Spring 1261.

In Rome, Pope Alexander lies dying. Across Europe, in Oxford’s Oseney Abbey, ambitious Bishop Otho is already positioning himself as successor.

Almost immediately, a student protest against the greed of the Church spirals out of control and the bishop’s brother is killed.

Everyone assumes the fatal arrow is meant for the bishop himself. The protesters are swiftly accused of murder and imprisoned in an Oxford gaol.

But with no motive, William Falconer can’t believe his students would do such a thing.

The next day the prime suspect is found hanging in his cell. Now Falconer knows there’s more to this than a case of mistaken identity.

With his trusted friend, and town constable, Peter Bullock, Falconer must use his famed logic to solve a murderous riddle.

Who is the real killer? And who is the real target?

Falconer’s investigations turn up a plot that extends far beyond the walls of Oxford — and puts him directly into the killer’s range.

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.