In fact, these short stories are an excellent introduction to the series, so if you're an historical mystery lover who's thinking of trying Sharan Newman's books for the first time, this would be a good place to start. I do enjoy this glimpses into the writing process, and each one adds to its short story.ĭeath Before Compline will appeal to all: those who are already fans of Catherine Levendeur, and those who have yet to read the books. 'Death Before Compline' is my other favorite in this selection and is the reason for the recipes that are included in the back of the book.Įach story begins a bit of background in which we learn that Newman wanted to explore a certain character's life, or that it was written with a certain theme in mind. 'Conventual Spirit' takes place before the start of the mystery series and gives us a glimpse of Catherine in a convent in Brittany- and why she didn't fit in with the nuns there. I felt as if I'd walked into a fairy tale, and as it so happens, 'The Beast Without' is one of my favorites in this book. Death Before Compline Sharan Newman Sharan Newmans reputation as a critically acclaimed writer of medieval mysteries continues with this. Death Before Compline is a collection of short stories that go along with the full length novels Sharan Newman wrote over the years. Death Before Compline: Short Stories by Sharan NewmanSharan Newman. The first, 'The Beast Without,' is based upon a story by the twelfth-century writer Marie de France. Elliott, Old Torry and Aberdeen HarbourPatricia Newman, Who Am I the Ego and the. Sharan Newman Sharan Newman's reputation as a critically acclaimed writer of medieval mysteries continues with this collection of short stories, all previously published and collected here for the first time in Death Before Compline. If I hadn't already read the books, this overview would have had me ordering them straight away.Įach of the seven stories focuses on an aspect of the family and of medieval France. This slim little volume begins with a special introduction in which Newman gives an overview of the series in its entirety. It's been a while since Sharan Newman's last Catherine Levendeur mystery, so I was thrilled to hear of this collection of short stories set in twelfth century Europe.

First Line: (From the Introduction) The seven stories in this collection were written between 19.

Death Before Compline by Sharan Newman