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Stephen Attebrook Mysteries #7
The Bear Wagon
The war that England had feared for months begins during the summer of 1263 not with a clash of great armies, but with little spasms of violence across the land as small bodies of troops loyal to the barons gathering around Simon de Montfort and King Henry III attack their foes here and there about the country.
Even such a minor family as the Attebrooks of Hafton Manor cannot avoid being drawn in, as Stephen Attebrook’s elder brother, William, takes part in an assault on a castle held by the Bishop of Hereford, one of the King’s staunch supporters.
But the coming war is the last thing on Stephen’s mind that June. For a dead girl whom no one can identify is found floating in the River Teme at the Dinham mill, drowned under circumstances that only the most addle-witted could think was anything but murder.
There is no time, however, for Stephen and his friend Gilbert Wistwode to devote to the fate of that poor girl, for an even more pressing dilemma is forced upon them — unknown ruffians traveling with a bear wagon have kidnapped Stephen’s niece, Ida, William’s daughter.
Despite the bad blood between the two brothers, William seeks Stephen’s assistance it finding Ida. And so begins the desperate pursuit of the bear wagon across England, reaching to the depths of London itself and far into Norfolk, as Stephen races to find Ida before she meets a fate worse than murder. “The Bear Wagon” is the story of Stephen’s most complex and dangerous adventure yet.
Even such a minor family as the Attebrooks of Hafton Manor cannot avoid being drawn in, as Stephen Attebrook’s elder brother, William, takes part in an assault on a castle held by the Bishop of Hereford, one of the King’s staunch supporters.
But the coming war is the last thing on Stephen’s mind that June. For a dead girl whom no one can identify is found floating in the River Teme at the Dinham mill, drowned under circumstances that only the most addle-witted could think was anything but murder.
There is no time, however, for Stephen and his friend Gilbert Wistwode to devote to the fate of that poor girl, for an even more pressing dilemma is forced upon them — unknown ruffians traveling with a bear wagon have kidnapped Stephen’s niece, Ida, William’s daughter.
Despite the bad blood between the two brothers, William seeks Stephen’s assistance it finding Ida. And so begins the desperate pursuit of the bear wagon across England, reaching to the depths of London itself and far into Norfolk, as Stephen races to find Ida before she meets a fate worse than murder. “The Bear Wagon” is the story of Stephen’s most complex and dangerous adventure yet.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2017
223 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 31, 2019
I always enjoy reading the adventures of Stephen Attebrook, poor knight and coroner, resident of medieval Ludlow. Of course we expect our knights to rescue damsels in distress, and this tale has the added incentive of one of the stolen damsels being his niece Ida, daughter of the older brother he has never gotten along with, William.
The chase of the stolen girls takes Stephen and his friends to London and includes some adventures on the river as the girls have been stowed on a foreign ship for foreign ports. There are some good fight and chase scenes as well as swordplay and crossbow action.
Kindle Unlimited
The chase of the stolen girls takes Stephen and his friends to London and includes some adventures on the river as the girls have been stowed on a foreign ship for foreign ports. There are some good fight and chase scenes as well as swordplay and crossbow action.
Kindle Unlimited
November 8, 2017
I think this is a little darker than some of the others in the series, and you'd really need to have read earlier ones to understand what is going on, but I enjoyed it - the fight scenes in particular are, as always, precise and exciting.
August 26, 2021
hard but well done
stephen doubts himself too much but this was a well done adventure. you learn a lot more about sir stephen’s life as a knight and younger. i like the books now more than in the beginning.
stephen doubts himself too much but this was a well done adventure. you learn a lot more about sir stephen’s life as a knight and younger. i like the books now more than in the beginning.
November 28, 2024
Attebrook at his best.
Attebrook riding ahead of a soldier squad was something that I would have love to see. He really deserved it.
Attebrook riding ahead of a soldier squad was something that I would have love to see. He really deserved it.
July 2, 2019
#7 in the deputy coroner Stephen Attebrook mystery series set in the English town of Ludlow near the Welsh border from April to July, 1263. An impoverished knight considered too disabled because of a foot injury for combat, so gets by by working as a coroner’s invesitgator. Things are looking up for Stephen as he has been appointed the coroner which comes with a stipend.
The war that England had feared for months begins during the summer of 1263 not with a clash of great armies, but with little spasms of violence across the land as small bodies of troops loyal to the barons gathering around Simon de Montfort and King Henry III attack their foes here and there about the country with Stephen’s elder brother, William, taking part in an assault on a castle held by the Bishop of Hereford, one of the King’s staunch supporters.
However, Stephen’s mind isn’t on the starting skirmishes as an unidentified young dead girl is found floating in the River Teme at the Dinham and it was murder rather than drowning. Before Stephen is able to deal with this his niece is and his older brother appeals to him for help. The 2 don’t get along. The search for Ida takes them across England to London and then Norfolk and into the complex web of the white slave trade and plot to get back at both William and Stephen.
The war that England had feared for months begins during the summer of 1263 not with a clash of great armies, but with little spasms of violence across the land as small bodies of troops loyal to the barons gathering around Simon de Montfort and King Henry III attack their foes here and there about the country with Stephen’s elder brother, William, taking part in an assault on a castle held by the Bishop of Hereford, one of the King’s staunch supporters.
However, Stephen’s mind isn’t on the starting skirmishes as an unidentified young dead girl is found floating in the River Teme at the Dinham and it was murder rather than drowning. Before Stephen is able to deal with this his niece is and his older brother appeals to him for help. The 2 don’t get along. The search for Ida takes them across England to London and then Norfolk and into the complex web of the white slave trade and plot to get back at both William and Stephen.
January 2, 2020
This is the seventh, and possibly final, book in the Stephen Attebrook series. It's much more far-ranging geographically than any of the preceding volumes, and as such the story is aided substantially by the inclusion of four maps at the beginning of the book that cover most of the areas where the action occurs. They're not great maps, but they're adequate.
In this episode, newly-promoted coroner Attebrook is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an anonymous teenage girl whose body was found in the river along the edge of his town of Ludlow; but he is interrupted by the arrival of his older brother William and his wife, with the news that their daughter Ida—Stephen's niece—has been kidnapped and spirited away. What follows is perhaps the best written of all 7 books (so far), with good pacing, less digression, and tighter and more believable dialog than has sometimes been the case in the earlier stories. The combat scenes are still described in (over) great detail, given author Vail's real-life prowess in medieval combat, but they sort of need that detail and they are very grippingly described even for readers like me who don't know much about sword fighting. I will venture that a little bit more explanation of some terms, like what does "stealth guard" mean or what's an arming cap, if presented artfully and not in a didactic way that takes us out of the story, would help a lot.
I can't say much about the resolution, of course; nor about my opinions on how changes to the characters and their circumstances over the arc of the series has now made the series less interesting, should Vail choose to continue it, unless he makes a real change in the nature of the obstacles that Attebrook has to overcome. But I see opportunities for further sequels, and I hope Vail either chooses to resist temptation and leave the series here, or think hard about how to keep things interesting (the struggle between Simon de Montfort and King Henry III is about to finally explode into full-blown war, and that's always an interesting backdrop for adventure and mystery). We'll see. This book is a fine denouement to the series, and Vail should be proud of a great set of stories.
EDIT: It appears there is at least one more Attebrook story: Murder at Broadstowe Manor was published in January 2019. I've ordered it, and we'll see if my fears expressed above were unfounded.
In this episode, newly-promoted coroner Attebrook is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an anonymous teenage girl whose body was found in the river along the edge of his town of Ludlow; but he is interrupted by the arrival of his older brother William and his wife, with the news that their daughter Ida—Stephen's niece—has been kidnapped and spirited away. What follows is perhaps the best written of all 7 books (so far), with good pacing, less digression, and tighter and more believable dialog than has sometimes been the case in the earlier stories. The combat scenes are still described in (over) great detail, given author Vail's real-life prowess in medieval combat, but they sort of need that detail and they are very grippingly described even for readers like me who don't know much about sword fighting. I will venture that a little bit more explanation of some terms, like what does "stealth guard" mean or what's an arming cap, if presented artfully and not in a didactic way that takes us out of the story, would help a lot.
I can't say much about the resolution, of course; nor about my opinions on how changes to the characters and their circumstances over the arc of the series has now made the series less interesting, should Vail choose to continue it, unless he makes a real change in the nature of the obstacles that Attebrook has to overcome. But I see opportunities for further sequels, and I hope Vail either chooses to resist temptation and leave the series here, or think hard about how to keep things interesting (the struggle between Simon de Montfort and King Henry III is about to finally explode into full-blown war, and that's always an interesting backdrop for adventure and mystery). We'll see. This book is a fine denouement to the series, and Vail should be proud of a great set of stories.
EDIT: It appears there is at least one more Attebrook story: Murder at Broadstowe Manor was published in January 2019. I've ordered it, and we'll see if my fears expressed above were unfounded.
January 31, 2025
4.5 stars. Really good and sad at the same time. Some trigger warnings for this one- kidnapping, trafficking, references to rape, murder, death, all the horrible things that happened in England in the 1200's. This is the first one that hit the feels in those regards, otherwise it was just plain old murder :)
Turns out a murderous gang is kidnapping innocent blond girls across the countryside with the intent to sell them abroad. They messed with the wrong family. Stephen has an older brother whose daughter is taken and we are all led on a chase as Stephen follows them to London and back to rescue Ida.
This one had the fun banter I have come to love:
“Thank you,” Gilbert said. “Although there’s nothing like a good fall from a mule to make one’s day.”
“Are you sure we must have him?” William asked. “He’ll slow us up.”
“I’m not allowed to leave home without him,” Stephen said. “Besides, now and then he says something useful.”
“Now and then!” Gilbert muttered.
-------
“Well, I do think you look handsome,” Gilbert said.
“Thank you, Gilbert. I feel almost regal. A feather in the cap ought to do it, don’t you think?”
“It is a pity you spared the expense.”
“Sacrifices sometimes must be made. Try not to wander off. I don’t think I’ll be long.”
But a much more disturbing (to me) storyline. The whole side story with Harry seemed disconnected but no, they were very much connected! As well as the drowned girl- that part was so sad to me as well as that horrible man that just killed the girls once he bored of them.
I appreciate the realistic travels to these towns, and the reminder of what London was most likely like in the 1200's but man its really sad and gross...
Turns out a murderous gang is kidnapping innocent blond girls across the countryside with the intent to sell them abroad. They messed with the wrong family. Stephen has an older brother whose daughter is taken and we are all led on a chase as Stephen follows them to London and back to rescue Ida.
This one had the fun banter I have come to love:
“Thank you,” Gilbert said. “Although there’s nothing like a good fall from a mule to make one’s day.”
“Are you sure we must have him?” William asked. “He’ll slow us up.”
“I’m not allowed to leave home without him,” Stephen said. “Besides, now and then he says something useful.”
“Now and then!” Gilbert muttered.
-------
“Well, I do think you look handsome,” Gilbert said.
“Thank you, Gilbert. I feel almost regal. A feather in the cap ought to do it, don’t you think?”
“It is a pity you spared the expense.”
“Sacrifices sometimes must be made. Try not to wander off. I don’t think I’ll be long.”
But a much more disturbing (to me) storyline. The whole side story with Harry seemed disconnected but no, they were very much connected! As well as the drowned girl- that part was so sad to me as well as that horrible man that just killed the girls once he bored of them.
I appreciate the realistic travels to these towns, and the reminder of what London was most likely like in the 1200's but man its really sad and gross...
March 19, 2022
This 7th book in the Stephen Attebrook mysteries showed a different side of Sir Stephen. Where previously the reader had known the character to be a soldier who had killed men in battle, we had not seen that Stephen was a man hardened by his experiences. This story showed the character to be an avenging angel with a fiery sword, cutting down evil men with ruthless efficiency and no regrets. His actions in battle were no longer simply in self-defense, but proactively dealing death to those who stole Stephen's beloved niece and numerous other innocent girls. And strangely overlaying the violence, we see a Zen-like quality to Sir Stephen's approach to combat. Justice triumphs in the end and the innocent are avenged, but the author leaves the field littered with bloody bodies. The reader is left with the feeling that while someone had to do the dirty work, it was just sad to see Sir Stephen caught up in these unavoidably dark deeds.
May 22, 2018
Stephen Attebrook’s really annoying elder brother William pleads with him to help recover his daughter Ida. The girl has been kidnapped by a gang carrying her off in a wagon designed for a bear in a traveling bear-baiting show. While no bear is involved in the narrative, the gang do have a pack of vicious dogs. The story is dark and brutal but the book is well-researched and evokes the middle ages setting more accurately than authors who merely project contemporary plots into historical settings.
May 7, 2019
The books/stories get better the more your read.....and that's a good thing. I'm so sorry I seem to be at the end of the series as currently composed so I hope the author moves forward altho not too quickly because I have found that leads to dilution of character and historical authenticity. Some have found this book to be a little too dark but, agreed there is more "blood and gut" but I'm actually enjoying it...in Books 5,6 and 7 I found the characters better defined and more interesting....congratulation JV ...so continue forward, please!
November 20, 2017
Now I have enjoyed this whole
series and if Stephen , sorry Sir Stephan has retired , having rising in the world , there seems no choice but to read them all again .It has been.a splendid experience , following these personalities through their ventures and adventures .
They have become almost like family . No lack of blood letting of course and magnificent sword fights , a touch of humour and just enough pathos to make everyone so human and so real.
series and if Stephen , sorry Sir Stephan has retired , having rising in the world , there seems no choice but to read them all again .It has been.a splendid experience , following these personalities through their ventures and adventures .
They have become almost like family . No lack of blood letting of course and magnificent sword fights , a touch of humour and just enough pathos to make everyone so human and so real.
November 23, 2017
Today is Thanksgiving. Today I give thanks for Jason Vail and The Bear Wagon. in reading this book, I wanted to turn the page to read the STORY, to follow the characters, to enjoy the dialogue, to wonder where the plot will go next, etc etc. ; i.e. I thought it was a page-turner.
I just hope Mr. Vail looks at these reviews every now and then and realizes that his efforts are appreciated.
Thank you.
I just hope Mr. Vail looks at these reviews every now and then and realizes that his efforts are appreciated.
Thank you.
August 6, 2019
I've enjoyed all of the Stephen Attebrook mysteries I've read. As of 8/5/19, I've read all but the last one published and I'd give them all 5 stars. Jason Vail has done his homework carefully. He's recreated the time period so well you can almost feel what it's like to sit at the inn or ride into battle. I can recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a medieval mystery or just a good swash buckling adventure.
December 5, 2020
Jason Vail grows
as an excellent writer of historical fiction as Stephen Attebrook grows as a hero, as do Gilbert and Harry. Historical fiction, well researched, and well added to is my favorite category. Jason makes everything thrilling, realistic, and realistic, while leaving out the porn I have stumbled on so many times without warning. As a senior who is disabled, making his books available at a reduced price, I must give him my thanks by reading everything he writes.
as an excellent writer of historical fiction as Stephen Attebrook grows as a hero, as do Gilbert and Harry. Historical fiction, well researched, and well added to is my favorite category. Jason makes everything thrilling, realistic, and realistic, while leaving out the porn I have stumbled on so many times without warning. As a senior who is disabled, making his books available at a reduced price, I must give him my thanks by reading everything he writes.
January 24, 2021
I've read all these books starting from the beginning and always already buying the next one in series after I finished.
Great storytelling, cannot put the book down. I've come to know the protagonists and now feel happy for Stephen.
Can't wait to read the next book but will wait until I've finished the previous 20 unread books on my Kindle. ❤️
Looking forward to "terrypratchettlike" additions to Stephens story: Cheers, Jason Vail! 👍🏻
Great storytelling, cannot put the book down. I've come to know the protagonists and now feel happy for Stephen.
Can't wait to read the next book but will wait until I've finished the previous 20 unread books on my Kindle. ❤️
Looking forward to "terrypratchettlike" additions to Stephens story: Cheers, Jason Vail! 👍🏻
December 29, 2017
Good read!!
I was looking for something to read and came across Jason Vail and his tales of Stephen Attebrook and Gilbert Wistwode. You have a peek into the hardships of daily life in the 1260's in England. I like the relationship between the characters. Jason Vail is easy to read and you don't want to put the book down.
I was looking for something to read and came across Jason Vail and his tales of Stephen Attebrook and Gilbert Wistwode. You have a peek into the hardships of daily life in the 1260's in England. I like the relationship between the characters. Jason Vail is easy to read and you don't want to put the book down.
December 31, 2017
Obviously a ghost writer
While entertaining a bit, the style is totally different from previous books. The language is off, the timeline and character development is weak. It is like the author had never read the previous books and sat down to write out of the blue. Lots of weird modern language thag did not fit. I wasnt pleased.
While entertaining a bit, the style is totally different from previous books. The language is off, the timeline and character development is weak. It is like the author had never read the previous books and sat down to write out of the blue. Lots of weird modern language thag did not fit. I wasnt pleased.
February 6, 2019
Wow! Great Story !
Very believable of the time period, Stephen's trials were one right after the other. I liked how the author connected what Stephen was doing with his past to show where he had learned the unique skills he presented. You cannot go wrong with this story, but do start with book one for a great time in the Medieval time era.
Very believable of the time period, Stephen's trials were one right after the other. I liked how the author connected what Stephen was doing with his past to show where he had learned the unique skills he presented. You cannot go wrong with this story, but do start with book one for a great time in the Medieval time era.
November 6, 2017
This is a really entertaining series, and perfect airplane reading. His descriptions of geography, fighting, culture, etc. are all compelling. The story is grim--girls being sold into sex slavery--but universal and his plots twists were well done. There's no sugar coating of anything.
January 2, 2018
Another great book!
I love this author, his characters are well drawn. His knowledge of fighting and the time he is writing about is very well done. The books also have a sense of humor, which I appreciate. Write faster Mr Vail, please? It's hard to wait for the next one.
I love this author, his characters are well drawn. His knowledge of fighting and the time he is writing about is very well done. The books also have a sense of humor, which I appreciate. Write faster Mr Vail, please? It's hard to wait for the next one.
January 23, 2018
The Stephen Attebrook stories are terrific. The characters are well developed and the plot moves along at a quick pace. I picture each of the characters in my mind -- which is the sign of a good writer. I look forward to Book 8 in the series.
March 23, 2018
I felt like I was sharing an adventure, but from a safe distance, fantastic
I !oved all the characters, got quite fond of them, great read , couldn't put the book down wonderfully book
I !oved all the characters, got quite fond of them, great read , couldn't put the book down wonderfully book
April 18, 2018
Another Excellent Stephen Attebrook story
Jason Vail has again given us another Stephen Attebrook mystery. I look forward to reading book 8 to see what further adventure he, Gilbert and Harry get up to.
Jason Vail has again given us another Stephen Attebrook mystery. I look forward to reading book 8 to see what further adventure he, Gilbert and Harry get up to.
February 7, 2020
Great historical mystery
This is a wonderful continuation of the series. The action is fast paced, the characters are quite vivid, and there are enough twists in the plot to keep you entertained from beginning to end.
This is a wonderful continuation of the series. The action is fast paced, the characters are quite vivid, and there are enough twists in the plot to keep you entertained from beginning to end.
May 21, 2021
Nice work!!!!
Oh this one was very good. Moreover its all about ravage. An Stephen coming out ahead in life. Again I so liked the barter between Gilbert and Stephen. It makes for a good read.
Oh this one was very good. Moreover its all about ravage. An Stephen coming out ahead in life. Again I so liked the barter between Gilbert and Stephen. It makes for a good read.
January 3, 2022
So nice for Stephen to end on high in this excellent series, but I am sure it won't last!
We have friends in Montgomery who we visit regularly. As we drive up the borders, so nice to stop off at much loved place names
We have friends in Montgomery who we visit regularly. As we drive up the borders, so nice to stop off at much loved place names
October 11, 2022
Stephen is recovering.
Family can be a love hate relationship at times. Love and obligation wins out and prospects are improving. What will the looming war bring our money crews way. Does Harry have budding loves? One golden and the other dark haired, but both beauties.
Family can be a love hate relationship at times. Love and obligation wins out and prospects are improving. What will the looming war bring our money crews way. Does Harry have budding loves? One golden and the other dark haired, but both beauties.
September 2, 2024
Ida
Good read, a little too much good luck. Family, new friends and new enemies. Murder, revenge, kidnapping and piracy. How will this continue in the other books. Will Stephen become a lord?
Good read, a little too much good luck. Family, new friends and new enemies. Murder, revenge, kidnapping and piracy. How will this continue in the other books. Will Stephen become a lord?
November 1, 2024
I have really enjoyed all of the books in this series. This one was even better as it included his brother, William, and family. I would have like to read more about the family and what caused the rift and more backstory in general as I really enjoyed the trilogy about his parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2017
Fantastic
Again could hardly wait to finish. Kept my interest thru the whole book. Great. Could read many more just like this one.
Again could hardly wait to finish. Kept my interest thru the whole book. Great. Could read many more just like this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews