Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Sedley dances through the intrigue!, 08 Mar 2005
Roger the Chapman has promised his wife Adela that he'll be home in time for the Feast of St.
Patrick. All's well, he thinks, when he pauses to spend the night in an upcountry village. It's a
dark and stormy night in the year 1458. Always one eager to get involved in (and solve) local
mysteries, Roger is drawn once again into another of Kate Sedley's medieval mysteries, "Nine
Men Dancing."

A young woman, Eris Lilywhite, has disappeared. It's not that simple, though. Young Eris is
something of a designing young woman whose sensuous abilities seem to outweigh her
intellectual capacity. She leads one young man, Tom Rawbone, to think he's her "intended," but
suddenly reveals she'll marry, instead, Tom's father Ned. Needless to say, this causes quite a
disruption. Eris bolts the house in the middle of a fierce nighttime storm, never to be seen again.

Of course, the village is divided into two camps: those who don't care what happened to her and
to those who do, mainly her mother and grandmother, who enlists Roger's help in solving the
mystery. Roger agrees, reluctantly (after all, he's promised to be in Bistol by March 17!) and
from this point, Sedley's mystery plows on. Village secrets abound, ages-old hostilities shine, and
Roger even concludes that there is a connection between the disappearance of Eris and the deaths
of two well-diggers over 150 years ago.

Aside from creating a character (Roger) who is fun AND interesting to know, Sedley's
historical commentary seems sound as she effortlessly captures the tone and atmosphere of what
15th century must have been like. She also spins a good tale, cleverly matching the storyline with
the symbols of nine men's morris, a popular game of the time. This episode in the series, to me, is
the most exciting and the fastest-paced one. It's a good read, as is the entire series.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Sedley dances through the intrigue!, 08 Mar 2005
Roger the Chapman has promised his wife Adela that he'll be home in time for the Feast of St.
Patrick. All's well, he thinks, when he pauses to spend the night in an upcountry village. It's a
dark and stormy night in the year 1458. Always one eager to get involved in (and solve) local
mysteries, Roger is drawn once again into another of Kate Sedley's medieval mysteries, "Nine
Men Dancing."

A young woman, Eris Lilywhite, has disappeared. It's not that simple, though. Young Eris is
something of a designing young woman whose sensuous abilities seem to outweigh her
intellectual capacity. She leads one young man, Tom Rawbone, to think he's her "intended," but
suddenly reveals she'll marry, instead, Tom's father Ned. Needless to say, this causes quite a
disruption. Eris bolts the house in the middle of a fierce nighttime storm, never to be seen again.

Of course, the village is divided into two camps: those who don't care what happened to her and
to those who do, mainly her mother and grandmother, who enlists Roger's help in solving the
mystery. Roger agrees, reluctantly (after all, he's promised to be in Bistol by March 17!) and
from this point, Sedley's mystery plows on. Village secrets abound, ages-old hostilities shine, and
Roger even concludes that there is a connection between the disappearance of Eris and the deaths
of two well-diggers over 150 years ago.

Aside from creating a character (Roger) who is fun AND interesting to know, Sedley's
historical commentary seems sound as she effortlessly captures the tone and atmosphere of what
15th century must have been like. She also spins a good tale, cleverly matching the storyline with
the symbols of nine men's morris, a popular game of the time. This episode in the series, to me, is
the most exciting and the fastest-paced one. It's a good read, as is the entire series.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Sedley dances through the intrigue!, 08 Mar 2005
Roger the Chapman has promised his wife Adela that he'll be home in time for the Feast of St.
Patrick. All's well, he thinks, when he pauses to spend the night in an upcountry village. It's a
dark and stormy night in the year 1458. Always one eager to get involved in (and solve) local
mysteries, Roger is drawn once again into another of Kate Sedley's medieval mysteries, "Nine
Men Dancing."

A young woman, Eris Lilywhite, has disappeared. It's not that simple, though. Young Eris is
something of a designing young woman whose sensuous abilities seem to outweigh her
intellectual capacity. She leads one young man, Tom Rawbone, to think he's her "intended," but
suddenly reveals she'll marry, instead, Tom's father Ned. Needless to say, this causes quite a
disruption. Eris bolts the house in the middle of a fierce nighttime storm, never to be seen again.

Of course, the village is divided into two camps: those who don't care what happened to her and
to those who do, mainly her mother and grandmother, who enlists Roger's help in solving the
mystery. Roger agrees, reluctantly (after all, he's promised to be in Bistol by March 17!) and
from this point, Sedley's mystery plows on. Village secrets abound, ages-old hostilities shine, and
Roger even concludes that there is a connection between the disappearance of Eris and the deaths
of two well-diggers over 150 years ago.

Aside from creating a character (Roger) who is fun AND interesting to know, Sedley's
historical commentary seems sound as she effortlessly captures the tone and atmosphere of what
15th century must have been like. She also spins a good tale, cleverly matching the storyline with
the symbols of nine men's morris, a popular game of the time. This episode in the series, to me, is
the most exciting and the fastest-paced one. It's a good read, as is the entire series.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Sedley dances through the intrigue!, 08 Mar 2005
Roger the Chapman has promised his wife Adela that he'll be home in time for the Feast of St.
Patrick. All's well, he thinks, when he pauses to spend the night in an upcountry village. It's a
dark and stormy night in the year 1458. Always one eager to get involved in (and solve) local
mysteries, Roger is drawn once again into another of Kate Sedley's medieval mysteries, "Nine
Men Dancing."

A young woman, Eris Lilywhite, has disappeared. It's not that simple, though. Young Eris is
something of a designing young woman whose sensuous abilities seem to outweigh her
intellectual capacity. She leads one young man, Tom Rawbone, to think he's her "intended," but
suddenly reveals she'll marry, instead, Tom's father Ned. Needless to say, this causes quite a
disruption. Eris bolts the house in the middle of a fierce nighttime storm, never to be seen again.

Of course, the village is divided into two camps: those who don't care what happened to her and
to those who do, mainly her mother and grandmother, who enlists Roger's help in solving the
mystery. Roger agrees, reluctantly (after all, he's promised to be in Bistol by March 17!) and
from this point, Sedley's mystery plows on. Village secrets abound, ages-old hostilities shine, and
Roger even concludes that there is a connection between the disappearance of Eris and the deaths
of two well-diggers over 150 years ago.

Aside from creating a character (Roger) who is fun AND interesting to know, Sedley's
historical commentary seems sound as she effortlessly captures the tone and atmosphere of what
15th century must have been like. She also spins a good tale, cleverly matching the storyline with
the symbols of nine men's morris, a popular game of the time. This episode in the series, to me, is
the most exciting and the fastest-paced one. It's a good read, as is the entire series.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Fourth, 07 Jun 2007


The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

Fourth Book in the Series, 07 Jun 2007


The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

This is the Fourth in the Roger Chapman Series, 05 Mar 2007

The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Sedley dances through the intrigue!, 08 Mar 2005
Roger the Chapman has promised his wife Adela that he'll be home in time for the Feast of St.
Patrick. All's well, he thinks, when he pauses to spend the night in an upcountry village. It's a
dark and stormy night in the year 1458. Always one eager to get involved in (and solve) local
mysteries, Roger is drawn once again into another of Kate Sedley's medieval mysteries, "Nine
Men Dancing."

A young woman, Eris Lilywhite, has disappeared. It's not that simple, though. Young Eris is
something of a designing young woman whose sensuous abilities seem to outweigh her
intellectual capacity. She leads one young man, Tom Rawbone, to think he's her "intended," but
suddenly reveals she'll marry, instead, Tom's father Ned. Needless to say, this causes quite a
disruption. Eris bolts the house in the middle of a fierce nighttime storm, never to be seen again.

Of course, the village is divided into two camps: those who don't care what happened to her and
to those who do, mainly her mother and grandmother, who enlists Roger's help in solving the
mystery. Roger agrees, reluctantly (after all, he's promised to be in Bistol by March 17!) and
from this point, Sedley's mystery plows on. Village secrets abound, ages-old hostilities shine, and
Roger even concludes that there is a connection between the disappearance of Eris and the deaths
of two well-diggers over 150 years ago.

Aside from creating a character (Roger) who is fun AND interesting to know, Sedley's
historical commentary seems sound as she effortlessly captures the tone and atmosphere of what
15th century must have been like. She also spins a good tale, cleverly matching the storyline with
the symbols of nine men's morris, a popular game of the time. This episode in the series, to me, is
the most exciting and the fastest-paced one. It's a good read, as is the entire series.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Fourth, 07 Jun 2007


The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

Fourth Book in the Series, 07 Jun 2007


The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

This is the Fourth in the Roger Chapman Series, 05 Mar 2007

The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

a wonderfully satisfying read, 15 Oct 2007
There are truly very few mystery series where the author is able to delver a solid, well crafted, and absorbing read with every single installment; Kate Sedley is one of those authors. Whenever I settle down with the latest Roger the Chapman installment, I know that I'm about to enjoy a compelling and riveting read, and this was definitely true of "The Three Kings of Cologne."

Alderman John Foster (soon to be Mayor of Bristol) has purchased a piece of land from the Magdalen Nunnery with plans to build a new almshouse and chapel dedicated to the Three Kings of Cologne. However the alderman's charitable plans take a setback when a body is unearthed on that very piece of land. It turns out that the remains are those of Isabella Linkinhorne, a beautiful if somewhat wild young lady who mysteriously disappeared about 20 years ago. At the time of her disappearance, everyone, her parents included, believed that Isabella had runaway with one of her suitors. But now it is beginning to look as if she may have been murdered by one of her suitors. Determined that his gift not be tarnished, the alderman hires Roger the Chapman (who is well known for his abilities to solve mysteries and ferret out the truth), to discover who murdered Isabella and to bring the murderer to justice. Always willing to embark on an investigation, Roger takes to his latest task with alacrity. But will he be able to solve a murder so old? All Roger has to go on are rumours and the faded memories of those who knew Isabella. But Roger is determined to do his utmost to solve the murder nevertheless...

"The Three Kings of Cologne" was a well crafted and engagingly written mystery novel that was intelligent and full of wonderful period colour and details. On top of it all, "The Three Kings of Cologne" was a real puzzler as well -- the suspense and the mystery were so capably layered on that I had to stay up till the early morning hours in order to finish the book. It was that riveting. Suspenseful and full of intriguing plot twists and turns, "The Three Kings of Cologne" is one mystery novel that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looming for a good, absorbing read. Definitely a 5 star book.


Book Sixteen in the Series, 03 Jan 2007
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries).

A wealthy Alderman John Foster wishes to give a gift to his home city of Bristol. Little does he know that his kind thought is going to stir up a hornets nest of murder and intrigue. Foster wants to give a gift of almshouses to the City, together with a chapel dedicated to The Three Kings of Cologne and to this end he purchases some land from the Magdalen Nunnery and that is when the trouble starts. When the land is cleared and digging begins the body of a murdered young woman is unearthed. This is later identified as the remains of Isabella Linkinhorne, who disappeared over twenty years ago.

John Foster employs Roger the Chapman, a man who is well known in Bristol for the mysteries he has solved, but this murder happened so long ago, is it possible that anyone can be brought to justice for the young woman's death. It is known that at the time of her death Isabella had three secret lovers, but maybe they have left the area or possibly they also are dead. Roger the Chapman has certainly got his work cut out solving this mystery . . .

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Sedley dances through the intrigue!, 08 Mar 2005
Roger the Chapman has promised his wife Adela that he'll be home in time for the Feast of St.
Patrick. All's well, he thinks, when he pauses to spend the night in an upcountry village. It's a
dark and stormy night in the year 1458. Always one eager to get involved in (and solve) local
mysteries, Roger is drawn once again into another of Kate Sedley's medieval mysteries, "Nine
Men Dancing."

A young woman, Eris Lilywhite, has disappeared. It's not that simple, though. Young Eris is
something of a designing young woman whose sensuous abilities seem to outweigh her
intellectual capacity. She leads one young man, Tom Rawbone, to think he's her "intended," but
suddenly reveals she'll marry, instead, Tom's father Ned. Needless to say, this causes quite a
disruption. Eris bolts the house in the middle of a fierce nighttime storm, never to be seen again.

Of course, the village is divided into two camps: those who don't care what happened to her and
to those who do, mainly her mother and grandmother, who enlists Roger's help in solving the
mystery. Roger agrees, reluctantly (after all, he's promised to be in Bistol by March 17!) and
from this point, Sedley's mystery plows on. Village secrets abound, ages-old hostilities shine, and
Roger even concludes that there is a connection between the disappearance of Eris and the deaths
of two well-diggers over 150 years ago.

Aside from creating a character (Roger) who is fun AND interesting to know, Sedley's
historical commentary seems sound as she effortlessly captures the tone and atmosphere of what
15th century must have been like. She also spins a good tale, cleverly matching the storyline with
the symbols of nine men's morris, a popular game of the time. This episode in the series, to me, is
the most exciting and the fastest-paced one. It's a good read, as is the entire series.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Fourth, 07 Jun 2007


The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

Fourth Book in the Series, 07 Jun 2007


The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

This is the Fourth in the Roger Chapman Series, 05 Mar 2007

The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

a wonderfully satisfying read, 15 Oct 2007
There are truly very few mystery series where the author is able to delver a solid, well crafted, and absorbing read with every single installment; Kate Sedley is one of those authors. Whenever I settle down with the latest Roger the Chapman installment, I know that I'm about to enjoy a compelling and riveting read, and this was definitely true of "The Three Kings of Cologne."

Alderman John Foster (soon to be Mayor of Bristol) has purchased a piece of land from the Magdalen Nunnery with plans to build a new almshouse and chapel dedicated to the Three Kings of Cologne. However the alderman's charitable plans take a setback when a body is unearthed on that very piece of land. It turns out that the remains are those of Isabella Linkinhorne, a beautiful if somewhat wild young lady who mysteriously disappeared about 20 years ago. At the time of her disappearance, everyone, her parents included, believed that Isabella had runaway with one of her suitors. But now it is beginning to look as if she may have been murdered by one of her suitors. Determined that his gift not be tarnished, the alderman hires Roger the Chapman (who is well known for his abilities to solve mysteries and ferret out the truth), to discover who murdered Isabella and to bring the murderer to justice. Always willing to embark on an investigation, Roger takes to his latest task with alacrity. But will he be able to solve a murder so old? All Roger has to go on are rumours and the faded memories of those who knew Isabella. But Roger is determined to do his utmost to solve the murder nevertheless...

"The Three Kings of Cologne" was a well crafted and engagingly written mystery novel that was intelligent and full of wonderful period colour and details. On top of it all, "The Three Kings of Cologne" was a real puzzler as well -- the suspense and the mystery were so capably layered on that I had to stay up till the early morning hours in order to finish the book. It was that riveting. Suspenseful and full of intriguing plot twists and turns, "The Three Kings of Cologne" is one mystery novel that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looming for a good, absorbing read. Definitely a 5 star book.


Book Sixteen in the Series, 03 Jan 2007
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries).

A wealthy Alderman John Foster wishes to give a gift to his home city of Bristol. Little does he know that his kind thought is going to stir up a hornets nest of murder and intrigue. Foster wants to give a gift of almshouses to the City, together with a chapel dedicated to The Three Kings of Cologne and to this end he purchases some land from the Magdalen Nunnery and that is when the trouble starts. When the land is cleared and digging begins the body of a murdered young woman is unearthed. This is later identified as the remains of Isabella Linkinhorne, who disappeared over twenty years ago.

John Foster employs Roger the Chapman, a man who is well known in Bristol for the mysteries he has solved, but this murder happened so long ago, is it possible that anyone can be brought to justice for the young woman's death. It is known that at the time of her death Isabella had three secret lovers, but maybe they have left the area or possibly they also are dead. Roger the Chapman has certainly got his work cut out solving this mystery . . .

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Sedley dances through the intrigue!, 08 Mar 2005
Roger the Chapman has promised his wife Adela that he'll be home in time for the Feast of St.
Patrick. All's well, he thinks, when he pauses to spend the night in an upcountry village. It's a
dark and stormy night in the year 1458. Always one eager to get involved in (and solve) local
mysteries, Roger is drawn once again into another of Kate Sedley's medieval mysteries, "Nine
Men Dancing."

A young woman, Eris Lilywhite, has disappeared. It's not that simple, though. Young Eris is
something of a designing young woman whose sensuous abilities seem to outweigh her
intellectual capacity. She leads one young man, Tom Rawbone, to think he's her "intended," but
suddenly reveals she'll marry, instead, Tom's father Ned. Needless to say, this causes quite a
disruption. Eris bolts the house in the middle of a fierce nighttime storm, never to be seen again.

Of course, the village is divided into two camps: those who don't care what happened to her and
to those who do, mainly her mother and grandmother, who enlists Roger's help in solving the
mystery. Roger agrees, reluctantly (after all, he's promised to be in Bistol by March 17!) and
from this point, Sedley's mystery plows on. Village secrets abound, ages-old hostilities shine, and
Roger even concludes that there is a connection between the disappearance of Eris and the deaths
of two well-diggers over 150 years ago.

Aside from creating a character (Roger) who is fun AND interesting to know, Sedley's
historical commentary seems sound as she effortlessly captures the tone and atmosphere of what
15th century must have been like. She also spins a good tale, cleverly matching the storyline with
the symbols of nine men's morris, a popular game of the time. This episode in the series, to me, is
the most exciting and the fastest-paced one. It's a good read, as is the entire series.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Fourth, 07 Jun 2007


The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

Fourth Book in the Series, 07 Jun 2007


The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

This is the Fourth in the Roger Chapman Series, 05 Mar 2007

The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the fourth in the series.

When the Skelton children were deprived of their wealthy mother, they were left in the care of their much disliked stepfather. Then the children mysteriously disappear without a trace. England still has the festering war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and the lanes and by ways are plagued with wolf heads and common thieves. How did the children get out of the house, or were they abducted.? Why did they leave if they went of their own free will? These are questions that Roger the Chapman needs to find the answers to and quickly.

a wonderfully satisfying read, 15 Oct 2007
There are truly very few mystery series where the author is able to delver a solid, well crafted, and absorbing read with every single installment; Kate Sedley is one of those authors. Whenever I settle down with the latest Roger the Chapman installment, I know that I'm about to enjoy a compelling and riveting read, and this was definitely true of "The Three Kings of Cologne."

Alderman John Foster (soon to be Mayor of Bristol) has purchased a piece of land from the Magdalen Nunnery with plans to build a new almshouse and chapel dedicated to the Three Kings of Cologne. However the alderman's charitable plans take a setback when a body is unearthed on that very piece of land. It turns out that the remains are those of Isabella Linkinhorne, a beautiful if somewhat wild young lady who mysteriously disappeared about 20 years ago. At the time of her disappearance, everyone, her parents included, believed that Isabella had runaway with one of her suitors. But now it is beginning to look as if she may have been murdered by one of her suitors. Determined that his gift not be tarnished, the alderman hires Roger the Chapman (who is well known for his abilities to solve mysteries and ferret out the truth), to discover who murdered Isabella and to bring the murderer to justice. Always willing to embark on an investigation, Roger takes to his latest task with alacrity. But will he be able to solve a murder so old? All Roger has to go on are rumours and the faded memories of those who knew Isabella. But Roger is determined to do his utmost to solve the murder nevertheless...

"The Three Kings of Cologne" was a well crafted and engagingly written mystery novel that was intelligent and full of wonderful period colour and details. On top of it all, "The Three Kings of Cologne" was a real puzzler as well -- the suspense and the mystery were so capably layered on that I had to stay up till the early morning hours in order to finish the book. It was that riveting. Suspenseful and full of intriguing plot twists and turns, "The Three Kings of Cologne" is one mystery novel that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looming for a good, absorbing read. Definitely a 5 star book.


Book Sixteen in the Series, 03 Jan 2007
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries).

A wealthy Alderman John Foster wishes to give a gift to his home city of Bristol. Little does he know that his kind thought is going to stir up a hornets nest of murder and intrigue. Foster wants to give a gift of almshouses to the City, together with a chapel dedicated to The Three Kings of Cologne and to this end he purchases some land from the Magdalen Nunnery and that is when the trouble starts. When the land is cleared and digging begins the body of a murdered young woman is unearthed. This is later identified as the remains of Isabella Linkinhorne, who disappeared over twenty years ago.

John Foster employs Roger the Chapman, a man who is well known in Bristol for the mysteries he has solved, but this murder happened so long ago, is it possible that anyone can be brought to justice for the young woman's death. It is known that at the time of her death Isabella had three secret lovers, but maybe they have left the area or possibly they also are dead. Roger the Chapman has certainly got his work cut out solving this mystery . . .

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

a wonderfully satisfying read, 15 Oct 2007
There are truly very few mystery series where the author is able to delver a solid, well crafted, and absorbing read with every single installment; Kate Sedley is one of those authors. Whenever I settle down with the latest Roger the Chapman installment, I know that I'm about to enjoy a compelling and riveting read, and this was definitely true of "The Three Kings of Cologne."

Alderman John Foster (soon to be Mayor of Bristol) has purchased a piece of land from the Magdalen Nunnery with plans to build a new almshouse and chapel dedicated to the Three Kings of Cologne. However the alderman's charitable plans take a setback when a body is unearthed on that very piece of land. It turns out that the remains are those of Isabella Linkinhorne, a beautiful if somewhat wild young lady who mysteriously disappeared about 20 years ago. At the time of her disappearance, everyone, her parents included, believed that Isabella had runaway with one of her suitors. But now it is beginning to look as if she may have been murdered by one of her suitors. Determined that his gift not be tarnished, the alderman hires Roger the Chapman (who is well known for his abilities to solve mysteries and ferret out the truth), to discover who murdered Isabella and to bring the murderer to justice. Always willing to embark on an investigation, Roger takes to his latest task with alacrity. But will he be able to solve a murder so old? All Roger has to go on are rumours and the faded memories of those who knew Isabella. But Roger is determined to do his utmost to solve the murder nevertheless...

"The Three Kings of Cologne" was a well crafted and engagingly written mystery novel that was intelligent and full of wonderful period colour and details. On top of it all, "The Three Kings of Cologne" was a real puzzler as well -- the suspense and the mystery were so capably layered on that I had to stay up till the early morning hours in order to finish the book. It was that riveting. Suspenseful and full of intriguing plot twists and turns, "The Three Kings of Cologne" is one mystery novel that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looming for a good, absorbing read. Definitely a 5 star book.


Book Sixteen in the Series, 03 Jan 2007
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries).

A wealthy Alderman John Foster wishes to give a gift to his home city of Bristol. Little does he know that his kind thought is going to stir up a hornets nest of murder and intrigue. Foster wants to give a gift of almshouses to the City, together with a chapel dedicated to The Three Kings of Cologne and to this end he purchases some land from the Magdalen Nunnery and that is when the trouble starts. When the land is cleared and digging begins the body of a murdered young woman is unearthed. This is later identified as the remains of Isabella Linkinhorne, who disappeared over twenty years ago.

John Foster employs Roger the Chapman, a man who is well known in Bristol for the mysteries he has solved, but this murder happened so long ago, is it possible that anyone can be brought to justice for the young woman's death. It is known that at the time of her death Isabella had three secret lovers, but maybe they have left the area or possibly they also are dead. Roger the Chapman has certainly got his work cut out solving this mystery . . .

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantamount to an order and that is why he is with the Duke's party on the march northwards, when a series of sinister events take place. Events that are centred around the mythical Green Man. Events that make Roger question the motive behind Albany's request for his services.

Sedley dances through the intrigue!, 08 Mar 2005
Roger the Chapman has promised his wife Adela that he'll be home in time for the Feast of St.
Patrick. All's well, he thinks, when he pauses to spend the night in an upcountry village. It's a
dark and stormy night in the year 1458. Always one eager to get involved in (and solve) local
mysteries, Roger is drawn once again into another of Kate Sedley's medieval mysteries, "Nine
Men Dancing."

A young woman, Eris Lilywhite, has disappeared. It's not that simple, though. Young Eris is
something of a designing young woman whose sensuous abilities seem to outweigh her
intellectual capacity. She leads one young man, Tom Rawbone, to think he's her "intended," but
suddenly reveals she'll marry, instead, Tom's father Ned. Needless to say, this causes quite a
disruption. Eris bolts the house in the middle of a fierce nighttime storm, never to be seen again.

Of course, the village is divided into two camps: those who don't care what happened to her and
to those who do, mainly her mother and grandmother, who enlists Roger's help in solving the
mystery. Roger agrees, reluctantly (after all, he's promised to be in Bistol by March 17!) and
from this point, Sedley's mystery plows on. Village secrets abound, ages-old hostilities shine, and
Roger even concludes that there is a connection between the disappearance of Eris and the deaths
of two well-diggers over 150 years ago.

Aside from creating a character (Roger) who is fun AND interesting to know, Sedley's
historical commentary seems sound as she effortlessly captures the tone and atmosphere of what
15th century must have been like. She also spins a good tale, cleverly matching the storyline with
the symbols of nine men's morris, a popular game of the time. This episode in the series, to me, is
the most exciting and the fastest-paced one. It's a good read, as is the entire series.

Excellent Medieval Mystery, 14 Jan 2008
Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). I have enjoyed all of the Roger Chapman Books and this one is just as good as the rest.

This is Kate Sedley's latest book and once again features Roger the Chapman. Roger has been called upon by royalty on more than one occasion to help them with their sometime nefarious dealings. Not it has to be said, that Roger seeks out these tasks, particularly when they put his own life at risk. But in his trade as a Chapman (pedlar) he sees and visits parts of the country that most men would never set eyes on. It is a trait of the Royals that they like eyes and ears everywhere and Roger has helped them on numerous occasions.

Yet again Roger would prefer to be anywhere but where he is. It is Summer, 1482 and an English army is marching into Scotland in order to place King James III's younger brother the Duke of Albany on the throne of Scotland. Albany has insisted that Roger be a member of his own personal bodyguard. A position that Roger does not relish. He has had dealings with the Duke in the not too distant past and would much prefer to forget them rather than become involved with the man again.

Roger knows that a Royal request is tantam