Relics and murder!
Once again Jack Tucker comes to the fore. Crispin Guest "the Tracker" is accused of murdering a woman and has been incarcerated in Newgate. Well, there's no denying Crispin was in her bed and he awoke to find her lying dead on the floor strangled. It's up to Jack to investigate the truth and to work towards his master being declared innocent. Things do not look good!
An interesting new character makes his debut, the attorney Nigellus. I am sure we will be seeing more of him in the future. He's a great addition to the menagerie that surrounds Crispin.
The cross dressing male whore John Rykener assists again. John and Jack have reached a new understanding.
And yes, another relic is at the root of the problem. This time the relic is a vial purporting to contain the Tears of the Virgin Mary. It is said to heal and yet cause pain and suffering to the owners in empathy for the burdened.
Two families are at odds over ownership of the tears. But will they engage in murder?
It seems though that other women are being strangled. A happenstance that relates to the case in hand.
Jack is hard put to help his master.
Meanwhile Gilbert's niece Isobel has come to reside at the tavern and Jack finds her much to his liking.
Once again we see a slice of history through Westerson's vigilant eyes. The workings of the medieval court, certainly different from today, is interestingly portrayed. The role of the prisoner and attorney in relation to whom can do what is very insightful.
Another fascinating addition to Crispin Guest's tales.
A NetGalley ARC
*****
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