The Taming by Jude Deveraux

The Taming by Jude Deveraux

Liana Neville was the wealthiest heiress in medieval England. The most valiant knights tried to win her hand, but Liana vowed she would only settle for a spouse of her own choosing. As soon as she set eyes on Rogan Peregrine, she decided she would have no one other than him, much to her family's dismay. But Rogan was bound to a bitter family feud with the nearby Howards and had little to show for it other than his war-ravaged ancestral land. Liana, however, intends to completely upend Rogan's life, as well as that of the villagers and all those involved in the long-running feud. Cleaning up the castle in the meantime certainly wouldn't hurt.

384 pages. Book #1 in the Peregrine series.   

King's Gold (Knights Templar #30)

 King's Gold
by Michael Jecks

5 out of 5 stars

544 pages

Historical fiction at it's best. Michael Jecks draws the reader back into medieval times. As the year 1326 is ending London is in flames. King Edward II is a prisoner and his young son has been named King in his place. The Queen and her lover Sir Roger Mortimer are really in control as Mortimer serves as Reagent. The country is torn apart by supporters for both sides and what are the knights to do. They have sworn their allegiance to protect the king, but which one? Guarding the king on behalf of Mortimer, Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and bailiff Simon Puttock are entangled in a web of greed, conspiracy, betrayal and murder.

The Poisoned Chalice by Bernard Knight

"CSI-12th century" could be the subtitle of this book, as the main character, Crowner John, is the newly appointed Crowner, or Coroner, for the town of Exeter in southern England.  And there are unusual incidents to investigate - bodies found in connection with a shipwreck that show signs of injuries not conducive to drowning, and the rape and murder of two village maidens who have just reached the age for marriage.  Knight provides us with a variety of interesting characters and gives us a clear picture of the rough life of the 12th century.  He includes some plausible detective work on the Crowner's part, given the limitations of the available instruments. An enjoyable read.  388 pages.