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Miscellaneous Prince of Darkness by Sharon Kay Penman $24.95 / Putnam / 2005 With six historical novels and three medieval mysteries to her credit, Sharon Kay Penman is no stranger to medieval mysteries. Her eye for detail in both the climate, texture, and feel of the surroundings are vivid and help cast the reader into her storytelling. In Prince of Darkness, Prince John is accused of yet another attempt to seize the English crown. History paints John as just such an opportunist, but in this paradox, the prince is innocent, hence the conflict and intrigue as court, courtesan, and clergy follow the trail of a murderer. The paradox of John's innocence, when so often he was guilty, makes for a great "whodunit." However, sadly, the conclusion left me cold. On the whole, Prince of Darkness was an entertaining read, in which Penman mixes historical personages with fictional characters, such as the hero Justin, who serves Queen Eleanor, widow to Henry II and mother to Richard the Lionhearted and Prince John (the only two legitimate sons germane to this story). Initially, too many characters are introduced, so keeping everyone straight may make your head spin. Eventually, however, the cast is narrowed down to a few key personalities and the book becomes easier to follow. On the plus side, this novel will help the novitiate of the period understand many of the customs of the day. For instance, readers are introduced to "churching" here, in which after childbirth a woman is ritually blessed and reintroduced to the community. There are many such instances throughout the text, which make Prince of Darkness not only entertaining but covertly educational, as well. Additionally, much of the book engaged my fondness for conspiracy, intrigue, and the blurred lines of morality that existed during the Middle Ages between church and state and between commoner and highborn. So it was all the more disappointing that the conclusion left me wanting. Having become emotionally invested in the character of Justin over the 322 pages, he was left out of the mystery's solution entirely. In fact, both reader and hero have to learn the story's dénouement from a third party, concluded without ceremony or satisfaction for the faithful servant- or reader. It felt as if Penman ran out of pages and had to wrap up quickly at the expense of a better ending. All that said, it was a good read and I recommend it for its educational and entertainment value. —Kevin M. Williams

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