Medieval Mysteries

The Medieval time period dates from the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance, 400-1500 AD. The time often referred to as the "Dark Ages" is 400-900 AD. By 900 AD most people had been converted to Christianity. There are some Jews and Arabs in these stories especially those set in Spain. Most of the main characters or "sleuths" in medieval mysteries are educated in some way--monks, nuns, clerks, physicians, or masters at the universities which gives them the special training to solve mysteries. They also, generally, have the ability to travel unlike most people of this time period. It is also important to note that women did have many rights in the middles ages--they could own property, practice a trade, and in the case of the lady of the castle often directed its defense and sat in judgment when the lord was absent.

AUTHOR CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
Doherty, P. C. Sir Hugh Corbett early 1300's, royal clerk and servant of Edward II, Oxford educated
Frazer, Margaret Sister Frevisse 1430's, hostilier at St. Fideswede’s Priory, not too sympathetic
Gregory, Susanna Matthew Bartholomew mid-14th cent. Cambridge, post plague, physician teams with Brother Michael Benedictine monk at university--political and religious conflicts
Marston, Edward Doomsday books 11th cent. centered around the census and property survey, Ralph Delchard (man of action) and Gervase Bret (lawyer) head group investigating
Morson, Ian William Falconer 1264, regent master at Oxford, Artistolian scholar (deductive thinking)
Newman, Sharan Catherine Le Vandeur 12th cent. France (1140), novice-scholar, mother insane, father converted Jew--connections to Jews, marries thane from Scotland
Penman, Sharon Kay Justin de Quincy 1193, England, Eleanor of Aquitane & Richard, bastard son of clergyman
Peters, Ellis Brother Cadfael 12th cent. (1148), Benedictine monk at Shrewbury, herbalist, former soldier, Welshman, about 20 titles
Robb, Candace M. Owen Archer 1367, former archer captain--one eye, wife is apothecary, special missions for archbishop
Roe, Caroline Issac of Girona 1350's, Spain, post plague, Jew, physician, semi-blind, daughter helps
Tremayne, Pater Sister Fidelma 7th cent. (646), Ireland, advocate, women better rights then, nun in Celtic tradition, conflict with Roman trained Borther Eadulf (before celibacy)

Other writers of medieval times:

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last updated 11/13/98
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