Rating:***

Summary: While Ralph and Gervase are traveling to their next assignment in Maldon, they save two nuns from an ambush. The men who ambushed them were not mere footpads, but trained professionals, which leads Gervase to believe these nuns are carrying something of great importance. When they arrive at Maldon, They learn of the murder of Guy FitzCorbucion, eldest son of the powerful Hamo FitzCorbucion. Not very many people grieve over his death. The FitzCorbucion family has bullied people out of land and into silence for a long time. Despite the apathy towards the murder, our favorite comissioners think they should investigate to save an innocent boy accused of the crime.

    This really brings out the tension between the Saxons and Normans. It's always interesting to watch the winners and losers, especially on such a grand scale. In this case, the Saxons do have very good reason for hating their Norman overlord. As for the mystery part, it measures up. I mean, what's more fascinating than the idea of a huge secret in as holy and tight-knit place as a nunnery? Written by: Lava