London: 1392
Crispin Guest, known as the Tracker, has had some strange cases, but never before has he been asked to investigate the walking dead. The priest of the tiny church of St. Modwen’s tells him that he and others have witnessed the dead rising from their graves in the churchyard and dragging their coffins through the field nearby. The next morning the graves are back to normal. The priest and Crispin’s apprentice Jack believe evil forces are responsible for this ghostly event. Crispin, not given to superstition, thinks it more likely that it’s a man-made phenomenon.
While he and Jack ponder their next steps, they are offered a second case. A letter comes from Philippa Walcott asking for help. Philippa, the woman who broke his heart and left him for another. He’d hoped to never see her again, but when she and her husband Clarence tell him that their eight-year old son Christopher has confessed to murder, he can’t turn away. The child’s claim is not the only shocking thing about the case, making it all the more imperative that Crispin prove his innocence.
The Deepest Grave has all the depth and richness of Medieval London that Westerson’s Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Mystery series is known for. The balance of mystery and the supernatural is perfect, and the plot is well crafted. This is the eleventh of fourteen in the series. Highly recommended

The Deepest Grave is the latest Crispin Guest medieval noir mystery written by Jeri Westerson. Crispin is a former knight who was accused of treason and stripped of everything. To survive, he has turned to his considerable deductive skills and basically become the first private detective, though what they call him is the “Tracker.” Crispin has managed to survive using these skills, providing a meager life for himself and his apprentice Jack Tucker, a former thief.

mystery book coverIn this new book, Crispin is approached by a priest–not an unusual occurrence in Crispin’s life–named Father Bulthius. However, the priest’s reason for wanting to hire Crispin is quite unusual–he believes that the dead are rising from their graves and wants Crispin to find out why and hopefully stop them. Crispin ends up with more than one case, as he is also summoned by his former love, Philippa Walcote, to save her young son who has been accused of murder and of stealing a relic. Much to his annoyance, relics seem to haunt Crispin’s life, and this one seems to have some unusual abilities. The boy is on the verge of being arrested, so Crispin must act quickly. Crispin does however get a bit of a reprieve time wise, as one of the current Sheriffs is actually a fan of his-much to his surprise. Usually the local Sheriffs can’t stand him. There is also something about the boy that drives Crispin even harder to save him. As the story progresses, he and Jack end up with help from an unexpected source, Abbott William, who while elderly is very enthusiastic about this adventure that could possibly include the “walking dead.”

This latest book takes a bit of a time jump from the last one, and some significant changes have happened during that time. You find Crispin in the best situation that he has been in since the series started. He has a better home, and is building a sort of family. His apprentice, Jack Tucker, is now married and he and his wife Isabella are expecting their first child. Jack has grown into a fine young man, and is now of even more help to Crispin, and his wife cooks for them and keeps the home. There is a sort of peace in his life that Crispin hasn’t experienced for some time. And he too has grown and changed considerably because of it.

I always enjoy a Crispin Guest mystery, but this one may be my favorite one so far! Not only is it filled with medieval adventure and two well plotted mysteries filled with many twists and turns, but it’s also really nice seeing how much the characters have grown and changed. I also really enjoyed the “walking dead” aspect of the story, and was completely surprised when the villain was revealed! The history of the time period is always interesting as well. My one regret is that one of my favorite side characters, the cross dressing John Rykener, wasn’t in this story, but I hope we do see him again in the future.

I enjoyed this book more than some of the previous Crispin Guest novels for a few reasons. First, I feel there was more character development and depth to the characters, many of whom can often be quite shallow. I especially liked Isabel, Jack Tucker's new wife who is going to feature in some of the future stories as well. She does fulfill a lot of traditional roles that would be expected of a 14th century women, but she's also fiercely intelligent and empathetic.
She and Jack have now come to provide a lot of the grounding for Crispin, and the process of Jack coming into his own throughout the series has proved worthwhile in the conclusion of this book. The discussions about life, death and ageing were worked into the story well, giving it some depth without becoming too morose.

The central mystery had plenty of twists and turns but I felt it was drawn out a bit too long. It could have been resolved more quickly and easily if Crispin had put a little more effort in: and honestly, if he had not been so obsessed with old flame Philippa Walcote. She makes a comeback in this story, along with new character who proves significant but I do feel her and Crispin's behaviour kind of sours the taste of this novel.

It certainly was not consistent with Crispin's supposed code of honour, and whilst they did not go all the way I still felt they both needed a damn good slap. Crispin had his chance with her and had no place romancing another man's wife, and she should have known better than to encourage, if not openly throw herself at him. It's not as if her husband was a rotter or abusive. He's a decent man who she has put in a situation that should not be inflicted on anyone, and her preparedness to cheat on him (even if it did not actually reach that point, it was no for want of trying on her part), was not cool.

It is good that Crispin might finally have a sort of adoptive family to fit into, though.

Thanks to the publisher for approving me for this title. This did not influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the tales in this series thus far and I was not let down in the latest installment!
This book sends Crispin on a mission to solve the question of why corpses are wondering around outside of their graves in the middle of the night. I really enjoy the way te author brings historical themes to light in a modern way! As always, Westerson keeps the reader entranced with fast paced action and witty banter!

I highly recommend this series to any one who loves a great story premise with historical aspects, paranormal feats, and Sherlock Holmes

I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity.

Book 11 of this series but only the second I have read (regretfully) and I'm glad to report I enjoyed this one just as much as Season of Blood. In this instalment, Crispin is called in to investigate the dead rising at a local church plus he gets a mighty shock that has nothing to do with zombies but causes his outlook on everything to change.

Jeri Westerson has managed to get the perfect balance between entertainment and tense drama. I thought with the last book that there is a levity to these books that to some might seem unusual in this sort of book but for me is definitely not unwelcome. The early books are featuring heavily on my TBR pile. Only 10 to catch up on.....

If you haven’t read any of Westerson’s mysteries set in London, circa the late 1300s, you’re in for a treat. They’re filled with interesting characters and intricate plots. As a reader you’re sure to be entertained by the story, but pay attention to the meticulous historical details Ms. Westerson always adds. The settings around not-so-merry old London town will fascinate, as will the descriptions of how people lived and the often peculiar things they believed. Religion plays a large part in the characters’ lives, for good and ill.

In this story, Crispin Guest, who is known as a tracker⏤what we would call a detective⏤is hired to investigate the strange goings on taking place in a church graveyard. Tales are told of corpses rising and carrying their coffins about, frightening people away. As if that isn’t enough, Crispin, with his apprentice Jack Tucker, is called to the home of the only woman he has ever loved, where her seven-year-old son Christopher has been accused of murdering their tiresome neighbor.

Who knew children in that age were prosecuted and sentenced prison and even put to death? And with this particular child, there’s a great deal at stake. How these two mysteries intertwine works into a great plot. Full of twists and turns, it’s a story to grasp and hold your attention. Recommended.

This is the second book of this series that I have read and I absolutely loved it. Crispin is employed by his ex-lover to prove the innocence of her 7 year old son who has confessed to murdering their next door neighbour.
He is also again inextricably linked with another relic and, to top it all off, there appear to be zombies roaming around and slitting the throats of animals ... and some people.
The tone of this book is more light-hearted as Crispin's adopted family and friends work together to solve the murders. Crispin himself doesn't seem to take himself too seriously, despite having to confront some serious faults in his character and honour. And the new Sheriffs provide some comic relief when things get too heavy.
I can't wait for the next instalment of Crispin's adventures.

Jeri Westerson carries on the career of the Tracker of London Crispin Guest in The Deepest Grave, his next medieval noir adventure. A merchant is stabbed to death in his home and a 7 year old boy is accused; bodies are disturbed and possibly walking in a church graveyard where a priest murdered. Whodunit? 1392 London is disturbed by the unholy goings on and a holy relic is stolen from the merchant's home. Who really are the murderers? Is there divine providence involved? Fast moving mystery in medieval London. Crispin Guest is older and his helper Jack is married with a pregnant wife. Read and enjoy the mystery puzzles.

The Deepest Grave has medieval finder Crispin Guest involved in two separate mysteries which touch at the end. He is aided and sometimes thwarted by a cast of familiar characters whose stories are expanded in the novel. While his apprentice Jack Tucker is worried about his heavily pregnant wife Isabel, Crispin gets a frantic note from his own former lover Philippa Walcote. Her seven-year-old son is accused of murdering a nasty neighbor and apparently has confessed to the crime. Since seven is the age of reason wherein an individual is judged to know right from wrong, there is a real possibility that the boy could be arrested, tried, found guilty and hanged. In addition, a valuable relic from the victim’s house has gone missing and Christopher is accused of stealing it. One interview with this highly intelligent child and Crispin deduces that he is protecting someone, but who and how to prove it?

Meanwhile, in a poor parish not far from the Walcotes, the parish priest hires Crispin to solve a particularly grisly problem. Recently buried corpses are rising from their graves and dragging their coffins toward a small wooded area. The next morning they have returned to their resting places but with bloodied mouths and shrouds. Crispin is sure it is fantasy or a trick until he sees it with his own eyes.

Crispin manages to solve both cases very satisfactorily. Yet there remains a little mystery…..that disappearing relic which apparently has a will if its own…

This book along with The Death of Mrs Westaway and The Way Of All Flesh, were all very dark and atmospheric with historical elements which is my favourite style of book to read! Most historical fiction is set during WWI and WW2 as well as the Tudor period but In The Deepest Grave is set during the 13th century which I loved!

We follow Crispin and his loyal apprentice, Jack, as they are commissioned to uncover a mystery of corpses apparently coming back to life and walking around the graveyard carrying their coffins....yeah, it sounds amazing! Another mystery takes precedence as Crispin has a personal connection to the accused but both mysteries come together towards the end of the book.

I didn't know that this was part of a series but I found this book very enjoyable, very easy and I was able to read it within one day because it was a quick read and just over 200 pages. Despite the low page number, I came to love the characters of Crispin, Jack and Isabel and I did like the atmosphere and mysteries but the reveal wasn't too shocking to me and the plot was quite simple, in my opinion. However, I would recommend it as a very quick and enjoyable historical fiction read and despite feeling a little disappointed by the reveal, I would definitely be interested in the next book.

London, 1392 and Crispin Guest continues to do his job as The Tracker. His new client is the priest of St. Modwen's Church. The poor man is beside himself with fear and why? Well, it seems that the corpses have decided to go walking, dragging coffins behind them. Well, Crispin has very strong doubts about that but a client is a client and his money will help pay the bills just as well as the next man's sixpence. As he returns to the home he now shares with young Jack, now husband to Isabel, pregnant with their first child, little does he know that there will be much more to investigate soon. His past is about to make a return visit. It will test his heart, his soul and his talent as The Tracker. Nothing is as it seems. Questions abound, well beyond the question of who committed murder. Questions of loyalty, love and, above all, what defines family? As Crispin searches London for answers regarding murder, he also searches his heart for other answers.
This is book eleven in this rich, complex and wonderful series. If you are new to this series, have no fear, reading this one first is no problem. But, be warned. It may just capture you and entice you to go find the rest of the entries, eager to find out who Crispin Guest is and how he became to be who he is now. I will be looking forward to reading the next book, Traitor's Codex.

It’s been a long time since I last read a Crispin Guest novel—I think it was the fourth, Troubled Bones. When The Deepest Grave (the eleventh in the series) came up on NetGalley, it was like seeing a long lost friend. I re-read the first, Veil of Lies, to get reacquainted. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to slip back into the world of Crispin Guest—you can start the series out of order and not be lost.
Crispin and apprentice Jack Tucker are drawn into investigating the walking dead in the St Modwen’s churchyard. To complicate Crispin’s already complicated life, someone from his first-ever case needs his help again. Fatherhood appears to be the theme, as young Jack is about to become a father and Crispin is…well, no spoilers here, but there is a very intriguing development for Crispin.
Crispin is as full of angst and regret as the first book but it’s his curiosity and cynicism that fuel him to solve the mysteries. The medieval setting is well balanced against the mystery plot, and the solution to the puzzle is very satisfying.

The walking dead!

London ,1392. The opening scenes depicting Crispin Guest, the faithful Jack Tucker and his pregnant wife Isobel, had me recalling Crispin's journey thus far. His descent pre 1384 from Lord and Knight to traitor and now a private investigator--The Tracker, hiring himself out to solve mysteries, many of them associated with relics. My reflections turned to Crispin's aloneness, prompted by the lovely scenes of Jack and Isobel's happiness. Despite the three of them living comfortably together under the one roof, there's a poignant reminder when Crispin goes off to his solitary room as 'the soft sounds of Jack helping [Isobel] to bed gave Crispin that pang again; the pang of a thousand regrets.'
I remembered the women Crispin had met and those he let go and I must admit I found myself grieving for his missed opportunities for a committed relationship, sometimes through pride and other times, circumstances.
In the midst of these reminiscents, I follow Crispin and the faithful Jack as they begin investigating a case involving the walking dead in a small graveyard of St Modwen’s Church.
And then of course the coincidences begin. Crispin is called to investigate a murder and the theft of another relic from attendees of the same church.
And who is requesting his attendance? None other than his past love Philippa Walcote and her wealthy mercer husband from Guests's first case, The Veil of Lies.
A lively drama with moments of anguish, intrigue and comic relief, with the Tracker, an upright man of his word, despite appearances, the supportive Jack and a rather wonderful group of people who populate their lives.
Another beautifully nuanced medieval noir mystery from Westerson.
As always I am besotted with Crispin and his travails!

A NetGalley ARC

It's the first book I read in this series and I really liked it.
I loved the characters, especially Crispin that is both complex and very human, and the plot.
It's a fascinating mix of noir and historical mystery that keep you guessing till the end and it's fast paced and enthralling.
It' was a pleasure to read this book and I hope to read soon another instalment.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC

In his entertaining 11th adventure, Crispin Guest, known throughout late 14th-century London as the Tracker, has his hands full with two perplexing cases. The first is rather grisly: Father Bulthius of St. Modwen’s asks him to investigate the “demon’s march” of corpses from the graveyard. The dead are supposedly unearthing themselves and dragging their coffins around after dark. Crispin can hardly believe it until he visits the parish church and sees a shadowy figure carrying a heavy object, and then the empty grave. Something mysterious is clearly afoot. His apprentice, Jack Tucker, a devout lad, is too creeped out to be enthusiastic about their venture but dutifully follows where his master leads. In the second instance, Crispin receives a note from an old lover, Philippa Walcote, who’s now a prosperous mercer’s wife. Her seven-year-old son, Christopher, is accused of murdering his father’s neighbor and competitor; even worse, the boy confessed to the crime. With nowhere else to turn, Philippa requests Crispin’s help.

The novel offers a compelling balance of situations and emotions. There are some hilarious moments spurred by Jack’s reluctance to go skulking about amongst the graves (who can blame him?). Crispin, a disgraced knight and longtime bachelor, also broods a bit about his unusual household. Jack and his wife, Isabel, are living at Crispin’s place and are expecting their first child imminently, and Crispin is sort-of-but-not-quite a member of Jack’s growing family. Both his home life, and meeting Philippa and her son, leave Crispin pondering what might have been. Westerson wonderfully evokes the streets, taverns, and other haunts of medieval London, when the city’s outskirts were still rural, as well as period mentalities (among other mysteries, a religious relic appears to have a mind of its own). Crispin’s backstory is woven in so well that newcomers won’t feel lost, either.

(from the Historical Novels Review, August 2018)

1392 London and the dead are walking at night at St Modwen’s Church. Crispin Guest is begged by Father Bulthius to investigate. But Guest receives a summons from former lover Philippa Walcote to help prove that her 7 year old son did not commit the murder is has confessed to.
An enjoyable mystery and easy read.

Dead bodies rising from the cemetery and walking at night carrying their caskets? That's what the priest says he saw. He wants Crispin to investigate. If that's not enough to keep his attention, he's also asked to look into a case of murder against a 10 year old boy. It's even more devastating when he realizes he is his son he never knew he had...

Severn House and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published August 1st.

Neither case is easy to solve but Crispin works on them diligently and comes up with answers. They aren't pleasant, but they are answers. It's hard for him to walk away from his son, but he's got a got a good home, a father who loves him and more opportunities in life than Crispin could offer. Besides, his assistant's wife just had a baby they've named after him. He'll be busy enough in the future...

I love Crispin Guest, the hero of Jeri Westerson’s medieval series of which this is the latest episode. In any series totaling ten or more books one expects a dud now and again, but so far I have not noticed any diminution of quality, and that includes “The Deepest Grave,” which is a corker of a book.

In this book a priest comes to Crispin with a major problem; the dead are leaving their graves in St Modwen’s burial ground and walking. Crispin, who used to be a knight but committed treason against King Richard, is known as “The Tracker of London,” in effect a private detective, agrees to take the case along with his apprentice and surrogate son, Jack Tucker. Another case comes up concerning the Walcote family (from earlier in the series), so there is a lot of action.

I don’t like spoilers, so I will not give any. “The Deepest Grave” comes to a satisfactory conclusion, one that I did not see coming.

I not only recommend this book, I recommend the entire series. If you like excellent mysteries, or historical novels, or both, you cannot go wrong with Crispin Guest. Five stars, and I wish it could be six.

Crispin is back with his trusty apprentice Jack. After a distraught priest asks him to look into why the dead won't stay put in their graves, and before he can even do much sleuthing, he receives a message from an old friend that her son is being accused of murder. At the tender age of 7.

And as the old friend is Phillipa, who knows what could be afoot?!

Between the strange goings on at the church yard and the strange behavior of the murdered mans family, this will be an interesting one for Crispin. 

Crispin has really come into his own in this one. He is a much calmer and thoughtful man. He has seemingly banished his own demons and is coming to terms with his life as it is. But will this be the thing that could undo all his hard work?

I really enjoy this type of Noir. Crispin is an interesting fellow with just the right mix of snark and manners.

IF you haven't picked up one of his tales, you should!

Netgalley/ Severn House August 01, 2018

THE DEEPEST GRAVE (Hist Mys-Chrispin/Jack Taylor-England-1392) – VG+
Westerson, Jeri – 10th in series
Severn House – August 2018
First Sentence: A hand tapped Crispin's shoulder from behind as he was finishing his business against an alley wall?
Do the dead indeed walk? Father Bulthius of St. Modwen's Church asks for "Tracker" Crispin Guest's help as he claims he has seen the dead rise from their graves, dragging their coffins, and finds the bodies in the morning, back in their graves with blood on their mouths. In the meantime, Philippa Walcote, the woman Crispin truly loved but lost, needs his help proving the innocence of her son against a charge of murder and the theft of a family relic. Time is short, as the boy is about to be arrested; a boy who may mean more to Crispin than simply Philippa's son.
It is the sign of a good series when the author develops the characters, allowing them to grow and change with each book. That is certainly true here, particularly with Jack Turner. However, Westerson is very careful to ensure that those who have not read previous books don't feel lost or confused, or as though they've missed something.
With a story set in the 1300s, having a glossary at the beginning of the book is an excellent touch and very helpful. The author doesn't try to make one feel as though she's using the language of the time, which would be unintelligible to almost all of us. Instead, she uses particular words from the period and a cadence to the speech which gives a feel for the time.
Westerson captures the importance of rank and how each person fits into that hierarchy. It is interesting seeing Crispin's discomfort at his current living situation due to his loss of rank, yet the pleasure he has come to take from it—"His insistence had made of them a strange family: servants and master, all together, as it had been with Jack alone. Sometimes the arrangement caused a twinge of discomfort, but sometimes—as it did now—he welcomed the feeling that seemed to fill that empty place in his soul that had stood by itself for so long."
In addition to the primary characters of Crispin and Jack, Westerson creates fully-developed and very interesting secondary characters. Abbott William is the cleric all clerics should be. He doesn't consider himself above anyone else and has an enviable logic—"But our history is what makes us, wouldn't you agree, Crispin? For instance, if you had not had the temerity to commit treason, then perhaps you wouldn't be quite as interesting or noble a personal as you turned out to be."
Henry Vaunere and John Shadworth, sheriffs of London, are a wonderful contrast to another. Shadworth is fascinated by Crispin, while Vaunere is much more skeptical and pragmatic—"Shadworth raised his face. He wore a beatific expression. 'You don't mean to say that I gave you an idea, Master Guest?' 'John, for God's sake!' chaffed Vaunere, 'Quit fawning over the man.'
There are small truths; little gems presented to us by the author—"Justice was justice. It wasn't a pretty thing. It was often messy and unpleasant. But it had to be so.'
"The Deepest Grave" has very well-done solutions to the mysteries and a wonderfully, heart-warming ending to the story. Do take the time to read the afterword.