The Book of Fires - by Paul Doherty (Paperback)

About the Book

February, 1381. Brother Athelstan has been ordered to track down a ruthless killer known as the Fire Bringer. He appears to be targeting all involved in the recent trial and conviction of the beautiful Lady Isolda Beaumont, burned at the stake for the murder of her husband. But was she really guilty - and what does the Fire Bringer really want?

Book Synopsis

An intriguing medieval mystery featuring sleuthing monk Brother Athelstan

February, 1381. A ruthless killer known as the Ignifer - Fire Bringer - is rampaging through London, bringing agonising death and destruction in his wake. He appears to be targeting all those involved in the recent trial and conviction of the beautiful Lady Isolda Beaumont, burned at the stake for the murder of her husband. As the late Sir Walter Beaumont was a close friend of the Regent, John of Gaunt orders Sir John Cranston and Brother Athelstan to investigate.

In the dead man's possession was a copy of the mysterious 'Book of Fires', containing the secret formula of a devastating weapon, the so-called Greek Fire. The manuscript has since disappeared, and Gaunt is desperate for it not to fall into the hands of the Upright Men, who are busy plotting the Great Revolt.

Was Isolda really guilty of murder? Who is the terrifying Fire Bringer - and what does he want? Brother Athelstan is about to tackle his most challenging, and potentially dangerous, case yet.

Review Quotes

"The clues are in plain sight, but only the cleverest readers will identify the Ignifer before Athelstan does."-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review"

About the Author

Paul Doherty studied History at Liverpool and Oxford Universities, and is now headmaster of a school in Essex. He is the author of more than eighty historical mysteries including the Hugh Corbett, Mathilde of Westminster and Canterbury Tales medieval mystery series.