Richard, the second surviving son of Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine, inherits the throne from his brother, before embarking on the Third Crusade, a conflict that is complicated by the schemes of his usurping brother, John.

This long-anticipated sequel to the national best sellerLionheart is a vivid and heart-wrenching story of the last event-filled years in the life of Richard, Coeur de Lion. Taken captive by the Holy Roman Emperor while en route home - in violation of the papal decree protecting all crusaders - he was to spend fifteen months imprisoned, much of it in the notorious fortress at Trefils, from which few men ever left alive, while Eleanor of Aquitaine moved...

In 12th century England, Justin de Quincy, special agent for Eleanor of Aquitaine, investigates the murder of a peddler's daughter. Two men are suspected, but they are rich and the rich are difficult to bring to justice.