Kathryn Swinbrooke Series by Paul Doherty
The Kathryn Swinbrooke series by Paul Doherty, written under the pseudonym C.L. Grace, is a captivating historical mystery series set in 15th-century England. Kathryn Swinbrooke, a skilled physician and chemist, is the protagonist who uses her intellect and expertise to solve complex murder cases. Alongside her is Colum Murtagh, an Irish soldier who assists her in unraveling the mysteries. The series is rich in historical detail, blending medieval intrigue with suspenseful storytelling, making it a must-read for fans of historical mysteries.
Publication Order of Kathryn Swinbrooke Books
- A Shrine of Murders (1993)
- The Eye of God (1994)
- The Merchant of Death (1995)
- The Book of Shadows (1996)
- Saintly Murders (2001)
- A Maze of Murders (2003)
- A Feast of Poisons (2004)
A Shrine of Murders (1993)
The series begins with a chilling mystery in Canterbury. A group of pilgrims is found dead, poisoned, with each victim bearing a line from a verse reminiscent of Geoffrey Chaucer’s work. Kathryn Swinbrooke is called upon to investigate, using her medical knowledge and sharp mind to uncover the truth. With the help of Colum Murtagh, she delves into the dark secrets of Canterbury’s physicians and uncovers a sinister plot.
The Eye of God (1994)
Set against the backdrop of the War of the Roses, this installment follows Kathryn and Colum as they search for a missing gold pendant known as the “Eye of God.” The pendant is said to hold great power, and its disappearance leads to a series of murders. Kathryn must navigate political intrigue and personal danger to solve the case.
The Merchant of Death (1995)
As Christmas approaches, Canterbury is blanketed in snow, but the festive season is marred by a series of murders. A renowned painter confesses to killing his wife and two others, but Kathryn suspects there’s more to the story. Her investigation leads her into a web of deceit, jealousy, and betrayal.
The Book of Shadows (1996)
A mysterious book containing spells and secrets becomes the center of a murder investigation. When the book’s guardian is found dead, Kathryn is called to solve the locked-room mystery. The case takes her into the world of alchemy and dark magic, testing her skills and courage.
Saintly Murders (2001)
A series of murders connected to a local saint’s shrine shakes Canterbury. Kathryn and Colum must uncover the truth behind the killings while navigating the superstitions and religious fervor of the time. This book combines historical detail with a gripping mystery.
A Maze of Murders (2003)
Kathryn and Colum are drawn into a deadly game when a series of murders occurs in a labyrinthine estate. The victims seem to be connected by a dark secret, and Kathryn must use her wits to navigate the maze and uncover the killer’s identity.
A Feast of Poisons (2004)
The final book in the series sees Kathryn investigating a poisoning at a grand feast. The case is fraught with political intrigue and personal danger, as Kathryn and Colum face their most challenging mystery yet. The book provides a satisfying conclusion to the series.
Why You’ll Love the Kathryn Swinbrooke Series
The Kathryn Swinbrooke series is perfect for fans of historical mysteries with strong, intelligent protagonists. Kathryn’s expertise as a physician and chemist adds a unique dimension to the stories, while the richly detailed medieval setting immerses readers in 15th-century England. The series combines intricate plots, compelling characters, and a touch of romance, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Books Similar to Kathryn Swinbrooke
- The Hugh Corbett Series by Paul Doherty
- The Brother Cadfael Series by Ellis Peters
- The Matthew Shardlake Series by C.J. Sansom
- The Sir Roger Shallot Series by Michael Clynes (Paul Doherty)
- The Margaret Beaufort Mysteries by Paul Doherty