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A Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation #3
Marked to Die
A master archer is Bradecote and Catchpoll's targetOctober 1143. His task dispatched, a mysterious archer melts back into the forest, leaving the gang to steal the salt and hide the arrow-pierced corpses. The lord Sheriff of Worcestershire cannot ignore such a brazen attack on the salt road from Wich, nor the death of a nobleman in the wrong place at the wrong time. And so Hugh Bradecote and Serjeant Catchpoll are sent to hunt an elusive killer and the salt thieves, and put a stop to the mounting attacks.But it is not easy to get the culprits in their sights with a reeve keen to keep his position at all costs, a lord with his own ends to serve and a distrusting and vengeful widow to whom Bradecote is increasingly attracted.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2017
242 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hawkswood
23 books112 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 40 reviews
July 28, 2022
This book is the 3rd episode of the wonderful "Bradecote and Catchpoll" mystery series.
At the beginning of this book, you'll find a well-drawn map of Worcester and its surrounding places, that will all play a major part in this mystery, while at the back you'll notice an informative Author's Note.
Storytelling is excellent, the characters featuring in this mystery, whether real historical or wonderful fictional, are very believable, lifelike and because of that they all come vividly to life, also not to forget is the warlike atmosphere in Worcestershire and beyond in England, and all these factors combined come splendidly off the pages.
This tale is set in October, in the year AD 1143, and it's situated mainly in but certainly also around Wich (now Droitwich) in Worcestershire.
The main ingredients of this mystery are the salt thefts by brigands, which are accompanied with the resulting murders performed by a very skilled Archer.
Hugh Bradecote, undersheriff of the Shire, with his friend, Serjeant Catchpoll, and their new recruit, as from the book "Ordeal by Fire", the red-haired man-at-arms, Walkelin, are faced with a very difficult task by finding the culprits of these thefts and murders.
What is to follow is an excellent and exciting mystery, where more salt thefts and murders will occur, while at the same time romance will flare up for some, and in these romantic but even more dangerous and deadly environments, Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin must try to unravel the threads of this web of deceit and murder before they can solve this riddle, but after a superbly worked-out plot they will be able to catch the culprits and bring them to justice, dead and/or alive.
Highly recommended, for this is the best episode so far and that's why I like to call this great mystery: "A Top-Class Marked Medieval Mystery"!
At the beginning of this book, you'll find a well-drawn map of Worcester and its surrounding places, that will all play a major part in this mystery, while at the back you'll notice an informative Author's Note.
Storytelling is excellent, the characters featuring in this mystery, whether real historical or wonderful fictional, are very believable, lifelike and because of that they all come vividly to life, also not to forget is the warlike atmosphere in Worcestershire and beyond in England, and all these factors combined come splendidly off the pages.
This tale is set in October, in the year AD 1143, and it's situated mainly in but certainly also around Wich (now Droitwich) in Worcestershire.
The main ingredients of this mystery are the salt thefts by brigands, which are accompanied with the resulting murders performed by a very skilled Archer.
Hugh Bradecote, undersheriff of the Shire, with his friend, Serjeant Catchpoll, and their new recruit, as from the book "Ordeal by Fire", the red-haired man-at-arms, Walkelin, are faced with a very difficult task by finding the culprits of these thefts and murders.
What is to follow is an excellent and exciting mystery, where more salt thefts and murders will occur, while at the same time romance will flare up for some, and in these romantic but even more dangerous and deadly environments, Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin must try to unravel the threads of this web of deceit and murder before they can solve this riddle, but after a superbly worked-out plot they will be able to catch the culprits and bring them to justice, dead and/or alive.
Highly recommended, for this is the best episode so far and that's why I like to call this great mystery: "A Top-Class Marked Medieval Mystery"!
January 14, 2020
Bradecote and Catchpoll have a job on their hands in discovering who is behind the mounting number of murders on the road of men transporting salt. A gifted archer is doing what he does best, but why? One of the victims leaves a widow who captures the heart of Bradecote.
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February 26, 2021
Trouble on the road when carters with loads of salt are killed and loads were stolen. Then the Lord FitzPayne is killed coming to the rescue. Needless to tell the Sherriff de Beauchamp is otherwise engaged and the investigation is left to Under Sherriff Bradecote and Sergeant Catchpole. Lots of intrigue, malice, dirty dealings and love. All the ingredients of a very good novel. Another insight into the hard lives of the time and just how the women were treated.
Good characters, lively writing style and very good plot add up to a 4-star book.
Good characters, lively writing style and very good plot add up to a 4-star book.
February 16, 2020
Again a great read, especially since I read both the middle of the series and finished and then read the first 3 books. Happily I now have them all and can reread them another year on my kindle. Am very much hoping that Sarah Hawkswood is busily writing another in the series.
Book #3 tells the story of how Lord Hugh Bradecote and Lady Christina met and ended up together.
I started a book later when they were betrothed and persevered through the rest of the books- Happily I must add!
The characters are well developed and engaging in their interactions, and the author does a marvelous job with both history and period dialogue. It's not often that I buy up a whole series to read at once.
Book #3 tells the story of how Lord Hugh Bradecote and Lady Christina met and ended up together.
I started a book later when they were betrothed and persevered through the rest of the books- Happily I must add!
The characters are well developed and engaging in their interactions, and the author does a marvelous job with both history and period dialogue. It's not often that I buy up a whole series to read at once.
January 3, 2025
Definitely enjoying this new-to-me historical mystery series, thanks to the Reading the Detectives group buddy reads. I wasn’t sure I liked the first, it was almost a DNF because although it takes place at the same time as my beloved Brother Cadfael series (the Stephen/Maud Civil War, also known as the Anarchy), it seemed a pale imitation. I’m glad I carried on with the series.
This is book #3, and someone is attacking the shipments of salt (a precious commodity for food, but also the livelihood of some towns), killing the packmen and stealing the wagons. Single arrows kill the men, and in the dramatic opening scene, a nobleman who happens to be riding nearby and comes to their aid is also killed.
Undersheriff Bradecote, wily Sgt. Catchpoll and protege and general dogsbody Wakelin are told to investigate, but they haven’t much to go on; it’s been a week and the trail is cold. They visit the widow of the dead nobleman and find an embittered, vengeful woman. As she left to recover her husband’s body she fell, causing her to lose her baby; she had been married previously to a notoriously sadistic lord who had used her abominably, and despite not loving her second husband, he was kind and she wants to avenge him.
Catchpoll finds her ferocious but feels protective; his wife recently died and left him with an infant son, so he can relate to the guilt. He also finds her attractive, and though extremely wary, she reciprocates. The budding relationship is handled skillfully, and in no way takes away from the mystery.
The recent widow even helps track down the fletcher who may have prepared the arrows of the killer. Part of the mystery is told from the pov of The Archer, who has assumed almost supernatural status among the terrified villagers. He is a very intriguing character, and I found his actions awful but understandable. There are some truly evil lords in this one, but I was satisfied they would get their comeuppance-a satisfying and entertaining entry in the series, I look forward to reading on.
This is book #3, and someone is attacking the shipments of salt (a precious commodity for food, but also the livelihood of some towns), killing the packmen and stealing the wagons. Single arrows kill the men, and in the dramatic opening scene, a nobleman who happens to be riding nearby and comes to their aid is also killed.
Undersheriff Bradecote, wily Sgt. Catchpoll and protege and general dogsbody Wakelin are told to investigate, but they haven’t much to go on; it’s been a week and the trail is cold. They visit the widow of the dead nobleman and find an embittered, vengeful woman. As she left to recover her husband’s body she fell, causing her to lose her baby; she had been married previously to a notoriously sadistic lord who had used her abominably, and despite not loving her second husband, he was kind and she wants to avenge him.
Catchpoll finds her ferocious but feels protective; his wife recently died and left him with an infant son, so he can relate to the guilt. He also finds her attractive, and though extremely wary, she reciprocates. The budding relationship is handled skillfully, and in no way takes away from the mystery.
The recent widow even helps track down the fletcher who may have prepared the arrows of the killer. Part of the mystery is told from the pov of The Archer, who has assumed almost supernatural status among the terrified villagers. He is a very intriguing character, and I found his actions awful but understandable. There are some truly evil lords in this one, but I was satisfied they would get their comeuppance-a satisfying and entertaining entry in the series, I look forward to reading on.
February 5, 2023
Sgt Catchpoll was magnificent in this one, with his sardonic wit and comments, ever observant eye and huge knowledge of how people think and act.
"under Sgt" Walkelin is coming along in leaps and bounds as well.
Which is great for this story. as Bradecote alternated between a lovesick swain and his usual effective and efficient self.
This was an excellent, well researched peek into an ancient industry, of salt procuring- which was very important in these times before canning and refrigeration, as a means of keeping food, especially meat from spoiling.
We also get a good look at how the invading Norman class treated the Anglo Saxon invaded.
I enjoy seeing history in context and Sarah Hawkwood does a great job.
We see the importance of crafts and skills, now not as important or common as then and how surnames are beginning their development - Aelward the Archer, Hugh from Bradecote, Walter the Reeve, John the Fletcher, Reginald Robert's son etc
Again we are treated to foreknowledge of whodunnit and get to watch our trio unpick it.
"under Sgt" Walkelin is coming along in leaps and bounds as well.
Which is great for this story. as Bradecote alternated between a lovesick swain and his usual effective and efficient self.
This was an excellent, well researched peek into an ancient industry, of salt procuring- which was very important in these times before canning and refrigeration, as a means of keeping food, especially meat from spoiling.
We also get a good look at how the invading Norman class treated the Anglo Saxon invaded.
I enjoy seeing history in context and Sarah Hawkwood does a great job.
We see the importance of crafts and skills, now not as important or common as then and how surnames are beginning their development - Aelward the Archer, Hugh from Bradecote, Walter the Reeve, John the Fletcher, Reginald Robert's son etc
Again we are treated to foreknowledge of whodunnit and get to watch our trio unpick it.
February 9, 2025
Bradecote and Catchpoll investigate a series of attacks on carts transporting salt from the town of Wich to the abbeys and manors of the area. The men accompanying the carts have been killed by arrows, and rumours of a ghostly archer are circulating. The sheriff’s men encounter noblemen, angry townspeople, a talkative reeve, and the attractive widow of a murdered lord, who proves a distraction for Bradecote.
This was much less dramatic than the previous book, but I enjoyed the details of salt production and trade. The romance between Bradecote and Christina was nicely done, although it meant we saw a little less of his dynamic with Catchpoll. The wily and cynical Catchpoll is my favourite character, and I like the way he is teaching young Walkelin the tricks of the trade.
As in previous books, we are not offered many suspects so the culprit was pretty obvious from early on but the backstory of the archer and the motive for the crimes kept me guessing for a while. 3.5* but I did find this entertaining so will round up.
This was much less dramatic than the previous book, but I enjoyed the details of salt production and trade. The romance between Bradecote and Christina was nicely done, although it meant we saw a little less of his dynamic with Catchpoll. The wily and cynical Catchpoll is my favourite character, and I like the way he is teaching young Walkelin the tricks of the trade.
As in previous books, we are not offered many suspects so the culprit was pretty obvious from early on but the backstory of the archer and the motive for the crimes kept me guessing for a while. 3.5* but I did find this entertaining so will round up.
September 16, 2019
Love these funny mysteries!!
I am definitely a fan of Hawkswood's writing. Mysteries are often quite serious and suspenseful, and these books certainly share in those sentiments. However, there is also a considerable amount of humour; it makes the story that much more engaging and fun to read. In this story, our detectives (in deed, not title) are trying to figure out who is behind the arrow killings. Readers will enjoy the merry-go-round drama, punctuated with a love-hate romance, as the men--AND woman, a vengeful widow-- ponder and scheme their way to a solution. It's a great mystery that concludes somewhat soberly, and for Bradecote, well, you'll just have to see for yourself!!
I am definitely a fan of Hawkswood's writing. Mysteries are often quite serious and suspenseful, and these books certainly share in those sentiments. However, there is also a considerable amount of humour; it makes the story that much more engaging and fun to read. In this story, our detectives (in deed, not title) are trying to figure out who is behind the arrow killings. Readers will enjoy the merry-go-round drama, punctuated with a love-hate romance, as the men--AND woman, a vengeful widow-- ponder and scheme their way to a solution. It's a great mystery that concludes somewhat soberly, and for Bradecote, well, you'll just have to see for yourself!!
March 3, 2022
Read this without knowing that it's #3 in the series. I thought it's #1 as the plot was slow and it felt like introducing the trio instead of showcasing their detective talents. A good portion of the book is about Bradecote's personal romance, which slows the plot down further. And I don't like it when the villains reveal themselves to readers. So not a good thrilling murder mystery in my opinion.
Having said that, I enjoyed the Medieval world, richly described in ways of everyday life, people, and speeches. The writing is not too dry, not to flowery, just nicely done.
I must admit, I pick up this book only because I like the cover artworks throughout the series. Though I just realised now this book's cover has broadhead arrows on it, not bodkin.
Having said that, I enjoyed the Medieval world, richly described in ways of everyday life, people, and speeches. The writing is not too dry, not to flowery, just nicely done.
I must admit, I pick up this book only because I like the cover artworks throughout the series. Though I just realised now this book's cover has broadhead arrows on it, not bodkin.
June 10, 2024
All the “head hopping” made me dizzy . . .
In “Marked to Die” it seems as if Ms. Hawkswood couldn’t make up her mind whether she was writing a mystery or a romance. As a consequence, neither aspect was completely satisfying. It took me a longer time than usual to read the book because, once I’d put it down for whatever reason, I had no real incentive to pick it up again right away.
The worst part of it all is the author’s misuse—bordering on abuse—of the omniscient point of view. She would often engage in head hopping not only in a single scene, but occasionally within a single paragraph, and in at least one case, in the same sentence! It was at times dizzying.
In “Marked to Die” it seems as if Ms. Hawkswood couldn’t make up her mind whether she was writing a mystery or a romance. As a consequence, neither aspect was completely satisfying. It took me a longer time than usual to read the book because, once I’d put it down for whatever reason, I had no real incentive to pick it up again right away.
The worst part of it all is the author’s misuse—bordering on abuse—of the omniscient point of view. She would often engage in head hopping not only in a single scene, but occasionally within a single paragraph, and in at least one case, in the same sentence! It was at times dizzying.
April 2, 2023
This is the third book in the series and just as entertaining as the other two in the series. We have bradecote , catchpoll and wakelin all bringing justice to their part of the world.(no spoilers). This story involves murder ,robbery and subterfuge , and this author is getting to be a superb storyteller , so sit back and enjoy the latest ride around worcester in 1443 you will not be disappointed.
February 26, 2020
Wow!
This series is great but this is the best adventure yet! Story is well developed, well written, and fascinating. The author is an historian and describes life in 1143 England as part of the story. Wonderful reading experience.
This series is great but this is the best adventure yet! Story is well developed, well written, and fascinating. The author is an historian and describes life in 1143 England as part of the story. Wonderful reading experience.
August 14, 2020
I have now read all six books in the series and the standard has been maintained. The sense of time and place takes you into the heart of the stories without being too explicit which is rare these days. Well researched I wait with great anticipation the next novel.
December 5, 2020
Interesting and very detailed.
Lots of characters and things to keep track of while reading.
A good solid story with a few twists and turns to keep you guessing as to how is this happening and why.
Lots of characters and things to keep track of while reading.
A good solid story with a few twists and turns to keep you guessing as to how is this happening and why.
December 22, 2020
A sheriff and his deputy hunt a killer.
The story was good and the characters were solid, the use of old English terms was a little bit confusing in places.
Overall an entertaining read – taking five hours to complete.
The story was good and the characters were solid, the use of old English terms was a little bit confusing in places.
Overall an entertaining read – taking five hours to complete.
December 28, 2020
Each book better than the last
I am reading this as a series and find the author knows her history very well...admirable research. Each book has improved with respect to the development of the characters and the flow of the storyline. I look forward to reading more of her books.
I am reading this as a series and find the author knows her history very well...admirable research. Each book has improved with respect to the development of the characters and the flow of the storyline. I look forward to reading more of her books.
May 5, 2021
Not as good as I'd hoped
The first two books in the series were pretty good, but this one leaned far from medieval mystery into the romance novel genre. Definitely not what I enjoy reading. I knew I was in trouble when I read that 'her bosom heaved' ugh 🤮
The first two books in the series were pretty good, but this one leaned far from medieval mystery into the romance novel genre. Definitely not what I enjoy reading. I knew I was in trouble when I read that 'her bosom heaved' ugh 🤮
August 8, 2021
Well plotted as a mystery. Well done as a historical piece, particularly in terms of social relations and material environment. If you like a good "who done it" and evocative historical fiction-- you will like it.
June 28, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this third mystery for Bradecote and Catchpoll.
A mystery archer is killing on the salt road from Wich and then disappearing back into the forest. These killings cannot be ignored by the Sheriff of Worcestershire so he sends his undersheriff and sergeant to investigate.
A mystery archer is killing on the salt road from Wich and then disappearing back into the forest. These killings cannot be ignored by the Sheriff of Worcestershire so he sends his undersheriff and sergeant to investigate.
March 18, 2025
Very much rooting for the archer *and* the detectives in this one. I really liked having the viewpoint of the archer. Good plot overall.
That said, I found the ‘historical romance’ element a bit much - not what I’m looking for in my reading, and having that become a key element of an otherwise good book was aggravating.
That said, I found the ‘historical romance’ element a bit much - not what I’m looking for in my reading, and having that become a key element of an otherwise good book was aggravating.
March 3, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Bradcote and Catchpoll. A hint of romance makes this a little more interesting...
March 11, 2019
We walk upon the Salt Road where, what we would now term mental illness, lurks in the trees. Solved as much by accident as understanding.
October 9, 2019
Another great one
Boy, can she wrote a love story! And a mystery. and true to the period. Wow. I love These books.
Boy, can she wrote a love story! And a mystery. and true to the period. Wow. I love These books.
December 1, 2019
Very good
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest adventure and especially the relationship between the main characters. Looking forward to the next saga and the storyline.
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest adventure and especially the relationship between the main characters. Looking forward to the next saga and the storyline.
January 16, 2020
Medieval fans will enjoy this book
Characters are well developed and the landscape descriptions equally excellent. Adding a well constructed story to mix produces a winner.
Characters are well developed and the landscape descriptions equally excellent. Adding a well constructed story to mix produces a winner.
March 5, 2020
A Story that keeps you reading
Oh I do so love getting to know these characters better with each book. Catchpoll in particular has hidden depths that are starting to peak out.
Oh I do so love getting to know these characters better with each book. Catchpoll in particular has hidden depths that are starting to peak out.
April 4, 2020
Great
Love the twists and turns the book has taken. Would have loved to have known more about the archer but I did not write the book.
Love the twists and turns the book has taken. Would have loved to have known more about the archer but I did not write the book.
October 1, 2020
Another good read
I find these stores get better and will read more. The under-sheriff has succeeded in more ways than one. Thanks
I find these stores get better and will read more. The under-sheriff has succeeded in more ways than one. Thanks
December 31, 2020
Loved it! This is the second Bradecote and Catchpoll investigation that I have read and I think this series will become a firm favourite!
January 10, 2022
A sad tale with a poignant ending. Well worth the read. I am enjoying this series immensely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews