The Murders on the Grand Pont

Absolom of Pouliguen is about to have a bad day - one that even he may not be able to be philosophical about.

When a rival philosopher is strung up from the Grand Pont and another is thrown head first into a moving water mill, Absolom finds himself at the centre of a web of lies.

All the evidence points to him as the murderer – whilst the real murderer plots Absolom’s own death.

Facing trial for murder, he must fight for his own life, as well as dealing with his former lover Benedicte.

Will the wry philosopher’s search for the truth set him free?

Or will it lead to his ruin?

Set against the backdrop of a colourful and urbane medieval Paris, 'The Murders on the Grand Pont' is the first in a new series of brilliant historical novellas. Full of humour and period detail the Absolom series will appeal to fans of Matthew Shardlake, Cadfael, Umberto Eco and Steven Saylor.

Praise for The Murders on the Grand Pont:

'James Burge has that rare talent of coupling humour with gripping storytelling. His hero is witty, humane and, in far from being perfect, likeable.' - Richard Foreman, author of Raffles: The Gentleman Thief.

Praise for James Burge’s previous books:

'A no-nonsense, attractive style which combines seriousness with wry humour.' (Christopher Frayling)

'James Burge opens up this tale with sympathy and directness.' (Frances Spalding)

'Burge is excellent at empathy. He makes a moving, likeable document of an extraordinary love.' (Alice Ferrebe, Scotland on Sunday)

'Burge’s account is straightforward, lucid, detailed and sympathetic ... he brings considerable historical acumen to the task of placing the story in its context.' (A C Grayling)

James Burge is a television programme-maker turned writer. He has written two acclaimed non-fiction books about the Middle Ages: Heloise and Abelard (Profile 2003) and Dante’s Invention (History Press 2010). He lives in London.

Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.