Murder Can Be Murder

by Howard of Warwick

It's only murder, why is it so difficult?

When Brother Hermitage is approached on the streets of Derby, he knows that it is going to be bad news.
As King William's duly appointed investigator, everything is bad news.

But young Fridolf, an apprentice goldsmith from London has the most bizarre request concerning a murder that Hermitage has ever heard. Still, at least he has the opportunity to make things very clear and put the young man straight before sending him on his way.

Until Wat and Cwen explain that Hermitage hasn't made anything clear at all and that if calamity is to be avoided, some action is needed.

Luckily, for a weaver's workshop, Wat's home has a surfeit of investigators and so a despatch to London will not be a problem. And a trip to London, just to make sure everything is all right, will be a positive pleasure.

Until those despatched get themselves in trouble, of course.

Most unreasonably of all, those wretched Normans have decided that the old Saxon punishment for murder, a hefty fine, is no longer sufficient. They have something much more permanent in mind.

Containing many facts, including the Saxon defeat of the Norman army in 1066, and a real-life sheriff of London, Murder Can Be Murder goes where other medieval mysteries wouldn’t bother.

Howard of Warwick, now a UK top 20 Amazon best-seller, brings more real life to the medieval murder mystery. Along with real confusion, greed and all-around incompetence.

Previous chronicles, of which there are many, have been commented upon.

5* Fantastic series
5* Hilarious
5* You know you’re in for a good giggle
1* Reads like an episode of Blackadder

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2023

About the author

Howard of Warwick is but a humble chronicler with the blind luck to stumble upon manuscripts which describe the goings-on of Brother Hermitage and his companion Wat the weaver.

His work has been heard, seen and read, most of it accompanied by laughter and some of it by money. His peers have even seen fit to recognize his unworthy efforts with a prize for making up stories.

There are now eighteen - make that twenty - novels of Brother Hermitage, the most medieval of detectives, loose on the world and they have found considerable success with the buying public.

The most recent outpouring from the scriptorium is The King's Investigator Part II.

Tales of Hermitage continue to flow forth with few checks for accuracy. There are even short stories available for free.

There is a dedicated web page, HowardofWarwick.com.

Messages can be left care of Howard@howardofwarwick.com and Howardofwarwick can be followed on Twitter


There is even tweeting @HowardofWarwick

Reviews

[Rex Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

a 5, as always

A nice change up from Howard. Norman London, a dead, unliked goldsmith, a lot of frustrated people, aShire Reeve quick to judge, two apprentices about to lose 10 quick pounds each, Ranulf de Sauveloy (eek!) and our heroes, Wat, Cwen and, of course, Hermitage. This one has some interesting twists and turns, but also starts in a slightly misleadingly way. But, it all comes clear in the end. Doesn’t it always?

[D J Rout · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author hands over a clue to the readers early on, then seems to forget that he did that, and rabbits on about a large weight of gold that the reader already knows isn't gold, so what's the point?

I read the final chapter three times and I've come to the conclusion that Brother Hermitage didn't come to a logical conclusion but just guessed who the murderer was.

Ah, well, still quick and easy to read and reasonably entertaining.

[Tom McGehee · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very enjoyable book/series

I have enjoyed all of the books in this series. They are light reading, well written with fun characters. I certainly recommend the books.