The Riddle of St. Leonard's (Owen Archer Mysteries)
YA.  The protagonist in this, the fifth mystery in the series, is the one-eyed former archer, now spy, for Archbishop John Thoresky of York. The time is A.D. 1369, Edward is king, Queen Phillippa is dying, and the plague has returned for a third time. The Bishop's nephew, Sir Richard de Ravenser, is Master of the Hospital at St. Leonard's. Someone is murdering "corrodians," the elderly boarders of the institution, and the hospital faces financial ruin. Archer, unwilling to leave his apothecary wife during this resurgence of the plague, is nevertheless forced into service for Sir Richard. His mission is to investigate the murders in York. As the story is played out, Robb weaves in an abundance of historical detail. The vocabulary, life style, role of a "spital" (hospital), and the Church in society give color and authenticity to the novel. An author's note is also provided.?Carol DeAngelo, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.