1268

A skeleton in the sand. An abbey full of fear. A killer with a deadly secret.

Falconer receives a message from an old friend and leaves Oxford for remote Furness Abbey in the north of England. As he crosses Lancaster Bay he witnesses a band of monks pulling a skeleton from the dangerous quicksand.

The body is identified as Brother John who disappeared 15 years earlier. But this was no accident. Falconer quickly establishes the dead monk was fatally stabbed.

Suspicion immediately falls on the abbot, but Falconer is convinced of his innocence.

Then another monk has his skull crushed in and Falconer realises he is looking for a ruthless killer who will go to any lengths to keep their deadly secret hidden.

Far from home Falconer must root out the killer within the abbey walls before he becomes the next victim.

MEET MASTER WILLIAM FALCONER

Regent Master of Aristotle’s Hall at the University of Oxford, William Falconer has a fascination for the obscure and an unusual interest in scientific experiments. He is considered an eccentric. Suffering from poor eyesight, he has been able to obtain eye-lenses — a cause of great wonder among the townsfolk. However, Falconer’s keen logic draws him into curious murder cases. Featuring real life medieval characters and situations, William Falconer is the original Oxford detective!

THE SETTING

The University of Oxford was established in the twelfth century and has always been a seat of learning. Supported by the church, scholars would challenge European ideology, inspiring scientific discoveries and advancements in the arts. But this quest for knowledge hid jealousy and rivalries. A large Jewish community and a town mistrusting of the University provided plenty of undercurrents. Perfect for William to investigate.

Fans of C.J. Sansom, Ellis Peters, S.J. Parris, Paul Doherty, Rory Clements and S.W. Perry will devour this gripping medieval mystery series.