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Of Blood Descended

Anthony Blanke Tudor Mysteries, Book 1

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Of Blood Descended

By: Steven Veerapen
Narrated by: Peter Noble
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Summary

'Beautifully written . . . a unique tale told in a unique voice' -S. G. Maclean

Summer, 1522. In a wave of pomp, Henry VIII's court welcomes the Imperial emperor, Charles V. Anthony Blanke, the son of the king's late 'black trumpet', John Blanke, is called to Hampton Court by his former employer, Cardinal Wolsey. The cardinal is preparing a gift for King Henry: a masque of King Arthur and the Black Knight. Anthony is to take center stage.

The festive mood, however, quickly sours. Wolsey's historian, charged with proving the king's descent from King Arthur, is found murdered, his body posed in a gruesome tableau. A reluctant Anthony is charged with investigating the affair. His mission takes him on the path trod by the historian, through ancient monastic libraries and the back streets of London.

On a journey that takes him from Hampton Court to Windsor and Winchester, and which sees him lock horns with secretive monks, historian Polydore Vergil, and a new face at court, Anne Boleyn, he must discover the murderer, secure the great masque, and avoid King Henry's wrath.

©2022 Steven Veerapen (P)2024 Tantor Historical Mystery Royalty Thriller & Suspense
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Of Judgement Fallen By: Steven Veerapen
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under the excessive flowery, descriptive narrative, there is an actual murder mystery to be solved. Bizarrely amongst all the 'Tudor' creativity, an americanisum popped up. Although extremely rambling i missed "who done it", somewhat surprised and releved, I move on to the next book in this series intent on paying more attention

rather wordy

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Interesting take on race in Tudor England. We know of individuals and especially John Blanke the trumpeter and supposed father of our invented hero. Anthony the son feels the difference between him and white colleagues and despite being mixed race, still bleaches his skin to fit in. It’s an uncomfortable read in places but Anthony and his two main companions are ultimately decent and likeable characters. Cardinal Wolsey is not!!

Enjoyable Tudor crime mystery

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Interesting fictional characters set against the backdrop of Henry 8th & Cardinal Wolsey. The plot is intricate and leaves you guessing right to the end. The main characters are well developed and written, the dialogue is realistic and most of the historical detail is sound. Having said that I’ve rated the story a 4 rather than 5. The plot is almost too constructed, too clever and detracts slightly from the pace of the action. Nonetheless a solid 4 and an excellent narrator to carry it along.

Plot twists & turns

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Although the story was good, the ending was a bit of a letdown and the prologue didn’t really feel necessary as it wasn’t a crucial part of the plot.

Good story and performances.

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I guess I liked the story but very nearly gave up a few times. seemed to plod on for hours and never really got going...then ended. Not sure if I'd continue if there is a series.

seemed to take ages getting anywhere

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