The Huntsman's Tale

Oxford Medieval Mysteries, Volume 3

By: Ann Swinfen

Narrated by: Philip Battley

Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Oxford, late summer, 1353. On hearing that his cousin is short-handed for the harvest, Nicholas Elyot takes a group of friends back to the family farm to help. When a deer hunt in Wychwood ends in tragedy, suspicion is directed toward the huntsman, a boyhood friend of Nicholas. But the victim has made many other enemies, any one of whom could have shot the fatal arrow. Can Nicholas uncover the real killer before it is too late?

©2017 Ann Swinfen (P)2017 Ann Swinfen

Excellent Medieval Mystery

I enjoyed C.J. Sansom’s mystery series featuring Matthew Shardlake and was sad when I finished the last book. Now I’ve discovered Ann Swinfen and am enjoying her series even more.
The story line is compelling: a bookseller becomes involved in a murder investigation in England during the 1300’s. The characters are not only believable but very likable.
The pace is good with a good amount of action but not too much. The ending was excellent and made sense though it did surprise me, which is perfect in a mystery tale.
The narrator did a fine job and didn’t get in the way of the story.

Great story and narration!

I was so pleased to see that the third story in the series was now available on audible.com. Philip Battley is one of my favorite narrators. He makes the characters and story come to life. I'll be eagerly waiting for the next book in the Oxford Medieval Mysteries.

Keep reading, it gets better after a while.

This begins very, very slowly. A lot of time is spent getting organized and traveling to the farm. I think the murder doesn't occur until halfway through the book. It doesn't help that the narrator speaks somewhat slowly, as if every sentence is important. I don't remember noting that in the previous book. The reader knows who's the killer before the hero does. But I enjoyed the descriptions of country life at the time, and learning something of the character's youthful history. And the scene at the very end was a surprise.

Well told story with a few twists

This series continues to deliver. Although the mystery is not too difficult to figure out there are some rewarding twists. Also there are a lot of great details about medieval agriculture that bring the period alive.

Good Story. likable characters

Really have enjoyed the storyline. I've read the first 3 now, really like the storylines and the characters. and that it's essentially family friendly so i never have to worry about someone getting in the car and what they might hear. and i don't have to fwd thru gore or tons of crude situations and language.

Wonderful series

Characters are getting better and better. I’ve always enjoyed medieval history and Ann Swinfen’s Oxford series is one of my favorites.
Please try to read them in order and get on her email list as she gives lots of insight into life at that time.
I would have loved to have taken classes from her when she was still teaching!!

Excellent series! Great characters & history

I have really loved this series. The third book continues with characters you can like and villains you can hate, but still sympathize with as well. The flavor of the era is really unique and I feel like I am getting a history lesson in between a good mystery. This book ends with a twist and I found it to be thoroughly engaging and satisfying . On to book four!

Modern yet Medieval

Very engaging story and characters. I am eager for the next books. I enjoy reading these books because I feel I learn about history and enjoy a good story too.

murderer obvious immediately

ended a bit differently than expected I guess, but the murderer was obvious before the body was even found. usually sharp protagonist was dull witted and took an embarrassingly long time to figure anything out. I only kept listening in hopes of a twist.... it didn't come

Not as good as books 1 and 2

This book has none of the true suspense of the last two books. The plot is obvious from the beginning and the characters have lost their abilities to think. I finished it—kept hoping it would get better but it didn’t

Book 3 of a great series

Having listened to books 1 and 2, I have now listened to book 3 with more to listen too. As the first two stories this one is enjoyable and brings alive something of the life of medieval England in the aftermath of the first Black Death which decimated the population. It is obvious the author has an extensive knowledge of the era plus the ability to bring characters alive. Well written and enjoyable.

Murder most gentle!

I love these books. Beautifully written and researched, they conjure up the Middle Ages and Oxford wonderfully. Brilliant series. I really don’t want them to end.

GREAT TALE

thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have all the others in the series. I feel the characters are friends.

Oxford Mysteries.

love the progress of these stories. Its easy to listen as it flows nicely

A must listen

I really like this series and the 3rd book continues in giving great pleasure when you listen to it. The narrator is so familiar to my ears that it is like having an old friend tell you a story. A good book to listen too.

enjoyable

this are enjoyable non taxing tales i would advise they were read in order otherwise some parts would be a bit disjointed.