A great book by a fantastic author. The writing is excellent and the mystery keeps you turning the pages. Characters are well developed. Highly recommend.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. It was a good, solid mystery with a lot of dark undertones. I liked this book, but the time period was a really gloomy time-not sure if I want to visit again.

A solid historical mystery, though I'm not sure I'll continue the series, it seems a pretty dismal time period. There were many disagreeable characters, though Bess, the constable and his cousin were likable enough. It was well written, and an interesting mystery, but just not a period I'm looking forward to revisiting.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to try it out.

Early on, Herriman’s level of historical detail pulled me in and never let go. Gramercy, how the dialogue sets the tone with finesse! I loved how immersed in time and place I felt. From patterns of speech, to details in homes of the poor versus the wealthy, to 16th-century law, the research Herriman has done is marvelous. The pacing is great, and I found myself glued to the pages. To my delight, on top of an intriguing mystery, the historical depth and the well-developed characters make this an extremely satisfying read. Certes, fans of Ariana Franklin will devour this book! I eagerly await more Bess Ellyott mysteries. Highly recommended!

Searcher of the Dead by Nancy Herriman is the first book A Bess Ellyott Mystery series that is set in the late sixteenth century (1593). Elizabeth “Bess” Ellyott is a widow, herbalist and healer who moved from London to Wiltshire one year ago after the death of her husband. Only Bess and her servant, Joan know that Martin Ellyott was murdered, and Bess hopes that the killer has not followed her to her new home. Bess returns home to where she lives with her brother, Robert Marshall, after attending to a sick child. Waiting for Bess is her sister, Dorothie who is very distraught. Dorothie’s husband, Fulke Crofton failed to return home that evening after his journey to the nearby town of Devizes. She feels that Fulke has come to harm and wants them out searching immediately. Since dark is approaching, they convince her to wait until the morn. The next day Fulke is found suspended from a tree and the coroner’s jury quickly rules the death a suicide. In the dark of night, Bess examines the body to confirm that Fulke was murdered. But she will need tangible proof to get the coroner’s decision reversed. Constable Christopher “Kit” Harwoode joins Bess in the search for the truth. The pair ask discreet questions in their quest to uncover Fulke’s killer. Could it be the person lurking in the old priory? Is Fulke’s murder related to Martin’s? Travel back in time to when Queen Elizabeth I was reigning to pursue a killer in Searcher of the Dead.

Searcher of the Dead is an Elizabethan mystery. Nancy Herriman captured the era with her descriptions of the clothing, housing, people’s attitudes and superstitions, how the characters spoke, and the way of life. The author included many interesting historical details that will fascinate readers. Priest holes, fines for not attending church every week, and Queen Elizabeth’s torturer-Richard Topcliffe and his cruel tactics are just a few of the interesting tidbits. The historical details overwhelm all else at times (heavy handed is the best way to describe it). I found the Searcher of the Dead to have a very slow pace thanks to the writing style and amount of detail included. The writing was stilted. I can understand the dialogue being awkward due to the way people spoke in the sixteenth century. However, the rest of the book needed a less formal writing style (it lacked an ease). It needed to be written in a way that would draw the readers in and keep them engaged (instead of drifting off to sleep until my dog started licking my face). The lack of action does not help matters either. The mystery of Fulke’s murder was compelling, and it contained some good clues along with misdirection. Many readers will be surprised by the identity of the person who committed the reprehensible act. I wish the author had not repeated the same details so many times throughout the book (Bess is obstinate and the details of the case for example). There is a romance blossoming between Bess and Kit that I am sure will progress in future books (they do make a good couple). I was satisfied with how the author wrapped up the storylines at the end of the book. Searcher of the Dead will appeal to those who are fascinated with the Elizabethan era.

Suspicions run rife!

Set in Elizabethan England, the customs of the times dictate that a suicide leaves those behind not only emotionally bereft, but they are stripped of all their worldly goods. Widowed herbalist Bess Ellyott's sister's husband is found hanging from a tree and is deemed a suicide by the authorities. Bess is determined to prove his death is murder.
Her search opens herself and others up to close scrutiny by the small village community. In these times of unrest and papist plots, such close observation is not welcome.
Hints of a troubled past for Bess Ellyott, her having to flee London, and the fear of being found keeps being alluded to but we are given very few clues as to what that is about. I am sure all will be revealed as the series progresses.
I found the constable Christopher Harwoode (Kit) an interesting character, as Bess appears to also.
The plot is strewn with red herrings, papist fears and very few clues. Bess' niece Margery seems totally unaware of her danger and the danger she puts her family in. I found that somewhat irritating.
A pleasant enough read but the action was protracted and hence my reading of the novel became so.
I will likely want to read more in the series to see what mystery hangs over Bess's head, and to see more of Kit.

A NetGalley ARC

Nancy Herriman opens an Elizabethan mystery with Bess, a healer, who loses her husband, returning home in Searcher of the Dead. Her brother in law is found hanging and is judged a suicide. Was it murder? Mix in secretive Catholics who the Crown is very suspicious of and small town politics and gossip and up pops trouble.
She investigates with the help of the local constable, but everything goes awry. Will she be killed too?

3.5 Stars

I usually suck at mysteries in that I could never guess who the perpetrator is most of the time, but in the case of SEARCHER OF THE DEAD, the suspect was totally hidden and anything that might point out to him is under wraps! Fans of mysteries and suspense will get a kick trying to guess who the bad guy is.

As this is the first in the series, I’m hoping that the succeeding books will have more imagery rooting it to the Elizabethan age. I’m a huge fan of historical mysteries primarily for its unique setting and atmospheric feel. The basic elements of this series is great, it just needs a little tweaking IMHO to bring it up to say Veronica Speedwell level.

What a great historical mystery by author Nancy Herriman. Searcher of the Dead is the first installment in The Bess Ellyott Mystery Series. The story starts out in London but quickly moves to Wiltshire, England and takes place around the year 1593 during the Tudor Period. This book was loaded with things that I love (some of those will also reveal how big of a nerd I am but that’s ok).

Searcher of the Dead was full of things in history that I didn’t know before. When I come across a word or topic I’m not familiar with I like to look up more information. Some things I learned about in this book: searchers of the dead, plagues during this time period, town waites, hautbois, shawms, Abraham-men, Felo-de-se and non compos mentis (which I may suffer from periodically…I will let you look that one up).

I have always loved reading books set during this time period. Nancy Herriman’s descriptive writing brings the story to life, especially the town of Wiltshire and its surroundings. The main character was Bess Ellyott, an herbalist/healer. She is new to the town of Wiltshire and finds people are automatically suspicious of her because of that. Bess was definitely my favorite character. Her backstory was heartbreaking but even though she had a hard past she still persevered. I admire that in any human being but I especially admire that trait in a woman. What a strong character! I enjoyed the interaction between Bess and the constable, Kit Harwoode. Kit doesn’t quite know how to handle a woman like Bess.

I felt the mystery itself was original and creative. The author had me guessing whodunit until the end. Definitely a 5 out of 5 stars for me. I hope there are many more Bess Ellyott Mysteries to come. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves historical mysteries and stories from England’s Tudor Period.

1590's and after the death of her family Bess Ellyott has gone to live with her brother Robert Marshall. All is well until the husband of her sister Dorothie, Fulke Crofton, is found hanged. Although the coroner proclaims a suicide Bess is not convinced. With the help of the town constable Christopher Harwoode she hopes to prove and find the murderer.
An enyoyable well-written mystery with some likeable charaters and the growing relationship between Harwoode and Bess. A good start to a new series.

Bess Ellyot flees London after the death of her husband. Martin's cause of death was recorded as the bloody flux, but Bess knows he was murdered. After arriving at the home of her brother, she hopes that she has escaped from whatever evil killed her husband. But when her brother-in-law is found hanged in the woods, she knows that she has not escaped. Who killed the prosperous merchant and made it look like suicide? As she investigates with the help of a local constable, Bess discovers that the plot is much more complex and horrifying than the murders of her two family members. It may even threaten Queen Elizabeth I herself!

What an interesting and entertaining Tudor era mystery story! The descriptions of life and people of the era and the characters themselves really made this book impossible to put down! Bess is an herbalist and an intelligent, strong and determined woman. All of the side characters -- her family, Constable Harwood, etc -- made the plot richer and nicely complex. The mystery moved along at a fast pace, with several twists and suspects. This book is a great start for a new series, and a nice mix of historical fiction and mystery.

Nancy Herriman is the author of several mystery books including the Mystery of Old San Francisco series. I will definitely be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Set in the l590s, Bess Ellycot has moved to Wiltshire to live with her brother after her husband and two daughters have passed away. Shortly after arriving, her Brother in law is found hanging in the woods. Was it suicide as many believe and condemn him for, or was it a murder? Bess, and her trusty servant Joan are determined to find out - regardless of the consequences.

I found this to be an engaging mystery that pulled me in with its historical time period. The world was truly a different place in England 1593. Bess is a strong willed woman who is firm in her belief of right and wrong. As a herbalist/healer she has more freedom of movement then most women of that time and therefore is determined to find out what really happened to her brother in law. Unfortunately, this is not an easy task. The complicated dynamics with her sister, the dangerous relationship of her niece with the son of a family suspected of harboring a Jesuit, and several highly placed suspects all contribute to the tough path Bess must forage to figure out the truth.

What I most liked about this book was Bess. She is smart, kind hearted, and determined to do the right thing. She clearly has a past and I am eager to learn more about it. I am also curious to see how things progress between her and the Constable, Kit Hardwood. It was clear to me that they grew close during this investigation but what does that mean for the future?

As I read this book I became intrigued by how the law worked during this time. What I found was essentially truth is in the eye of the beholder (or really those in positions of power/authority). Suspicion, gossip, and anything unfamiliar played a large role in how justice was served. I appreciated the author's note at the end discussing this in more detail.

Overall, I found this be a crackling good read and I hope that there will be more books featuring Bess and her trusty servant Joan.

I received this book via NetGalley from Crooked Lane Books. I while I greatly appreciate the opportunity to read and review the book all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks Crooked Lane Books and netgalley for this ARC.

Very easy to feel camaraderie and respect for the heroine of this murder mystery. Set in the times of religious strife and backstabbing, this novel shines a spotlight behind the scenes so we can see how a smart woman got things done. Can't wait to read more!

Loved it! Right up my alley. Great mystery that kept me guessing (and I had it all wrong). Lots of historical info which I enjoyed. I will definitely look for the next book in the series. Thank you publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

An amazing book with a wealth of carefully researched detail. I love the Tudor/Elizabethan age,but I was fascinated with the workings of the justice system,the practices of the church and the beautiful descriptions of rural life in all its bloody glories.
Bess Ellyott is a recent widow when the story starts,her husband has been murdered and the killer has not been found. We are left to guess why,but as this is the first book in this series,perhaps that will come later. (Hint Hint!!). Bess and her serving woman,Joan,decide to leave London and stay with her brother Robert,in rural Wiltshire. Bess uses her skills as a herbalist to tend to the townsfolk who are too poor to afford medical care, and there is much information about what herbs are used for which illnesses. Rural life and details about country occupations are contrasted with the religious times when church attendance was compulsory or you were considered to be a recusant and could be subjected to torture and imprisonment,or even worse,have a visit from Richard Topcliffe, a well known torturer of Catholics.
Death follows Bess to Wiltshire when her brother-in- law, Fulke Crofton is found hanging and it is believed to be suicide. This means that all his moveable goods are forfeit to the Crown and church, which will leave his widow and children penniless.The Town Constable Kit Harwoode pits himself against his own family and powerful members of the nobility to help Bess in her search for a killer.
There is the prospect of a love angle between these two people which will hopefully continue in another book.
An entertaining and well researched historical read, that does justice to the Elizabethan Age. I will be interested to read others in this series. Marvellous! .
I have sent this review to Goodreads today,thanks for my advance copy, I really enjoyed reviewing this book.

Herbalist, widow Bess Ellyott, escapes Elizabethan London after discovering that her husband is dead. This is book one in a brand new historical mystery series by Nancy Herriman (amazingly researched, BTW).

After her escape she discovered that the murderer has followed her - and the next victim, is her brother in law! She's thoroughly convinced that someone is out to destroy her and hers.

I love the setting of Tudor England and the characters are well developed and interesting. I loved the mystery and look forward to the next book in the series.

*I would like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*

Bess Ellyot is a herbalist and a widow who has fled from London after her husband was poisoned. She is living with her brother in a small town. When her sister's husband is found dead, she doesn't believe that he committed suicide but that is what the crowner decides. A verdict of suicide means that his belongings are forfeited to the crown and the church leaving his widow destitute.

Bess doesn't believe that it was suicide and, along with constable Kit Harwoode, investigates to prove that he was murdered and to find the murderer. Since her brother-in-law was a haughty, quarrelsome man, potential murderers aren't hard to find. He informed on the local Langham family for being closet Catholics and sheltering priests which led to the senior Langham dying in prison and leaving the son Bennett Langham angry with him. He also argued with fellow merchants about the quality of his goods and the major local landowner about selling a property the landowner wanted to expand his mill.

This was a difficult time in England with Elizabeth trying to secure her throne and sending out inquisitors to find and eliminate the remaining Catholics and the Jesuit priest she assumed were trying to foment a revolution. The inquisitors were free to use torture to find the truth and Bess runs afoul of one since she has been to the Langham's home in her role as a healer. Bess's niece also fancies herself in love with Bennett Langham which puts their whole family at risk.

This was an engaging mystery set in a time period I know almost nothing about. It was interesting to learn about the setting. I liked the growing relationship between Kit and Bess. I also thought the mystery was well done.

I enjoyed this new series. It was well written and flowed very easily from chapter to chapter. The characters and plot line were both enjoyable and fun. I highly recommend both this novel and author.

Bess Ellyott flees London to live with her brother after her husbands death. Looking for quiet and a place to do her healing unfortunately puts her at risk as she tries to prove her brother-in-law did not commit suicide. A new series by this author is nice addition to historical mysteries.
Goodreads

This book wasn't the greatest thing I've ever read but it was quite enjoyable. The will-they-won't-they of the constable and Bess is very nice and while it'll take at least three more books for there to be any serious action, but I'd probably read those anyway.