Book Review: The Cross-Legged Knight

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

The Cross-Legged Knight     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Candace Robb
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Owen Archer # 8
2003, Warner Books First, 316 pages

This story takes place in York, England in 1371. Owen Archer is given the job of protecting the Bishop of Winchester, who believes that someone is trying to kill him. It is not long before fire engulfs his house, and although the Bishop is unharmed, a mysterious woman is killed, and a servant badly burnt. Can Archer solve the mystery?

Normally, I do not read many historical mysteries so I was not expecting to enjoy ‘The Cross-legged Knight’. However, I was pleasantly surprised, since it is a well-crafted mystery that works much better set in the past, than it would in the present day.

Robb has created an interesting cast of characters, but since this book is part of a series, it may be useful to read others in the series before this one. This is not to say that it cannot be read as a standalone novel, but there are events referred to which took place in previous novels, and this would give the reader more of an understanding of the characters.

She has also constructed a complicated mystery that will keep even the cleverest of mystery readers guessing as to the killer’s identity, with numerous false clues and ideas. She also uses her setting well, using medieval York to her full advantage to add character to the novel. Overall, ‘The Cross-legged Knight’ is a well-written and enjoyable tale.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com