Ironfoot

August 28, 2017
Prolific fantasist Duncan (the Ivor of Glenbroch series) opens the Enchanter General series with an intricate historical and magical mystery. Diligent Saxon Durwin is humble under the oppression of the ruling Normans in 1164 England. He’s known as Ironfoot because he wears a boot with a raised platform after a horse-riding accident in childhood crushed his leg. Norman sorcerer Sage Guy Delany took him in and trained him in the magical arts. Now 20, Durwin is called to investigate the poisoning of Sage Archibald de la Mare, the lecherous sorcerer of hard-nosed Count Richard of Barton. Archibald’s death triggered a spell summoning Richard’s brother, Sage Rolf de Mandeville, who was also poisoned on his arrival home. The plentiful suspects include Richard; widowed Lady Matilda, the count’s cynical daughter; stern steward Bertrand du Bois; ambitious Father Randolph, who views sages as devilish; taciturn wine bottler Wacian; Richard’s marshal, Sir Hugh Fiennes; and jester Scur, who—perhaps involuntarily—speaks in riddles. Enjoyable characters, a detailed setting, and atmospheric adventure intertwine in this multilevel mystery. Durwin is a congenial and persistent investigator, and readers will look forward to his future adventures. Agent: Richard Curtis, Richard Curtis Associates.

August 15, 2017
A magical medieval murder mystery that will keep readers guessing until the evildoer is revealed.Durwin, known as Ironfoot ever since a childhood accident crushed his leg, shouldn't amount to anything. He's a Saxon, the son of a peasant, and he lives in an England ruled by Norman conquerors. But his skill with horses and sharp wits have endeared him to a Sage from a nearby academy and won him a place there studying alchemy, herbal medicine, logic--and enchantment. And when a prophecy predicts murder, Durwin finds himself on the road to adventure and intrigue, sent to the castle at Barton, along with a Sage named Rolf and the recalcitrant, difficult Squire William, to find out what the prophecy means and why Rolf's brother, the count, used a dangerous spell to summon him home. Durwin must untangle the mystery--and convince the contemptuous William to help him. A vivid cast of characters that includes a brawny count, a sneering priest, the count's beautiful young daughter, and the count's disfigured fool helps keep this tale of intrigue lively. There's never any real doubt that Durwin will penetrate the mystery and save the day--his skill is somehow always equal to the difficult enchantment at hand--but the plot moves along nimbly enough to keep the reader engaged. An entertaining, fast-paced read that will please readers looking for mystery and enchantment set amid castles, horses, counts, and peasants.

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