The case of the carnival masqueraders

Historian and popular writer Vlastimil Vondruška writes, among other things, readable, dramatic and mysterious detective stories set in the Middle Ages. They have won great acclaim from readers for their believability, atmosphere, fast-paced plot and suspense.

Many of them are united by the figure of the educated and honourable knight Oldřich of Chlum, the royal procurator and administrator of Bezděz Castle. In the detective story The Case of the Carnival Masquerades, we learn how Oldřich of Chlum actually became the royal prosecutor, what events preceded this appointment, and why Oldřich of Chlum chose Ota of Zástřizl as his squire.

This time the story takes place at Prague Castle, in the chilly March, at the time of the carnival revelry. Young King Přemysl II. Otakar begins to build up his position vis-à-vis his father Václav, but gets into serious trouble. He loses the golden royal chain, an important symbol of royalty...