The Study of Murder

Oxford, 1374: At the command of the Lord of the Isles, Muirteach and his wife Mariota accompany Donald, the lord's surly thirteen-year-old son, to Oxford. Shortly after their arrival a winsome tavern maid disappears. Muirteach attempts to help Undersheriff Grymbaud with the investigation, as well as keep Donald at his studies and out of the taverns. He has little success with either venture, although the discovery of some bizarre drawings on old parchments piques the curiosity of Donald and his peers. Mariota thirsts to attend medical lectures at the schools and seeks a way to gain admittance to these classes. An Oxford master is found brutally bludgeoned to death, and Grymbaud asks Muirteach to investigate the slaying. The arrest of an aged servant for the murder stirs the ever-simmering discord between townsfolk and university students. Then Mariota vanishes. Gleaning clues from a cryptic manuscript and desperate to save his wife, a determined Muirteach tracks a wily killer through a dark and twisted labyrinth of deceit. Praise for THE STUDY OF MURDER, New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards Finalist Best Historical Novel 2013 "THE STUDY OF MURDER is a worthy addition to Susan McDuffie's 14th century mystery series. Muirteach and Mariota may be in an alien world, when they accompany the son of the Lord of the Isles to Oxford, but neither town nor gown can match their clever wits in solving crime. This book is a treat for those of us eager for a fresh era, well-integrated history, and a host of interesting characters." Priscilla Royal, author of the Prioress Eleanor/Brother Thomas mysteries "If you like your mysteries very well written, interspersed with history, and a cozy wit and charm, THE STUDY OF MURDER is a lesson you cant afford to miss!" WTF Are You Reading