Another great offering from the author.Īt the very moment I began reading Though Heaven Fall, I was reminded of Gabriel Marquez’s short story A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings. I can highly recommend this book, which, although set in the 16th century, brings up some currently relevant points. The characters are given depth and this just adds to the compelling nature of the story. By saying very little, we get a very good grasp of the characters shortly within meeting each of them including the mysterious Azriel, Edric the crippled beggar, Hugh, the knight and the monks in pursuit of an escaped Mad Monk. Westerson's central character of Edric is not a static character, and we see his conflict and we understand his thought process. If at the end of the story, there is no change or personal growth, then the story ends up losing me.

When done right, this is my favorite kind of character, and this was done right. With extensive knowledge of this period, she is able to weave complex characters into a story that is compelling and intriguing.Įdric the 'hero' of the story is a flawed character. Jeri Westerson has a way with words and that is apparent in this book as well as in her others. When I pick up a book, the things that really grab me are characterization, plot and how the author writes. She frequently guest lectures on medieval history at local colleges and museums, and lives in southern California with her home-brewing husband, a complacent desert tortoise, and 40,000 bees. She has served two terms as president of the Southern California Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, as vice president for the Los Angeles Chapter of Sisters in Crime, and twice president of the Orange County Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Jeri was featured on two local NPR shows, ‘My Awesome Empire” and KVCR-Arts. The page reverberates with passion, and absolutely no wrong can come from vivid characters and a hero to die for.” It finaled for the Seal of Excellence from RT Reviews.

Also in 2013, her fifth novel Blood Lance was named one of the Ten Hot Crime Novels for Colder Days by Kirkus Reviews.īooke of the Hidden, Jeri’s debut urban fantasy series released in 2017, Romantic Times Magazine gave it Five Stars and called it “…A flawless tale of adventure, mystery and saucy romance. Her first in the series, Veil of Lies was named Editor’s Choice by the Historical Novel Society Review, her third The Demon’s Parchment received a coveted starred review by Library Journal, and her sixth, Shadow of the Alchemist, was named Best of 2013 by Suspense Magazine. Los Angeles native JERI WESTERSON is the author of eleven Crispin Guest Medieval Noir novels, a series nominated for 13 national awards from the Agatha to the Shamus.

Veil of Lies by Jeri Westerson