A Brood of Vipers: Being the Fourth Journal of Sir Roger Shallot Concerning Certain Wicked Conspiracies and Horrible Murders Perpetrated

by Paul Doherty and Michael Clynes

Book Overview

In 1523, Benjamin Daunbey and Roger Shallot are summoned to London. A Florentine envoy has been murdered, and King Henry VIII is determined to unmask the perpetrators. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0747244758
• ISBN13: 9780747244752
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Headline
• Length: 247 Pages
• Weight: 0.34 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A Very Good Read

The spring of 1523 and Benjamin Daunbey, nephew of Cardinal Wolsey and his servant Roger Shallot are summoned from Ipswich to London. Lord Francesco Abrizzi, a Florentine envoy has been murdered in Cheapside. He has been shot in the head by one of the new firearms. King Henry is determined to unmask the killer. During their travel to London Benjamin and Roger are to collect the King's old physician, who has also been summoned by Henry. When they arrive at his house he is found dead in his bath with his wrists cut, apparently having committed suicide. Benjamin and Roger are told by Wolsey they must go to Florence with the dead man's family to discover the identity of the killer. It seem to be a routine case for them, but murder and mayhem await them in Italy. Will they ever see England again. Once again Paul Doherty weaves a tangled web of murder and intrigue. He is certainly one of the best at this type of book.

Engrossing detective story set in Tudor England

I've read all of Clynes' Journals of Sir Roger Shallot. All of the books take place during the reign of Henry VIII and focus on the reluctant detective work of Roger and his master, the nephew of Cardinal Wosley. Roger tells the stories as flashbacks from his present position as a seclusive and retired lord of the realm. In the books Roger is a cowardly, lusty, and unrepentant vagabond who follows his master as they are assigned to investigate various heinous crimes by the cardinal and Henry. I love the books for the mixture of diabolical plots, historical backdrop, and the effort Clynes puts into developing the characters. Every one of the books feature involved plots, surprise villans, and a certain dark and wry humor. You'll find yourself rapidly finishing the books, engrossed in trying to solve the crimes yourself and simultaneously laughing aloud at the misfortunes that befall Roger.