The Goldsmith's Daughter - Kate Sedley

If you want a light novel set in late medieval times then Kate Sedley produces a regular conveyor belt of books starring Roger the Chapman as a sleuth solving a variety of murders and mysteries. He's usually based in Bristol and its' surroundings, and lives in the

later Lancastrian/Yorkist period of English history. Ms Sedley is obviously a believer in the alternative view of Richard III. Roger Chapman is employed (as in this book) from time to time by Richard (as Duke of Gloucester in Edward IV's reign) who is not the deformed evil demon of Shakespeare. Instead he is a true prince amongst men with great ambitions for his nation, and a happy family man. As a Chapman Roger can wander from place to place selling his wares and coming across those in need of his talents as a solver of crime. On this occasion an encounter with a carter newly returned to Bristol brings news of the marriage of Edward IV's young son and the trial of Richard and Edward's brother the Duke of Clarence for treason. Roger and his wife travel to London to witness these two events and Richard of Gloucester asks the Chapman to solve a murder mystery. Kate Sedley is good at drawing you into the life and times of people at this time, and you can almost smell the London of the C15th. The solution to the mystery is a bit predictable though, but it carries you neatly to the end without too much disappointment. Rating: 7/10