King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Excaliber, and all the stories surrounding Camelot are all beloved myths that have been expounded upon for years in various shapes and styles. Having Merlin, Arthur's mentor and advisor, as a scholarly old gent who likes to solve a crime or two, well...that's truly a unique take on the whole Camelot story. J.M.C. Blair's "Merlin Investigates" series continues with THE PENDRAGON MURDERS, the third book in the continuing tales of Merlin, his assistant Nimue, and the ever-widening cast of characters who surround the court of Arthur. Merlin, Nimue, and their young charge Petronus have planned a fall excursion to Dover for the fall festival, but instead of festivities they find an outbreak of a strange form of plague that threatens to spread throughout England. Returning to give Arthur the news, the trio stops off at Stonehenge during the autumnal equinox where they discover the bodies of Lord Darrowfield and his two sons in what appears to be a ritual sacrifice. As Merlin and his crew investigate the murders, as well as the source of the new strain of plague, King Arthur sets off on a quest that he hopes will end the plague, taking along with him a string of his illegitimate sons who he hopes to find at least one who will be worthy to be his successor. Only they keep dying all along the way from what seems to be the plague. But Merlin knows better, he just has to find out who is killing the King's heirs. If you are a fan of Arthurian legend and lore, you will love the "Merlin Investigates" series. Blair has an interesting take on the personalities of the main characters, including his portrayal of Merlin as a non- magical scientist and Arthur as a bubble-headed jock. THE PENDRAGON MURDERS is well written and fast paced and should please fans of historical literary mysteries.