Knowing that Guenevere’s ambitious mother is trying to control a lot of her daughter’s actions, Arthur is unsure how to proceed. His advisors, Merlin and Britomart, suggest he arrest the “newlyweds” and remind him he would be in his rights to order their executions. Alas, Arthur still remembers falling in love with Guenevere and tends towards leniency. 

He announces he will allow Guenevere’s birthday party, but secretly makes his own plans for a birthday surprise for his Queen. Just before the party, Guenevere’s father Leodegrance is found dead, stabbed with Lancelot’s knife. It is well known that Leodegrance was opposed to Guenevere and Lancelot’s marriage. Everyone is eager to believe he died at Lancelot’s hand, Arthur’s advisor points out to him that this is the perfect way to do away with Lancelot and reclaim his Queen. But Arthur knows that the witness is lying and asks Merlin to investigate the murder, even though it means Guenevere may be lost to him forever, perhaps along with his throne.

Fans of King Arthur and all things Camelot will enjoy this faithful rendition to the tradition and will be pleased to see Merlin in a more prominent role. King Arthur is a sympathetic character. He is firm, yet a man in love, though he is unwilling to be unjust for love’s sake. Along with his sense of justice, he has a keen sense of humor which helps him see situations for what they are. Merlin enjoys a prominent place in the investigation and gains credibility with those who see him as a seer or magician rather than a scientist. 

The investigation is interesting, though readers will not be surprised when Merlin uncovers the murderer, something which has tragic implications for all involved. Readers unfamiliar with the Camelot legend will not be at a loss and many may even been encouraged to seek out more stories about the fabled king and his love story that has transcended time.                                                                 

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry