The Holy Innocents

In this fourth Roger the Chapman story, Roger arrives in the village of Totnes in order to sell his goods. But when he arrives there, he is intrigued by a tragic event: the mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder of two small children, Andrew and Mary Skelton. Previous readers of the stories in this series will remember that Roger was once studying to be a Benedictine monk. Although Roger decided that the monastic life was not for him, he still feels that he is serving God by using his natural talents to solve mysteries. This was an excellent story, with a touch of the supernatural in it. The setting of late-15th century rural England is very well-done. Roger is such a great character. And this mystery had a great twist at the end. "The Holy Innocents" is a strong entry in this enjoyable medieval mystery series.

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.

Roger the Chapman is an intriguing character, as are several others in this book. The only real fault I find is that Roger has a few too many "modern" habits and sensibilities. For instance: A nineteen year old first time mother was not considered young in that time and place. If you like this variety of mystery though, I would recommend it, as well as Ellis Peter's Cadfael series.

This is first of the Roger The Chapman books I happened to read. I do recommend that you start with Death and the Chapman. (Death is not the best book in the series but it is very good.) After reading this book, Holly Innocents, I found myself addicted to Roger and his world. These aren't difficult mysteries to solve on your own; with the exception of Wicked Winter, I figured out what was going on long before Roger did. Their appeal instead is a very appealing character and the amazing and realistic Old English world Sedley creates.

Kate Sedley has created an incredible character with Roger Chapman. This medieval series has a touch of history and a host of great characters. The authors writes simply and creates a real sense of place.