After a departure in the last novel (The Witch Hunter, also reviewed on this site) Knight is back with a real whodunit. That doesn't mean that the rest of the story takes a back seat, and I always enjoy the way this particular series rises above being a mere murder investigation. Thomas de Peyne is anxious to be reinstated as a priest, Exeter has a new sheriff, and Matilda wants to go on vacation among other things. As ever, there is a good teasing plot to unravel, along with plenty of authentic-seeming history and local color. If the theme of the last book was how easily a witch mania can arise, coupled with the colourful and deadly politics of the time, this one shows how absolutely a lord ruled his subjects. At times it does seem a little too squalid, and certainly a look at the history books might show that peasants had an even worse deal in later centuries, but the overall mood seems real enough. Sit back and enjoy this one - police procedural mixed with superior soap opera and historical documentary all in one!