May 19, 2021
The Silence of Stones by Jeri Westerson
London 1388 - when the Stone of Destiny is stolen from Westminster Abbey during a festival service, Crispin Guest (aka The Tracker) witnesses the theft, as do hundreds of other Londoners. King Richard II's popularity has been declining drastically over the past two years due to high taxes and defeat in war. He can ill-afford more bad publicity. Although he hates Crispin for his part in a treasonous plot, he enlists Crispin's aid to find the missing Stone. To make sure Crispin does his best, the king holds Crispin's apprentice Jack Tucker hostage. Crispin has three days to find the Stone before Parliament convenes, or the king will hang Jack.
This is #8 in the Crispin Guest series and a very good mystery. Jack plays a larger part than in previous books and shows himself to be a clever young man. Richard II is depicted as not only a poor ruler, but a shitty human being. Great research, atmospheric, blends historical and political facts and people with fiction seamlessly.
The Stone of Scone, which the Stone of Destiny is based on
Richard II (he became king as a child - although he is in his 20's during this book)
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