Kindle
$7.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$6.80
Paperback
$1.23
Kindle Price: $7.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $18.65

Save: $15.16 (81%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

Bernard Knight
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Crowner Royal (A Crowner John Mystery Book 13) Kindle Edition

by Bernard Knight (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 525 ratings
See all formats and editions
London, 1196. At the command of Richard the Lionheart, Sir John de Wolfe has left his beloved West Country for the Palace of Westminster, where he has been appointed Coroner of the Verge. But with the king overseas, embroiled in a costly war against King Philip of France, Sir John is dismayed to discover that the English court is a hotbed of greed, corruption and petty in-fighting.

The murder of one of the palace clerks, stabbed in broad daylight and thrown into the River Thames, leads John to suspect that there's a conspiracy underway to overthrow King Richard. And with the visit of the dowager Queen Eleanor fast approaching, the new Coroner must risk his life to prove his suspicions are right, root out the traitors within and prevent a national catastrophe.
Previous page
  1. Book 13 of 14
    Crowner John Mysteries
  2. Print length
    379 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Simon & Schuster UK
  6. Publication date
    August 6, 2009
  7. File size
    729 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Next 2 for you in this series See full series
Total Price: $15.98
By clicking on the above button, you agree to Amazon's Kindle Store Terms of Use
More like Crowner Royal (A Crowner John Mystery Book 13)
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  2. Pudlicott's Confession: A Novel
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Set in 1196, the intriguing 14th entry in Knight's Crowner John series (The Manor of Death, etc.) takes Sir John de Wolfe to Westminster, where Richard the Lionheart has appointed him Coroner of the Verge. One hot summer day, from the window of the coroner's office, one of de Wolfe's officers chances to observe a stabbing by the river below. The assailant flees, while the body of a palace clerk is extracted from the Thames. As de Wolfe investigates, he must assert his authority over the haughty and incompetent London sheriff's department. The victim, the coroner learns, appears to have heard something not meant for his ears while servicing the palace's guest chambers. The murder fuels the king's suspicions that traitors are plotting to overthrow his rule. Straightforward, descriptive prose, spiced with a few period terms, brings 12th-century England to life. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"Fans of Crowner John won't be disappointed."  —Kirkus Reviews



"Brings medieval Exeter to life with gritty realism, smells and all, but with an underlying sympathy and humor."  —Historical Novels Review



"Rayne's wealth of intriguing characters and situations has you continually putting two and two together and making five, but when the truth emerges, you wonder why you didn't see it coming. Clues to all the bizarre twists and turns are there, but so well constructed that each time you are taken by surprise."  —Western Daily Press

"Another stellar historical whodunit from the practiced pen of a master."  —Booklist Online



"Detection and suspense are combined with historical authenticity."  —Daily Mail

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B007YLTG5I
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster UK (August 6, 2009)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 6, 2009
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 729 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 379 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 525 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Bernard Knight

Bernard Knight

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
525 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Rich
5.0 out of 5 stars Murder in the time of Richard I
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2010
Verified Purchase
I really liked this series. I made the mistake of buying one to see if I cared for the author's style without checking to see where it was in the series. That was dumb. This is a series (as are most to be honest) that should be read from the first book straight through to the last. I am impressed with the character development, even the good guys aren't perfect and the bad guys are real stinkers. It is slightly repetitious to re-read some of the basic setting info in every volume. The author apologized for that around book 7 or so; but in case you just pick one at random you do need some of the core setting to enjoy it, so I can't really knock him for that. Historically it seems to be pretty accurate and in the prolog he explains what diverges from history. I appreciate that as well. All in all I have had a fun read with the 12 books ZI've finished so far.
8 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Deanna
4.0 out of 5 stars Reliable Read
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
I have read several books in this series. It amuses me that some covers read: pulse-pounding fiction! I laugh because I normally read these books before bed knowing they will eventually put me to sleep. That having been said, the books are extremely well-researched. The recurring characters are reliable. You know what you're going to get when you open the book, and I like the aging but determined John a lot. Glad the situation between him and his brother-in-law was finally resolved, but the situations involving Nesta and John's wife dragged on interminably. So, it was good that this book heralds a new beginning.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Michael Toledano
5.0 out of 5 stars the sequels are just as good as the first in the series
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2017
Verified Purchase
With Bernard Knight, the sequels are just as good as the first in the series. He is the best historical fiction writer amongst my favorites. The detail, characterizations, and drama are so real and universal. Medieval historical fiction has always piqued my interest, and his Crowner John series raises my interest level to new heights.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
DEDeValk
5.0 out of 5 stars Crowner John is maturing well
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
The story and plots are exciting and include some nice twists. Delving into John's emotional love life was a little tedious.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Arlene
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read ......
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2013
Verified Purchase
I loved this book but it is #13 in the series and I do wish the others were available on Kindle. The plot is excellent and the characters are compelling .... the ending is a surprise! My other complaint is the price ........ $25+ is ridiculous for an e-book! If the other books are eventually available in e-book format, I hope the publisher will reconsider the pricing.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Avis M. Gill
4.0 out of 5 stars Crowner Royal Review
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2011
Verified Purchase
Received this book in very good condition.
I have periodically purchased one in the series and find them interesting
with a good story line and very descriptive. I recommend this to anyone
who enjoys a good mystery.
Helpful
 Report
Debra Crozier
5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery & History woven beautifully!
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2019
Verified Purchase
Love this series, so historically accurate, great characters and intriguing mysteries. Highly recommended!
Helpful
 Report
Patricia Sager
4.0 out of 5 stars I enjoy this series
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2015
Verified Purchase
I enjoy this series, which are sequential. It is an interesting in history and descsribes the foundation of our legal history. The characters are believable.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Engoyable
Reviewed in Canada on June 22, 2020
Verified Purchase
All of the Bernard Cornwell books are well-written, with lots of atmosphere, and most enjoyable. I highly recommend this series
Report
Dr. Nicol J. Murray
5.0 out of 5 stars Crowner John overall review
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2010
Verified Purchase
This review is, anad will be, identical for any of this series, thus you will read the same on other titles. This action in no way detracts from the worth in these books. Enjoy..! NJM  Crowner Royal (A Crowner John Mystery)

It would be impertinent in the extreme to comment on the series created by Bernard Knight, other than to compliment the Author on his creation. The complexity of condensing the odd twelve books or so is futile and indeed, pointless as until they have been read, the adoption of them as a worthwhile read, or to rely upon a "review" as a critique is to suppose that this writer absorbs and enjoys exactly what you, the reader, enjoys.

Let it suffice to say that the subtlety, realism, earthiness, and general accuracy as perceived by the Author, contrives in the books as a series, to bring forward characters and personalities so similar to what we have today that his assertions (again quite correctly made) that the language used, would for the those of us today, remain unintelligible, seem improbable. One can, upon reading and becoming familiar with the personalities of the "protagonists," sit comfortably and thoroughly enjoy a super and highly enjoyable read, either as a stand alone novel, but much better if one has access to the entire series, and then reads it in the correct order.

There can be no doubt that as the series progresses, the whole substance of the writing undergoes a subtle and worthwhile polish as the writer himself becomes more familiar with the characters he has produced. All, I might add, as an additional increase in the sheer enjoyment the reader gets from simply sitting and allowing the words to make whole imaginary scenario's. I just wish there were many more for me to enjoy.
Report
Melissa Dolson
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on April 3, 2015
Verified Purchase
exactly what i was looking for. Everything was as described.
Report
Tizliz
4.0 out of 5 stars Addictive
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 1, 2014
Verified Purchase
Bernard Knight is a good author, the stories might be a bit the same but the characters are well written and you have to buy the next book to find out what happens to them. Think this is the second to last in the series and is the only one based in London so you get some new history. It is always interesting to know what life was like at different times and the history is well written in all these books. If you haven't read any others I suggest you start from the beginning of the series
One person found this helpful
 Report
Judith P
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good books
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 11, 2022
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed the books very much, the only thing I noticed was that the character Gwyn the Cornish man's wife had three different names. Not a problem as I am sorry I have read them all. I miss the characters.
Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report