Wine of Violence (Medieval Mysteries) - Softcover

Priscilla Royal grew up in British Columbia and has a degree in world literature from San Francisco State University, where she discovered the beauty of medieval literature. Until recently, she worked for the Federal government in a variety of positions, all of which provided a wonderful education in the complexity of human experience and motivation. She is a theater fan as well as reader of history, mysteries, and fiction of lesser violence. She now lives in Northern California and belongs to the California Writers Club and Sisters in Crime.

"... gripping, with an excellent plot and wonderfully realized characters. I picked it up on a long journey and could not put it down. Wonderful read." --Michael Jecks

“Medieval mysteries are many; some are spellbinding; few are as thoroughly researched and steeped in history or as theologically and philosophical intriguing as Priscilla Royal’s first novel.... Thought-provoking and discussing, Wine of Violence is essentially a grand mystery from its first pages. An expected death, but deathbed agony for unconfessed sin: “It was not the one we feared! It was the other!” An old man walking alone, mistakenly believing the eyes he senses watching him are God’s. Some books evoke discussion, some create delight in re-reading, some inspire a search for further knowledge. Wine of Violence does it all.” –Drood Review

"In the year 1270 on the remote East Anglican coast, the new prioress of Tyndal priory (a small "double house" where the monks and nuns run a hospital), the young Eleanor of Wynethorpe, is prepared to face some resentment but not the dire consequences of several deadly sins, including lust, in Royal’s stellar debut.... With its intriguing plot, chilling conclusion and characters who exhibit universal and timeless feelings, this fresh first has all the potential to evolve into a series as enduring as Ellis Peters’s Brother Cadfael books." Publishers Weekly *starred review*

"Priscilla Royal's stellar debut is a compelling combination of mystery, intrigue and medieval history. Royal has a fresh narrative voice, an impressive ear for dialogue and a keen sense of history. Find a comfortable chair and plan to stay up late. Highly recommended." --Sheldon Siegel