Pilgrimage to Murder, A (A Brother Athelstan Medieval Mystery, 17) Hardcover – March 1, 2017

Another fine mystery/puzzle for Sir John and Friar Athelstan! I’m definitely immersed in these 14th Century stories. I’m only holding back one star because I get annoyed when an author forgets name of auxiliary characters, like Friar Athelstan’ me beloved brother Francis. In the first book, he was just Francis. Later in the series, he was Stephen… then he became Francis-Stephen, now he is Stephen-Francis. I feel petty to be annoyed at this but, each time it happens, I’m immediately pulled out of the story. And I like these stories, very much!

Friar Athelstan continues the follow up to the Great Revolt with a parish pilgrimage to Canterbury, with the usual assortment of character in tow. The narrative loses some intensity as the scene shifts away from the city of London and the south bank of the Thames. But the usual cast of villains is foiled.

Could not put it down! Doherty at his best

Probably my favorite author, my introduction to historical novels of the period, (no, it wasn't Elis Peter's Cadfael though I love that series) and that was 35 years ago and I'm still reading. I guess it says something that I have all of Paul Doherty's books regardless of series or one-offs. I "cheat" with others too but Brother Athelstan remains my favorite. May the series continue!!

Paul Doherty can weave a great mystery. Brother Athelstan is my favorite. He takes the most complex mysteries and unravels the truth. The stories give a flavor of life during the medieval period that places you into the story. This is a series that will not disappoint.

Doherty writes with authority about the historical period, setting up the mystery in reality. If you are familiar with the series, I hope you find the inclusion of the good work of Bonaventure as wonderful as I did. Such a lovely detail.

Interwoven mystery was very enjoyable though might be helpful to have read the earlier novels covering the Great Revolt. Reading for the second time.

One of the best of the series. Well plotted, vigerously tangled, interesting observations and many revelations. You can't go wrong - John sees to that!

Great thriller, good writting you never know until the end who the killer is. The cast of characters are always very interesting and gives a feeling of intimacy for the reader.

I still like the stories and the complex webs that are woven. Can't wait for the next installment to be available.

True "Doherty" medieval mystery. One of my favourite literary characters -- have them all and never find re-reads boring. I don't evenlend them - I might not get them back - very protective of Brother Athelstan.

never fails

This is one of the more disappointing books in the Brother Athelstan series from several aspects: the proof-reading is more lax than one would expect, with missing and wrong words and some very shaky grammar; the plot, while throwing up the occasional surprise, is predictable, and the identity of the main murderer fairly obvious from his first appearance. As all too often in the more recent books, the descriptions of street scenes and characters are trotted out almost by rote, contributing little, and suggesting mere padding to reach the required number of words. Having bought every book in this series, and having been enchanted by Brother Athelstan and his parishioners from the outset, I have begun to think that either the series has really reached its end, that the author is now churning out pot-boilers, or that he is spreading his talents too thinly to give any of his series the attention they used to receive and undoubtedly merit. Most telling for me is that I only bought this book a month after its publication date, have dipped into it on several occasions over the months, and had to finally almost force myself to finish it yesterday, 6 months later.