The Cup of Ghosts

The Cup of Ghosts follows Mathilde of Westminster, a young physician in medieval England who becomes entangled in court intrigue during the reign of Edward II. As a trusted medical advisor to Queen Isabella, Mathilde must navigate the dangerous politics of the royal household while investigating a series of mysterious deaths. The story takes place in 1322 during a time of unrest between King Edward II and his barons, with tensions mounting at court. Mathilde applies her knowledge of medicine and healing arts to uncover the truth behind deaths that may be linked to dark practices and poisonings. This historical mystery combines medieval medicine, royal politics, and elements of the supernatural. Through Mathilde's position as both an outsider and insider at court, the narrative explores themes of power, loyalty, and the price of knowledge in a world where science and superstition intersect.

Readers describe the book as a solid medieval mystery with detailed historical elements. Many note the strong portrayal of the lead character Mathilde and appreciate the medical/poisoning aspects that reflect her physician training. Liked: - Accurate period details about 14th century France and England - Complex political intrigue and multiple murders - Clear explanations of medieval medicine and poisons - Strong female protagonist who uses intelligence over action Disliked: - Slow pacing in first third of book - Too many characters to track initially - Some find the political plots overly complicated - A few readers note the romance elements feel forced Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (447 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) "The historical detail is incredible but doesn't overwhelm the mystery" - Goodreads reviewer "Started slow but picked up - stick with it" - Amazon reviewer "Complex plotting pays off if you can keep all the players straight" - LibraryThing review

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🏰 The novel is set in 1322 during the reign of Edward II of England, a time of great political intrigue and mysterious deaths at the English court. ⚕️ The protagonist, Mathilde of Westminster, is a physician trained in the advanced medical knowledge of the time, including the works of Arabic scholars that were relatively unknown in medieval England. 🗝️ Author Paul Doherty holds a PhD in history from Oxford University and has written over 100 historical novels and non-fiction works under various pen names. ⚔️ The book draws inspiration from real historical events, including the tensions between Edward II and his queen Isabella of France, which eventually led to Edward's deposition. 🧪 Medieval medicine and poisoning techniques described in the book are based on authentic historical sources, including the works of Avicenna and other medieval medical texts.