Oxford, 1268.

“Make sure that Chimbai does not return alive from England. I repeat — Chimbai must die.”

The feared Tartar tribe from the East, has arrived in Oxford seeking an audience with King Henry of England.

William Falconer is among those chosen to represent the King and meet with Tartar leader Chimbai. But negotiations between the two camps disintegrate when Chimbai gives a terrifying display of magic.

He brings a dead man back to life.

The next day Chimbai, is found dead and someone has ensured he stays that way. He has been shot through the heart with an arrow.

Local police are convinced the killing is connected to bitter feuding in the Tartar camp. But every suspect has an alibi.

Then a friar in the King’s envoy is murdered and his body mutilated. A method only used in Tartar ritual killing. But despite the damning evidence William Falconer is not convinced of their guilt.

Falconer must delve deeper into the lives of the dead men to unmask a brutal murderer. But nothing is as it seems, and behind the smoke and mirrors the killer has one more victim in their sights . . .

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.