Cup of Blood

Cup of Blood is a medieval noir mystery set in 1384 London, featuring disgraced knight turned private investigator Crispin Guest. When Guest discovers a dead man in a London church, he becomes entangled in a mystery involving a missing religious relic and dangerous political intrigue. The investigation leads Guest through the dark alleys and taverns of medieval London as he encounters a cast of characters from all social classes. His search puts him at odds with both church authorities and city officials while forcing him to confront aspects of his own troubled past. The novel combines historical authenticity with the classic elements of noir detective fiction. Through Guest's status as a "tracker" - a medieval private detective - the story explores themes of honor, redemption, and the complex relationship between faith and power in medieval society.

Readers praise the rich historical detail and authenticity of medieval London depicted in Cup of Blood. Multiple reviews note the solid mystery plot and complex character development of Crispin Guest. Highlights from reviews: - Strong pacing and action sequences - Vivid descriptions of London streets and daily life - Well-researched period details about law, medicine, and social structures Common criticisms: - Some find the religious elements too heavy-handed - A few readers mention confusion about series chronology, as this is a prequel - Several note it takes time to warm up to the main character Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (178 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (82 reviews) Notable reader comments: "The perfect balance of historical fact and gripping fiction" - Amazon reviewer "Rich atmosphere but occasionally gets bogged down in period minutiae" - Goodreads review "A fresh take on medieval mysteries with a flawed but compelling hero" - Bookbub review

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🗡️ "Cup of Blood" is a prequel to Jeri Westerson's popular Crispin Guest Medieval Noir series, showing how the main character first became the "Tracker" – a medieval detective for hire. 🏰 Author Jeri Westerson extensively researches medieval London, visiting historical sites and studying primary sources to ensure historical accuracy in her novels. ⚔️ The book's protagonist, Crispin Guest, is a disgraced knight who must solve crimes to survive after losing his title and lands for plotting against Richard II. 🏺 The plot revolves around the legend of the Holy Grail, weaving together historical elements with medieval religious mysticism and murder mystery. 🗺️ The story takes place in 1384 London, specifically in Smithfield, which was then a suburb known for its meat market and as the site of public executions.