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A Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation #12
Litany of Lies
Midsummer, 1145. Walter, the steward of Evesham Abbey, is found dead at the bottom of a well pit. The Abbot, whose relationship with the lord Sheriff of Worcestershire is strained at best, dislikes needing to call in help. However, as the death appears to have not been an accident, he grudgingly receives Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin. The trio know to step carefully with the contentious undercurrents at play.
As the sheriff's men investigate the steward's death, they discover truth is in short supply. With the tensions between the Abbey and the local castle guard reaching boiling point, another killing will force the investigation down a dangerous path.
As the sheriff's men investigate the steward's death, they discover truth is in short supply. With the tensions between the Abbey and the local castle guard reaching boiling point, another killing will force the investigation down a dangerous path.
Paperback
Published December 5, 2024
About the author
Sarah Hawkswood
26 books118 followersSarah Hawkswood describes herself as a ‘wordsmith’ who is only really happy when writing. She read Modern History at Oxford and her factual book on the Royal Marines in the First World War, From Trench and Turret, was published in 2006. She also writes Regency romance as Sophia Holloway. The Bradecote and Catchpoll series are her first novels.
She takes her pen name from one of her eighteenth century ancestors who lived in Worcestershire, and selected it because the initials match those of her maiden name. She is married, with two grown up children, and now lives in Worcestershire.
She is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association, the Historical Writers’ Association, and the Historical Novel Society.
You can contact her at sarahhawkswood@gmail.com
She takes her pen name from one of her eighteenth century ancestors who lived in Worcestershire, and selected it because the initials match those of her maiden name. She is married, with two grown up children, and now lives in Worcestershire.
She is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association, the Historical Writers’ Association, and the Historical Novel Society.
You can contact her at sarahhawkswood@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 23, 2026
**Read 4.5 STARS!**
This excellent and exciting historical medieval mystery is the 12th volume of the wonderful "Bradecote & Catchpoll" series, but now also including Walkelin.
At the start of the book you'll see a well-drawn map of Evesham and surroundings in 1145, while at the back some interesting historical details are documented concerning this book.
Storytelling is superb, all characters come vividly to life in this tale about greed, extorsion, and the animosity between, the now good willing, clergy and a double dealing Sheriff, and with our main protagonists right in de middle of all this strife and upheaval while doing their investigations.
This tale is set at the start of Midsummer in 1145 during the reign of King Stephen, and with the death of the greedy Walter the Steward by hands unknown, and so for Undersheriff Bradecote, Sheriff's Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin a serious case to solve.
Along the way more deaths will follow and our trio will meet with some half-truths but certainly with much more lies during their investigations, while Sheriff William de Beauchamp is also playing a double dealing game with Abbott Reginald of Evesham Abbey as well as his investigators at the same time.
What is to follow is a fast-paced and fascinating medieval mystery, with a great storyline towards a wonderful executed plot, and where more crimes and deaths will be revealed along the way, right until all the pieces of the puzzle will fall into their places about the various culprits and their murderous crimes.
Very much recommended, for this is another brilliant addition to this superb series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "An Enthralling Act Of Lies"!
This excellent and exciting historical medieval mystery is the 12th volume of the wonderful "Bradecote & Catchpoll" series, but now also including Walkelin.
At the start of the book you'll see a well-drawn map of Evesham and surroundings in 1145, while at the back some interesting historical details are documented concerning this book.
Storytelling is superb, all characters come vividly to life in this tale about greed, extorsion, and the animosity between, the now good willing, clergy and a double dealing Sheriff, and with our main protagonists right in de middle of all this strife and upheaval while doing their investigations.
This tale is set at the start of Midsummer in 1145 during the reign of King Stephen, and with the death of the greedy Walter the Steward by hands unknown, and so for Undersheriff Bradecote, Sheriff's Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin a serious case to solve.
Along the way more deaths will follow and our trio will meet with some half-truths but certainly with much more lies during their investigations, while Sheriff William de Beauchamp is also playing a double dealing game with Abbott Reginald of Evesham Abbey as well as his investigators at the same time.
What is to follow is a fast-paced and fascinating medieval mystery, with a great storyline towards a wonderful executed plot, and where more crimes and deaths will be revealed along the way, right until all the pieces of the puzzle will fall into their places about the various culprits and their murderous crimes.
Very much recommended, for this is another brilliant addition to this superb series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "An Enthralling Act Of Lies"!
May 23, 2024
Midsummer Murder!
Once again Sarah Hawkswood serves up a juicy medieval mystery. Sheriffs jealous of Abbots! The clashing of power and feelings between William de Beauchamp, Lord Sheriff of Worcestershire, and Reginald Foliot, Abbot of Evesham, has history. It’s the underlying current that ebbs around their current investigation, the death of the Abbot’s steward, Walter.
Lord Undersherrif Hugh Badecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin are sent to uphold the Law and search for the killer.
The steward Walter had been found inside a new well being dug on monastery land. He’d been murdered.
Bradecote is called to hunt down the murderer and finds himself mired in community scandals on one side and the Lord Sheriff’s underlings on the other.
I loved the careful investigations of all three men as they stepped over and around the growing list of possible perpetrators. Although Hugh was not so careful when he came face to face with an old enemy, Rahere de Cormolain who’s in charge of the Bengeworth Garrison. Catchpoll thankfully quelled his lord Undersheriff. There’s definitely a story here!
Hawkswood’s splendid detail brought these 1154 communities to life. Their traditions and superstitions, the differing opinions, the bickering, all contribute to this well rounded medieval tale.
An Allison and Busby ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Once again Sarah Hawkswood serves up a juicy medieval mystery. Sheriffs jealous of Abbots! The clashing of power and feelings between William de Beauchamp, Lord Sheriff of Worcestershire, and Reginald Foliot, Abbot of Evesham, has history. It’s the underlying current that ebbs around their current investigation, the death of the Abbot’s steward, Walter.
Lord Undersherrif Hugh Badecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin are sent to uphold the Law and search for the killer.
The steward Walter had been found inside a new well being dug on monastery land. He’d been murdered.
Bradecote is called to hunt down the murderer and finds himself mired in community scandals on one side and the Lord Sheriff’s underlings on the other.
I loved the careful investigations of all three men as they stepped over and around the growing list of possible perpetrators. Although Hugh was not so careful when he came face to face with an old enemy, Rahere de Cormolain who’s in charge of the Bengeworth Garrison. Catchpoll thankfully quelled his lord Undersheriff. There’s definitely a story here!
Hawkswood’s splendid detail brought these 1154 communities to life. Their traditions and superstitions, the differing opinions, the bickering, all contribute to this well rounded medieval tale.
An Allison and Busby ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
June 10, 2024
Every time a new Bradecote and Catchpoll title is released, I just want to skip about for a few moments tossing rose petals in the air. This series, set in 12th Century England, is currently in its twelfth volume—and every single one of them has provided an engaging, rewarding read.
At this point, there are three characters essential to each volume:
• Serjeant Catchpoll, who is (if I was forced to choose) the brains behind the series's investigative team—aging, worldly wise and weary, aware of the difference between law and fairness, and making the best of the situations her finds himself in.
• Undersheriff Bradecote, a very low-level member of the nobility and a bit of an idealist, who has learned a great deal in his years of working with Catchpoll. Bradecote may be higher ranking than Catchpoll, but he's smart enough to know that he is still learning from Catchpoll.
• Underserjeant Walkelin, the newest member of the team who started out as an easily flummoxed innocent, but whose perspicacity grows with each case.
In Litany of Lies, the three are investigating the death of an abbey steward. We quickly learn that our steward presented one face to the hierarchy within the abbey and quite another to the abbey's lay workers and tenants. The question is, who didn't want to kill him? Generations-deep feuds run among the crofters, which doesn't make ferreting out the truth any easier. There are tensions between the Abbey and the Sheriff, Bradecote's superior. And then another murder, clearly connected to the first takes place.
Hawkswood leads readers through this complex of possibilities deftly so that even as many new doors open, the central narrative remains solid. I particularly appreciate the care with which she explains the available research her novels are based on—along with the parts that she, as author, has chosen to create.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, you can pick up any volume in this series confident that you have an enjoyable reading experience ahead of you. And you don't necessarily have to read them in order. Hawkswood has an ability to build in context with a very light touch.
I received an electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
At this point, there are three characters essential to each volume:
• Serjeant Catchpoll, who is (if I was forced to choose) the brains behind the series's investigative team—aging, worldly wise and weary, aware of the difference between law and fairness, and making the best of the situations her finds himself in.
• Undersheriff Bradecote, a very low-level member of the nobility and a bit of an idealist, who has learned a great deal in his years of working with Catchpoll. Bradecote may be higher ranking than Catchpoll, but he's smart enough to know that he is still learning from Catchpoll.
• Underserjeant Walkelin, the newest member of the team who started out as an easily flummoxed innocent, but whose perspicacity grows with each case.
In Litany of Lies, the three are investigating the death of an abbey steward. We quickly learn that our steward presented one face to the hierarchy within the abbey and quite another to the abbey's lay workers and tenants. The question is, who didn't want to kill him? Generations-deep feuds run among the crofters, which doesn't make ferreting out the truth any easier. There are tensions between the Abbey and the Sheriff, Bradecote's superior. And then another murder, clearly connected to the first takes place.
Hawkswood leads readers through this complex of possibilities deftly so that even as many new doors open, the central narrative remains solid. I particularly appreciate the care with which she explains the available research her novels are based on—along with the parts that she, as author, has chosen to create.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, you can pick up any volume in this series confident that you have an enjoyable reading experience ahead of you. And you don't necessarily have to read them in order. Hawkswood has an ability to build in context with a very light touch.
I received an electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
March 15, 2026
Audiobook narrated by Matt Addis.
It’s Summer 1145. Bradecote and Catchpoll, complete with Under Serjeant Walkelin are sent to solve the murder of Walter, the steward of Evesham Abbey. There are tensions between the Sheriff and the Abbot, between Bradecote and the current castellan, and between the Abbey and the castle. It turns out that the Abbey’s steward is not the good man the Abbot thought he was, but a reprehensible individual, guilty of many different crimes. A second murder implicates the castle’s serjeant, who seems to be out of control. Is there a connection? It’s a twisty story which puzzles the Sheriff’s officers until the final revelation. Bradecote and Catchpoll eventually not only solve the present murders but a historical one, too. It’s nice to hear Matt Addis reading the story after Jonathan Keeble’s reading of the previous book I listened to.
It’s Summer 1145. Bradecote and Catchpoll, complete with Under Serjeant Walkelin are sent to solve the murder of Walter, the steward of Evesham Abbey. There are tensions between the Sheriff and the Abbot, between Bradecote and the current castellan, and between the Abbey and the castle. It turns out that the Abbey’s steward is not the good man the Abbot thought he was, but a reprehensible individual, guilty of many different crimes. A second murder implicates the castle’s serjeant, who seems to be out of control. Is there a connection? It’s a twisty story which puzzles the Sheriff’s officers until the final revelation. Bradecote and Catchpoll eventually not only solve the present murders but a historical one, too. It’s nice to hear Matt Addis reading the story after Jonathan Keeble’s reading of the previous book I listened to.
June 9, 2024
1145. The Eversham Abbey steward, Walter, has been murdered. Hugh Bradecote, undersheriff, is sent with Sergeant Catchpoll and Undersergeant Walkelin to Evesham to investigate. Walter is deemed to be an honest steward by the Abbot but townsfolk know different. With so many possible suspects will they be able to find the murderer.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its very likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its very likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2024
t's a joy to be back with our 'boys', Bradecote, Catchpoll and Wakelin.
Another murder needs solving, and we know Bradecote, Catchpoll,, and Wakelin won't rest until they find the culprit. This is a particularly twisty tale of long-standing grievances and newer ones as well. I didn't guess the culprit, and I always appreciate a mystery where I can't work out who 'did it.'
5/5.
Another murder needs solving, and we know Bradecote, Catchpoll,, and Wakelin won't rest until they find the culprit. This is a particularly twisty tale of long-standing grievances and newer ones as well. I didn't guess the culprit, and I always appreciate a mystery where I can't work out who 'did it.'
5/5.
June 4, 2024
We are back in 12th Century Worcestershire, with Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote and Serjeant Catchpoll. Together with Underserjeant Walkelin, they are sent to Evesham to investigate a body found at the bottom of deep shaft being dug for a new well. Evesham sits partly within a deep curve of the River Avon. Its most notable building is the Benedictine Abbey, but on the other side of the river, built to protect the bridge, is Bengeworth Castle. It is not a grand place. Built by the Beauchamp family, High Sheriffs of the county, on an earthen mound and surrounded by a palisade of wooden stakes, it is damp and insanitary.
The man at the bottom of the well pit is discovered to be Walter, Steward of the Abbot of Evesham. The main part of his job was to collect rents on behalf of the religious order, as they own most of land in the town. We know, as readers, that Walter was involved in a scuffle with another townsman, who bested him by cracking his head open with a rock, before rolling his body into the pit. Bradecote soon reaches the correct answer to the question, “how?” But, although learning the “why?”, of Walter’s death, it some time before “who?” becomes apparent.
Relations between the Abbey authorities and the Bengeworth castellan and his soldiers are anything but cordial, and soldiers from the castle are suspected of stealing barrels of wine from the Abbey cellars, as well as illegally demanding a toll from everyone who enters the town via the bridge. When Bradecote examines documents at the Abbey, they show that Walter has been reporting several tradesman around the town as coming up short with the quarterly rent. This gives Sarah Hawkswood to tell us a little about the tradesmen in the town, and also serve a reminder of the occupational origins of some English surnames. We meet Aelred the Tailor, Baldwin the Dyer, Hubert the Mason and Martin the Fuller. The work of a Fuller was to take rolls of woven wool cloth and - by using some fairly unpleasant substances - remove all traces of grease, dirt (and worse) that remained in the cloth since it was wool on the sheep’s fleece.
Between them, Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin interview the tradesmen, and find that each had paid their rents in full, and on time, to Steward Walter, leading to one conclusion only, and that was that Walter was ‘skimming off’ the rents, and taking a cut for himself. But it seems that none of the tenants knew that they were being cheated, so how could any of them have a motive for murder?
As the investigation seems to be going round in circles, another body is found. It is that of Old Cuthbert a bitter and lonely man. Years ago, he had been a Coppersmith, but found himself accused of murdering a local woman as a result of a love triangle. Taken before the justices, there was little evidence either for against him, and so he was subject to the barbaric Trial by Hot Iron. The accused had to hold a red hot iron bar in his hand and walk nine feet. If, after a few days, the wound healed, it was a sign that God pronounced him ‘not guilty’. If it festered, he was guilty, and would be hanged. Cuthbert was ‘not guilty’, but thereafter, his hand remained clenched as a fist, and so he was unable to carry on his skilled trade. Just about the only occupation left to him was that of a Walker in the fulling process, whereby he walked up and down all day in troughs of urine, treading - and therefore cleansing - the cloth in the liquid.
Of course, Bradecote and Catchpoll solve both murders, as we know they will. What lifts this book above the ordinary is Sarah Hawkswood’s magical recreation of a long lost world. Yes, it was a hard living by modern standards. Yes, medical interventions were scarce and mostly misguided. Yes, justice was rough and frequently random. But the description of the wonderful Worcestershire landscape, now mostly covered in concrete, car parks and convenience stores is sublime. The Avon is still unpolluted, and the Evesham Abbey bees still harvest pollen free of toxic chemicals. How the people in those days spoke to each other, or in what tongue or accent, neither the author nor I can have any real idea, but to me what Sarah Hawkswood has them saying sounds just about right.
A new Bradecote and Catchpoll mystery is a highlight in my reading calendar, and I always turn the first page with a sense of comfort. I am comfortable only in the sense that I know I am in for a few hundred pages of sublime writing. ‘ Comfort’ does not mean ‘ Cosy’, and Sarah Hawkswood continues to show us that greed, malice, vindictiveness and subterfuge were just as common in mid-12thC England as they would prove to be in 1930’s LA, or modern day London. Litany of Lies is published by Allison & Busby and is available now.
The man at the bottom of the well pit is discovered to be Walter, Steward of the Abbot of Evesham. The main part of his job was to collect rents on behalf of the religious order, as they own most of land in the town. We know, as readers, that Walter was involved in a scuffle with another townsman, who bested him by cracking his head open with a rock, before rolling his body into the pit. Bradecote soon reaches the correct answer to the question, “how?” But, although learning the “why?”, of Walter’s death, it some time before “who?” becomes apparent.
Relations between the Abbey authorities and the Bengeworth castellan and his soldiers are anything but cordial, and soldiers from the castle are suspected of stealing barrels of wine from the Abbey cellars, as well as illegally demanding a toll from everyone who enters the town via the bridge. When Bradecote examines documents at the Abbey, they show that Walter has been reporting several tradesman around the town as coming up short with the quarterly rent. This gives Sarah Hawkswood to tell us a little about the tradesmen in the town, and also serve a reminder of the occupational origins of some English surnames. We meet Aelred the Tailor, Baldwin the Dyer, Hubert the Mason and Martin the Fuller. The work of a Fuller was to take rolls of woven wool cloth and - by using some fairly unpleasant substances - remove all traces of grease, dirt (and worse) that remained in the cloth since it was wool on the sheep’s fleece.
Between them, Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin interview the tradesmen, and find that each had paid their rents in full, and on time, to Steward Walter, leading to one conclusion only, and that was that Walter was ‘skimming off’ the rents, and taking a cut for himself. But it seems that none of the tenants knew that they were being cheated, so how could any of them have a motive for murder?
As the investigation seems to be going round in circles, another body is found. It is that of Old Cuthbert a bitter and lonely man. Years ago, he had been a Coppersmith, but found himself accused of murdering a local woman as a result of a love triangle. Taken before the justices, there was little evidence either for against him, and so he was subject to the barbaric Trial by Hot Iron. The accused had to hold a red hot iron bar in his hand and walk nine feet. If, after a few days, the wound healed, it was a sign that God pronounced him ‘not guilty’. If it festered, he was guilty, and would be hanged. Cuthbert was ‘not guilty’, but thereafter, his hand remained clenched as a fist, and so he was unable to carry on his skilled trade. Just about the only occupation left to him was that of a Walker in the fulling process, whereby he walked up and down all day in troughs of urine, treading - and therefore cleansing - the cloth in the liquid.
Of course, Bradecote and Catchpoll solve both murders, as we know they will. What lifts this book above the ordinary is Sarah Hawkswood’s magical recreation of a long lost world. Yes, it was a hard living by modern standards. Yes, medical interventions were scarce and mostly misguided. Yes, justice was rough and frequently random. But the description of the wonderful Worcestershire landscape, now mostly covered in concrete, car parks and convenience stores is sublime. The Avon is still unpolluted, and the Evesham Abbey bees still harvest pollen free of toxic chemicals. How the people in those days spoke to each other, or in what tongue or accent, neither the author nor I can have any real idea, but to me what Sarah Hawkswood has them saying sounds just about right.
A new Bradecote and Catchpoll mystery is a highlight in my reading calendar, and I always turn the first page with a sense of comfort. I am comfortable only in the sense that I know I am in for a few hundred pages of sublime writing. ‘ Comfort’ does not mean ‘ Cosy’, and Sarah Hawkswood continues to show us that greed, malice, vindictiveness and subterfuge were just as common in mid-12thC England as they would prove to be in 1930’s LA, or modern day London. Litany of Lies is published by Allison & Busby and is available now.
November 30, 2024
This book was given to me by the host of our writing group. It’s by an author I’d never heard of before, although looking at the inset pages, I can see she has twelve other books out. At first, this isn’t a problem - the book appears to be a standalone, and you certainly don’t need to have read the previous stories to understand Litany of Lies, but as you progress through the story, it becomes clear that some of the characters have a connection with each other that probably unfolds in previous books - for example, Walkelin and Anulth the Handless.
Litany of Lies is a medieval murder mystery, set in high summer in 12th century Evesham. So far, so good. It combines two of my favourite genres - murder mystery and historic. It’s written in 3rd person omniscient, and past tense. For me, this book is ticking all the right boxes. It’s set in the town and abbey of Evesham, and opens with the lead-up to the death scene itself, although the murderer and victim are simply referred to as the ‘taller’ or ‘shorter’ man, which adds an air of intrigue from the get-go, but does mean there’s a bit of page-flipping when the victim is identified, and you try to figure out whether it’s the ‘taller’ man or the ‘shorter’ one who dies.
The dialogue feels natural and is written in the local dialect, there’s some good imagery and the characters are fully formed and feel “real” and multifaceted. There are rivalries and feuds and a disconnect between the way the victim comes across to his superiors and the way he comes across to his subjects.
The problem I do have with the book, however, is Hawkswood’s absolute insistence of tagging dialogue with an unnecessary over-explanation of what or how the character’s thinking or feeling. For example, on p. 13, Abbot Reginald decides the body of the murder victim can lie in their own mortuary until burial. Hawkswood tags this with, “Abbot Reginald thought that showed respect for the man’s service.” Obviously - otherwise he wouldn’t have suggested it! Likewise, on p. 132, the investigating team split up “with only one still actively hunting [for the murderer].’ Again, we know this because the previous dialogue tells us that one’s going to see the infirmerer, another’s going for a nap and the third is going to speak to a group of men the trio haven’t spoken to yet.
The author does this throughout the book, and while it’s possible to skim-read over it, it pulls the reader out of the story every time, and runs the risk of coming across as the narrator - or worse, the author herself - assuming her readers are idiots, incapable of coming to the correct conclusion without having it spelt out of them.
I also think that the omniscient narration is a bit too much at times and spills over into head-hopping. There are a lot of characters, some of whom only feature in the last third of the book, and we’re allowed into their heads. I’m not sure that’s necessary or even helpful.
Overall, it’s a good book, with relatable characters that are interesting and engaging. It not only has a place on my shelf, it’s also got me intrigued about the series as a whole.
Litany of Lies is a medieval murder mystery, set in high summer in 12th century Evesham. So far, so good. It combines two of my favourite genres - murder mystery and historic. It’s written in 3rd person omniscient, and past tense. For me, this book is ticking all the right boxes. It’s set in the town and abbey of Evesham, and opens with the lead-up to the death scene itself, although the murderer and victim are simply referred to as the ‘taller’ or ‘shorter’ man, which adds an air of intrigue from the get-go, but does mean there’s a bit of page-flipping when the victim is identified, and you try to figure out whether it’s the ‘taller’ man or the ‘shorter’ one who dies.
The dialogue feels natural and is written in the local dialect, there’s some good imagery and the characters are fully formed and feel “real” and multifaceted. There are rivalries and feuds and a disconnect between the way the victim comes across to his superiors and the way he comes across to his subjects.
The problem I do have with the book, however, is Hawkswood’s absolute insistence of tagging dialogue with an unnecessary over-explanation of what or how the character’s thinking or feeling. For example, on p. 13, Abbot Reginald decides the body of the murder victim can lie in their own mortuary until burial. Hawkswood tags this with, “Abbot Reginald thought that showed respect for the man’s service.” Obviously - otherwise he wouldn’t have suggested it! Likewise, on p. 132, the investigating team split up “with only one still actively hunting [for the murderer].’ Again, we know this because the previous dialogue tells us that one’s going to see the infirmerer, another’s going for a nap and the third is going to speak to a group of men the trio haven’t spoken to yet.
The author does this throughout the book, and while it’s possible to skim-read over it, it pulls the reader out of the story every time, and runs the risk of coming across as the narrator - or worse, the author herself - assuming her readers are idiots, incapable of coming to the correct conclusion without having it spelt out of them.
I also think that the omniscient narration is a bit too much at times and spills over into head-hopping. There are a lot of characters, some of whom only feature in the last third of the book, and we’re allowed into their heads. I’m not sure that’s necessary or even helpful.
Overall, it’s a good book, with relatable characters that are interesting and engaging. It not only has a place on my shelf, it’s also got me intrigued about the series as a whole.
May 25, 2024
I thank NetGalley and Allison & Busby for an advance reader copy of Litany of Lies. All opinions and comments are my own.
First -- talk of blackmail, a refusal to pay, and then -- murder. Thus begins Litany of Lies, the 12th in the Bradecote and Catchpoll medieval series by Sarah Hawkswood. That would be seem to be trouble enough for the English undersheriff and his serjeant to be involved in, but when they face “lies and half answers,” well, things get interesting.
It’s determined it’s the steward of Abbey Evesham that’s dead. Adding to that, there’s trouble between the Abbot and the Sheriff of Worcestershire. So, Undersheriff Bradecote (with assistance from Serjeant Catchpole and Underserjeant Walkelin) has to negotiate between finding a murderer and quelling the ferment ‘twixt factions. That it all comes off satisfactorily at the end is a testimony to the author’s skill in fashioning a murder mystery with 12th century conventions and realities involved.
What is so very interesting in this book (and the others in the series) is what Bradecote manages to find out about all the people he comes across. Our dead man was a real bad ‘un. And beyond that, there’s so much more than a simple killing happening here, folks. Oh, a whole lot more. Author Sarah Hawkswood makes sure that readers are kept wondering just what they’ll find out next.
At our end, there’s a rather unusual finish for one murderer (there are actually two killings in the book). The lord Sheriff of Worcestershire gets to see that justice is done – in person. And knows, that for all the trouble he causes, he can’t force Bradecote from his job; he’s too good at it. And our man Bradecote may grumble at how things turn out sometimes, but as his serjeant reminds him, it’s the way of the world.
A Litany of Lies will find you turning pages, for there are many suspects, and many who wished Walter the Steward dead. Enjoy the journey in figuring out just who, exactly.
An Author’s Note speaks to the real persons used in this story, including Abbot Reginald and William de Beachamp. And notes the very real animosity present in many places between clergy and nobility. As in this book, land and its ownership was often a basis for disagreement.
First -- talk of blackmail, a refusal to pay, and then -- murder. Thus begins Litany of Lies, the 12th in the Bradecote and Catchpoll medieval series by Sarah Hawkswood. That would be seem to be trouble enough for the English undersheriff and his serjeant to be involved in, but when they face “lies and half answers,” well, things get interesting.
It’s determined it’s the steward of Abbey Evesham that’s dead. Adding to that, there’s trouble between the Abbot and the Sheriff of Worcestershire. So, Undersheriff Bradecote (with assistance from Serjeant Catchpole and Underserjeant Walkelin) has to negotiate between finding a murderer and quelling the ferment ‘twixt factions. That it all comes off satisfactorily at the end is a testimony to the author’s skill in fashioning a murder mystery with 12th century conventions and realities involved.
What is so very interesting in this book (and the others in the series) is what Bradecote manages to find out about all the people he comes across. Our dead man was a real bad ‘un. And beyond that, there’s so much more than a simple killing happening here, folks. Oh, a whole lot more. Author Sarah Hawkswood makes sure that readers are kept wondering just what they’ll find out next.
At our end, there’s a rather unusual finish for one murderer (there are actually two killings in the book). The lord Sheriff of Worcestershire gets to see that justice is done – in person. And knows, that for all the trouble he causes, he can’t force Bradecote from his job; he’s too good at it. And our man Bradecote may grumble at how things turn out sometimes, but as his serjeant reminds him, it’s the way of the world.
A Litany of Lies will find you turning pages, for there are many suspects, and many who wished Walter the Steward dead. Enjoy the journey in figuring out just who, exactly.
An Author’s Note speaks to the real persons used in this story, including Abbot Reginald and William de Beachamp. And notes the very real animosity present in many places between clergy and nobility. As in this book, land and its ownership was often a basis for disagreement.
August 17, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Litany of Lies is the 12th book in Sarah Hawkswood's medieval Bradecote & Catchpoll mystery series. Released 23rd May 2024 by Allison & Busby, it's 275 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is an intricately crafted and well engineered mystery wrapped around a meticulous and accurate historical framework. The characters are well established with realistic and believable internal motivations and agendas. The author is gifted at providing the necessary information without spoon-feeding readers (or drowning them with floods of unnecessary back story). The pacing is well measured and the whole is an engaging and delightful read. It works very well as a standalone mystery.
When the steward of Evesham Abbey is found dead at the bottom of a well-pit, Bradecote, Catchpool, and Underserjeant Walkelin are called in to untangle the circumstances surrounding the death. The language is fairly clean (PG rated) and the prose is very well written.
This is one for one to readers of the historical murder mystery genre, especially fans of Sharon Kay Penman, Ellis Peters, Candace Robb, and Susanna Gregory (and similar). Fans of well written character driven mystery from any period will find much to enjoy here.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Litany of Lies is the 12th book in Sarah Hawkswood's medieval Bradecote & Catchpoll mystery series. Released 23rd May 2024 by Allison & Busby, it's 275 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is an intricately crafted and well engineered mystery wrapped around a meticulous and accurate historical framework. The characters are well established with realistic and believable internal motivations and agendas. The author is gifted at providing the necessary information without spoon-feeding readers (or drowning them with floods of unnecessary back story). The pacing is well measured and the whole is an engaging and delightful read. It works very well as a standalone mystery.
When the steward of Evesham Abbey is found dead at the bottom of a well-pit, Bradecote, Catchpool, and Underserjeant Walkelin are called in to untangle the circumstances surrounding the death. The language is fairly clean (PG rated) and the prose is very well written.
This is one for one to readers of the historical murder mystery genre, especially fans of Sharon Kay Penman, Ellis Peters, Candace Robb, and Susanna Gregory (and similar). Fans of well written character driven mystery from any period will find much to enjoy here.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 21, 2025
I wonder who wrote this, and what she, or he, did with Sarah Hawkswood?
The style is changed, and not in a good way. We are 'treated' with not only the inner thoughts but also the feelings of some of the people. With no logic, no regularity. The investigators are not privy, so it doesn't help them.
The actual murders are just background. The story is about embezzlement and extortion by the steward employed by the Abbey. The Abbot and other monks are so spiritual, virtous and unwordly that they don't notice. Really? The Abbey has no treasurer? They are doing great building works, paying out a lot of money, and they don't keep accounts?
There are also decades long feuds going on between several people which make them lie. This is perhaps slightly realistic, but the Authoress invents one for Hugh Bradecote in order to explain why there is no cooperation between him and a local.
To top it all, we get no explaination for the embezzlement more than 'greed'.
There is the usual harping about 'The Law' (capital L), and the Justices of the Eyre. The truth is that at the time, the Justices of the Eyre were 50 years in the future, and they would concern themselves with Forestry laws. The Anglo-Saxon laws were oral and different in different parts of the country.
The Authoress's wishful thinking that the Normans by this time were all marrying good Englishwomen, learning to speak English and feeling more English than Norman is just that, wishful thinking. It didn't happen until the Hundred Years War, 300 years later.
Why set the stories in this time, when the background is ignored?
The style is changed, and not in a good way. We are 'treated' with not only the inner thoughts but also the feelings of some of the people. With no logic, no regularity. The investigators are not privy, so it doesn't help them.
The actual murders are just background. The story is about embezzlement and extortion by the steward employed by the Abbey. The Abbot and other monks are so spiritual, virtous and unwordly that they don't notice. Really? The Abbey has no treasurer? They are doing great building works, paying out a lot of money, and they don't keep accounts?
There are also decades long feuds going on between several people which make them lie. This is perhaps slightly realistic, but the Authoress invents one for Hugh Bradecote in order to explain why there is no cooperation between him and a local.
To top it all, we get no explaination for the embezzlement more than 'greed'.
There is the usual harping about 'The Law' (capital L), and the Justices of the Eyre. The truth is that at the time, the Justices of the Eyre were 50 years in the future, and they would concern themselves with Forestry laws. The Anglo-Saxon laws were oral and different in different parts of the country.
The Authoress's wishful thinking that the Normans by this time were all marrying good Englishwomen, learning to speak English and feeling more English than Norman is just that, wishful thinking. It didn't happen until the Hundred Years War, 300 years later.
Why set the stories in this time, when the background is ignored?
May 24, 2024
Litany of Lies is the twelfth in the Medieval mystery series, Bradecote & Catchpoll by Sarah Hawkswood. Set in 1145 in England and with references to real events, somebody has murdered the steward of Evesham Abbey and and the Abbot, despite an ongoing feud between the Abbey and the Lord sheriff, has no choice but to call in Undersheriff Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpool, and Underserjeant Walkelin. The Abbot tells them that the steward had been a good man but, as they investigate, the trio learns he had many dangerous secrets that made him universally disliked providing a very large pool of suspects. Then another man is murdered and the three are forced to confront the Lord sheriff who holds not only their jobs but their lives in his hand and is only too happy to see their investigation fail if it causes problems for the Abbey.
This is a slow burn of a mystery but a very interesting one that grabbed my attention from the first page and kept it throughout. The mystery, itself, was intriguing and kept me guessing and the characters, many of whom are based on real people, were well-drawn but, for me, it was the fascinating look at life during Medieval times, the power struggle between Abbey and Castle, Lord and craftsmen, and the role and reality of women. Although this was the first book in the series that I have read, I felt it worked well as a standalone but I will definitely be looking to read more in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Allison & Busby for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
This is a slow burn of a mystery but a very interesting one that grabbed my attention from the first page and kept it throughout. The mystery, itself, was intriguing and kept me guessing and the characters, many of whom are based on real people, were well-drawn but, for me, it was the fascinating look at life during Medieval times, the power struggle between Abbey and Castle, Lord and craftsmen, and the role and reality of women. Although this was the first book in the series that I have read, I felt it worked well as a standalone but I will definitely be looking to read more in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Allison & Busby for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
August 19, 2025
litany of lies
#12 in the Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin medieval mystery series.
Midsummer, 1145. Walter, the steward of Evesham Abbey, is found dead at the bottom of a well pit. no one liked the steward who had forced families to pay extra to him when he was collecting the rents and then he claimed that some had underpaid thus skimming off money due the Abbey.The Abbot, whose relationship with the lord Sheriff of Worcestershire is strained at best, dislikes needing to call in help So, Undersheriff Bradecote (with assistance from Serjeant Catchpole and Underserjeant Walkelin) has to negotiate between finding a murderer and quelling the ferment ‘twixt factions. However, as the death appears to have not been an accident, he grudgingly receives. The trio know to step carefully with the contentious undercurrents at play.
As the sheriff's men investigate the steward's death, they discover that truth is in short supply. With the tensions between the Abbey and the local castle guard reaching boiling point, another killing will force the investigation down a dangerous path.
June 25, 2026
Another excellent entry in this medieval mystery series.
I'm reading them all out of order but what is brilliant is you don't have to, they make sense independent of each other, although obviously build on what came before and would be better in order. But I gotta take what I can get.
Our trio are summoned to Evesham, where the steward of the abbey lies dead in a half built well. It doesn't take long for village grievances to spill out and show that the dead man is nothing like how he was originally presented.
Multiple threads are woven through this tale and I find myself hoping that certain characters get their happy ending off page. The people in this village feel like they are real, they had lives before Bradecote and co entered, and their lives will continue after.
The mystery itself is more confusing that at first sight, and more than one villain will be revealed by the end.
The cover makes so much sense by the end and I couldn't help but let out a tiny cackle at a certain plot point. Karma can be so sweet.
I will be tracking down as many of the others in this series as I can, as I am really enjoying these.
I'm reading them all out of order but what is brilliant is you don't have to, they make sense independent of each other, although obviously build on what came before and would be better in order. But I gotta take what I can get.
Our trio are summoned to Evesham, where the steward of the abbey lies dead in a half built well. It doesn't take long for village grievances to spill out and show that the dead man is nothing like how he was originally presented.
Multiple threads are woven through this tale and I find myself hoping that certain characters get their happy ending off page. The people in this village feel like they are real, they had lives before Bradecote and co entered, and their lives will continue after.
The mystery itself is more confusing that at first sight, and more than one villain will be revealed by the end.
The cover makes so much sense by the end and I couldn't help but let out a tiny cackle at a certain plot point. Karma can be so sweet.
I will be tracking down as many of the others in this series as I can, as I am really enjoying these.
June 11, 2024
This is a great medieval mystery. When Walter, the steward of the Abbey in Evesham, is found murdered at the bottom of a new well being built, Abbott Reginald feels he must call in Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin to investigate what happened. It is a difficult case, because no one liked the steward who had forced families to pay extra to him when he was collecting the rents and then he claimed that some had underpaid thus skimming off money due the Abbey. There are many arguments between the palace guards and the Abbey as well.
The three investigators work very well between themselves, but they have a very difficult task. and soon another man is found dead, and the ferry man is attacked. However, in the process of trying to find the money stolen by the dead man, the three investigators manage to find the money stolen by the former steward, as well as solving another very old crime.
I thank Netgalley and Allyson & Busby for the ARC.
The three investigators work very well between themselves, but they have a very difficult task. and soon another man is found dead, and the ferry man is attacked. However, in the process of trying to find the money stolen by the dead man, the three investigators manage to find the money stolen by the former steward, as well as solving another very old crime.
I thank Netgalley and Allyson & Busby for the ARC.
July 12, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of The Treasures of Egypt. All opinions of this ARC are honest, unfiltered, and solely my own.
You had me at medieval mystery. While I am new to the series, this is evidently the 12th volume of Hawkswood's "Bradecote and Catchpoll's investigations." While I'm sure having some additional details from the first 11 couldn't have hurt, it didn't not hinder my enjoyment whatsoever. The story is set in 12th century England and follows, you guessed it, Bradecote and Catchpoll on journies of mystery and marvel. Cathpoll is your cerebral, wise and wordly Sergeant while Brandecote is essentially his assistant/student, despite outranking Cathpoll due to his nobility. In this adventure, they are investigating a mysterious death of a man who runs the Evesham Abbey. Is it an accident, is it a murder? It's worth the read to find out.
You had me at medieval mystery. While I am new to the series, this is evidently the 12th volume of Hawkswood's "Bradecote and Catchpoll's investigations." While I'm sure having some additional details from the first 11 couldn't have hurt, it didn't not hinder my enjoyment whatsoever. The story is set in 12th century England and follows, you guessed it, Bradecote and Catchpoll on journies of mystery and marvel. Cathpoll is your cerebral, wise and wordly Sergeant while Brandecote is essentially his assistant/student, despite outranking Cathpoll due to his nobility. In this adventure, they are investigating a mysterious death of a man who runs the Evesham Abbey. Is it an accident, is it a murder? It's worth the read to find out.
July 11, 2024
This was my first Medieval mystery with Bradecote, Catchpoll, and Walkelin, but it probably won't be my last! Litany of Lies is Book 12 in the Bradecote & Catchpoll Investigation Series, but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I did not realize it was part of a series when I started reading, and though I could tell they were referencing some prior adventures, it did not take away from my understanding of the story. This particular adventure follows the undersheriff, Lord Bradecote, and his two assistants as they investigate the murder of the Abbey steward. As the trio investigates, more secrets are dug out of the town of Evesham, and some major corruption is exposed. The writing was extremely detailed, and contains lots of elements of 12th Century England - although sometimes this distracted a little from the plot, as a historian and medieval geek, I found it interesting. I appreciated the map of Evesham included in the front - I always love a good book map, and I find them particularly helpful in mysteries to give a visual to the space.
Thank you to NetGalley, Allison & Busby, and Sarah Hawkswood for the digital copy of this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Allison & Busby, and Sarah Hawkswood for the digital copy of this book!
May 23, 2024
As always a great pleasure to meet Bradecote and his two companions in a great mystery! What I really enjoy about the author' s novels is that you always get an interesting and accurate insight into the medieval ages: how people live, their crafts, the lords' attitudes along with the abbots.... In this novel, the plot is written around real characters' lives woven into real events. This appeals to me a lot. Great descriptions of the landscape are depicted in a compelling way: you can see them and smell them! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
June 6, 2024
This was another engaging read in this series. What I find interesting is not only solving the murder mystery but also the details of the time. How the people lived and how religion and superstition played such a big part in their lives. I also like how the character of young Walkelin is growing in confidence and able to play a more active part. In fact the trio of the Lord Bradcote, the sergeant, Catchpoll and Walkelin are all very different personalities but they work well together. The murder mystery, itself, was one that kept me guessing until the end. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 8, 2024
When the Steward of Evesham Abbey is found dead, Bradecote and Catchpoll are asked to investigate with one caveat, they are not to interfere with the local garrison. The Steward was unpleasant and was defrauding the local populace via their taxes so had a lot of enemies. However the investigation also uncovers issues between their Lord and the Abbot which implies that the garrison houses a murderer.
This is the latest instalment in a really enjoyable series about medieval sleuths who uphold the law in Evesham. The plot is suitably complex and twisty but what I love most is the period detail from descriptions to dialogue.
This is the latest instalment in a really enjoyable series about medieval sleuths who uphold the law in Evesham. The plot is suitably complex and twisty but what I love most is the period detail from descriptions to dialogue.
August 11, 2024
Latest edition of Bradecote & Catchpoll mysteries.
Set in 1145 you see the relationship between the church and the local communities. The strain the Abbey has with the Lord Sheriff. Politics plays a large part. Undersheriff Bradecote and his Serjeant Catchpoll are despatched to find a murderer in Evesham. This simple task become a lot more complex. You are taken on a journey showing how life was so difficult in these times. The story takes you along at a at a great pace and is well worth the journey.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Set in 1145 you see the relationship between the church and the local communities. The strain the Abbey has with the Lord Sheriff. Politics plays a large part. Undersheriff Bradecote and his Serjeant Catchpoll are despatched to find a murderer in Evesham. This simple task become a lot more complex. You are taken on a journey showing how life was so difficult in these times. The story takes you along at a at a great pace and is well worth the journey.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2024
This is the first book in the Bradecote & Catchpoll medieval mystery series that I have read. I enjoyed it immensely and regret that I did not discover this series earlier. In this volume the steward of Evesham Abbey is found dead at the bottom of a well excavation. Accident or murder?
We get to follow along as Bradecote and Catchpoll investigate.
We get to follow along as Bradecote and Catchpoll investigate.
June 23, 2024
Sarah Hawkswood writes entertaining and fascinating historical mystery. I love the historical accuracy , the solid mystery, and the likeable and fleshed out characters.
This is another solid and entertaining novel that I strongly recommend
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is another solid and entertaining novel that I strongly recommend
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 24, 2024
I liked the characters built up in this story and the arc. Ending was good, a lot of details that wrapped up nicely.
That being said, it took longer than I liked for myself to get used to the speech presented in the book. There were also a lot of characters to remember with small introductions and then some gaps in between seeing some of them again.
That being said, it took longer than I liked for myself to get used to the speech presented in the book. There were also a lot of characters to remember with small introductions and then some gaps in between seeing some of them again.
July 5, 2024
This is the latest instalment in a series set in medieval England that I have really enjoyed from the beginning The plots are always complex and twisty but the period detail is what really makes it come alive with vivid descriptions of the time and places. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 23, 2025
The body of Walter the Steward of Evesham Abbey is found at the bottom of the well that’s being dug.
Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin are sent to Evesham to investigate.
This book is the twelfth in the series by Sarah Hawkswood and have loved every one of them. Am already anticipating and hoping for the thirteenth!
Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin are sent to Evesham to investigate.
This book is the twelfth in the series by Sarah Hawkswood and have loved every one of them. Am already anticipating and hoping for the thirteenth!
April 16, 2025
Number 11 in the series and still a very good read (hence 5 stars), bradicote,catchpoll and wakelin are on the trail of a murderer. There is still the animosity between the abbey and castle, which does,nt help our trio. I have read all the books in the right order and would recommend it, so make sure you read this book and ENJOY.
October 28, 2025
I love this series, the plots and characters are well drawn and believable. Best of all, the stories reflect medieval life, the harshness, the hard work and the social structures of the time. The people speak and think in an authentic way and the lives of women, rich and poor, whose lives are determined by their fathers and husbands, are true to the times. Long may this series continue.
June 16, 2024
I'd read another
I liked the interplay between Bradecote, Catchpolland Wakelin;
though sometimes their statements seemed a little unreal. Some characterizations were a little wooden. A pleasant read, all together.
I liked the interplay between Bradecote, Catchpolland Wakelin;
though sometimes their statements seemed a little unreal. Some characterizations were a little wooden. A pleasant read, all together.
June 17, 2024
Deliciously satisfying medieval mystery
My favorite trio is back. Each book gets better, characters and relationships deepen, and the plots thicken. And a most unusual method of death at the end. Decent, wholesome, heartwarming, noble. A great read for a midsummer's eve.
My favorite trio is back. Each book gets better, characters and relationships deepen, and the plots thicken. And a most unusual method of death at the end. Decent, wholesome, heartwarming, noble. A great read for a midsummer's eve.
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