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Stephen Attebrook Mysteries #14
The Richest Man in Town
Harry Carver, the legless artisan, and his wife Joan find the corpse of the richest man in Ludlow in the dead man’s back garden on a snowbound November morning. Wool merchant Laurence Hoketon’s head is bashed in, a clear case of murder.
But there are no witnesses to the crime, and the town’s leading finder, the knight-coroner Stephen Attebrook, and his companion and clerk, Gilbert Wistwode, are stumped. The town’s leading citizens clamor for a quick arrest but the two men have no suspects or significant clues. The indications point to simple robbery. But was it more sinister? For the day after the gruesome discovery, someone unknown redeemed a letter of credit made out by Hoketon for five-hundred pounds — a huge fortune in hard money.
While Stephen puzzles over how to solve this bewildering crime, the winds of war interfere. For despite King Henry’s catastrophic loss to the rebellious barons under Simon de Montfort at the Battle of Lewes, which should have decided matters, the king’s partisans in the Welsh March have not given up. Under Baron Roger Mortimer, they plot a rising.
Pivotal to that rising is the recovery of Ludlow Castle from the baron’s forces — a task given to Stephen, who has only a handful of men to carry out the attack on the seemingly impregnable fortress.
Walk alongside Stephen and Gilbert in the muddy streets of medieval Ludlow as they struggle with two impossible tasks at once while the corpses pile up around them.
But there are no witnesses to the crime, and the town’s leading finder, the knight-coroner Stephen Attebrook, and his companion and clerk, Gilbert Wistwode, are stumped. The town’s leading citizens clamor for a quick arrest but the two men have no suspects or significant clues. The indications point to simple robbery. But was it more sinister? For the day after the gruesome discovery, someone unknown redeemed a letter of credit made out by Hoketon for five-hundred pounds — a huge fortune in hard money.
While Stephen puzzles over how to solve this bewildering crime, the winds of war interfere. For despite King Henry’s catastrophic loss to the rebellious barons under Simon de Montfort at the Battle of Lewes, which should have decided matters, the king’s partisans in the Welsh March have not given up. Under Baron Roger Mortimer, they plot a rising.
Pivotal to that rising is the recovery of Ludlow Castle from the baron’s forces — a task given to Stephen, who has only a handful of men to carry out the attack on the seemingly impregnable fortress.
Walk alongside Stephen and Gilbert in the muddy streets of medieval Ludlow as they struggle with two impossible tasks at once while the corpses pile up around them.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2023
133 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 21, 2023
I have read all the books of this Attebrook series and enjoyed each one. There will always be heroic acts, swordplay, good detective work and good, enduring relationships.
All this and more for just $1.99 from Amazon!
When the plot reached it's conclusion I must say it reminded me of a Saturday show I used to watch with my brothers that ended with "Oh Pancho! Oh Cisco!"
All this and more for just $1.99 from Amazon!
When the plot reached it's conclusion I must say it reminded me of a Saturday show I used to watch with my brothers that ended with "Oh Pancho! Oh Cisco!"
February 13, 2025
4.25 stars, this one was a little confusing with the title and yet, a list of other Rich men on Ludlow. Not sure he WAS the richest :)
Stephen is under a lot of pressure to return Ludlow castle to the King's side, so that bit of risk and danger took away from some of the plot- which was totally wild and I did not see that coming until I heard the widow was buying a manor.
Anyway- I am here for the relationship:
“You’ll never live down having lodgings in the stable.”
“I would if you didn’t bring it up,” Harry said. When he was a beggar, the Wistwodes, the owners of the inn, allowed him to use an empty stall as a bedchamber.
“Just trying to ensure you stay humble.”
“You can stop now. Joan’s got her hands on that one.”
“I have,” Joan said, smiling as she wiped her mouth. “But I can always use help. Your head’s bigger than that of ten men.”
-----------
Harry was at work when he reached home.
“It went well, I heard,” Harry said, setting down a chisel and hammer.
“Well enough,” Stephen said.
“And you’re all in one piece. Ida will be glad to hear that. You going to fetch her now?”
“Not yet. Are you busy?”
“Do I look like I’m taking a nap?”
“Sometimes with you it’s hard to tell. Come, I need you and your little cart.”
“What for?”
“A bit of minor theft.”
“I’m heartened to hear you think of me when that comes to mind.”
Stephen is under a lot of pressure to return Ludlow castle to the King's side, so that bit of risk and danger took away from some of the plot- which was totally wild and I did not see that coming until I heard the widow was buying a manor.
Anyway- I am here for the relationship:
“You’ll never live down having lodgings in the stable.”
“I would if you didn’t bring it up,” Harry said. When he was a beggar, the Wistwodes, the owners of the inn, allowed him to use an empty stall as a bedchamber.
“Just trying to ensure you stay humble.”
“You can stop now. Joan’s got her hands on that one.”
“I have,” Joan said, smiling as she wiped her mouth. “But I can always use help. Your head’s bigger than that of ten men.”
-----------
Harry was at work when he reached home.
“It went well, I heard,” Harry said, setting down a chisel and hammer.
“Well enough,” Stephen said.
“And you’re all in one piece. Ida will be glad to hear that. You going to fetch her now?”
“Not yet. Are you busy?”
“Do I look like I’m taking a nap?”
“Sometimes with you it’s hard to tell. Come, I need you and your little cart.”
“What for?”
“A bit of minor theft.”
“I’m heartened to hear you think of me when that comes to mind.”
January 10, 2025
#14 in the Sir Stephen Atterbrook mystery series.November/December 1264. Stephen is a knight was down on his luck and slowly regaining to regain his fortune and birthright while constantly being caught between the sides in the ongoing civil war to over throw the king. He has worked as a coroner aided by Gilbert an innkeeper and former monk and has now returned to his former coroner position. This is the continuing saga of Stephen's effort to regarding his family's estates and position.
Stephen Attebrook, deputy sheriff, is hoping for a quiet Christmas which isn't going to happen. Heis rebuilding his family manor which was destroyed by one of the rebel leaders who is Stephen's sworn enemy when Stephen is asked by the king' supporter (this is who is allied with so has no choice) to find a way to take back Ludlow Castle. That again puts him at risk and then the richest man in town is found murdered in his own backyard which Stephen is charged with investigating.
Stephen Attebrook, deputy sheriff, is hoping for a quiet Christmas which isn't going to happen. Heis rebuilding his family manor which was destroyed by one of the rebel leaders who is Stephen's sworn enemy when Stephen is asked by the king' supporter (this is who is allied with so has no choice) to find a way to take back Ludlow Castle. That again puts him at risk and then the richest man in town is found murdered in his own backyard which Stephen is charged with investigating.
September 20, 2023
I am hooked on the Stephen Attebrook series by Jason Vail and read them as quickly as they come out. They are always exciting and interesting.
Both Attebrook and the secondary characters are great. His sidekick Gilbert who used to be a monk, who is overly fond of food and hates to ride horses, Harry, the double amputee who used to be a beggar, but discovered a profitable skill for woodcarving and seems to be indomitable and now Ida, Attebrook's new wife all add to the clever stories.
These are set in the 13th century during Simon de Montfort's rebellion which adds to the dynamic of these tales. In this particular episode Attebrook is recruited to help the king's cause, while he is also trying to solve the mystery of the murder of the town's richest man.
Both Attebrook and the secondary characters are great. His sidekick Gilbert who used to be a monk, who is overly fond of food and hates to ride horses, Harry, the double amputee who used to be a beggar, but discovered a profitable skill for woodcarving and seems to be indomitable and now Ida, Attebrook's new wife all add to the clever stories.
These are set in the 13th century during Simon de Montfort's rebellion which adds to the dynamic of these tales. In this particular episode Attebrook is recruited to help the king's cause, while he is also trying to solve the mystery of the murder of the town's richest man.
October 19, 2023
It's always a privilege to return to Jason Vail's medieval Ludlow and live in this world for a little while. The characters are like old friends, and it's deeply satisfying to see how they manage to keep body and soul together as they solve crimes in a war-torn England. The characters grow more real with every tale. I love how Sir Stephen collects people, saving them and giving them a home in desperate times. And let us not forget the fight scenes, so well crafted and full of tension (despite knowing Sir Stephen must survive for the sake of the series). If you're looking for a great series with action, adventure, and witty banter among colorful characters, this is it.
September 22, 2023
A good visit with the Attebrook faction.
I was so pleased to see a new novel about Stephen Attebrook. I always enjoy a good visit with the Attebrooks! Harry remains a crusty, wry character,who takes names & “kicks butt” without the need of legs! Fussy Gilbert supports Sir Stephen’s investigations with his usual mumbling. I love these characters & these novels. The twist at the end, revealing the murderers, was unexpected. Anxiously awaiting the Book 15!
I was so pleased to see a new novel about Stephen Attebrook. I always enjoy a good visit with the Attebrooks! Harry remains a crusty, wry character,who takes names & “kicks butt” without the need of legs! Fussy Gilbert supports Sir Stephen’s investigations with his usual mumbling. I love these characters & these novels. The twist at the end, revealing the murderers, was unexpected. Anxiously awaiting the Book 15!
December 6, 2023
Thrilling tale
Very interesting continuation of the series. Two separate storylines run side by side but you are not distracted by either. Solving the murder and storming the castle get solved quickly and logically. Just enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you interested right up to the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series when it comes out.
Very interesting continuation of the series. Two separate storylines run side by side but you are not distracted by either. Solving the murder and storming the castle get solved quickly and logically. Just enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you interested right up to the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series when it comes out.
March 16, 2024
Winter has arrived in Ludlow. Stephen Attebrook, deputy sheriff, is hoping for a quiet Christmas. Of course, other things happen before then. Stephen is asked by Lord Mortimer to find a way to take back Ludlow Castle from the barons and the richest man in town is found murdered in his own backyard. Lots of action as usual.
October 4, 2023
for sex and money=greed
Stephen comes through again. The old familiar characters play their parts well. A great story line. Well written. Highly recommend, especially if you’ve followed the series.
Stephen comes through again. The old familiar characters play their parts well. A great story line. Well written. Highly recommend, especially if you’ve followed the series.
October 12, 2023
Another good Medieval Mystery from Jason Vail.
I've read all of Jason Vail's books. Stephen Attebrook's adventures are always entertaining. The author emerses the reader in Medieval Ludlow. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I've read all of Jason Vail's books. Stephen Attebrook's adventures are always entertaining. The author emerses the reader in Medieval Ludlow. Looking forward to the next in the series.
November 1, 2023
As always Sir Steven never fails to satisfy
The ending seems a bit rushed but that my be that I have come to expect more in the past from the previous books . looking forward to the next episode.
The ending seems a bit rushed but that my be that I have come to expect more in the past from the previous books . looking forward to the next episode.
December 9, 2023
1264. It seems Sir Stephen Attebrook has two problems. Told by Roger Mortimer to find a way to re- take Ludlow Castle for the King, and find the killer of Laurence Hoketon, the richest man in Ludlow.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
January 6, 2024
Another good one
Greed and envy are often at the root of evil goings on as Jason Vail shows us in Book 14 the adventures of Stephen Attebrook and his motley crew.
Thoroughly enjoyed!
Greed and envy are often at the root of evil goings on as Jason Vail shows us in Book 14 the adventures of Stephen Attebrook and his motley crew.
Thoroughly enjoyed!
March 4, 2024
Distressing
I've finally figured out the reason I get a distressing feeling when I finish one of the excellent books in this series. It is because I am realizing that I am running out of books in the series!
I've finally figured out the reason I get a distressing feeling when I finish one of the excellent books in this series. It is because I am realizing that I am running out of books in the series!
August 17, 2024
Greed Comes Knocking
It must have been awful to live during a time when you were forced to fight to survive instead of for what you believe in. Even though Stephen is the “good guy,” his actions sometimes aren’t so good.
It must have been awful to live during a time when you were forced to fight to survive instead of for what you believe in. Even though Stephen is the “good guy,” his actions sometimes aren’t so good.
November 17, 2025
The story is great
The story is great as Vail's books always are, but..... But there were a lot of typos and even one plot point that wasn't explained but dropped in as if it had been explained. Great story but needs better editing.
The story is great as Vail's books always are, but..... But there were a lot of typos and even one plot point that wasn't explained but dropped in as if it had been explained. Great story but needs better editing.
December 23, 2025
Fascinating story
This story of murder and war continues the tale of Stephen Attebrook attempt to find the killer of a man whose wealth could me the motive. Stephen's other worry is how to retake the castle for the king and not get killed in the process.
This story of murder and war continues the tale of Stephen Attebrook attempt to find the killer of a man whose wealth could me the motive. Stephen's other worry is how to retake the castle for the king and not get killed in the process.
September 19, 2023
Good story
Are the Attebrook situation improving? Honor calls Stephen to perform an almost impossible task while solving a murder lingers. I enjoy these adventures, thanks Jason.
Are the Attebrook situation improving? Honor calls Stephen to perform an almost impossible task while solving a murder lingers. I enjoy these adventures, thanks Jason.
October 20, 2023
A Progression
I have enjoyed all 14 tales of Stephen, Harry and Gilbert. They are becoming better as the series progresses. Please keep them coming.
I have enjoyed all 14 tales of Stephen, Harry and Gilbert. They are becoming better as the series progresses. Please keep them coming.
December 12, 2023
It got a little convoluted at the end, but still very satisfying
October 27, 2024
Attebrook
New jobs. Plenty excitement, murders and reclamations. More people added to his household. Another great read, what will Stephen do next?
New jobs. Plenty excitement, murders and reclamations. More people added to his household. Another great read, what will Stephen do next?
May 10, 2025
Not bad. I don't really understand how the battle sections aid the story.
September 9, 2025
Great read and one in the mystery series. I thought the story was good. But I like all his books
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews