By the Edge of the Sword: A Mediaeval Mystery (Book 7)

Gripping medieval murder mystery set in a time of violent upheaval. Christmas, 1218: Conisbrough is shrouded in deep snow and a stranger’s body is found frozen to death. The cryptic letter he carries is from Joanna, an old friend who is in danger and pleading for Edwin’s help. Edwin and Martin undertake a perilous winter journey to discover that Joanna’s husband has been murdered and that she stands accused of the crime; if convicted, she will be burned at the stake. A furious Martin is determined to clear Joanna’s name, even if it means resorting to violence. Edwin must control him while attempting to solve a puzzle he is only seeing at second hand; he knows nothing of any of the locals and can only work with the conflicting stories they tell him. Their vicious accusations and unshakeable belief that Joanna is guilty might result in her being killed by gossip, so Edwin must find out what really happened before it is too late. AUTHOR: C.B. Hanley holds a PhD in Medieval Studies, specialising in warfare in the12th and 13th centuries. She has published an academic book and a number of scholarly articles on the period, and continues to write non-fiction history for academic and general audiences. She has worked as an historical interpreter, and is also a freelance copy editor and proofreader. She lives in Coventry.