The Castle Abductions

Bailiff Mountsorrel Tudor Mysteries #1

by David Field

Lose yourself in this exciting new series of Tudor thrillers! Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Robyn Young, Alison Weir and Anthony Riches.Nottinghamshire’s bailiffs are on the trail of a sinister kidnapper…Nottingham, England, 1590County Bailiff Edward Mountsorrel and Town Bailiff Francis Barton have vowed to root out the criminals of Nottinghamshire and bring them to justice. But after acting on information from a questionable source, Edward is tricked into allowing several deer to be stolen from a local estate.

Furious, he sets about tracking them down. Meanwhile, Francis is asked to investigate the disappearance of Nell, a young woman who was last seen at a local alehouse with a wealthy stranger.

When the bailiffs’ shared house is burned down and their servant is found stabbed to death, Edward and Francis begin to suspect that their cases are linked. And when more young women go missing, the two bailiffs worry they are running out of time to retrieve them from danger…Who wishes to silence to Edward and Francis?

What happened to the missing women?And can the two bailiffs find them before it’s too late…?The Castle Abductions is the first historical thriller in the Bailiff Mountsorrel Tudor Mystery Series – private investigation crime novels set during the reign of Elizabeth I and beyond.THE BAILIFF MOUNTSORREL TUDOR MYSTERY BOOK The Castle Abductions

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Crime, 16th Century, British Literature

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

David was born in post-war Nottingham, and educated at Nottingham High School. After obtaining a Law degree he became a career-long criminal law practitioner and academic, emigrating in 1989 to Australia, where he still lives.

Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.

Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.

David Field is published by Sapere Books.

Reviews

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable story of low end stakes (for once!) in olde Nottingham. This is long after Robin Hood, under Queen Elizabeth, involving two Bailiffs working for two sheriffs (there's one for in town and one for out of town, due to odd legal circumstances).

Girls are disappearing, game is being poached and ending up on a lord's table, and Lord Cecil's devious son is in town up to something obscure. Our heroes get involved, and face a lot of barriers and frustrations.

There are some problems; one plot point involves branding, unknown at the time and certainly not done to deer in the forest. There is some misunderstanding of how power structures work (it was based mostly on rank and title, not money) and the characters who grew up in this society seem genuinely puzzled and surprised that nobility can get away with criminal activities.

But its otherwise well crafted and interesting, if a bit storyland, and the mysteries were more grounded and reasonable for the time period if a bit slanderous toward Lord Cecil. The historical information about Nottingham was pretty interesting reading as well.

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting romp around Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, we find the Sherrif'f Bailiff and his friend the Bailiff of the town combining to catch murderers, and thieves and find abducted prostitutes. Edward Mountsorrell in the title role is all action; some good characters and some devious courtiers when politics intervene.

A good enough read although not spectacular. 3 stars.

[Maya Ch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, light mystery. There are few inconsistencies with historical figures - Margaret Tudor and her daughter Margaret Douglas became one.
language- I doubt word “virtually” would existed and be in vocabulary of the orphan-soldier-bailiff.

I must have been spoiled by Toni Mount’s or Sansom’s historical fiction with enormous attention to details.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deer were 'branded in the Elizabethan era? Robert Cecil kidnapped prostitutes? Sorry, I can't even finish reading this one

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for this Advance Reader Copy and the opportunity to review The Castle Abductions. All opinions and comments are my own.

The Tudor historical mystery genre (read “deceitfulness and intrigue”) is well-represented in The Castle Abductions, a first book/new series by David Field, a veteran of the field (with medieval and Victorian mystery series). As such, he knows how to present a story that entertains as well as engages the brain.

Edward Mountsorrel, bailiff of Nottingham (along with his friend, Francis Barton, also a bailiff) is introduced in this one. And while Edward is first engaged in a poaching case, what follows on is worse – young women (okay, they are prostitutes -- “doxies”) missing from the town. Some may think that such women should be overlooked and forgotten, but Edward knows this is an affront to all, up to and including Elizabeth the Queen. But what Edward finds out, others want to forget. And the implications reach to the highest level of the court. Edward’s investigation (and it’s a good one) is persistent, especially after personal danger, and he sees it all to the end.

There will be justice, but it will be court justice. At least Edward will get his own rewards (and a special meeting, with a special someone – won’t spoil it for you).

The Castle Abductions is a lively tale, quick-paced and full of action. Also included is a Note to the Reader which explains a bit about the history of Nottingham, the caves and passages underneath portions of the town, and the beginning of the city’s law enforcement. The book also follows the dialog conventions and situations of the times very well. Bailiff Mountsorrel should find plenty of cases to keep him busy in Tudor-era Nottingham, if author David Field is so inclined.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nottingham 1590. County Bailiff Edward Mountsorrel and town Bailiff Francis Barton share a house and housekeeper and often work together to flush out poachers and other miscreants in the district. Misleading information sees Edward allow several deer to be slipped through his net from the local estate, Wollaton Hall, with the result that the owner Sir Francis Willoughby bans him from the estate. This is problematic for Edward as he is courting a young woman on the estate. Coincidentally, the local butcher just happens to have a store full of fresh venison, but Edward will need to find direct evidence linking him to the crime before he can be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, prostitutes have been disappearing from a local ale house in the town after meeting a wealthy stranger. Edward and Francis must work together to find out who is taking them and why. What he discovers is quite surprising involving someone who moves in royal circles so pursuing the suspect could be very dangerous for both his life and career.

This is an enjoyable start to what is promised to be a new series of Tudor mysteries. Edward and Francis are likeable characters and work well together, also making amusing housemates, especially when their house is burned down and they must find temporary accommodation. The plot moves along at a good pace with interesting historical details about the town, inhabitants and royal court making for an intriguing tale.

With thanks to Sapere Books via Netgalley for a copy to read

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Tudor times, the story set in an English rural town has far reaching consequences, even reaching the ears of Queen Elizabeth, through a series of adventures and misadventures, omissions and commissions of both justice and injustice.

Bailiff Mountsorrel and his friend also a bailiff are sent on a wild goose chase trying to catch a poacher of deer from the local manor. Furious at being made to look a fool in the eyes of the local gentry, he is determined to get to the bottom of the story, but finds out that political aspiring of the locals is more important than catching criminals. Many things are overlooked and he is cautioned against any action.

When a local girl goes missing, followed by five other girls and his informant Ellie found with a slashed throat, he pursues his elusive scoundrel realising he is accusing the son of one of the most powerful men in the land. An encounter with Lord Essex who has the ear of the Queen, puts our Bailiff in a much stronger position than before.

All ends well, the abducted girls are returned, the Queen actually visits Nottinghamshire and Edward’s wins the heart and hand of his love.

Giving an accurate account of how politics ruled that era this is a good story for historical fiction read

[Soozee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to read a Tudor story set in Nottingham and having lived there for the first 60 years of my life, I recognised both the places and the cadence of speech which the author got spot on.

The story begins at Wollaton Hall, which has just been completed by Sir Francis Willoughby who is furthering his ambitions and hoping to get the queen to visit. Edward Mountsorrel is bailiff to the county while Francis Barton is town bailiff. Together they are drawn to two apparently separate events - the disappearance of local prostitutes and the theft of deer from Wollaton estate. They make some desperate enemies and are drawn into a national plot as they strive to serve justice for all.

A great read, and I'm really looking forward to the next in the series!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poaching, Arson, Abductions, and Murder...oh my!

Find a few hours for yourself, a comfortable chair, and read this fabulous new book in one sitting. There are dastardly crimes to solve and some major historical characters from the court of Queen Elizabeth, all in the fascinating setting of Nottingham. And if that's not enough to entice you, there is even a lovely romance brewing. Topping it all off, it had one of the best surprise endings I've read in a long time. I cannot wait for the next book to be released!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nottingham, 1590 County Bailiff Edward Mountsorrel is investigating the theft of deer from a local estate, while Town Bailiff Francis Barton is investigating the disappearance of several town prostitutes.
An entertaining historical mystery withis likeable characters. A good start to this new series.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read! This is the first in a series and I’mlooking forwardto reading the next one. The author has created robustcharacters set in midieval times. The plot was wellpaced with some nice twistsand turns. Real scoundrels are chased by our handsome and brave heros. A lovely and enjoyable read.

[Phillip Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

Policing and mystery in the age of Queen Elizabeth I. Tudor England was not a very hospitable place, and just as complex as any time. The county or town Bailiff oversaw small companies so this series is set in Nottingham.
Murders theft, abduction and kidnapping are all present.
A very good read.

[William N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting new series

A lot like the Stephen Atterbrook series, but with its own flavor . Worth reading regardless of the similarities. Found it quite interesting in its own right and am planning on reading the next volume.

[Cheryl Kleinjam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

This is a great book. Loved the characters and the story. Just enough suspense to be entertaining and yet not too graphic. Written with a personal touch that's enjoyable.

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Story

I love The Jack Enright Series and I was interested to know if David Field could Write another series as Good . Well I'm Happy to say that the 1st one in Tudor Mysteries series Has got My attention. I am Looking forward to Book 2

[Ian Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too predictable for me, but a quick read.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Nottingham during the end years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth l. The County Bailiff Mountsorrel and the Town Bailiff Edward Barton and friends and share a lodging.

[Ruhani · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming if short historical mystery set in Nottingham during Tudor times. Just 200 pages so an easy read

[Terri Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goid Story!

This was a very enjoyable read. The triumph of goid over evil in this story is extremely satisfying. I'll read more in this series.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

not sure I like the series. never really connected with the main character, but I did like Francis the other baliff. so I might try the next one.

[colin childerley · Rating 4 out of 5]

lite hearted and gentle

A lite romp in the countryside, steady and not very detailed to fully grab you, hopefully the next in the series will be more exciting

[mike rogers]

I had no sense of Tudor England.
Stopped reading it.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an example of historical mystery this is not too bad in essence, although there are a few caveats to this. Firstly is the fact that there is very little by way of characterisation of the two main characters. A basic difference between the two men does come out from their various interactions with each other and the other characters in the book, but one is very hard pressed to give a physical description of either, therefore a mental picture of each is impossible (unless one supplies this for ones self, which is an interesting concept). Also, the story seems to proceed at breakneck speed, as though the author had an appointment to keep whilst writing and had promised himself to finish the book before keeping it. Everything seemed to move so fast that one barely had time to assimilate one incident than the next was upon one. Nevertheless, it was a refreshingly authentic example of modern historical fiction, devoid of anachronism (barring the use of terms such as 'sexual partners' and 'sexual convenience'), and the intrusion of modern attitudes and values. The word 'piecrust' was used but though this is distinctly un-English, it was the only Americanism, therefore could be overlooked. A good book overall, but a word to the author would be 'slow down!'