Palace of Thorns

Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mysteries, Book 7

By: J. G. Lewis

Narrated by: Madeleine Brolly

Salisbury 1227: Ela Longespée’s friend Alice de Gilbert bemoans her barren and loveless marriage, but Ela counsels her to remain faithful. When Alice’s husband is found dead, Ela must prove her friend’s innocence—or try her for murder.

The Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mystery Series

This series features a real historical figure—the formidable Ela Longespée. The young Countess of Salisbury was chosen to marry King Henry II’s illegitimate son William. After her husband’s untimely death, Ela served as High Sheriff of Wiltshire, castellan of Salisbury Castle, and ultimately founder and abbess of Lacock Abbey.

• Book 1: Cathedral of Bones
• Book 2: Breach of Faith
• Book 3: The Lost Child
• Book 4: Forest of Souls
• Book 5: The Bone Chess Set
• Book 6: Cloister of Whispers
• Book 7: Palace of Thorns
• Coming soon: Book 8: A Surfeit of Miracles

©2022 J. G. Lewis (P)2023 J. G. Lewis

Great read.

It is nice to read a book that is “PG-13” and entertaining. This last sentence is to meet the 15 word minimum :-)

A nuanced, superbly formulated story

There's a bit of brilliance involved in what J.G. Lewis created, bringing Ela of Salisbury to life. I probably would not much enjoy being in Ela's company, even to meet her would bring out trepidation, and definitely would not relish living in her time, but how I adore breathing and walking it with these superbly crafted characters and deftly written plot. I am not fond of Alice yet she was completely believable, as was everything in this entry. Ela's most pious child was more fully developed in a convincing manner, something I quite enjoyed. I have loved all the mysteries in this series, and spaced them out a bit as a treat. Palace of Thorns is excellent all-around, with many surprises, but also delivering a book that is not a surprise in its excellence. Madeleine Brolly's narration is quite wonderful.

Enjoyable listen

I am really enjoying this series about Ella of Salilbury. This particular book is probably my least favorite in the series, as I found the Alice character to be a bit annoying with her dimwitted essay, but do recognize that is just her character's traits. I love the narrator's voice and find the stories easy to follow and enjoy.