Una grave responsabilidad recae en Roger Chapman: acompañar y proteger a Philip Underdown, emisario real encargado de llevar un mensaje de paz al rey de Francia. Chapman pronto advierte que Philip no es un grato compañero de viaje y, peor aún allí donde va encuentra antiguos enemigos. Finalmente ocurre lo inevitable, Philip aparece muerto y Chapman se convierte en el principal sospechoso…

Tweede deel uit de middeleeuwse verhalen van Kate Sedely over Roger de Marskramer.

Roger krijgt de opdracht om een Koninklijke boodschapper te beschermen op zijn reis. Onderweg wordt deze boodschapper toch vermoord en Roger ziet het als zijn taak om de moordenaar te vinden.
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Kate Sedley has set her historical mystery in the period just before the reign of Richard III. Richard is still Duke of Gloucester. In an attempt to get a message to one of the king’s allies, he hires Roger the Chapman (a chapman was like an itinerant peddler) to accompany Philip Underwood, who will carry the letter. Unfortunately, Philip is a former speculator and trader in dwarfs; evidently the aristocracy enjoyed having such anomalies around court, and they could be sold for considerable sums. Soon Philip is being tracked by those who would do him harm and Roger has his hands full protecting Philip’s life. To no avail. Philip is killed, and Roger must solve the crime.

It’s an enjoyable enough period piece, but my faith in Sedley’s research was challenged when I read of a carter delivering bales of hay to one of the lords. I doubt if much baling went on during Richard’s day. ( )