Consider the Ravens - by Cressida Downing (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The first in a historical mystery series set in a monastery on the island of Lindisfarne, following a female scribe in 1494.

Lindisfarne in 1494 is a holy island of secrets.

The scribe Linnet is running from her criminal past and seeking sanctuary in the island of her childhood. She's friendless in the monastery, the monks resentful of a woman scribe, and her only company is Tom the fisherman and a child, Isabelle - watchful, clever and unlikeable - with her partly tamed raven Pol.

The monastery bursar Oswyn threatens to expose Linnet's past but she isn't the only one with secrets to hide. Intent upon uncovering the monks' misdeeds is the fanatic inspector, sent by the new Bishop of Durham to write a report on the monastery.

When Oswyn is found drowned, Linnet suspects the death is not accidental.

After another death, Linnet realises there's a killer amongst the brethren, and her own precarious position makes her vulnerable-unless she can first identify who it could be...

Review Quotes

"Through Cressida Downing's evocative storytelling, Lindisfarne Priory springs back to life, work, prayer--and murder. Its brooding walls are sanctuary no more for skilled scribe Linnet. Instead, she must turn her talents to outwitting a killer. This is an atmospheric and page turning debut that will win Downing and Linnet many fans!" --E.M. Powell, author of the Stanton & Barling medieval mysteries

"Consider the Ravens offers a superb trip back in time to 15th century Lindisfarne, which is evoked with a tremendous sense of place and engaging characters as woman scribe Linnet and priory orphan Isabelle, accompanied by her glorious raven, Pol, flit through the light and shadows of a windswept monastic world." --S.G. Maclean, author of The Bookseller of Inverness

"In this gripping mystery, remote Lindisfarne chills us to the bone and surrounds us with engaging misfits and malefactors. Linnet the scribe and her awkward young companion Isabelle are a delight and we follow them gladly into a vividly drawn world." --Glennis Virgo, author of City of Silk

"Cressida Downing's true achievement is in bringing to life daily existence in 15th century Lindisfarne Priory, keeping track of every detail while building the mystery and its solution. In Linnet, she has created a fascinating woman who is fighting to survive in a man's profession and who becomes a reluctant detective to do so." --Allison Montclair, author of the Sparks and Bainbridge Mysteries

"Fans of C. J. Sansom, take note: Cressida Downing has arrived! Richly atmospheric, beautifully researched, and utterly compelling, Consider the Ravens is historical mystery at its finest. Absolutely unputdownable!" --Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Cleopatra's Daughter

"A fascinating view of life during Henry VII's reign, when things were both very different and strikingly similar to our own time, with forgery, abusive men, and power and money all central to Linet's fears and the investigation she quietly pursues...spellbinding...a a must for all who love a smart investigator; the carefully painted historical setting is a bonus." --firstCLUE

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