Rating: 
Summary: If you enjoy historical fiction, this novel won't disappoint
Review: This is the first novel I've read by Ms. Penman. I have to admit, I was intruiged by the cover, as well as the title. I do enjoy historical fiction, and this novel did not disappoint. Only after beginning to read this novel did I discover that it was second in a series, the first being The Queen's Man. The story is set in England of 1193, truly the 'Dark Ages'. Young Justin de Quincy, who happens to have Queen Eleanor's (the mother of the infamous John and the famous Richard the Lionhearted) ear is thrust into the center of courtly politics. Richard is missing, captured somewhere off in the Crusades, and Prince John is making dangerous a bid for power.This is not the only trouble Quincy is involved in, however. A poor young woman was brutally murdered in a graveyard late at night. Two well-to-do brothers are suspected of the crime, one who was romantically linked to the girl, and the other who wished he could have her favors. Quincy is called upon to help solve the murder and bring the killer to justice. Quincy must be a resourceful man, they don't call him 'The Queen's Man' for nothing, but can he solve this complicated crime? One of the most intriguing parts of the novel is just how law enforcement solves a murder in 1193 without fingerprints or crime-scene forensics.
Rating: 
Summary: Dissapointing!
Review: Wow. We had to read this book for 10th grade summer reading, and this is the most boring book I have ever read, and definately the worst attempt at writing a mystery.
Rating:
Summary: Keep writing, Sharon Penman!
Review: Young Justin de Quincy is an important man. He has the ear of Eleanor of Acquitane and therefore finds himself embroiled in her battle to appease her sons, missing King Richard the Lionheart and John who craves the throne. He has a mistress that he fears may be a spy and the respect of the common folk where he resides. When a young girl is found murdered at the local cemetary and two brothers are accused of hiding evidence it is to Justin that the community turns. Is one of the brothers responsible for her death? Sharon Penman once again has written a wonderful story, enlightening the Dark Ages with another fascinating read.
Rating:
Summary: Keep writing, Sharon Penman!
Review: Young Justin de Quincy is an important man. He has the ear of Eleanor of Acquitane and therefore finds himself embroiled in her battle to appease her sons, missing King Richard the Lionheart and John who craves the throne. He has a mistress that he fears may be a spy and the respect of the common folk where he resides. When a young girl is found murdered at the local cemetary and two brothers are accused of hiding evidence it is to Justin that the community turns. Is one of the brothers responsible for her death? Sharon Penman once again has written a wonderful story, enlightening the Dark Ages with another fascinating read.
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