The Book of Fires

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.).