The Night of the Wolf - (A Brother Chandler Mystery) by Cassandra Clark

About the Book

Friar-sleuth Brother Chandler has to save a copy of the Canterbury Tales before the censors kill him and destroy it. He gets help from wool merchant John Willoughby who claims to be a friend and needs aid solving the mysterious death of his wife. But can Chandler trust him and will he be able to solve the case without putting everyone in peril?

Book Synopsis

The ruthless reign of Henry IV and the clerical tyranny of Archbishop Arundel keep Brother Chandler and his friends under constant threat in this gripping medieval mystery featuring friar-sleuth Rodric Chandler.

"Clark's use of period detail is unparalleled, and the plot remains taut and brisk til the end" Publishers Weekly Starred Review

Chester, 1400. Riding for his life, with a copy of Chaucer's heretical Canterbury Tales in his possession, friar-sleuth Brother Chandler is ambushed on the road and wakes up in a stranger's house.

Is his 'rescuer', wool merchant John Willoughby, friend . . . or foe? Willoughby declares that he, like Chandler, has renounced the self-crowned King Henry IV and will help Chandler get his dangerous belongings to safety. He seems trustworthy, but Chandler knows that if he's caught by the King's merciless censors together with the Tales, he'll be burned at the stake.

But then Willoughby's young wife perishes in a terrible accident at their house - or so it seems . . . Willoughby asks Chandler to help investigate if it was indeed an accident or if someone had a hidden agenda.

All Chandler wants to do is find safe haven for Chaucer's Tales and return to London, but he accepts the case. Little does he know that it will lead to secrets being uncovered which will put not only Chandler but also those around him in unimaginable peril.

The Night of the Wolf is the third book in the Brother Chandler mystery series, following The Hour of the Fox and The Day of the Serpent. A great read for history lovers who enjoy puzzling murder mysteries with twists!

Review Quotes

A worthy conclusion to this thoroughly enjoyable trilogy-- "Mystery People"

Brilliant . . . Clark deftly creates the atmosphere of the Middle Ages-- "Historical Novels Review"

Clark's use of period detail is unparalleled, and the plot remains taut and brisk til the end-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review"

Excellent . . . A Standout in the crowded medieval mystery field-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Murder at Whitby Abbey"

Packed with historical detail and dangerous exploits-- "Kirkus Reviews"

The history is meticulously researched and depicted . . . Brother Chandler's sleuthing may appeal to nonfiction readers looking for variety in their reading just as much as the fans of Clark's popular Abbess Hildegard of Meaux series-- "Booklist on The Hour of the Fox"

The local color and historical detail are outstanding-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Day of the Serpent"

The mystery is a slender thread woven through rich historical detail in this intriguing introduction to a conflicted hero-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Hour of the Fox"

The story grips. Readers will want to see more of this highly original protagonist-- "Publishers Weekly on The Hour of the Fox"

Those who enjoy medieval stories of betrayal and ruthlessness will be rewarded-- "Publishers Weekly on The Day of the Serpent"