By Divine Right by Patrick Carr
The first of 5 volumes; this is a novella that introduces us to a strange medieval fantasy world and a self-doubting detective, a reeve, named Willet Dura. His job in the King’s guard is to help patrol the city of Bunard, which rules the kingdom of Collum. During most days, he patrols the poor quarter, trying to help the people of the city, many of whom he sees as friends. But sometimes he wakes up – in the night or the next day – with evidence that he’s been sleepwalking. Discovering a murder in the city after most of these nightwalks, there is usually enough evidence to exonerate him. But not always. And thus “Doubt can eat a whole right through a man.”
His life takes a very different turn when an investigation of the death of an elderly cleric, thought to have been a stroke, turns into a mystery which threatens his King, puts Willet Dura in mortal danger, and unleashes the forces of darkness itself.
I like the mystery aspect of the book as well as the tie-in to some religious, alt-universe Catholic precepts. But it’s not doctrinal and you don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate the nuances. Please note I’m not advocating for a return to monarchy or anything like that.
Pros – fast-paced, clear cut plot, short introduction to this strange medieval world. A protagonist that you can’t help but root for (which segues into the next book in the series, The Shock of Night).
Cons – long descriptions of some of the geography of the city, which some may not like; and the romance that brews in the novella might be a turn-off to some.
4.0/5
Trachin Commentary 