Many books are pure ruthless when basing them on murders but this book introduces elegance, history and mystery that will make you scared but wanting to turn the page. It's depth is brilliant and when the mystery is finally unravelled you become relieved that you know who the murderer is in it. Sir Hugh Corbett's character is witty but also dangerous he is the medieval version of an MI5 agent with all the secret seals and titles to along with the job. Ranulf, his sidekick is heavy handed and produces many funny moments his character is the same as Corbett's but much more impatient. When you begin to read this book its marvellous beginning enthrals you and takes you back in time to when knights fought battles and when kings ruled unconditionally. In typical Doherty style the book begins with the prologue (murder) but its context is deep and meaningful. Doherty is a brilliant author and combines fact with pure fiction. At the end you will be thinking of living in medieval England forever.