Roger's on the road again!
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Kate Sedley's extensive series featuring Roger the Chapman seems to get better and better. Set in 15th century England, the crime-solving adventures of the erstwhile and charming young peddlar finds himself once again in the middle of another murder.
"The Prodigal Son" takes Roger on the road to Croxcombe Manor after he finds he's got a long-lost half-brother. Alas, it's not just a brotherly reunion! His brother has just been arrested for murder while visiting Bristol (where Roger and his family live). Roger undertakes to defend him and sets off to the scene of the crime, which supposedly happened some six years ago. Roger, of course, is convinced this is a case of mistaken identity!
Like Willie Nelson, Roger's on the road again and shortly winds up at his destination--only to find the Bellknapp family in great turmoil. The heir to the family estate has just returned after a years-long absence. Anthony (a true prodigal son) is not warmly welcomed as his own younger brother, spoiled lad that he is, had hopes of inheritance. Thus, the two brothers give the term "sibling rivalry" a sound definition, the love of money (and possessions) being the root of all evil!
Naturally, a murder must occur and the obnoxious Anthony is found dead floating in the estate moat. Roger knows that he has been sent to Croxcombe Manor for a purpose. Sedley strong writing hands take over as she weaves an intricate, sound case and it seems it will tax Roger's ability fully in order to unravel this one.
But Roger's up to it (he's always restless to get involved in such situations) and the reader is the winner. Sedley's penchant for period writing, strong prose style, attention to detail, and sound characterization make "The Prodigal Son" a read worth one's time.
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A Well Thought Out Plot
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Roger the Chapman is sitting in an inn in Bristol minding his own business, but intrigued by a young man who is moving around the patrons asking questions. The man looks familiar and Roger is soon to find out why. The young man is a half brother Roger never knew he had and the familiarity is because of the likeness to Roger's own father. No sooner have the two met than Roger gets news that his long lost brother has been locked up in the town jail accused of the brutal and savage murder of a young woman the wife of the steward at Croxcombe Manor, near Wells. The murder had taken place several years earlier, but the lady of the manor had spotted Roger's half brother and accused him on the spot. There is nothing or it but for Roger to set out to Croxcombe Manor, to try to unravel the mystery from the past and unless he can his new found brother will surely hang.
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