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In author Jeri Westerson’s previous two Medieval Noir mysteries (.com/articles/09/NW0900525.php>Serpent in the Thorns and Veil of Lies), 14th century gumshoe Crispin Guest has encountered all kinds of sacred relics. But in The Demon’s Parchment, his latest case takes a darker and more sinister turn.
As London’s infamous Tracker, Crispin has saved lives and recovered stolen objects, but he’s also known for his cases involving religious artifacts—which is why French physician Jacob of Provençal asks for his help in returning some stolen parchments. But while the money is good, the case comes with a few challenges. First, Jacob is a Jew—a people so hated in England that they’ve been exiled from the country. But Jacob is in London for a very important reason—which creates another problem: Jacob is working for the queen and living in the palace, from where Crispin has been banished.
As Crispin searches for a way into the palace, he stumbles upon yet another crime scene. A young boy has been brutally murdered, his body dumped in the Thames. Troubled by the gruesome case, the new sheriffs hire Crispin to track the murderer. But while the two cases seem unrelated, Jacob suspects that they’re connected.
The Demon’s Parchment is a dark and mystical departure from Westerson’s previous Medieval Noir mysteries. While earlier novels have featured a touch of the spiritual, with cases involving Christian artifacts, this latest case finds Crispin searching for ancient Hebrew parchments which, according to Jacob, can be used to create and control a kind of soulless monster called a Golem (which may or may not be killing boys). While the more paranormal story is certainly eerie, though, it feels out of place in the series—more a ghost story than a subtly spiritual medieval tale.
Still, while following along with Crispin’s investigation, readers once again get to explore fascinating parts of 14th century London—from the grand palace to Crispin’s shabby surroundings in the Shambles to the stews and brothels found across the river. The story is once again meticulously detailed and carefully researched, complete with plotlines that were inspired by true stories. It’s definitely a carefully crafted novel, but with so many different stories woven together—covering everything from serial killers and mythical monsters to anti-Semitism and transvestite prostitutes—it feels overcrowded and cluttered instead of simple and gritty. A number of the plotlines also seem forced—like a clumsy attempt to make the novel edgier and more scandalous.
Although Crispin and his young servant, Jack, are still fascinating characters—and their medieval surroundings will still captivate readers—the dark and sinister storylines in The Demon’s Parchment often feel awkward and unnecessary. And the result is an interesting but uncomfortable read—a rather unremarkable installment in an otherwise strong series.
