The Book of Fires

Starred review from January 21, 2013
Doherty’s gift for blending historical intrigue and brilliantly constructed, impossible crimes has never been better displayed than in his 12th whodunit featuring Brother Athelstan (after 2012’s Bloodstone). In 1381, England is controlled by its regent, John of Gaunt, uncle to the young Richard II. Gaunt’s authority is under assault from the shadowy Upright Men, who lead an organization known as the Great Community of the Realm. Amid this turmoil, the man of God and perceptive criminal investigator looks into a number of London murders, including a man somehow shot in the face by a crossbow in a locked room and the savage slaughter of an entire family. The reek of the filthy streets is almost palpable, and the vivid descriptions enhance a classic fair-play plot that will appeal to John Dickson Carr fans. With dozens of books to his credit, Doherty continues to impress. Agent: David Headley, David Headley Literary Agency (U.K.).

Starred review from November 3, 2014
Brother Athelstan has a miracle to puzzle over in Doherty’s superior 14th whodunit featuring the insightful medieval sleuth (after 2013’s Candle Flame). But before Athelstan can determine how a man was suddenly cured of horrific burns, he must stop a sadistic killer known as the Ignifer. The vengeful Ignifer appears to be using Greek fire to fatally roast those responsible for the execution of Lady Isolda Beaumont, who was burnt at the stake for poisoning her husband. Sir Walter Beaumont was an adventurer rumored to possess The Book of Fires, which contains the secret formula for a deadly weapon. After an attempt is made on the lives of Athelstan and the Lord High Coroner of London, the priest redoubles his efforts to crack the case. The clues are in plain sight, but only the cleverest readers will identify the Ignifer before Athelstan does. Agent: David Headley, David Headley Literary Agency (U.K.).