Cathedral of Bones

Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mysteries, Book 1

By: J. G. Lewis

Narrated by: Madeleine Brolly

Salisbury, 1226

A young pregnant woman is found tangled in reeds in the river Avon, her identity a mystery. Grieving widow Ela Longespée is determined to succeed her husband as sheriff of Salisbury, and quickly takes charge of the investigation. She soon finds herself in the thick of a neighborhood scandal and a struggle to maintain her authority. With multiple suspects, can she identify the true killer?

©2019 J. G. Lewis (P)2020 J. G. Lewis

Second time, just as GOOD!

I am listening to this series for the second time around. When I am feeling stressed, I enjoy listening to a book series I have heard in the past. It feels like spending time with a friend, and is comforting. It also helps to take my mind off of stress, without having to follow a complicated story line, especially because I love mysteries.

Countess Ella of Salisbury is a Godly, kind hearted woman, as well as a good mother to her many children. Facing the recent passing of her beloved husband, William Longespée, she finds herself taking on the responsibilities of her late husband's duty as the King's Sherrif in Wiltsire. In this first novel of the series, Ella learns how to conduct crime investigations. Because she is a woman in medieval times, she isn't well respected in this "man's " roll. Ella has spirit and intends to be the sherrif until her oldest son, Will, reaches the age of majority to take over in his father's place. Ella helps to train her son in the role, while learning for herself. I appreciate that her character recognizes her weaknesses and faults, then tries to overcome them in the future. This shows a character arc throughout the series, which we all know is a huge part of the formula in writing a good story.

I feel like the author entwines some "feminist" ideas into the story. But they don't come out in a preachy way, and seem appropriate to the time in which the story takes place

Ella Longespée of Salisbury, a real historical figure in English history, is a long distant ancestor of J.G. Lewis - the author, which I feel gives a unique perspective to this book and to the series. I admire her passion in this writing project. It definitely comes through in her story telling.

The narrator, Madeleine Brolly gives a fantastic performance, helping to bring the story and characters to life. Madeleine Brolly has such a lovely and soothing voice.

If you are a fan of historical fiction and crime solving stories, I highly recommend this series!

13th Century Girl Power!

While the end feels a little hurried, the books lays out the story in an interesting and intriguing fashion. This is the first book so I don’t have a great feel for all of the characters yet, but I will continue to book two.

Creative story

Very creative way to base a work of fiction on a real person who lived so long ago. Well crafted plot and good use of period language. Great narration

Wonderfully written AND historically accurate!!!!

I’ve read a lot of history - mainly secondary and tertiary sources, and some primary sources as well. I used to read any and all historical fiction, but the more I read real history, the pickier I’ve become about the fiction.

I began this compelling story, keeping a grain of salt next to me at all times. As soon as I heard the name “William Longspee,” that grain went into my pocket for easy access, and to remind me to do some fact-checking. I was especially interested because I’m working on a non-fiction book and a part of it has to do with Henry III.

As I listened , I became more and more engrossed in the story. An intelligent, well-educated medieval woman solving a crime? Accurate details? Oh boy! I almost felt bad about my plans to fact check.

Before this book was finished, I searched and found 8 more books in this series! I can’t wait for January 21, when I get my next batch of credits

AND, to top everything off, the author’s note at the end of the book dissolved all doubts I had as to the existence of this Countess of Salisbury, Sheriff.

Entertaining medieval mystery

I enjoyed this take on a police procedural set in medieval England featuring a heroine based on a real historical character. Ela of Salisbury is a feminist ahead of her time. I very much like the fact that she is deferred to and respected by the other characters, mostly men, and that she shows intelligence, kindness, and a generosity of spirit. She takes command of her castle quickly and, in her role as sheriff, she energetically pursues the culprits and brings them to justice despite being in deep mourning over the loss of her husband. I look forward to the other novels in the series.