The mansions of murder : Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan Series, Book 18

"A murdered priest, a missing body, stolen treasure: Brother Athelstan tackles his most challenging investigation to date. October, 1381. Brother Athelstan is summoned to the church of St Benet's in Queenhithe to investigate the murder of a priest. Parson Reynaud has been found stabbed to death inside his own locked church. Other disturbing discoveries include an empty coffin and a ransacked money chest. Who would commit murder inside a holy church? Who would spirit away a corpse the night before the funeral - and who would be brave enough to steal treasure belonging to the most feared gangleader in London? Meanwhile, the death of one of Athelstan's parishioners reveals a shocking secret. Could there be a connection to the murdered priest of St Benet's? Athelstan's investigations will lure him into the dark and dangerous world of the gangmaster known as The Flesher, whose influence has a frighteningly long reach..."--Publisher's description "October, 1381. Brother Athelstan is summoned to the church of St. Benet's in Queenhithe to investigate the murder of a priest. Parson Reynaud has been found stabbed to death inside his own locked church. Other disturbing discoveries include an empty coffin and a ransacked money chest. Who would commit murder inside a holy church? Who would spirit away a corpse the night before the funeral -- and who would be brave enough to steal treasure belonging to the most feared gangleader in London? Meanwhile, the death of one of Athelstan's parishioners reveals a shocking secret. Could there be a connection to the murdered priest of St. Benet's?"--book jacket May, 1381. The Great Revolt draws nearer. TheUpright Men roam the streets of London, waiting for violence to begin. Theirmysterious envoy, the Herald of Hell, appears at night, terrifying those whooppose them. But who is he? When his chancery clerk is found hanged in aSouthwark brothel, Brother Athelstan is summoned to investigate.