Killer’s Wake by Bernard Cornwell

Killer's Wake - This is a fictional mystery about an impoverished earldom and a missing painting.  John Rossendale is a sea gypsy who has returned to England by his mother’s request on her death bed.  Years before, his family had agreed to sell the painting, but the painting disappeared before it was sold.  This caused the family to sell their ancient home.  The family accused John of the theft, but there was no proof.  Now, after his mother’s death, John has been attacked and threatened, the perpetrators wanting the painting