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Toni Mount
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The Colour of Rubies: A Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder Mystery (Sebastian Foxley Medieval Mystery Book 10) Kindle Edition

by Toni Mount (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 683 ratings

Murder lurks at the heart of the royal court in the rabbit warren of the Palace of Westminster. The year is 1480. Treason is afoot amongst the squalid grandeur and opulent filth of this medieval world of contrasts. Even the Office of the King’s Secretary hides a dangerous secret.

Meeting with lords and lackeys, clerks, courtiers and the mighty King Edward himself, can Seb Foxley decipher the encoded messages and name the spy?

Will Seb be able to prevent the murder of the most important heir in England?

All will be revealed as we join Seb Foxley and his abrasive brother Jude in the latest intriguing adventure amid the sordid shadows of fifteenth-century London.

Praise for Toni Mount's Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder Mystery Series

"An evocative masterclass in storytelling." - Tony Riches, author of The Tudor Trilogy
"It’s superb. What a plot. What characters" - Carol McGrath, author of the She-wolves trilogy
“…takes the reader to the dark heart of medieval London.” - Tracy Borman, historian and broadcaster

An interview with Toni Mount

1) How do you manage to keep the excitement going in your murder mystery series?
I hope I am keeping the excitement going now we’re on to the 10th novel in my series of murder mystery books. Fortunately, the late 15th century was a vibrant period in English history with a lot happening so it’s easy to find interesting challenges for my hero, his friends and family and quite often these can be based on true events. I’ll let you into a secret – the characters often invent the ideas, saying and doing things that surprise me and the story can go in an unexpected direction which, if it excites me, I hope with excite the readers.

2) Were there any specific challenges when writing The Colour of Rubies?
There were some specific challenges in this historical novel because I had to use some Italian phrases. These present two problems. Firstly, I can’t speak medieval Italian which varied from one city state to another in those times, so I had to use modern Italian and I apologise if I’ve made any errors. Secondly, I also have to allow for readers who don’t know any Italian, modern or otherwise, so it’s just as well my English characters need a translation as well.

3) Do you prefer writing or researching the history behind your novels?
The writing and researching of any books for adults are two distinct tasks. I love researching not just the period in which the novel is set but centuries on either side. For example, in ‘The Colour of Cold Blood’, a prison escape method was based on a true event that took place in the 17th century. The events in ‘The Colour of Betrayal’ closely followed a murder that was made to look like death by suicide in the 13th century. ‘Rubies’ evolved from my research into the life and mysteries of the playwright/spy Christopher Marlowe in the 1590s. Once a good chunk of research is done, I can lose myself in building the fictional narrative which is great fun and there’s always the chance – we’re ever hopeful – of coming up with a "best seller".

4) Have any characters in your book stolen your heart, or is Sebastian Foxley still your favourite?
Seb Foxley still holds my heart but he’s been criticised for being a bit too perfect, though I’ve noticed he’s maturing into a bolder character, more assertive since his wife Emily’s death. I’ve always liked Jude, though he’s an utter pain in the neck and young Jack was fun in the earlier books, both adding their own dimension to life in medieval London. Rose is very likeable and good for Seb so these two are evolving together. Life is moving on as Seb becomes a respectable citizen with greater responsibilities but still with a nose for murders, mysteries and historical intrigues. I hope readers enjoy my Seb Foxley series as much as I enjoy writing them.
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  1. Book 10 of 12
    Sebastian Foxley Medieval Mystery
  2. Print length
    358 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 5, 2022
  6. File size
    3.3 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A totally immersive experience as richly stitched as one of King Edward IV's gorgeous tapestries. This cleverly plotted novel with its twists and turns will keep you page-turning late into the night. Sebastian and Jude are wonderfully realised personalities with similar emotions, concerns, fears and hopes we have today. Medieval London felt real and intriguing with unexpected dangers lurking in alleyways." Carol McGrath, author of the She-wolves trilogy


"An evocative masterclass in storytelling." Tony Riches, author of The Tudor Trilogy


"...atmospheric and compelling ... takes the reader to the dark heart of medieval London." Tracy Borman, historian and broadcaster


"Toni Mount is simply brilliant... If you love CJ Sansom's Matthew Shardlake ... you will love Toni's Sebastian Foxley." Samantha Willcoxson, author & historian


"A beautifully crafted mystery...Toni Mount is a magician with words." Sharon Bennet Connoly, author and medieval historian:

About the Author

Toni Mount earned her Master's Degree by completing original research into a unique 15th-century medical manuscript. She is the author of several successful non-fiction books including the number one bestseller, Everyday Life in Medieval England, which reflects her detailed knowledge of the lives of ordinary people in the Middle Ages. Toni's enthusiastic understanding of the period allows her to create accurate, atmospheric settings and realistic characters for her Sebastian Foxley medieval murder mysteries. Toni's first career was as a scientist and this brings an extra dimension to her novels. It also led to her new biography of Sir Isaac Newton. She writes regularly for both The Richard III Society and The Tudor Society and is a major contributor to MedievalCourses.com.As well as writing, Toni teaches history to adults, coordinates a creative writing group and is a popular speaker to groups and societies. Toni is also a member of the Crime Writers' Association.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09Y6819VF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ MadeGlobal Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 5, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 358 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 10 of 12 ‏ : ‎ Sebastian Foxley Medieval Mystery
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 683 ratings

About the author

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Toni Mount

Toni Mount

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My new novel "The Colour of Sin" is the twelfth in the Seb Foxley series of medieval thrillers. Readers have purchased over 40,000 copies of the series and read over 13.5 million pages via download.

My latest book from Pen & Sword is the next in my series of light hearted 'How to Survive' books - this one looks at how to prepare for a trip to Tudor England and 'how to keep your head when all around are losing theirs.' And How to Survive in Anglo-Saxon England is due out in the autumn of 2024.

My novels have brought these positive endorsements:

Tracy Borman, historian and broadcaster said “An atmospheric and compelling thriller that takes the reader to the dark heart of medieval London.”

Matthew Lewis historian, podcaster and author said “Toni Mount continues to delight with the superbly crafted Seb Foxley mysteries. Impeccable research and sculpted characters combine with an engaging narrative to create another irresistible story.

The first Foxley 'Collector's Edition' is a luxury hardback combining the first two stories from the Sebastian Foxley series and contains bonus information including maps and character studies.

"How to Survive in Medieval England" and "Everyday Life in Medieval London" have both become No1 Best sellers in five seperate Amazon categories.

My next projects include book 13 in the Foxley series 'The Colour of Darkness' and book four for Pen & Sword 'How to Survive in Ration-Book England'

I study, write and teach British history. My non-fiction books look at the ordinary lives of medieval people, leading me to write my successful series of murder mysteries. They are set in the stinking streets of medieval London and feature the talented yet humble artist, Sebastian Foxley. My Victorian melodrama is "The Death Collector".

My fascinating non-fiction book "A Year in the Life of Medieval England" looks at real events that occurred on everyday of a medieval year and my first biography is about the life and times of Isaac Newton.

To download my free ebook, The Foxley Letters from my website.

After many years of teaching history to adults several of my courses are also available online visit my website for more details

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
683 global ratings

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Customers find the book highly readable, with one noting it's the best in the Seb Foxly series. The story is filled with intrigue, with one customer highlighting its fast-paced narrative.

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ReadabilityIntrigue
4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with one noting it's the best in the Seb Foxly series.

"...No vulgar language..Just perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. I will order the sequels." Read more

"The best of the Seb Foxly series. Full of intrigue. plots, turns and spies in King Edward's court...." Read more

"...Finally, Seb! Good for you. I have loved this series of books but this one beats them all...." Read more

"...The detail of the people's life in medieval England is marvelous. The storyline is fast paced and kept me guessing about the culprits...." Read more

3 customers mention "Intrigue"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the intrigue of the book, with one customer noting its fast-paced storyline.

"...And what we end up with is a story filled with intrigue and conspiracies, with Seb solving not only who the murderer is but who’s the spy, and also..." Read more

"...vivid details helping the reader to become deeply involved, understand the events, society and personalities of the characters...." Read more

"...The storyline is fast paced and kept me guessing about the culprits. Ms. Mount is always an enjoyable experience. Looking forward to the next novel." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Made me feel like I was actually there in the middle ages! No vulgar language..Just perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. I will order the sequels.
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  • M A Hibbard
    4.0 out of 5 stars Another great story in this series
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Colour of Rubies
    Book #10 in the Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder Mystery series
    By Toni Mount
    Reviewed May 17, 2022

    My self-proclaimed Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder Mystery Month is coming to an end with this book, the last in the series. But I have it on good account that another in this series is in the works.

    Sadly, after praising his brother’s bravery at the end of the previous book, Jude is back to being a bullying lout who mistreats his young wife. In spite of all these faults, Seb still loves him. This is his brother, and in spite of Jude’s often boorish behavior, nothing is going to change that brotherly love. About the only redeeming feature I can find in Jude is his protectiveness toward his “little” brother when Seb is threatened and that’s going to play a major role in this book.

    The Colour of Rubies picks up a few months after The Colour of Evil ends. Jude and Chesca are living on their own in rented rooms. Jude is now gainfully employed thanks to some help from his brother, as a clerk in the office that handles French and Italian correspondence at Westminster Palace. The pay is steady but hardly what Jude feels he’s worth. Then again, Jude has always had an overblown opinion of his worth.

    Clerical work is boring, consisting mainly of copying rough drafts of letters, warrants, summonses and the like in a cold, dull room. Secretary Oliver, who oversees the office, does not allow fraternization and conversation among the clerks during the long work hours and docks the pay of anyone who disobeys his petty rules.

    One bright spot (if you want to call it that) in Jude’s dreary life is the celebration of his 29th birthday, which his wife somehow manages to pull off...but where did she get the money for all this wonderful food? Like so many things that take place in this story, there’s more here than initially meets the eye. The next day Seb stops by bringing a birthday gift to his brother, a pair of gloves made by Rose who’s a real saint for being so nice to Jude after how he dumped her practically at the altar.

    When Jude takes Seb to Westminster Palace to show him the stained glass windows in the St Stephen’s Chapel, they decide to take a peek at Jude’s work place. It’s Saturday afternoon and should be empty, but instead there’s Piers Creed, one of Jude’s colleagues, sitting at his desk with pen in hand. When Jude calls out to him, Piers doesn’t answer. Did he fall asleep at his desk? No, turns out he’s dead, murdered no less.

    It turns out that Seb’s reputation has preceded him, as his skills at not just illumination and portraiture, but also for sniffing out criminals, are known among even the lofty personages who inhabit the halls of Westminster Palace, all the way up to the king and his lord chamberlain. It is soon decided by Lord Hastings that Seb should go undercover as a clerk in Jude’s office to find the murderer because the circumstances surrounding Piers’ death point to this being an inside job.

    Having to accept this task takes Seb out of his comfort zone, away from his family and workshop, something he isn’t happy about having to do, but how do you say no to the king’s chamberlain? And what we end up with is a story filled with intrigue and conspiracies, with Seb solving not only who the murderer is but who’s the spy, and also gets to meet Big Ed...I mean, King Edward IV.

    Along the way we have to deal with Jude’s marriage issues and the household problems that never seem to go away when it comes to the Foxleys, and I’m looking forward to the next book (whenever it comes out) where I hope to at least find out if there’s any chance of a reconciliation between Jude and Chesca. Although if I were Chesca, I’d probably tell Jude to take a hike.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Haunted
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the Series
    Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The best of the Seb Foxly series. Full of intrigue. plots, turns and spies in King Edward's court. Keeps the reader interested and one finds it difficult to stop reading. Toni Mount brings the past to life with vivid details helping the reader to become deeply involved, understand the events, society and personalities of the characters. I am looking forward to the next adventure.
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  • Chey Ann Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Now the wait for the next in the series
    Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Spoiler alert! Those who have read the series will know what I mean. Finally, Seb! Good for you.
    I have loved this series of books but this one beats them all. Twists and turns, interesting descriptions, things going Seb's way, part of the time, and that damn Jude.
    I can't wait for the next installment.
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  • Eillasanne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Immersive Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2022
    Format: Kindle
    I haven't got my cleaning finished because I can't put this book down! It will capture your interest straight away. Mysterious, exciting, and immersive, this novel will be one of your favorites this year. I can hardly wait to read the next one in the series.
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  • Pauline C.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Hey Jude!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    ”Hey Jude, don’t make it bad
    Make a sad song and make it better.”

    That’s what a modern day Sebastian Foxley would sing to his brother, but it would fall on deaf ears, for Jude Foxley is forever thinking himself ill-used. In this latest entry in the series, Jude finds himself as lowly clerk in the Office of King Edward’s Secretary—the “scene of [his] life-wasting scribbling and associated tortures.” When he offers to show his visiting brother Seb the stained glass in St. Stephen’s chapel, they discover the body of one of his fellow clerks. Drafted by Lord Hastings to discover the murderer, Seb goes undercover working alongside Jude (at least for a while) in the scriptorium. Whereas Jude thinks his fellow clerks imbeciles and those with authority to order him about as “puffed up toads,” Seb finds reasonable, friendly fellows.

    In unraveling the mystery, Seb discovers spies and an international conspiracy that threatens the English succession. Interwoven with this intrigue, Seb must deal with family problems on the home front, complicated by the involvement of Chesca, Jude’s Italian child wife.

    After Seb solves the mystery, he vows never to return to the corruption and intrigue at Westminster. (Does that remind Ricardians of a certain duke?) As for Jude, his one redeeming quality is his fierce protectiveness of his little brother, and that proves to be undoing. I will say no more and wait for the developments in the next book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • txwildflower
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Intrigue, murder and spies set in King Edward's court. The detail of the people's life in medieval England is marvelous. The storyline is fast paced and kept me guessing about the culprits. Ms. Mount is always an enjoyable experience. Looking forward to the next novel.
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  • sue
    4.0 out of 5 stars Color of rubies
    Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I w.as disappointed by the way it ended. But I loved the book like all the others of your writings. Hope the next is soon
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Sighthound
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this novel very much. First, the medieval setting is accurately described. Second, the hero has a realistic, medieval sense of religion. Wow! This is really rare. So often, even in the most serious HF, medieval characters are essentially seculars with no more faith than a cat - this is so wrong for the period when everyone was involved in religion. Third, it was a good mystery story and I didn't guess the guilty party by page 10. Fourth, the supporting characters have been well-developed throughout the series. You could call the Foxley household dysfunctional, but at least the individuals are not cardboard cut-outs but have real character and personal agendas. The next book in the series cannot emerge quickly enough.
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  • Fran F
    5.0 out of 5 stars a another Sebastian Foxley gem
    Reviewed in Australia on February 13, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    And so the saga continues for Sebastian and all the extended family & friends, being inter woven with a few murders in the court of the King, which Sebastian is employed to solve. A great read .....
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  • Simone Wallnoefer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Keep them coming fast
    Reviewed in Italy on June 28, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Once again, a masterpiece of research and ability to throw the reader straight into the medieval epoch, amazing.
    By now I cherish all the characters and love nearly all of them like friends. Most people have little love lost for Jude, but let's not forget (people who have followed the series from the start will remember) where Jude's ever increasingly bad temper and disposition towards others, especially people of authority, come from. Let's not forget the trauma he suffered, the abuse, at the beginning of the series, a trauma that changed him profoundly. After all, there were no psychotherapists at the time to help him heal. I want to continue seeing Jude in the books, his foul temper notwithstanding
    Now I have finished Jude's defence, let me only say that the the plot was engaging to the last page, from everyday life to the suspense of the mystery-solving, with a nicely scary cliffhanger. Once again, thank you so much, Toni, my comfort author
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  • Wendy A
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely to be back with Sebastian again
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 8, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the tenth novel in Toni Mount's Sebastian Foxley series and after all this time, reading about Seb and his adventures really does feel like coming home to an old friend. Once again, Sebastian is called upon to solve a murder case and the twists and turns make sure the plot is never boring. There is some happy news for Seb at last, alongside a possible tragedy. The author's unrivalled knowledge of the time period really does make you feel you are in the 15th century and her skillfully written characters make you want to stay there. I love these novels and can't wait for the next one.
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  • Gene Richardson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic eye to detail.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 17, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I absolutely loved this book wand all the others in this series. Can't wait to get hold of, the colour of bone. Well done Toni.
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