October, 1338. A great war has begun, one that will define Europe for a century. King’s Messenger Simon Merrivale returns to England in disgrace, his life barely intact, after a bid to create a pro-English state in Savoy goes disastrously wrong.
With the battle lines drawn, a new and overwhelming threat emerges. King Edward III has assembled an uneasy alliance of European powers to enforce his claim to the throne of France. But corruption is rife both at home and abroad, emptying the king’s war chest. Lack of money could cripple everything that has been built. Enemies lie hidden amongst the ranks of friends. Wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Faced with the difficult task of not only discovering the traitors but recovering his position and respect, Merrivale has a complex and potentially deadly mission at hand. For if just one conspirator escapes justice, all will fall.
~ ~ ~
This series is set in the 14th Century, during the reign of King Edward III of England. In this particular tome, the newly burgeoning wool trade with Flanders and the trade in saffron is at the heart of the mystery that King's Messenger, Simon Merrivale must solve.
Wool became the backbone and driving force of the Medieval English economy between the late thirteenth century and late fifteenth century and at the time the trade was described as “the jewel in the realm”! And as such, it was heavily taxed and regulated by the English Crown. You can read more here: Britain Express - Edward III and the Development of Trade. Saffron, as today, is a very expensive spice that was produced under certain conditions. It is still processed manually, the dried stigma of the saffron crocus flower is incredibly delicate, making it difficult to harvest, especially in great quantities, hence its high price. Like the wool and saffron trade, the medieval Italian Banking families are also comprehensively dealt with as well, especially England's links to the Bardi and Peruzzi - as they too play a role in this tale.
I will preface my review by saying that this is the first in a new series. However, upon reading it, I felt that much had happened (backstory-wise) that was not - again, my own thoughts - adequately covered off. It read like I had just jumped into the middle of a series - maybe a short prequel might be in order to set things right - or will this be explored more as the series progresses, I wonder.
The author, whilst providing much information on the key subjects that form part of the narrative, I think, assumes you have some idea of what was happening at this particular time in history. And a general read of the times would be an advantage, though the author does provide a list of characters at the beginning.
Having said that, there is much to admire in this book: a good mystery; themes of murder, corruption, medieval politicking, scandal; and the promise of a series.
I am looking forward to the next installment.
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