Showing results by author "Ian Morson" in All Categories

Spring 1261. In Rome, Pope Alexander lies dying. Across Europe, in Oxford's Oseney Abbey, ambitious Bishop Otho is already positioning himself as successor. Almost immediately, a student protest against the greed of the Church spirals out of control and the bishop's brother is killed. Everyone assumes the fatal arrow was meant for the bishop himself, and the protesters are swiftly accused of murder and imprisoned in an Oxford gaol. But with no motive, William Falconer can't believe his students would do such a thing.

In Rome, Pope Alexander lies dying. Across Europe, in Oxford's Oseney Abbey, ambitious Bishop Otho is already positioning himself as successor. Almost immediately, a student protest against the greed of the Church spirals out of control and the bishop's brother is killed. Everyone assumes the fatal arrow was meant for the bishop himself, and the protesters are swiftly accused of murder and imprisoned in an Oxford gaol.

Oxford University, 1271: for the first time in the university's history a college is to be purpose-built. As old buildings are pulled down, a skeleton is revealed. The skull is missing - it is clear the man has been murdered. Regent Master William Falconer deduces that the body was hidden 20 years ago.

Winter 1264. England is in turmoil. King Henry III's reign is under threat. In Oxford the barons prepare to challenge his rule. Searching for his lodgings down a dark alley, young student Thomas Symon hears a scream. It's a young girl, her throat slit. Mistaken for the fleeing killer, Thomas is saved from a vengeful town mob by a stranger pulling him into a dark passageway. The man is his new university tutor, renowned academic Regent Master William Falconer.