a great mystery! perfect for those looking for a compelling medieval mystery.

Thank you Net Galley. An interesting mystery set in medieval France. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading volume two. Took me some time to get comfortable and familiar with the large cast of characters. Reminded me a little of The Name of the Rose.

When Lady Agnes’s husband dies, Agnes knows that her half-brother may take away her dower leaving her with nothing. Agnes fights to keep her manor and her lands. However, when a corpse is found on her property the signs point to Agnes as the murderer. Soon she finds herself amidst the French Inquisition. During her trial, she finds out that there is a prophecy that involves her. She is the key player in the power struggle over the fight between the French Crown and the Church. As her enemies try to get rid of her, Agnes must survive the Inquisition at all cost so she can fulfill her destiny.

Agnes is a very strong woman. She fights for her independence from her half-brother so she can keep her dowry. Throughout the Inquisition, she faces a lot of trials that make her a stronger woman. She does not bow down to her Inquisitors. Instead, she uses her intelligence and outsmarts them. Her intelligence and stubbornness infuriates her inquisitors because she is a thorn in their side. She was supposed to be broken and compliant, but instead she is not. She never breaks her will. She does face some sadness, but she never gives up hope or her will to survive.

Overall, this book is about a woman’s determination and strength as she faces her obstacles. The message of the book is that there is hope. I did find the story to be slow-paced for it was not until halfway through the book did it pick up. As for the mystery, it is still unsolved and it ends in a cliffhanger. Still, I found Agnes’s trials during the French Inquisition to be fascinating enough to where I really did not care about the mystery. Her trial was raw, poignant, painful, and sad. When she survived, it was very triumphant. I am interested in reading the next book in the series. I would like to read more about Agnes’s story and maybe the murder mystery will be resolved. I recommend this book to anyone interested in mysteries, historical fiction, and the French Inquisition.

The Lady Agnes Mystery: Volume 1 by Andrea Japp is an intriguing story centred on an independent, intelligent and immensely brave woman who must use her wits to maintain her rights and stay alive during the French Inquisition.

It is quite a heavy read at first, but I slowly and surely became immersed in the 14th century and the plight of the Lady Agnes as she gets caught up in the power struggle between the royal family and the Church as well as Lady Agnes' attempts to overcome adversity and the machinations of others.

The author brings medieval France to life with skill and flair and the narrative flows very well. You will definitely want to read the next one in the series and the ending certainly had me craving more.

*** I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in order to review ***