Returning from their pilgrimage in Spain, Sir Baldwin Furnshill and his friend Bailiff Simon Puttock become separated during a pirate attack that shipwrecked them on the bleak, scattered islands of The Scillies (off the South West British coast) in 1323. When "rescued" by the master of the islands, Ranulph de Blancminster, Simon is drawn into the investigation of the death of the local tax collector. The sword of his friend, Sir Baldwin, is found near the body. So he must find his friend, search for a murderer and dodge between the bitter rivalry of the lord of the isles and the church.
Michael Jecks demonstrates a detailed and vivid portrait of South West Britain during the turbulent times of King Edward II. His details of life in the middle ages are informative and interesting. | ||
Plot & Themes How difficult to spot villain? - Difficult, but some clues given Time/era of story: What % of story relates directly to the mystery, not the subplot? - 60% Kind of investigator Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Any non-mystery subplot? descript. of violence and chases - 20 % Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30 % How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 20 % Crime Thriller Yes Murder Mystery (killer unknown) Yes Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 40's-50's Ethnicity/Race Main Adversary Identity: - Male Setting Island? Yes Island: - Atlantic Ocean Island Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment Explicit sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |