The Queen's Man: A Medieval Mystery - Hardcover

Penman, Sharon Kay

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 080503885X ISBN 13: 9780805038859

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co, 1996

Synopsis

In England in 1193, a dying man gives Justin de Quincy a letter that must be delivered to Eleanor of Aquitaine, a letter that tells the Queen if her son, Richard Lionheart, is living or dead. 35,000 first printing. $30,000 ad/promo.

About this title

Reviews

The first in a series of medieval mysteries by an author well known for her historical novels (When Christ and His Saints Slept, 1995, etc.) introduces 20ish Justin de Quincy, a foundling who's just discovered that his father is the Bishop of Chester. The Bishop, in the guise of charity, has overseen Justin's education and insured his welfare, but he refuses to acknowledge their relationship. Stunned and furious, Justin flees. On the road to London he comes across a pair of cutthroats and the Winchester goldsmith they've left to die--Gervase Fitz Randolph, who begs Justin to deliver a letter, hidden on his person, to Queen Eleanor in London. All England is talking about the disappearance of King Richard, the Queen's son, in the aftermath of his failed campaign to take the Holy Land, and of the scheming of his younger brother John to become king--with help, perhaps, from King Philip of France. The letter, delivered by Justin after much travail, is disquieting, but at least it reassures the Queen that Richard is sill alive. There are reasons to believe that someone had hired Randolph's killers to retrieve the letter, and the Queen commissions Justin to find out that person's identity. The search involves myriad helpers--from Luke de Marston, the undersheriff of Hampshire, and Sergeant Jonas of London's constabulary, to the denizens of Gracechurch Street, where feisty Nell runs an alehouse. It's a long haul, crowned with ironic success. A graceful style, plus a plot rich in local color, puts this among the most attractive by far of the recent spate of mysteries set in medieval times. -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

YA. Who killed the goldsmith on the Winchester road? And why? Justin deQuincy, bastard son of a bishop who refuses to acknowledge him, finds a letter to the queen on the dead man's body and takes it to Eleanor of Aquitaine, who is holding the English throne for her son Richard Lionheart. The letter brings the news that Richard is alive, but imprisoned by the Holy Roman Emperor. So that she may find out which of her enemies also has the news, Eleanor asks Justin to investigate the murder, and he becomes the queen's man. His adventures in London and Winchester provide the excitement here. Penman brings to her story the same eye for detail and engaging characters she demonstrated in her larger works, such as The Sunne in Splendour (Ballantine, 1990) and Here Be Dragons (Avon, 1987). YAs will find this an intriguing mystery with a realistic ending and, at the same time, will get a colorful picture of 12th-century England and its people, from commoners to royalty.?Molly Connally, Kings Park Library, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

It's 1193. In a bleak and bitterly cold England, King Richard, on his way back from the crusades, has been missing for two months, and his ruthless brother John is scheming for the throne. Penman (Here Be Dragons) sets this energetic and adroitly plotted series launch within this historical framework, giving Justin de Quincy, the well-educated but illegitimate son of a bishop, a chance to save England. Justin is too late to aid a goldsmith murdered by thieves, but he does take the wealthy man's hidden letters to their destination: the Queen mother, Eleanor. Of course, he reads them first and discovers that King Richard, with the connivance of the French king, is being held prisoner in Austria. The Queen appoints Justin as her chief investigator into the goldsmith's murder, giving him money, carte blanche and dire warnings as to the need for secrecy. Justin?comely, courageous and shrewd?quickly befriends a wide array of sheriffs, doxies and wenches, and flits from palace to alehouse to brothel ferreting out plots and conspiracies. The sounds of swordplay and bodices being ripped are loud and frequent. The accomplished author of historical novels employs some stereotypical characters (if he sneers, he's a villain) and much cliched prose ("...her mouth as soft and ripe as Summer strawberries"), yet Justin is so beguiling and, the action so lively and unpredictable, that readers will cheer Justin's return in further adventures.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Known for historical fiction, Penman here adds a mystery element to her usual fare. The story is set in 1193, when Richard the Lionhearted and Eleanor of Aquitane ruled Britain. Coming upon a brutal roadside attack, young Justin de Quincy successfully drives away the assailants but not before one of the victims, a wealthy goldsmith called Gervase Fitz Randolph, dies. Fitz Randolph was on his way to the royal court, carrying a letter with the news that King Richard has been captured. Justin delivers the letter and is stunned when Eleanor begs him to find Fitz Randolph's killer. So begins a multilayered plot filled with political machinations. Even readers who find medieval history sleep-inducing will be caught up in this masterfully told tale. Penman's authentic period details, larger-than-life characters, and fast-paced plot add up to great reading for both mystery fans and history buffs. Emily Melton

Penman here applies to mystery her talent for historical fiction, last seen in When Christ and His Saints Slept (LJ 4/1/95). In the troubled time of King Richard, his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, commissions Justin de Quincey, the bastard son of the bishop of Chester, to find the murderer of a goldsmith in her employ. Thus dunked into the dangerous waters of royal conspiracy, Justin defies one treachrous current after another. Well researched, credibly plotted, realistically detailed, and undeniably entertaining.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 080503885X
• ISBN 13: 9780805038859
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 291