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Stephen Attebrook Mysteries #10
The Corpse at Windsor Bridge
Two weeks after the disappearance of Father Giles de Twet, the confessor to Prince Edward, the priest's rotting corpse is found in the River Thames beneath the bridge at medieval Windsor, weighted down by a block of stone
Stephen Attebrook, a one-time coroner now at loose ends, finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time after he agrees to escort a herd of cattle from Ludlow to Windsor to feed King Henry's army, which is preparing for civil war. A distraught Prince Edward orders Stephen to find Father Giles' killer.
Meanwhile, Stephen's arch enemy, Percival FitzAllan, the Earl of Arundel, has brought Stephen's niece, Ida, to Windsor as his captive to petition the king to make the beautiful young woman his ward. FitzAllan's ultimate plan: marry Ida to a retainer to gain control of Hafton Manor, Stephen and Ida's home.
Stephen struggles to solve the murder while risking his life and his fortune to shield Ida from a loathsome marriage.
From the back of the book.
Stephen Attebrook, a one-time coroner now at loose ends, finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time after he agrees to escort a herd of cattle from Ludlow to Windsor to feed King Henry's army, which is preparing for civil war. A distraught Prince Edward orders Stephen to find Father Giles' killer.
Meanwhile, Stephen's arch enemy, Percival FitzAllan, the Earl of Arundel, has brought Stephen's niece, Ida, to Windsor as his captive to petition the king to make the beautiful young woman his ward. FitzAllan's ultimate plan: marry Ida to a retainer to gain control of Hafton Manor, Stephen and Ida's home.
Stephen struggles to solve the murder while risking his life and his fortune to shield Ida from a loathsome marriage.
From the back of the book.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
250 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 7, 2020
I have now read ten books describing the life and adventures of Stephen Attebrook over the past five years, usually enjoying the stories and always liking the characters as well as the medieval time period. This one was a very satisfying solution to his battle to inherit his estate.
There will be difficult travels, murder investigation, conflicts with nobles, spies, whores and thieves and sometimes good fortune for the rag tag group.
Prince Edward and wife Leonor figure in the action.
These kindle books are not always thoroughly edited, but they are affordable.
There will be difficult travels, murder investigation, conflicts with nobles, spies, whores and thieves and sometimes good fortune for the rag tag group.
Prince Edward and wife Leonor figure in the action.
These kindle books are not always thoroughly edited, but they are affordable.
February 4, 2025
4.5 stars- we get Ida! Once again, the great Stephen is put to work finding a killer. This one has royal ties. To me, the reason for the death was really sad. Like he had been duped, and by women no less...
Stephen gains Ida, and a whole boat load of trouble (per usual), is arrested (I loved how he was helped to escape), and generally loses everything until fortune turns towards him once again.
I was hoping to bask in his success but a sneak peek at the next book dashes all hopes! So frustrating.
Anyway- Highlights I enjoyed, possible spoilers:
(Gilbert) "As much as he enjoyed Stephen’s company, a thing he could never admit out loud, of course, for some reason it always involved a high risk of death and great discomfort."
Ida is a great addition:
“I don’t fancy sleeping in barns,” Gilbert grumbled. “I’ve never found a barn convivial.” He glanced at Ida as if for her support. It was scandalous for a gentlewoman to sleep in a barn.
“I don’t mind a barn,” Ida said. “It will be a new experience.”
“You won’t sing the same tune after one night in it,” Gilbert said.
“You’ll find that I complain less than you do,” Ida said.
And this was terrific:
“I am no man’s ward, your grace,” Ida said. “And I have come to demand that Gilbert Wistwode will not be harmed on my account.”
Edward smiled faintly. “How are you not a ward?”
“Because Sir Stephen carried me off to London where we were made man and wife.”
You could have pushed Stephen over from the surprise lol.
Stephen gains Ida, and a whole boat load of trouble (per usual), is arrested (I loved how he was helped to escape), and generally loses everything until fortune turns towards him once again.
I was hoping to bask in his success but a sneak peek at the next book dashes all hopes! So frustrating.
Anyway- Highlights I enjoyed, possible spoilers:
(Gilbert) "As much as he enjoyed Stephen’s company, a thing he could never admit out loud, of course, for some reason it always involved a high risk of death and great discomfort."
Ida is a great addition:
“I don’t fancy sleeping in barns,” Gilbert grumbled. “I’ve never found a barn convivial.” He glanced at Ida as if for her support. It was scandalous for a gentlewoman to sleep in a barn.
“I don’t mind a barn,” Ida said. “It will be a new experience.”
“You won’t sing the same tune after one night in it,” Gilbert said.
“You’ll find that I complain less than you do,” Ida said.
And this was terrific:
“I am no man’s ward, your grace,” Ida said. “And I have come to demand that Gilbert Wistwode will not be harmed on my account.”
Edward smiled faintly. “How are you not a ward?”
“Because Sir Stephen carried me off to London where we were made man and wife.”
You could have pushed Stephen over from the surprise lol.
September 2, 2021
stephen does a little better
i think he took too much responsibility for the knight’s death. they were knights who had fought before. they know the risk. i hope they don’t leave Ludlow.
i think he took too much responsibility for the knight’s death. they were knights who had fought before. they know the risk. i hope they don’t leave Ludlow.
August 9, 2020
#10 in the coroner Stephen Attebrook mystery series set in the English town of Ludlow near the Welsh border from December, 1263 to January, 1264. An impoverished knight considered too disabled because of a foot injury for combat, so gets by working as a coroner’s investigator. His situation improves over the course of the series while his trials and tribulations increase.
Two weeks after the disappearance of Father Giles de Twet, Stephen Attebrook, a one-time coroner now at loose ends, finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time after he agrees to escort a herd of cattle from Ludlow to Windsor to feed King Henry's army. As he arrives at Windsor, the priest's rotting corpse is found in the River Thames and Prince Edward orders Stephen to find Father Giles' killer.
The complication is that Stephen's arch enemy, Percival Fitz Allan, has brought Stephen's 16 year old niece, Ida, to Windsor as his captive to petition the king to make the beautiful young woman his ward so he can marry Ida to a retainer to gain control of Hafton Manor, Stephen and Ida's home.
FYI: For a change in this series, someone else other than Stephen takes a prominent role. Ida is an absolute "Pistol" and force of nature in this story who takes over in difficult spots without fear.
Two weeks after the disappearance of Father Giles de Twet, Stephen Attebrook, a one-time coroner now at loose ends, finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time after he agrees to escort a herd of cattle from Ludlow to Windsor to feed King Henry's army. As he arrives at Windsor, the priest's rotting corpse is found in the River Thames and Prince Edward orders Stephen to find Father Giles' killer.
The complication is that Stephen's arch enemy, Percival Fitz Allan, has brought Stephen's 16 year old niece, Ida, to Windsor as his captive to petition the king to make the beautiful young woman his ward so he can marry Ida to a retainer to gain control of Hafton Manor, Stephen and Ida's home.
FYI: For a change in this series, someone else other than Stephen takes a prominent role. Ida is an absolute "Pistol" and force of nature in this story who takes over in difficult spots without fear.
June 21, 2020
The latest installment in the Stephen Attebrook mysteries by Jason Vail. Jason Vail was one of the very first authors I found when I moved into the Kindle Unlimited, self-published world and he remains one of my favorites. This story does not stand out significantly from the others and functions solidly as one more installment in the life and adventures of Stephen Attebrook who navigates life on the edge during the 13th century. There was a bit of an eyebrow raiser as his relationship with Ida, his niece, took an unexpected turn, but considering the age and the circumstances and the general amount of consanguinity of the social class, it's not as surprising as you think. There is a nod toward making the relationship more respectable and I look forward to reading more about it. All in all a solidly satisfying addition to the series. Would recommend for those who enjoy medieval mysteries with the caveat that it is probably better if you read the series in order to keep up with the details.
March 31, 2021
"Two weeks after the disappearance of Father Giles de Twet, the confessor to Prince Edward, the priest's rotting corpse is found in the River Thames beneath the bridge at medieval Windsor, weighted down by a block of stone
"Stephen Attebrook, a one-time coroner now at loose ends, finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time after he agrees to escort a herd of cattle from Ludlow to Windsor to feed King Henry's army, which is preparing for civil war. A distraught Prince Edward orders Stephen to find Father Giles' killer.
"Meanwhile, Stephen's arch enemy, Percival FitzAllan, the Earl of Arundel, has brought Stephen's niece, Ida, to Windsor as his captive to petition the king to make the beautiful young woman his ward. FitzAllan's ultimate plan: marry Ida to a retainer to gain control of Hafton Manor, Stephen and Ida's home.
"Stephen struggles to solve the murder while risking his life and his fortune to shield Ida from a loathsome marriage."
~~back cover
OK book, although I found the plot hard to follow.
"Stephen Attebrook, a one-time coroner now at loose ends, finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time after he agrees to escort a herd of cattle from Ludlow to Windsor to feed King Henry's army, which is preparing for civil war. A distraught Prince Edward orders Stephen to find Father Giles' killer.
"Meanwhile, Stephen's arch enemy, Percival FitzAllan, the Earl of Arundel, has brought Stephen's niece, Ida, to Windsor as his captive to petition the king to make the beautiful young woman his ward. FitzAllan's ultimate plan: marry Ida to a retainer to gain control of Hafton Manor, Stephen and Ida's home.
"Stephen struggles to solve the murder while risking his life and his fortune to shield Ida from a loathsome marriage."
~~back cover
OK book, although I found the plot hard to follow.
September 29, 2020
4 1/2 stars.
Well-researched historical fiction that transports the reader to the Thames River and Windsor Castle in the late 1200’s. Excellent depiction of the smells, sounds and chills of winter during that time period. Quite a few terms I needed to look up, such as barbican (a fortified gateway at an outside defense perimeter of a city or castle or tower). The mystery was believable and the conclusion unexpected and interesting.
Great characters. I especially liked Ida, Stephen’s feisty, young niece.
“I don’t fancy sleeping in barns,” Gilbert grumbled. “I’ve never found a barn convivial.” He glanced at Ida as if for her support. It was scandalous for a gentlewoman to sleep in a barn.
“I don’t mind a barn,” Ida said. “It will be a new experience.”
Well-researched historical fiction that transports the reader to the Thames River and Windsor Castle in the late 1200’s. Excellent depiction of the smells, sounds and chills of winter during that time period. Quite a few terms I needed to look up, such as barbican (a fortified gateway at an outside defense perimeter of a city or castle or tower). The mystery was believable and the conclusion unexpected and interesting.
Great characters. I especially liked Ida, Stephen’s feisty, young niece.
“I don’t fancy sleeping in barns,” Gilbert grumbled. “I’ve never found a barn convivial.” He glanced at Ida as if for her support. It was scandalous for a gentlewoman to sleep in a barn.
“I don’t mind a barn,” Ida said. “It will be a new experience.”
September 5, 2020
More surprises for Sir Stephen
A direct order from Prince Edward sets Stephen to investigate the murder of a priest attached to the royal family. Lady Ida is still held captive by FitzAllen, and spies for Monfort are in Windsor. Unexpected life changes present themselves to the Attebrooks.
A direct order from Prince Edward sets Stephen to investigate the murder of a priest attached to the royal family. Lady Ida is still held captive by FitzAllen, and spies for Monfort are in Windsor. Unexpected life changes present themselves to the Attebrooks.
November 18, 2020
December 1263. Sir Stephen Attebrook and Gilbert Wistwoode are near their journey's end at Windsor. Their timing is unfortunate as the body of Father Giles de Twet, confessor of Prince Edward, missing for two weeks, is dragged from the river. On sighting Stephen, Prince Edward instructs him to investigate the death.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable main characters.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable main characters.
January 2, 2021
A Good Read
Stephen is always running into trouble even when there are the best of intentions 😉 It's always very entertaining to watch him get in and out and in and out... And so forth lol. Such a good example of how things can go awry while attempting to do the right thing. Alas, a good heart usually leads to difficulty.
Stephen is always running into trouble even when there are the best of intentions 😉 It's always very entertaining to watch him get in and out and in and out... And so forth lol. Such a good example of how things can go awry while attempting to do the right thing. Alas, a good heart usually leads to difficulty.
February 24, 2021
These books are always a good read, with even more connection to real historical figures (which also prompts a brief afterward to discuss one such person). There are a few twists with Ida that will lead to more story lines in the future as well. I did a double take when at one point Stephen said, "It is what it is," which I tend to doubt was used at the time!
July 2, 2021
Intriguing
A priest is found in a river dead attached to a heavy rope, is it murder or something more sinister? Prince Edward gives the task of solving the mystery to Stephen Attebrook who with his usual approach not only finds out the truth but obtained a life changing experience as well. Well written story that will hold your interest.
A priest is found in a river dead attached to a heavy rope, is it murder or something more sinister? Prince Edward gives the task of solving the mystery to Stephen Attebrook who with his usual approach not only finds out the truth but obtained a life changing experience as well. Well written story that will hold your interest.
August 25, 2021
A bit of a disappointment
Not my favourite book. Rather rambling and too many diversions from the main story. The title is also misleading. It does not suggest that the story will be about someone's children who were sold by their avaricious mother. Does not tempt me to read more by this author.
Not my favourite book. Rather rambling and too many diversions from the main story. The title is also misleading. It does not suggest that the story will be about someone's children who were sold by their avaricious mother. Does not tempt me to read more by this author.
April 7, 2022
I cannot get enough of the Stephen Attebrooke mysteries. The character arcs are a delight as they unfold. The way the mysteries embed into the political intrigue and dramas of the time create looming dangers and high stakes for Sir Stephen as he struggles to navigate the quagmire. You can't help but root for him as he is constantly forced to the edge of ruin.
July 14, 2020
The Corpse
The ending came a bit suddenly . A question comes up like who cut the rope. Does Steven get a new home and a few pennies for his efforts ? Over all it did hold ones attention like Ball's other stories. BB
The ending came a bit suddenly . A question comes up like who cut the rope. Does Steven get a new home and a few pennies for his efforts ? Over all it did hold ones attention like Ball's other stories. BB
Read
July 21, 2020A Medieval Windsor murder.
Sir Stephen Attebrook delivers sheep to Windsor and becomes involved in a Friar's murder. Edward I
requests his help to find the murderer in what becomes a very entangled plot. Lots of good historical descriptions and plenty of action. A good read
Sir Stephen Attebrook delivers sheep to Windsor and becomes involved in a Friar's murder. Edward I
requests his help to find the murderer in what becomes a very entangled plot. Lots of good historical descriptions and plenty of action. A good read
July 26, 2020
Another good adventure for Stephan and Gilbert. I like how Stephan always seems to just fall into these situations and then can never leave them until he solves the mystery even after being told to leave well enough alone. The humor of the characters also is very entertaining.
August 5, 2020
Hated for this marvelous series to end
Cleverly written. Loved the saucy repartee between characters in this whole series. And their flaws made them so much more human and loveable than those in books which extol the perfection of heroes and heroines.
Cleverly written. Loved the saucy repartee between characters in this whole series. And their flaws made them so much more human and loveable than those in books which extol the perfection of heroes and heroines.
September 15, 2020
Excellent
This is the first Stephen Attebrook mystery book that I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed the the it. I enjoyed the setting of it in 1200’s in England and the rough and lawlessness of that time period.
This is the first Stephen Attebrook mystery book that I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed the the it. I enjoyed the setting of it in 1200’s in England and the rough and lawlessness of that time period.
March 30, 2021
Great series
I was straight into this series from the first book, and have read them all one after another, fantastic characters, plots, twists and great stories, a real page turner, I highly recommend it to historical fiction readers
I was straight into this series from the first book, and have read them all one after another, fantastic characters, plots, twists and great stories, a real page turner, I highly recommend it to historical fiction readers
May 25, 2021
First Class
I have just finished the whole series and I am devastated that I have come to the end. Action packed throughout. Excellent plots and human story line. Brilliantly written. Eagerly awaiting the next book. Thank you.
I have just finished the whole series and I am devastated that I have come to the end. Action packed throughout. Excellent plots and human story line. Brilliantly written. Eagerly awaiting the next book. Thank you.
July 24, 2021
Attebrook is trying to guard a herd of cattle for Prince Edward while trying to solve the murder of a priest and rescue his niece from his greatest enemies.
He finds himself with an unexpected wife😂😂
He finds himself with an unexpected wife😂😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2021
All good.
I will buy every book this author writes! I have followed Mr Vail since the beginning and I never get tired of the characters or the setting. The books are well written and well informed as well as funny and good natured.
I will buy every book this author writes! I have followed Mr Vail since the beginning and I never get tired of the characters or the setting. The books are well written and well informed as well as funny and good natured.
December 30, 2021
I am very distressed.
I am distressed because I just realized I am running out of books in this truly outstanding series. I am actually thinking of delaying reading the next one just so I have another really good book should I find myself in need of a really good read.
I am distressed because I just realized I am running out of books in this truly outstanding series. I am actually thinking of delaying reading the next one just so I have another really good book should I find myself in need of a really good read.
April 22, 2022
Thrilling tale
Another great adventure for Stephen Attebrook. Lots of twists and turns in the plot that keep you interested right up to the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Another great adventure for Stephen Attebrook. Lots of twists and turns in the plot that keep you interested right up to the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 22, 2022
the tide turns
Well, Sir Stephen comes through again. Solves a crime (even though those in power who set him on the task don’t seem to care); acquires a wife; and is rewarded with a manor. Oh such success! What does the future hold in store.
Well, Sir Stephen comes through again. Solves a crime (even though those in power who set him on the task don’t seem to care); acquires a wife; and is rewarded with a manor. Oh such success! What does the future hold in store.
December 16, 2023
Always a good read
The Stephen Attebrook mysteries are always good though poor Stephen seems to get the short end of the stick pretty often. Ida is shaping up to be a strong, intelligent woman who will only add value in future stories.
The Stephen Attebrook mysteries are always good though poor Stephen seems to get the short end of the stick pretty often. Ida is shaping up to be a strong, intelligent woman who will only add value in future stories.
July 7, 2020
Enjoyable
Another good read. The characters are true to themselves and to their time period. Surprises fill the pages and smiles fill the reader's faces.
Another good read. The characters are true to themselves and to their time period. Surprises fill the pages and smiles fill the reader's faces.
July 10, 2020
Another intriguing tale
Book ten in the Attebrook series and hopefully there are ten more to come. Enjoyable to the last. Looking forward to the next!!
Book ten in the Attebrook series and hopefully there are ten more to come. Enjoyable to the last. Looking forward to the next!!
September 10, 2020
Good story
Charming characters in a story of a poor but honorable knight cast into a royal demand to investigate a mysterious murder. Touches of humor make for an enjoyable read.
Charming characters in a story of a poor but honorable knight cast into a royal demand to investigate a mysterious murder. Touches of humor make for an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews