While on a hunt with his hounds, local constable Henry Beaumont finds the crushed corpse of Martin Reynard. Outraged that the homicide occurred on his lands and to a former employee of his, Henry investigates the crime. Having no experience on murder cases, Henry ignores motive and opportunity to decide that only the blacksmith had the means i.e., the strength to perform this odious act. Henry places the big man in the dungeon.
William the Conqueror's Domesday commissioners Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret head an entourage handling a local land dispute. When the King's team learn of Henry's rush to judgment, they feel the constable did not do an adequate investigation. They begin their own inquiries into what really happened to Martin.
THE FOXES OF WARWICK is insightful and vividly descriptive. Even better, it contains a fabulous who-done-it with a rational twist of an ending. The characters are warm and feel real, making the age seem even more colourful for the audience.
This is the first I’ve read in the Domesday series, and I’ll definitely be coming back for more. ( )