Step into the shadowy, thrilling world of The Medieval Murderers, where cursed relics and medieval mysteries weave tales of intrigue across centuries! This unique historical mystery series, crafted by a talented group of authors, blends historical accuracy with gripping whodunits, inviting readers to unravel secrets in the torchlit corridors of the Middle Ages.
Unlike typical series, The Medieval Murderers stands out with its collaborative storytelling. Authors like Michael Jecks, Bernard Knight, Susanna Gregory, Ian Morson, Philip Gooden, and C.J. Sansom unite their expertise, each contributing a novella to create a cohesive narrative centered around a cursed object. It’s a literary relay race through history, and fans can’t get enough of the atmospheric chills!
How The Medieval Murderers Began
The Medieval Murderers began as a brainchild of Michael Jecks, a celebrated historical fiction author, who rallied fellow Crime Writers’ Association members to form a unique collective. Their mission? To craft engaging historical mysteries while promoting the genre through witty, crowd-pleasing talks and performances across Britain. What started as lively literary events evolved into a beloved book series, with the first novel, The Tainted Relic, hitting shelves in 2005.
The authors’ shared passion for medieval history and crime fiction fueled their collaboration. Each writer brought their signature sleuth—like Jecks’ Sir Baldwin Furnshill or Gregory’s Matthew Bartholomew—to the table, creating a dynamic tapestry of voices. Their talks, filled with humor and insights, built a loyal fanbase, paving the way for a decade of novels that thrill and educate.
The Heart of The Medieval Murderers
The series’ books follow a cursed object, like a piece of the True Cross or a shameful sword, as it leaves a trail of murder across medieval Europe. The Tainted Relic (2005) kicks off the saga, tracing a cursed fragment of the Holy Cross from the Crusades to Renaissance London. Heroes like Crowner John and Nick Revill investigate murders tied to the relic, blending historical detail with suspense.
Other standout titles include The Sword of Shame (2006), which follows a cursed blade from Norman conquests to 14th-century Venice, and Hill of Bones (2011), centered on a deadly hill tied to ancient rituals. Themes of betrayal, superstition, and justice permeate the series, set against vivid backdrops of medieval England, Italy, and beyond. The authors’ distinct styles create a rich, varied reading experience, while their meticulous research immerses readers in a world of knights, monks, and murky conspiracies.
The series’ collaborative format is its secret weapon. Each novella advances the object’s journey, with protagonists tackling mysteries in their era. This structure keeps the stories fresh, appealing to fans of historical fiction and mystery alike, while showcasing the authors’ ability to harmonize their voices into a seamless narrative.
Why The Medieval Murderers Resonates
The Medieval Murderers series has carved a niche in historical mystery fiction, blending scholarly detail with page-turning plots. Its influence lies in its ability to make the Middle Ages accessible and exciting, inspiring readers to explore history through a detective’s lens. The group’s engaging performances have also boosted the genre’s popularity, fostering a community of fans eager for medieval whodunits.
The series’ lasting appeal comes from its balance of education and entertainment. It’s not just about solving murders—it’s about stepping into a world where superstition ruled and justice was hard-won. With ten books and counting, The Medieval Murderers continues to captivate, proving that collaborative storytelling can yield timeless tales.
- First Book Published: 2005 (The Tainted Relic)
- Number of Books: 10
- Key Authors: Michael Jecks, Bernard Knight, Susanna Gregory, Ian Morson, Philip Gooden, C.J. Sansom
Grab The Tainted Relic and dive into The Medieval Murderers’ world of medieval mysteries—your inner sleuth will thank you!