The First Murder: 8

Throughout the ages, a play is performed in many guises, but after each performance bad luck seems to follow after all those involved in its production

In Carmarthen, 1199, a sudden snowstorm in late December means that two parties of travelers are forced to abandon their journeys and take refuge in the bustling market town. Unfortunately, the two groups—one representing the Archbishop of Canterbury and one comprising canons from St. David's Cathedral—are bitter opponents in a dispute that has been raging for several months. When an enigmatic stranger appears and requests permission to stage a play which he claims will alleviate tensions and engender an atmosphere of seasonal harmony, the castle's constable, Sir Symon Cole, refuses on the grounds that encouraging large gatherings of angry people is likely to end in trouble. But his wife Gwenllian urges him to reconsider. At first, it appears she is right, and differences of opinions and resentments do seem to have been forgotten in the sudden anticipation of what promises to be some unique entertainment. Unfortunately, one of the Archbishop's envoys—the one chosen to play the role of Cain—dies inexplicably on the eve of the performance, and there is another "accident" at the castle, which claims the life of a mason.

Bernard Knight, a former Home Office pathologist, is the author of the acclaimed Crowner John series. Former police officer Susanna Gregory's novels feature Matthew Bartholomew, a C14th Cambridge physician. Karen Maitland is the author of the Sunday Times bestselling C14th mysteries Company of Liars and The Owl Killers. Philip Gooden writes Shakespearean murder mysteries. Ian Morson is the author of the Oxford-based Falconer series.