Richard III Society
American Branch:

The Queen's Man

a medieval mystery

by Sharon Kay Penman
U.K. release: August 1996
Michael Joseph Ltd.

U.S. release: November 1996
A Marian Wood Book
Henry Holt & Co.

"Penman is a superb storyteller." --The Miami-Herald
"Once you enter Penman's world, you're hooked." --Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Nominated for an Edgar Award for best first mystery novel


Acclaimed for her five historical novels--the first of which, The Sunne in Splendour, focused on the life of Richard III--PENMAN now embarks on a series of medieval mysteries featuring Justin de Quincy. Ms. Penman lives in Mays Landing, New Jersey.
Epiphany, 1193: The road out of Winchester was hidden by snow, and Justin de Quincy was making slow progress when he heard the first faint shout. It came again, louder and clearer, a cry for help. Spurring his stallion, de Quincy raced toward the source. But he was already too late. As the two assailants fled, de Quincy cradled the dying man, trying to make out his whispered words, "They did not get it," he rasped. "Promise me. You must deliver this letter to her. To the queen."

Eleanor of Aquitaine sits upon England's throne. At seventy, she has outlived the husband who once imprisoned her. But has she also outlived her much-loved eldest son, Richard Lionheart, England's king--missing these past two months? Only Eleanor's fierce will can keep her youngest son, John, from seizing the crown. Only a letter, spattered with the blood of a dying man murdered on the Winchester road, can tell her if Richard still lives.

"Energetic and adroitly plotted...Justin is so beguiling, and the action so lively and unpredictable, that readers will cheer Justin's return in further adventures."
--Publisher's Weekly

"Well researched, credibly plotted, realistically detailed, and undeniably entertaining."

--Library Journal

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