Dragon's Lair (Justin de Quincy Mysteries Book 3)

Sharon Penman has done it again! This is the third in her series of Medieval Mysteries starring Justin de Quincy. Justin is Queen Eleanor's man and is investigating and trying to recover the stolen ransom, in Wales, meant for King Richard, The Lionheart's, release from an Austrian prison. The story is fast paced with surprises around every corner.Prince John is a deliciously wicked as he constantly schemes to thwart his mother's attempts to free his brother and place himself on the throne. Justin encounters many difficult situations but like a cat always seems to land on his feet.I believe this is the best yet of Sharon's mysteries and I could not stop turning the pages! I read it in a little less than three days but not because it was a short novel, 322 pgs., but because it was such an exciting, engrossing read. It is full of detail and description, especially about Wales and Chester. Incredibly captivating!

I have enjoyed the Justin de Quincy Mystery books. I have all four. Sharon Penman provides excellent characters, plot, settings and character development. The mystery is not solved immediately and the historical background is excellent. I am not usually an historical mystery reader (my favorite mystery writer is Louise Penney) but I can highly recommend the Justin series.

Loved this book, having read all the earlier books in the series (as well as Penman's two historical novels about Richard III which are the same time period) thought it was the best yet. I am an unabashed Penman fan, so my advice is always just read all of them - no different here. Almost nobody does medieval fiction as well as she does, with impeccable research and lively, keen writing.

All of Sharon's books are readable. This Lair is no exception. The new characters are well drawn and the good ones leave you wanting to meet them again. In fact you can in some of her historical novels. One hopes you will meet Justin's friends in future mysteries. Their are delightful Hint's that you will. This story left so many unfinished gaps in Justin's life. It is spellbinding.

Justin is out and about in Wales this time but is half the time lead by the nose by supporting characters. And old friends show up to help.

If you haven't discovered the joys of Sharon Kay Penman, then I feel sorry for you. All of her books are fascinating character studies and are rich in action, romance, and period detail. This is one of her delightful short mysteries.If you are interested in the Medieval time period, then do read Sharon Kay Penman. She has researched this subject so much, that she is able to bring historic characters to life in an exciting and fascinating way.Check out her novel: "Time and Chance", or any other of her historic novels.How did they solve murders in the Middle Ages? Penman's mysteries tell you how. Her series is on par with Cadfael, and The Name of the Rose. I love all four of her mysteries and think most readers will too. My only complaint is that they aren't longer!Dragon's Lair is a fun read. I love the Medieval characters, and think other readers will be happy to discover the wonderful world of Sharon Kay Penman's Middle Ages. Check her out. Her books will hook you!

Love the whole series. Set in violent historical times when the roles of women, religion, power, and social and political obligations were quite different. Justin de Quincy navigates these murky waters to solve a mystery. For all lovers of the historical mystery genre.

When I first read Sharon Kay Penmann's book "Prince of Darkness", I didn't realize that it was the fourth in a series of mysteries. I was not that fond of it. But later I read "The Queen's Man" which is the first of the series and became quite interested in them. "Dragon's Lair" is, I believe, the second in the series. I would recommend that you read them in order otherwise you don't understand all the characters and their interactions. It is a good series; she writes very well, although they are not as great as the fictional biographies, but good reading.

The Queen's Man books by Sharon Penman are a really good light read. They are 'page turners'; the backdrop of Richard the Lionheart's absence from England, Prince John's scheming, and Eleanor of Aquitaine's struggle to keep the dynasty intact is interesting and well drawn. The only minor let down is that Penman writes such superb historical novels, and her fictional characters sometimes let her down- the love interest is particularly banal. Still worth a read though.

I love Sharon Penmans writing and think her best historical books are the ones relating to Wales, so this excursion of Justin into Wales makes excellent reading. Her young Llewelyn seems as believable as his older persona in Here Be Dragons.As with her other Queens Man books, although this is fiction you can be sure that the real background and the day to day living are accurate. The events and people (real and imaginary) all ring true and the story sweeps you through.One perspective I really like is that although John is the villain who sets all the plots in motion, Sharon has a soft spot for him. He is shown as very human though ruthless. This came across in her historical books an shows again here when he appears. No typecasting here!

A detective story from the Middle Ages, superbly related by Ms Penman, whose knowledge for the times shows clearly in the quality of her work.Justin de Quincy, an illegitimate son of a bishop, is recruited by the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine, to recover the stolen money, intended as ransom for her son, Richard the Lionheart, held prisoner in Austria. Peopled by colourful, charismatic characters, the novel proves to be an interesting and exciting read.

Absolutely fabulous. Difficult to put down. Am now on 4th book in series. Not only a very good story but also very descriptive about life in those days. Have already recommended to my sister. Wish the author would do more.

This is part of a series, though it might stand alone as one novel of interest. The series is quite a good representation of that time.Good.

Again witth Sharon penman it is impossible to put down her books . Her research into the tiny details of everyday fare is just wonderful . She lives in America but writes about the Plantaganets as if she lived through those times .. And a rattling good story too .

Another excellent book by Sharon Penman, you can't go wrong with her. This is the third instalment of 'The Queens Man' series and is just as good as the first two were. Well worth a read.

I can't stop reading these books and am going crazy waiting for No 4 to come available in April! It's a brilliant storyline with great information of life and the devious power games and struggles that were rife at the time.

Sharon Penman has really hit the right buttons with me with this story and I will read all that she can produce. Her writing is exciting, subtle and, sometimes, not so subtle. She makes a book good to read and it is hard to put them down. Excellent.

As always a well written beautifully plotted story about Justin de Quincy. Characters are believable and the plot is well driven. I am never disappointed when reading a book by Sharon Penman and this is no exception.

Easy and enjoyable read. Storyline is around Lionheart although he doesn't play an active part in it. Makes me want to read more about the main character, Justin who comes across as a likeable Queen's man.

again enjoyed this read as i did the first 2 Sharon has become one of my favourite authours along with S J Parris and C J Sansom, i look forward to more of the same.

Was another good read I can not wait to read the last book I have always find history enjoyable to read

Well I think I would have liked it had it arrived I have been in touch with World Books to no avail.I know this is not the usual way to contact you but it has to do.

Average read ,good service