The Troubadour's Tale

Oxford Medieval Mysteries, Book 5

By: Ann Swinfen

Narrated by: Philip Battley

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

When Nicholas Elyot and his friends set out to spend the Christmas season in the country, they are prepared for a hard journey in winter weather. They are also wary of violence on the road, for these are troubled times after the Great Pestilence, when bands of dispossessed and desperate men roam the countryside of England.

It is not surprising, therefore, when the troubadours hired to provide entertainment at Leighton Manor are attacked in Wychwood. Yet why should this insignificant group draw the attention of outlaws, who are searching for something? Is one of the troubadours not quite what he seems?

©2018 Ann Swinfen (P)2018 Ann Swinfen

Best Narrator Yet

Historical detail and ambience is rich and satisfying without being overbearing and focused on life experience, not textbook summary, which makes for fascinating backdrop to the plots. The narrator, Philip Battley, is by far the best I have heard.

Excellent

In every way I can think of. If you like the medieval fiction genre this is some of the best.

Wonderfully researched and beautifully read!

I will download the next tale in this series when I have a credit. I have loved the first five books. Please do start with the first one as the story builds on all the previous books. Philip Batley is a wonderful reader. He has a lovely voice and reads as if he is Nicholas, the narrator. These are not quite conventional mysteries. In some of the books there is a murder, but in a couple there is a grave miscarriage of justice. Ms. Swinfen obviously knew a lot about Oxford and paints vivid pictures of what life was like shortly after the plague which killed so many in England. There is much in these books about the scrivener's art and that of those who did illuminations for books of that time. Having visited present day Oxford, it's really neat to "visit" the medieval town. Each book has gotten better and better, because the characters continue to grow. I don't want the series to end!

Excellent!! Great characters & history

I really enjoyed this latest book in the continuing saga of Nickolas Elliott. The story line has twists and turns to keep you guessing, but the real enjoyment (for me) comes from the characters and the whole medieval world Ann Swinfen takes you to. The narratore is excellent. I can't wait for the next book!

LOVED IT!!!!!

This has been my favorite in the series! The language of the time, the story, it made me sad that it came to an end so quickly! I recommend this series most highly!!! If you like period fiction you can’t get any better than Ann Swifen’s Oxford Medieval Mysteries!!! My question to you Ms Swinfen is when will Nicholas and Emma get married and even Margaret and Peter?!?

Medieval Christmas well-evoked

Christmas is well-evoked by the author for the year and place...a lovely historical novella of the time (as these wonderful entries in the series do seem novella-sized). Master Elyot is one of the kindest, most thoughtful protagonists to meet in a book in a long while, for me. The setting is beautifully established. Character development is excellent and the plot suits me well. Perfectly narrated by Philip Battley.

A cozy medieval mystery

As mystery novels go, this is very mild, the medieval equivalent of a “village cozy”. It’s also delightfully atmospheric, and the narrator is wonderful.

Enchanting

I’ve listened to the entire series-1 thru 5 and I’m looking with great anticipation for book 6. The story is beautiful, what I learned about early life in a England was fascinating, and the translation of this book by Mr. Battley was a work of art. Hi actually “felt” as if I were actually there,in the story with them.

really like this series

great characters. great story... think im almost to the end of the published books And I'm sad about that.

Another wonderful story from Ann Swinfen

I have read all of the stories in Ann's Oxford Medieval Mystery series. The mysteries are of course, not as convoluted as an Agatha Christie mystery, but very enjoyable. The descriptions of the lives of the characters is something I really enjoy. And I find Philips narration to be exactly what the story needs. I thoroughly enjoy these stories and look forward to another installment in the series.