Dive into the shadowy streets of 13th-century Oxford with the Master William Falconer Mystery series, where logic battles superstition and murder lurks around every corner! Crafted by Ian Morson, this captivating historical mystery series follows William Falconer, a brilliant Regent Master at Oxford University, as he uses Aristotelian reasoning to unravel grisly crimes amidst political intrigue and personal drama.
With nine novels brimming with medieval grit and intellectual flair, the series transports readers to a world of narrow alleys, raucous taverns, and scholarly halls, where Falconer’s sharp mind makes him a standout sleuth. Perfect for fans of Ellis Peters’ Cadfael or C.J. Sansom’s Shardlake, this series blends meticulous historical detail with page-turning suspense.
How Master William Falconer Mystery Began
Ian Morson, a former librarian turned author, launched the series in 1994 with Falconer’s Crusade, inspired by his fascination with medieval Oxford’s vibrant yet volatile atmosphere. Born in Derby, England, Morson’s time at Oxford and Leeds universities fueled his love for historical settings, while his work with the Medieval Murderers, a group of crime writers, sharpened his knack for crafting intricate mysteries. His goal? To create a detective who embodied the era’s intellectual awakening while solving crimes that exposed its darker underbelly.
The Heart of Master William Falconer Mystery
The series kicks off with Falconer’s Crusade (1994), where a servant girl’s murder sparks a frenzy of suspicion during the Second Barons’ War. Falconer, a self-proclaimed ‘deductionist,’ navigates town-versus-gown tensions and anti-Jewish prejudice to catch a cunning killer. In Falconer’s Judgement (1995), set in 1261, he tackles a papal legate’s brother’s death amid a brewing political storm, showcasing his knack for untangling ecclesiastical and worldly plots. Falconer and the Face of God (1996) sees a Christmas-time murder in a jongleur troupe, blending mystery with medieval theater, while Falconer and the Ritual of Death (2008) uncovers a 20-year-old skeleton, linking past and present crimes.
Morson’s Oxford is a character in itself—filthy, crowded, and alive with tension between students, townsfolk, and religious factions. Themes of logic versus superstition, forbidden romance (Falconer’s complex bond with the married Ann Segrim), and the clash of intellectual progress with medieval tradition weave through each book. The series’ style is fast-paced yet richly detailed, with Falconer’s deductive prowess shining against a backdrop of historical upheaval.
Why Master William Falconer Mystery Resonates
The series has carved a niche among historical mystery fans for its vivid portrayal of 13th-century life and Falconer’s unique blend of scholar and sleuth. Readers praise Morson’s ability to ‘shake the dust out of Oxford’s past,’ as the New York Times noted, making the era feel both alien and relatable. While not as famous as Cadfael, the series’ loyal following cherishes its authentic historical texture and clever plotting, with some calling it ‘a bargain worth grabbing’ for its immersive storytelling.
Its influence lies in bringing medieval Oxford to life, highlighting the era’s intellectual ferment and social tensions. For readers craving a fresh take on historical mysteries, Falconer’s adventures offer a compelling mix of brainy detection and gritty atmosphere, ensuring the series’ lasting appeal.
- First Book: Falconer’s Crusade (1994)
- Latest Book: Falconer and the Rain of Blood (2013)
- Total Books: 9
- Setting: 13th-century Oxford, England
- Genre: Historical Mystery
Grab Falconer’s Crusade and step into the thrilling world of Master William Falconer, where medieval Oxford’s darkest secrets await your discovery!