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A Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation #5
Vale of Tears
April 1144. A body is found floating in Fladbury mill leat, a man in green who has been stabbed but not robbed. The lord sheriff's trio discover him to be an Evesham horse dealer, who has a beautiful young wife who 'strays'. Did the wife or one of her lovers get rid of him? What is the connection with the lord of Harvington, who wed the man's sister, and how did that lady meet her death? What connection is there with the defrocked monk who worked on some leases for the lord and was hanged for theft, and where is the horse dealers' horse? The trio have to work seamlessly together to unravel the thread that links seemingly disparate deaths before even more people die, and in the process keep Walkelin from the noose.
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2020
138 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hawkswood
24 books113 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 17, 2022
**Should Read as 4.5 Stars**
This excellent historical mystery is the 5th volume of the remarkable "Bradecote & Catchpoll" series.
The historical details, sadly not mentioned in the Historical Note as before, places, sadly no map of Worcestershire anymore, and persons concerned have been wonderfully interwoven in this exciting action-packed mystery.
Storytelling is sublime, the characters are very believable and lifelike, and the circumstances and living conditions of the 12th Century are all superbly described and pictured in this tale.
This book is set in April, AD1144, and it starts off when a body is found floating at Fladbury mill, this being the body of a horse dealer called, Walter Horseweard.
This murder will eventually take the undersheriff, Hugh Bradecote, Sergeant Catchpoll, and "apprentice Sergeant" Walkelin, to Harvington, where the real evil is in residence.
During the investigations more murders will take place, and all these are connected to the death of Edith, Brian of Nouailles beloved and now deceased wife.
What is to follow as a whole is a fast-paced and thrilling mystery, in which Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin, will have their hands full in establishing the reason behind these murders, but that will be solved in the end and they will be able to reveal the, somewhat predictable, culprit and bring him to justice.
Highly recommended, for this i another excellent addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Captivating Tearful Vale"!
This excellent historical mystery is the 5th volume of the remarkable "Bradecote & Catchpoll" series.
The historical details, sadly not mentioned in the Historical Note as before, places, sadly no map of Worcestershire anymore, and persons concerned have been wonderfully interwoven in this exciting action-packed mystery.
Storytelling is sublime, the characters are very believable and lifelike, and the circumstances and living conditions of the 12th Century are all superbly described and pictured in this tale.
This book is set in April, AD1144, and it starts off when a body is found floating at Fladbury mill, this being the body of a horse dealer called, Walter Horseweard.
This murder will eventually take the undersheriff, Hugh Bradecote, Sergeant Catchpoll, and "apprentice Sergeant" Walkelin, to Harvington, where the real evil is in residence.
During the investigations more murders will take place, and all these are connected to the death of Edith, Brian of Nouailles beloved and now deceased wife.
What is to follow as a whole is a fast-paced and thrilling mystery, in which Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin, will have their hands full in establishing the reason behind these murders, but that will be solved in the end and they will be able to reveal the, somewhat predictable, culprit and bring him to justice.
Highly recommended, for this i another excellent addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Captivating Tearful Vale"!
August 31, 2021
The Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigations series has become one of my favourite series in progress, and this fifth instalment reinforced that.
Hawkswood blends strong plotting with wry humour, historical accuracy and well developed characters. There is a strong developing character arc over the course of the series, but as a latecomer to the books myself, I can attest that the books read perfectly well as standalones.
It's April 1144, and a body is pulled from the Avon River at the Fladbury Mill. Under-Sheriff Lord Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Serjeanting-apprentice Walkelin are dispatched from Worcester and, with the assistance of the local Abbey, soon identify the deceased as Evesham horse merchant Walter Horsweard.
The more recent (18th century) Cropthorne Mill on the Fladbury site described in the story.
Investigations in Evesham reveal that Horsweard's beautiful young wife, Amicia, is known to have been unfaithful to him, and he had been at loggerheads with his ambitious younger brother, Will. They chase down various leads before journeying to Harvington and the manor of Horsweard's brother-in-law, Brian de Nouailles, widowed some months ago by the death of Horsweard's sister Edith. Here, the action ramps up, with Bradecote and Catchpoll clashing with the irascible de Nouailles, who's proven himself fond of dispensing his own form of justice without reference to the Lord Sheriff of Worcester or his deputy. They develop a good working relationship with the local parish priest and begin delving into the facts of Edith's death and the history of de Nouailles' emnity with his Evesham in-laws. Another murder occurs and de Nouailles quickly holds Walkelin responsible, with the threat of a summary execution looming, unless Bradecote and Catchpoll can unmask the real killer or killers.
Vale of Tears boasts a compulsively readable plot with many twists, turns and intrigues. As always, Sarah Hawkswood's depiction of the historical setting is masterful in its subtle interweaving into the plot, without ever becoming overburdened in superfluous detail or explanation. The central trio are in good form, and their bond is further strengthened by the dire straits in which Walkelin finds himself. The cast of supporting characters are varied and convincing, including a 12th century lothario, a couple of brave maidens and a genuinely nasty villain. The solution to the mystery of Horsweard's murder, when it's eventually revealed, is complicated but satisfying.
I'd highly recommend both this particular book, Vale of Tears, and the Bradecote and Catchpoll series as a whole to readers of both historical fiction and traditional mysteries. They're rewarding and high quality reads.
Hawkswood blends strong plotting with wry humour, historical accuracy and well developed characters. There is a strong developing character arc over the course of the series, but as a latecomer to the books myself, I can attest that the books read perfectly well as standalones.
It's April 1144, and a body is pulled from the Avon River at the Fladbury Mill. Under-Sheriff Lord Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Serjeanting-apprentice Walkelin are dispatched from Worcester and, with the assistance of the local Abbey, soon identify the deceased as Evesham horse merchant Walter Horsweard.
The more recent (18th century) Cropthorne Mill on the Fladbury site described in the story.
Investigations in Evesham reveal that Horsweard's beautiful young wife, Amicia, is known to have been unfaithful to him, and he had been at loggerheads with his ambitious younger brother, Will. They chase down various leads before journeying to Harvington and the manor of Horsweard's brother-in-law, Brian de Nouailles, widowed some months ago by the death of Horsweard's sister Edith. Here, the action ramps up, with Bradecote and Catchpoll clashing with the irascible de Nouailles, who's proven himself fond of dispensing his own form of justice without reference to the Lord Sheriff of Worcester or his deputy. They develop a good working relationship with the local parish priest and begin delving into the facts of Edith's death and the history of de Nouailles' emnity with his Evesham in-laws. Another murder occurs and de Nouailles quickly holds Walkelin responsible, with the threat of a summary execution looming, unless Bradecote and Catchpoll can unmask the real killer or killers.
Vale of Tears boasts a compulsively readable plot with many twists, turns and intrigues. As always, Sarah Hawkswood's depiction of the historical setting is masterful in its subtle interweaving into the plot, without ever becoming overburdened in superfluous detail or explanation. The central trio are in good form, and their bond is further strengthened by the dire straits in which Walkelin finds himself. The cast of supporting characters are varied and convincing, including a 12th century lothario, a couple of brave maidens and a genuinely nasty villain. The solution to the mystery of Horsweard's murder, when it's eventually revealed, is complicated but satisfying.
I'd highly recommend both this particular book, Vale of Tears, and the Bradecote and Catchpoll series as a whole to readers of both historical fiction and traditional mysteries. They're rewarding and high quality reads.
May 10, 2021
I had read this one before and had made no comments. So...second time did some speed reading to reassure myself I was not going mad. Horse stolen/man's life taken/sheriff's man on the job. This time the team meets up with a vengeful enemy quickly accusing one of their own of rape and murder. Things get resolved after much drama and as they leave town an honest man brings back a stolen horse so all things have a happy ending.
January 1, 2020
My first book finished in 2020 ( well shortly before 2020 actually)
I reviewed book #4 for NetGalley and liked it a lot, but as it was a bit violent, this next book was almost perfect. Vale of Tears, Book #5 was all about a complicated mystery which happily was resolved.This Bradecote and Catchpoll mystery brings Walkelin, "sergeant-in-training" right into the very good mystery and puts him in danger.
There were a lot of deaths, solved and mostly solved all of which lead to a lord of the manor of Harvington, whose wife was recently deceased and her brother's body found floating in a mill leat. This of course takes them only to river Avon communities starting in Fladbury and ending at the Sheriff's Castle in Worcester.
Agatha and Leofwine reuniting after many years as friends after being bereaved brings a more hopeful ending to this story. Sarah Hawkswood is a very fine author and I am n on to the next in the series.
I reviewed book #4 for NetGalley and liked it a lot, but as it was a bit violent, this next book was almost perfect. Vale of Tears, Book #5 was all about a complicated mystery which happily was resolved.This Bradecote and Catchpoll mystery brings Walkelin, "sergeant-in-training" right into the very good mystery and puts him in danger.
There were a lot of deaths, solved and mostly solved all of which lead to a lord of the manor of Harvington, whose wife was recently deceased and her brother's body found floating in a mill leat. This of course takes them only to river Avon communities starting in Fladbury and ending at the Sheriff's Castle in Worcester.
Agatha and Leofwine reuniting after many years as friends after being bereaved brings a more hopeful ending to this story. Sarah Hawkswood is a very fine author and I am n on to the next in the series.
August 31, 2025
3.5-4 stars for this entry in the historical series, set in England, 1144. A body is found floating near a mill, and the man has been stabbed but not robbed. Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, Sergeant Catchpoll and apprentice Walkelin must discover who the victim was, and who killed him.
The victim was a horse dealer, with a beautiful younger wife who strayed-at first it seems she and one of her lovers might have wanted him out of the way-or perhaps the victim’s brother, who stood to inherit? Questions lead to the manor of the foul-tempered lord who’d married the victim’s sister. She’d also just died after a fall downstairs; was it an accident or was she killed? Who’d kill such a beautiful and saintly woman, loved by all?
This one was a tangle, a knotty puzzle that took time to unravel and understand. The nasty lord was so hateful and rude, I felt he should be twisting a mustache! A bit over the top, but after a climactic end, they cracked the case. Well done, and ultimately satisfying end. I look forward to the next outing.
The victim was a horse dealer, with a beautiful younger wife who strayed-at first it seems she and one of her lovers might have wanted him out of the way-or perhaps the victim’s brother, who stood to inherit? Questions lead to the manor of the foul-tempered lord who’d married the victim’s sister. She’d also just died after a fall downstairs; was it an accident or was she killed? Who’d kill such a beautiful and saintly woman, loved by all?
This one was a tangle, a knotty puzzle that took time to unravel and understand. The nasty lord was so hateful and rude, I felt he should be twisting a mustache! A bit over the top, but after a climactic end, they cracked the case. Well done, and ultimately satisfying end. I look forward to the next outing.
May 28, 2020
This is book 5 of the Bradecote and Catchpoll series of medieval murder mysteries.
When a dead man is found floating down the river, the two series leads - the undersheriff Bradecote and his sergeant Catchpoll - as well as their young apprentice Walkelin first have to find out who the man was, then who murdered him and why. There's no lack of possible suspects connected to different areas of the man's life / activities, which to me was one of the definite strengths of the novel. Those suspects are very well written characters and provide a fascinating insight into the time and place of the novel - medieval England. I was particularly fascinated with the character who finally turns out to be at the core of what led to this murder - he is psychologically very interesting, as is a relationship between a husband and wife that is also central to the story. (I won't be more specific to not spoiler the novel.) As with the rest of the series, I really like the main characters, the well researched time and place, as well as the humour. The plot is convincing and suspenseful. I'd recommend the series.
When a dead man is found floating down the river, the two series leads - the undersheriff Bradecote and his sergeant Catchpoll - as well as their young apprentice Walkelin first have to find out who the man was, then who murdered him and why. There's no lack of possible suspects connected to different areas of the man's life / activities, which to me was one of the definite strengths of the novel. Those suspects are very well written characters and provide a fascinating insight into the time and place of the novel - medieval England. I was particularly fascinated with the character who finally turns out to be at the core of what led to this murder - he is psychologically very interesting, as is a relationship between a husband and wife that is also central to the story. (I won't be more specific to not spoiler the novel.) As with the rest of the series, I really like the main characters, the well researched time and place, as well as the humour. The plot is convincing and suspenseful. I'd recommend the series.
March 6, 2021
Set in 1100’s England, a really clever whodunnit.
January 17, 2025
I like how the characters are progressing and growing in their roles. But still a lot of the mystery comes from the three investigators missing clues and failing to follow up on witnesses.
December 24, 2025
I was compelled but struggling to start with. The midpoint had a fantastic dilemma that actually made me sit up and lean forward, and that is purely because the three protagonists - the sheriffs and their apprentice - are so likeable. They were a great trio, and I enjoyed their banter and dynamics, which is a good blend of class difference and three generations of wisdom.
I enjoyed seeing how deductions had to be contemplated and investigated, and I enjoyed hating the villain. It got pacy from the midpoint. I also enjoyed the emphasis on finding evidence, seeing how that was accomplished, and what might have counted for evidence in the 1100s.
Also, as someone who has never read a Bradecote and Catchpoll mystery before, it made no difference. I enjoyed this as a standalone, and didn't need any knowledge from the other books.
My only gripe is that it was frequently hard to tell who was speaking. The book is more dialogue than description, which is fine, but there's a stark lack of dialogue tags/indication of who is talking, and since none of them have a distinct tone, it was frustrating to pause to make sure I knew who said what.
I enjoyed seeing how deductions had to be contemplated and investigated, and I enjoyed hating the villain. It got pacy from the midpoint. I also enjoyed the emphasis on finding evidence, seeing how that was accomplished, and what might have counted for evidence in the 1100s.
Also, as someone who has never read a Bradecote and Catchpoll mystery before, it made no difference. I enjoyed this as a standalone, and didn't need any knowledge from the other books.
My only gripe is that it was frequently hard to tell who was speaking. The book is more dialogue than description, which is fine, but there's a stark lack of dialogue tags/indication of who is talking, and since none of them have a distinct tone, it was frustrating to pause to make sure I knew who said what.
March 25, 2024
Really enjoyable historical tale with likeable characters Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin.
The trio are assigned a case to identify the killer of a horse trader whose body is found floating in the river by a mill.
All roads lead to a grieving Lord of a manor whose wife recently met an accident. Is there a connection? The plot is clever and I particularly liked the traces of humour between the three main characters.
Recommended.
The trio are assigned a case to identify the killer of a horse trader whose body is found floating in the river by a mill.
All roads lead to a grieving Lord of a manor whose wife recently met an accident. Is there a connection? The plot is clever and I particularly liked the traces of humour between the three main characters.
Recommended.
April 2, 2023
This is no 5 in the series and is a very clever whodunnit, our trio are the same bringing justice to the worcester area in 1144. Characters really blend well together with the occasional sense of humour. It concerns a horse dealers death which needs to be solved,(no spoilers). So sit back and enjoy the ride through 1144 in the worcester area.
May 31, 2025
Just gets better and better....
I am very glad there are at least a few more in this series, I am quite attached to these characters! Great plot, as usual. This series is more characters driven than period-detail driven and I have come to like it a great deal.
I am very glad there are at least a few more in this series, I am quite attached to these characters! Great plot, as usual. This series is more characters driven than period-detail driven and I have come to like it a great deal.
October 30, 2025
A fun read for the interaction among the three main characters and the way they are learning to work together. The mystery itself was fairly obvious early on; the problem was proof. And preventing additional deaths.
April 17, 2020
Excellent
Really enjoyable tale living up to previous 'adventures '. Characters really blend well together with the occasional sense of humour.
Really enjoyable tale living up to previous 'adventures '. Characters really blend well together with the occasional sense of humour.
August 11, 2020
Maps?
These are good stories but I liked it when there were maps included and the historical note added.
They seem rote now.
These are good stories but I liked it when there were maps included and the historical note added.
They seem rote now.
December 29, 2020
Looking forward to the next book
There are few writers who have the style, characters and plots and have done the research as well this author. I am looking forward to reading all in this series.
There are few writers who have the style, characters and plots and have done the research as well this author. I am looking forward to reading all in this series.
January 28, 2021
Best one so far.
September 30, 2021
Absorbing read
A thoroughly enjoyable book the standard of previous installments kept up and I look forward to the next one keenly
A thoroughly enjoyable book the standard of previous installments kept up and I look forward to the next one keenly
January 16, 2022
Oh so good. Nothing more I can say. Looking forward to the next.
July 8, 2022
Love, love, love.
January 11, 2023
My first book in this series. A very complicated story to follow. Not my favourite book to read but I needed to find out the ending.
March 6, 2023
An excellent medieval mystery
Interesting, well crafted characters and a complex plot make for a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend the entire series.
Interesting, well crafted characters and a complex plot make for a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend the entire series.
July 4, 2023
The fifth mystery for Bradecote and Catchpoll, along with Walkelin, the serjeanting apprentice. This time the body of a horse dealer is found floating by Fladbury mill.
March 23, 2024
A good addition to this historical crime series. It has a sense of time and place and gives a good feel for the period, as well as being an engaging read.
October 14, 2019
Only one complaint...
Not near enough inclusion of Christina or baby Gilbert ...is that right? ...and the Manor staff and goings on in this story. Though women are always crucial and well written characters in these books..I would know more of them! This is a man's story, sure enough. The writing is crisp and description
to be and the settings feel as real as ones own neighborhood...'you are there' feeling tjroughlut , like all her other novels. I love these books and as I approach the last one so far in this series, hope for many more. Ms. Hardwood is an incredible scribe of engaging and though often horrific stories of the time engaged the reader from start to finish. Am sad at times and relieved and glad at times that she does not describe the real smells of the time to make her tales feel really Real! The stench of life in the Times was ever present and just a mention of two of the reality of that fact would explain much, and the myth that bathing was dangerous to ones health would make us here and now feel so grateful for baths and showers slap and sham
Oo! Just saying' ! Read these ..you will not have wasted a moment of your time and though it might make one grateful for living in the 21st. Century it explains so much of the history of why we think and act the way we do now.
Not near enough inclusion of Christina or baby Gilbert ...is that right? ...and the Manor staff and goings on in this story. Though women are always crucial and well written characters in these books..I would know more of them! This is a man's story, sure enough. The writing is crisp and description
to be and the settings feel as real as ones own neighborhood...'you are there' feeling tjroughlut , like all her other novels. I love these books and as I approach the last one so far in this series, hope for many more. Ms. Hardwood is an incredible scribe of engaging and though often horrific stories of the time engaged the reader from start to finish. Am sad at times and relieved and glad at times that she does not describe the real smells of the time to make her tales feel really Real! The stench of life in the Times was ever present and just a mention of two of the reality of that fact would explain much, and the myth that bathing was dangerous to ones health would make us here and now feel so grateful for baths and showers slap and sham
Oo! Just saying' ! Read these ..you will not have wasted a moment of your time and though it might make one grateful for living in the 21st. Century it explains so much of the history of why we think and act the way we do now.
June 22, 2022
I find this to be such an excellently researched series. It is set in the time of the Anarchy, when Empress Matilda and King Stephen were battling it out as to whom would rule England. The author has done such an excellent job with developing her characters and plots that once I begin reading her books I can't put them down. Just when I think that the previous one what's my favorite, I find that the next one is even better!
March 13, 2025
Another enjoyable episode in this great historical mystery series
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews