people that you actually knew.

Sir John de Wolfe, aka Crowner John is by now one of my favorite characters and I look forward to the next chapter in his life with great anticipation. Gwynn and poor Thomas are also engaging. I look forward to knowing more about them.

The neglect of England under the great warrior but lousy King Richard the Lionheart also comes to life under Knight's writing.

Always learn something from Crowner John

No matter how I feel about a Crowner John story, I always learn something. In this case, the story centers around the shipping business from a port near Exeter. This book is not where to start, however, if you are just discovering the series. One of the issues I have with Knight's stories is that he repeats some facts about the characters over and over. In the The Manor of Death, the repetitions began to wear on me. I realize that any of the books in the series could be read as a stand alone and it is important to have some backstory on characters, but in this book it bothered me, in particular because it is so late in the series and some continuing story lines have been resolved. In fact, there seemed to be a few paragraphs reused from another book (I have been listening to them all a second time). It did take away from my enjoyment of the story.

Excellent!

Great period detail, an interesting mystery, and more details about the life of Sir John. What more can you ask for?

Black John is my hero

I really enjoy Bernard Knight. When I finish a new chapter in the life of Sir John DeWolfe I become anxious until start the next installment.
The recorded episode was a pleasure. I can now read the remaining sagas with some idea of how all the characters voices sound.
I'm a fan of historical fiction especially of England during the period set for Sir John DeWolfe and his group of characters.