Elephants of Norwich: Medieval Mystery by Edward Marston - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set: The Elephants of Norwich: An action-packed medieval mystery by Edward Marston Condition: BRAND NEW Format: Paperback ISBN: 9780749026905 Overview: Step into 13th‑century Norwich with Edward Marston's historical mystery, The Elephants of Norwich. This accessible paperback invites fans of historical crime to follow a city steeped in rumor, intrigue, and treaty disputes. When two priceless golden elephants become the stake in a dangerous game, ruthless Richard de Fontenel is robbed, and his steward Hermer vanishes. Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret, originally come to adjudicate a land dispute, find themselves drawn into a perilous hunt for the thief. A richly atmospheric puzzle, it blends period detail with clever plotting and suspense. About the Books: Author Edward Marston crafts a vivid, fast-paced medieval mystery that balances legal wit with procedural flair. The narrative follows Ralph Delchard, a pragmatic soldier, and Gervase Bret, a keen-eyed lawyer, as they begin with a land-dispute adjudication and unravel a theft that reaches the heart of Norwich’s ruling circles. It is the juiciest piece of gossip the citizens of Norwich have heard for a long time. Richard de Fontenel’s wealth and stature are challenged when two priceless golden elephants vanish, threatening an arranged marriage to Adelaide. As their inquiry deepens, Delchard and Bret confront smuggling, hidden loyalties, and the possibility that Hermer’s disappearance conceals something far more sinister. Marston’s prose captures the texture of daily life in a town where merchants, priests, and nobles rub elbows in markets, courts, and corridors of power. The mystery unfolds with a measured pace—enough misdirection to keep readers guessing, but anchored by precise historical detail, from garments to governance. The author sprinkles clues in everyday scenes—tavern talk, legal argument, and the delicate dance of alliance and betrayal—so readers follow a real thread through a medieval city. Key Benefits: Rich historical detail that immerses readers in medieval Norwich. Engaging duo of Delchard and Bret; clever, investigative dynamics. Standalone mystery within a beloved Edward Marston series canon. A twist-filled plot about power, loyalty, and deceit. About the Author: Keith Miles, a Welsh writer, is best known under the pen name Edward Marston, renowned for his richly researched historical mysteries. Writing across genres—children’s books, radio and TV dramas, and stage plays—Miles crafts accessible yet layered adventures that blend period-specific detail with brisk plotting. Under the Edward Marston banner, he created a number of popular medieval mystery series featuring Det. Ralph Delchard and his associates, expanding the world with vivid settings and memorable secondary characters. Miles also writes as Martin Inigo and Conrad Allen, showcasing a versatile storytelling repertoire and a knack for authentic voice. Why You’ll Love This Book: This standalone medieval mystery delivers brisk, clever plotting, vivid period atmosphere, and a thoughtful blend of legal intrigue and whodunit charm. Edward Marston's deft characterization makes Delchard and Bret feel live and credible, offering a satisfying read for fans of historical fiction and puzzle-solving alike.