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A Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation #7
River of Sins
July 1144. Ricolde, ‘the finest whore in Worcester’, is found butchered on an island a few miles up the River Severn. How did she get there, who killed her, and why? Uncovering details of her life and her past reveal a woman with hidden depths and hidden miseries which are fundamental to the answers, but time has cast a thick veil over the killer’s identity. The lord Sheriff’s men have a trail that went cold over two decades ago, and evidence that contradicts itself. In a place Catchpoll knows inside out, he finds things new even to him, and then the case becomes personal.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2020
124 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hawkswood
23 books114 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 50 reviews
December 3, 2020
My second book with a memorable couple, Bradecote and Catchpoll, who this time have to find the culprit behind the brutal murder of a woman of ill-repute. The year is 1144 and Worcester is a busy city. The River Severn gives employment and witnesses brutality and crime, present and the past.
I found this book interesting, with solid historical background with regard to the descriptions of the places, people and their daily lives, both dwelling in the city and farming the land. The mystery is well-told and quite intriguing.
*Many thanks to Sarah Hawkswood, Allison & Busby, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
I found this book interesting, with solid historical background with regard to the descriptions of the places, people and their daily lives, both dwelling in the city and farming the land. The mystery is well-told and quite intriguing.
*Many thanks to Sarah Hawkswood, Allison & Busby, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
December 4, 2020
What a wonderful discovery River of Sins was! I hadn't previously come across Sarah Hawkswood's Bradecote and Catchpoll series, but now intend catching up on the earlier instalments. That said, if River of Sins is any indication, the books would read well as standalones in any case.
As a big fan of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series, which are set within the same tumultuous decade (the 1140's and 50's) and only a few miles further up the Severn at Shrewsbury, I was immediately intrigued by Sarah Hawkswood's more recent series of medieval mysteries. And I was impressed!
Hugh Bradecote, Lord Undersheriff of Worcester, Serjeant Catchpoll and Serjeant's Apprentice Walkelin are alerted to the discovery of a violently murdered woman on Bevere island, about 5 miles upriver from Worcester.
An aerial view of Bevere Island as it appears today
Although the remains are badly disfigured, the men quickly identify the deceased as Ricolde, widely regarded as "the finest whore in Worcester". She was no common street prostitute however, but an astute businesswoman, who built independent wealth, could choose her clients and contributed generously, albeit discretely, to charitable causes in her local parish.
The three protagonists energetically investigate the crime within the walled city of Worcester and in the surrounding area, uncovering plenty of scorn and disapproval for the murdered woman, but also many who held great respect and affection for her. Violent marriages, crooked businessmen and the deceased's own murky personal history throw up plenty of suspects, but this proves a very perplexing case indeed. The stakes are further raised when a second prostitute is found murdered in an alleyway within the town.
This map dates from over three centuries later, but depicts a Worcester not too dissimilar to that policed by Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin
I found the plot of River of Sins engrossing, with its deft intertwining of a police procedural with immersive historical detail. While, unlike the author, I'm no qualified historian, I have always had an interest in the medieval period, and reading River of Sins prompted me to go down a rabbit hole of Google images and maps of historical Worcester. I also found the material contained within the author's own website related to the series fascinating.
The character development is also solid, particularly of the central trio and the victim. I'm conscious that I'm missing a lot of backstory around the developing rapport between Bradecote and Catchpoll, given I haven't yet read the earlier novels.
There's a varied cast of supporting characters and suspects, some inevitably more three-dimensional than others. I was impressed by the way the author portrayed the (main) victim with such sensitivity, in light of her profession. Right up to modern times, sex workers are frequently not accorded the respect they deserve when the victims of crime, either in real life or fiction. Hawkswood explores many intriguing themes around social mobility, the role of women in the family and in society, and the importance of family networks in medieval times.
An entertaining and stimulating read. Highly recommended to those who enjoy well-crafted mysteries, well-researched historical fiction or (like me) both! Trigger warnings for domestic violence and references to child sexual abuse.
My thanks to the author, Sarah Hawkswood, publisher Allison & Busby and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title in advance of its publication on 19 November 2020.
As a big fan of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series, which are set within the same tumultuous decade (the 1140's and 50's) and only a few miles further up the Severn at Shrewsbury, I was immediately intrigued by Sarah Hawkswood's more recent series of medieval mysteries. And I was impressed!
Hugh Bradecote, Lord Undersheriff of Worcester, Serjeant Catchpoll and Serjeant's Apprentice Walkelin are alerted to the discovery of a violently murdered woman on Bevere island, about 5 miles upriver from Worcester.
An aerial view of Bevere Island as it appears today
Although the remains are badly disfigured, the men quickly identify the deceased as Ricolde, widely regarded as "the finest whore in Worcester". She was no common street prostitute however, but an astute businesswoman, who built independent wealth, could choose her clients and contributed generously, albeit discretely, to charitable causes in her local parish.
The three protagonists energetically investigate the crime within the walled city of Worcester and in the surrounding area, uncovering plenty of scorn and disapproval for the murdered woman, but also many who held great respect and affection for her. Violent marriages, crooked businessmen and the deceased's own murky personal history throw up plenty of suspects, but this proves a very perplexing case indeed. The stakes are further raised when a second prostitute is found murdered in an alleyway within the town.
This map dates from over three centuries later, but depicts a Worcester not too dissimilar to that policed by Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin
I found the plot of River of Sins engrossing, with its deft intertwining of a police procedural with immersive historical detail. While, unlike the author, I'm no qualified historian, I have always had an interest in the medieval period, and reading River of Sins prompted me to go down a rabbit hole of Google images and maps of historical Worcester. I also found the material contained within the author's own website related to the series fascinating.
The character development is also solid, particularly of the central trio and the victim. I'm conscious that I'm missing a lot of backstory around the developing rapport between Bradecote and Catchpoll, given I haven't yet read the earlier novels.
"A year working together had changed antipathy and resentment, through grudging respect, to a relationship where each knew the strengths, and weaknesses, of the other, and both knew they made a team." (loc.2445/3422)
There's a varied cast of supporting characters and suspects, some inevitably more three-dimensional than others. I was impressed by the way the author portrayed the (main) victim with such sensitivity, in light of her profession. Right up to modern times, sex workers are frequently not accorded the respect they deserve when the victims of crime, either in real life or fiction. Hawkswood explores many intriguing themes around social mobility, the role of women in the family and in society, and the importance of family networks in medieval times.
An entertaining and stimulating read. Highly recommended to those who enjoy well-crafted mysteries, well-researched historical fiction or (like me) both! Trigger warnings for domestic violence and references to child sexual abuse.
My thanks to the author, Sarah Hawkswood, publisher Allison & Busby and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title in advance of its publication on 19 November 2020.
December 22, 2020
Medieval murder investigations!
An introduction to a new (for me) medieval mystery is exciting. Set in Worchester in 1141, we have a beautiful dead woman, Ricolde, whom it seems was known as the Whore of Worchester. Deplored by the women of the area and yet loved by the local clergy for her generosity for her charitable donations for caring for the poor. Ricolde is a puzzle, an astute business woman and a whore, not the usual combination. It seems she's chosen a life that gives her independence and income. Although if the antics of the local women is anything to go by, no friendships with people of her own gender. Ricolde's body was discovered upstream from her home on an island in the middle of the River Severn. How did she get there and who committed this ghastly crime? That is up to the undersheriff Lord Bradecote and Worchester Serjeant Catchpoll to find out. An interesting journey for them and us as the culprit is rooted out.
The doings of this investigative duo may be my first reading but it won't be my last.
An Allison & Busby ARC via NetGalley
An introduction to a new (for me) medieval mystery is exciting. Set in Worchester in 1141, we have a beautiful dead woman, Ricolde, whom it seems was known as the Whore of Worchester. Deplored by the women of the area and yet loved by the local clergy for her generosity for her charitable donations for caring for the poor. Ricolde is a puzzle, an astute business woman and a whore, not the usual combination. It seems she's chosen a life that gives her independence and income. Although if the antics of the local women is anything to go by, no friendships with people of her own gender. Ricolde's body was discovered upstream from her home on an island in the middle of the River Severn. How did she get there and who committed this ghastly crime? That is up to the undersheriff Lord Bradecote and Worchester Serjeant Catchpoll to find out. An interesting journey for them and us as the culprit is rooted out.
The doings of this investigative duo may be my first reading but it won't be my last.
An Allison & Busby ARC via NetGalley
December 26, 2020
I have enjoyed this series with regular characters, seeing the development of team work between the three men who investigate murders together in the town of Worcester, year 1144. This outing includes quite a bit of fumbling in the dark as the search for a killer of the most established whore of Worcester turns up many surprises about her life, but few clues as to who would murder her in such a brutal manner. There will be other bodies as the men fail to find the truth.
Eventually matters come to a violent end with identification and then capture, but Bradecote nearly drowns in the action. His wife makes a visit to the town to bring him news.
NetGalley
Eventually matters come to a violent end with identification and then capture, but Bradecote nearly drowns in the action. His wife makes a visit to the town to bring him news.
NetGalley
January 31, 2021
I haven’t read any others in the series, but I consider this a Good Find. In the past I had quite a penchant for medieval murder mysteries, but they all seemed the same after a while. I have to say that this is definitely of better quality- the writing, plotting, content and characters and worked well as a stand alone, despite being seventh in series. I will definitely be looking up the others in this series and by this author. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
December 2, 2020
As a huge fan of historical crime mysteries, I’m surprised it’s taken me so long to discover Sarah Hawkswood’s ‘Bradcote and Catchpoll’ series set in medieval Worcester. However, better late than never! It also allows me to reassure readers that, despite being the seventh in the series, River of Sins can definitely be enjoyed without having read any of the previous books. There are a few references to earlier events and to the back stories of the leading characters, including some personal tragedies and longstanding enmities, but this in no way spoiled the book for me.
Hugh Bradcote, Undersheriff of Worcestershire and Serjeant Catchpoll make a great team. I get the impression that initial reservations they may have had about working together have been replaced by mutual respect and trust. Catchpoll has the street level knowledge of their patch, the keen eye of a detective and a reputation for taking no nonsense. Bradecote, on the other hand, may not have the detective nous of his sergeant but he has a keen sense of justice and can command the respect his status brings. In fact, they often deploy not so much a ‘good cop, bad cop’ strategy as a ‘toff cop, common cop’ approach with advantageous results. Walkelin, Catchpoll’s apprentice, brings youthful energy and some keen observational skills to the mix.
River of Sins has all the features of a police procedural but transported to medieval Worcester: securing the crime scene, gathering physical evidence, interviewing witnesses and identifying possible suspects. There are plenty of the latter but the one thing missing, especially as events take an unexpected turn, is motive. As Catchpoll observes to Bradcote, “There is no ‘why’, my lord, and that worries me. Until we have the ‘why’, I do not see my way clear to the ‘who'”.
As the investigation progresses, secrets from the past and hidden agenda are revealed along with tantalizing clues and false trails all enveloped in the atmosphere of medieval Worcester. The author keeps the tension building with some dramatic scenes as Bradcote and Catchpoll close in on the culprit.
I really enjoyed River of Sins. It’s a skillfully crafted mystery with plenty of period detail and two likeable leading characters. The good news is not only have I found a new historical crime series to follow but I have the six previous books to catch up on while I await the next investigation for Bradecote and Catchpoll, promised for 2021.
Hugh Bradcote, Undersheriff of Worcestershire and Serjeant Catchpoll make a great team. I get the impression that initial reservations they may have had about working together have been replaced by mutual respect and trust. Catchpoll has the street level knowledge of their patch, the keen eye of a detective and a reputation for taking no nonsense. Bradecote, on the other hand, may not have the detective nous of his sergeant but he has a keen sense of justice and can command the respect his status brings. In fact, they often deploy not so much a ‘good cop, bad cop’ strategy as a ‘toff cop, common cop’ approach with advantageous results. Walkelin, Catchpoll’s apprentice, brings youthful energy and some keen observational skills to the mix.
River of Sins has all the features of a police procedural but transported to medieval Worcester: securing the crime scene, gathering physical evidence, interviewing witnesses and identifying possible suspects. There are plenty of the latter but the one thing missing, especially as events take an unexpected turn, is motive. As Catchpoll observes to Bradcote, “There is no ‘why’, my lord, and that worries me. Until we have the ‘why’, I do not see my way clear to the ‘who'”.
As the investigation progresses, secrets from the past and hidden agenda are revealed along with tantalizing clues and false trails all enveloped in the atmosphere of medieval Worcester. The author keeps the tension building with some dramatic scenes as Bradcote and Catchpoll close in on the culprit.
I really enjoyed River of Sins. It’s a skillfully crafted mystery with plenty of period detail and two likeable leading characters. The good news is not only have I found a new historical crime series to follow but I have the six previous books to catch up on while I await the next investigation for Bradecote and Catchpoll, promised for 2021.
November 21, 2020
The story is set in 12th century England. The "finest whore in Worcester" has been brutally murdered and we follow in the footsteps of the Undersheriff and his sergeant, Bradecote and Catchpoll, as they unravel the mystery. This is book 7. I was captivated by the elegant and vintage feel of the cover and the enigmatic title of the book.
The investigators did not want for suspects and the investigation was quite long-winded and thorough. Although other aspects of 12th century life felt authentic, the poverty, hardships and squalor was not vividly depicted but this did not detract from the story itself. And, although the story was about prostitutes the desperation of their lot was also not a main part of the story. Instead, the main victim is one who has managed to rise above all that... Again, it did not effect the story itself and I just accepted it as the author's choice to stay away from the harsh realities of the time.
However, the whole plot was marred by the fact that the killer's background was disclosed in the very first chapter! So, as the reader, I already knew of his connection to the victim and the identity of the victim as well, so much of the book lacked suspense. The only mystery was that we did not know his name. It was a slow read as I waited for the two protagonists to catch up with what I already knew... If only that first chapter had been edited differently, this would have been an intricate murder mystery.
The investigators did not want for suspects and the investigation was quite long-winded and thorough. Although other aspects of 12th century life felt authentic, the poverty, hardships and squalor was not vividly depicted but this did not detract from the story itself. And, although the story was about prostitutes the desperation of their lot was also not a main part of the story. Instead, the main victim is one who has managed to rise above all that... Again, it did not effect the story itself and I just accepted it as the author's choice to stay away from the harsh realities of the time.
However, the whole plot was marred by the fact that the killer's background was disclosed in the very first chapter! So, as the reader, I already knew of his connection to the victim and the identity of the victim as well, so much of the book lacked suspense. The only mystery was that we did not know his name. It was a slow read as I waited for the two protagonists to catch up with what I already knew... If only that first chapter had been edited differently, this would have been an intricate murder mystery.
November 9, 2020
A good stand-alone mystery in what seems like a fun series of medieval sleuthing books.
When a body disfigured beyond recognition is found on the riverbank, Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote (a minor local lord who often buts heads with the Lord Sheriff) and Sergeant Catchpoll (an older, more experienced officer who falls below his younger boss in the social hierarchy) search for the killer before he (or she?) can strike again. But even after being identified, the victim's true name, history, and nature remain obscure. Neighbors and associates share conflicting accounts of the deceased. People hiding secrets bring a different story than those who appear innocent. As Bradecote and Catchpoll interrogate the community and unearth uncomfortable (yet open) secrets, will they find the culprit and also bring justice to those left vulnerable by the law?
This was an engaging story and a well-researched historical novel. While it may seem anachronistic in some cultural aspects, Hawkswood manages to ground her characters' compassion in human terms that surely must have existed somewhere in the same period. The past does not have a single mentality. People could be cruel and understanding in turn, even so many centuries ago. Instead of shying away from this truth, Hawkswood uses the conflict between what is widely accepted and what is abhorrent to paint a realistic community where bystanders, attackers, and victims must live side by side, and no one is left unscathed by the proximity. The result is a tragedy (but also a renewed attempt to make up for staying silent in the face of evil).
Recommended if you like medieval historical fiction or are just in the mood for a good mystery with complicated characters. I might also read the previous books in the series because there is a sense that the supporting characters' roles would be more impactful if I had their full history.
When a body disfigured beyond recognition is found on the riverbank, Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote (a minor local lord who often buts heads with the Lord Sheriff) and Sergeant Catchpoll (an older, more experienced officer who falls below his younger boss in the social hierarchy) search for the killer before he (or she?) can strike again. But even after being identified, the victim's true name, history, and nature remain obscure. Neighbors and associates share conflicting accounts of the deceased. People hiding secrets bring a different story than those who appear innocent. As Bradecote and Catchpoll interrogate the community and unearth uncomfortable (yet open) secrets, will they find the culprit and also bring justice to those left vulnerable by the law?
This was an engaging story and a well-researched historical novel. While it may seem anachronistic in some cultural aspects, Hawkswood manages to ground her characters' compassion in human terms that surely must have existed somewhere in the same period. The past does not have a single mentality. People could be cruel and understanding in turn, even so many centuries ago. Instead of shying away from this truth, Hawkswood uses the conflict between what is widely accepted and what is abhorrent to paint a realistic community where bystanders, attackers, and victims must live side by side, and no one is left unscathed by the proximity. The result is a tragedy (but also a renewed attempt to make up for staying silent in the face of evil).
Recommended if you like medieval historical fiction or are just in the mood for a good mystery with complicated characters. I might also read the previous books in the series because there is a sense that the supporting characters' roles would be more impactful if I had their full history.
November 1, 2020
#RiverofSins #NetGalley #Allison& Busby#Sarah Hawkswood.. Many thanks to these people for this enthralling ARC. The mystery was so very complex with many twists and turns and not-quite-dead-ends. Characterization is superb and grows even better with every outing, I've read and reviewed all 7.
"July 1144. Ricolde, ‘the finest whore in Worcester’, is found butchered on an island a few miles up the River Severn. How did she get there, who killed her, and why? Uncovering details of her life and her past reveal a woman with hidden depths and hidden miseries which are fundamental to the answers, but time has cast a thick veil over the killer’s identity. "
A medieval mystery at it's finest, my favorite genre! Pre-order yours now!!
See My Blog:"https://myainbookblog.blogspot.com/20...
"July 1144. Ricolde, ‘the finest whore in Worcester’, is found butchered on an island a few miles up the River Severn. How did she get there, who killed her, and why? Uncovering details of her life and her past reveal a woman with hidden depths and hidden miseries which are fundamental to the answers, but time has cast a thick veil over the killer’s identity. "
A medieval mystery at it's finest, my favorite genre! Pre-order yours now!!
See My Blog:"https://myainbookblog.blogspot.com/20...
November 15, 2020
4.5 stars
I did enjoy this story very much. The author really captured the feel of what it was like to live in this period, from the various merchants to the peasants working in their lord’s fields. It also made the reader aware of the different stations in society and how they viewed each other and the fact that few people ventured further than their immediate surroundings. This all comes into play in this story. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Lord Bradecote, the under sheriff and Serjeant Catchpole. This certainly had me wondering who could be the culprit and I didn’t guess who it was, so it kept my interest to the end. I will look out for more of these stories. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I did enjoy this story very much. The author really captured the feel of what it was like to live in this period, from the various merchants to the peasants working in their lord’s fields. It also made the reader aware of the different stations in society and how they viewed each other and the fact that few people ventured further than their immediate surroundings. This all comes into play in this story. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Lord Bradecote, the under sheriff and Serjeant Catchpole. This certainly had me wondering who could be the culprit and I didn’t guess who it was, so it kept my interest to the end. I will look out for more of these stories. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 6, 2020
Appreciate NetGalley for the advance copy. Truthfully, I asked for the book because of the time period it covered. Christianity has taken the place of paganism. Medicine and healing are primitive but surprisingly current in some methods. Law enforcement and solving of crimes is fundamental work. The story of the Whore of Worchester and where she placed in the society there was unique. Intriguing and thrilling--even without 21st century CGI (likely because of that).
November 10, 2020
Appreciate NetGalley for the advance copy. Truthfully, I asked for the book because of the time period it covered. Christianity has taken the place of paganism. Medicine and healing are primitive but surprisingly current in some methods. Law enforcement and solving of crimes is fundamental work. The story of the Whore of Worchester and where she placed in the society there was unique. Intriguing and thrilling--even without 21st century CGI (likely because of that).
November 25, 2020
This is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery, seventh in the series. By now, Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin are working as a well-oiled team, and it's a delight to watch. This is a solid mystery, with little political overlay, weaving events from the victim's past with the present. The author has a firm grasp of place and I easily imagined the surroundings described. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series (hopefully arriving in March of 2021).
October 23, 2020
It would have probably made more sense to read the previous books, because I am sure it would have made my reading experience even better if I was already familiar with the characters. Nontheless, I have a new series of books to read now, all thanks to me mistakingly being lured by this one. I love a good crime novel. Especially a historical one. Rivers of Sin was such a pleasant read, I am so sad not to have read any of the previous books already. The writing was fresh and exciting and I loved the characters. I can't wait for another book and I'll definitely read this one again once I've finished the previous ones. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an ACR and therefore, giving me a new crime series to obsess over.
December 4, 2020
A medieval mystery of the killing of the Whore of Worcester butchered by an axe. This is the murder that comes to the attention of Undersheriff Bradecote and his Sergeant Catchpoll. They will delve into her past to see the sorrow that taints the present. Due to human error more killings will occur upon their hunt. This is a fast paced complex mystery that takes you into historical Worcester and it’s surrounding hamlets.
Characters you can follow with ease. A story for all that you will have no trouble delving into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Characters you can follow with ease. A story for all that you will have no trouble delving into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 22, 2020
It is the summer of 1144. A few miles north of the City of Worcester the manor reeve of Bevere, Heribert, has been alerted by a young boy, who had brought his swine to the water’s edge to drink, that there is something amiss on Bevere island in the river Severn. What he finds there is so shocking that it compels him to ride immediately to Worcester and seek out the lord sheriff, William de Beauchamp.
The lord sheriff is away from the castle on other matters but he is seen by the undersheriff, Lord Bradecote and his assistant Serjeant Catchpoll, who, having listened to his report, accompany the reeve back to Bevere Island where they discover a badly mutilated corpse. The corpse has been subject to what must have been a frenzied attack to such an extent that it is barely possible to tell whether it is a man or a woman and has been disfigured beyond recognition. Catchpoll, however, senses that he may have identified the victim.
Back in Worcester they are able to confirm that, as Catchpoll suspects, the victim is a woman who goes by the name of Ricolde. She is well known in the city, notorious even, as “The Whore of Worcester”. In twelfth-century Worcester there were, no doubt, a great many women forced into prostitution simply to survive and they were widely reviled for the dangerous and precarious lives they led. But Ricolde, it seems was different. She was an astute businesswoman who knew her own worth and had built a prosperous, if outcast, life for herself by understanding, and providing for, the particular needs of her prosperous clients.
The initial investigations in the city of Worcester throw up a number of possible suspects but interrogation of these men produces no break-through in the case. It becomes clear that the immediate problem that Bradecote and Catchpoll, enthusiastically assisted by Catchpoll’s apprentice Walkelin, have to solve is what is it that connects the relatively affluent “Whore of Worcester” to the site of the murder and what it is about that connection that led to the intense violence of her killing.
It is the river Severn that lies at the heart of this story and Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin have to travel its course between Worcester and Bevere Island to question everyone they can find in the hamlets and villages on its banks in order to unravel Ricolde’s story and the events that led to her death. But just as they begin to feel that they are beginning to understand what lies behind her murder a second killing, of a poor street whore in Worcester, throws their theories into disarray.
A great many twists and turns lie in store for the reader of this pleasingly complex historical crime novel before the dogged and diligent inquiries of Bradecote and his men lead them to the identity of the murderer. We also see in this novel how, as they work together, the respect Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin have for each other grows in spite of the rigid social constraints of the times they live in.
The author creates a real sense of what life was like in this period of history for people of all walks of life and positions in society, high or low. The characters are all well drawn and believable and display attitudes and behaviours that both reflect the harshness of the times and yet suggest that people were still capable of compassion and concern for their fellows.
This novel has clearly been written by someone with a deep knowledge and understanding of the period who is capable of using that knowledge to create a convincing impression of England at that time against which to present this very enjoyable medieval mystery. Highly recommended.
I would like to express my thanks to Net Galley and Allison and Busby for making a free download of this book available to me.
The lord sheriff is away from the castle on other matters but he is seen by the undersheriff, Lord Bradecote and his assistant Serjeant Catchpoll, who, having listened to his report, accompany the reeve back to Bevere Island where they discover a badly mutilated corpse. The corpse has been subject to what must have been a frenzied attack to such an extent that it is barely possible to tell whether it is a man or a woman and has been disfigured beyond recognition. Catchpoll, however, senses that he may have identified the victim.
Back in Worcester they are able to confirm that, as Catchpoll suspects, the victim is a woman who goes by the name of Ricolde. She is well known in the city, notorious even, as “The Whore of Worcester”. In twelfth-century Worcester there were, no doubt, a great many women forced into prostitution simply to survive and they were widely reviled for the dangerous and precarious lives they led. But Ricolde, it seems was different. She was an astute businesswoman who knew her own worth and had built a prosperous, if outcast, life for herself by understanding, and providing for, the particular needs of her prosperous clients.
The initial investigations in the city of Worcester throw up a number of possible suspects but interrogation of these men produces no break-through in the case. It becomes clear that the immediate problem that Bradecote and Catchpoll, enthusiastically assisted by Catchpoll’s apprentice Walkelin, have to solve is what is it that connects the relatively affluent “Whore of Worcester” to the site of the murder and what it is about that connection that led to the intense violence of her killing.
It is the river Severn that lies at the heart of this story and Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin have to travel its course between Worcester and Bevere Island to question everyone they can find in the hamlets and villages on its banks in order to unravel Ricolde’s story and the events that led to her death. But just as they begin to feel that they are beginning to understand what lies behind her murder a second killing, of a poor street whore in Worcester, throws their theories into disarray.
A great many twists and turns lie in store for the reader of this pleasingly complex historical crime novel before the dogged and diligent inquiries of Bradecote and his men lead them to the identity of the murderer. We also see in this novel how, as they work together, the respect Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin have for each other grows in spite of the rigid social constraints of the times they live in.
The author creates a real sense of what life was like in this period of history for people of all walks of life and positions in society, high or low. The characters are all well drawn and believable and display attitudes and behaviours that both reflect the harshness of the times and yet suggest that people were still capable of compassion and concern for their fellows.
This novel has clearly been written by someone with a deep knowledge and understanding of the period who is capable of using that knowledge to create a convincing impression of England at that time against which to present this very enjoyable medieval mystery. Highly recommended.
I would like to express my thanks to Net Galley and Allison and Busby for making a free download of this book available to me.
December 14, 2020
I devoured this book in one sitting. It had two of my favourite genres squeezed into one - historical fiction and crime fiction. ‘River of Sins’ is the seventh book in the Bradecote and Catchpoll series, but you can definitely read it as a stand-alone. This was the first book I have read in this series and there are not too many references to previous narratives which makes this an great introduction to the characters. However, I will be returning to the start of the series at some point as I loved ‘River of Sins’ so much. It reminded me of the excellent series by Pat McIntosh which is one of my favourites and I have a suspicious that this series is going to be one as well.
It is clear that Sarah knows her history as it dances off the pages with a richness of knowledge that gives the reader the ability to accept all information as facts. I love how turns of phrases were used that were clearly from the period, descriptions of everyday life were on point. I just loved all the small details that were included in the prose. This is the type of historical novels which I love - they allow images to form, gives context to what were previously maybe just dates in history, allow the general populace to be voiced. Yes this is fiction but it’s based in fact. I am very much a social historian and I throughly enjoy books like this one.
‘River of Sins’ finds Bradecote and Catchpoll trying to solve a murder of ‘the finest Whore in Worcester’. The fact that the victim was so multi-layered is a testament to the writer. The empathy that the book showed for her as a character was lovely. It’s a great commentary on social issues - ones that were just as prevalent then as they are now. The back and forth between the two main characters and Walkelin allows the reader to grasp the facts and ideas behind the investigation. The pacing of the book really picked up towards the end I was completely hooked right until the end. I must admit as a new reader to the series the character that grabbed my attention was actually Walkelin, Catchpoll’s serjeant cadet so to speak. I hope that there is going to be more of him. All of Sarah’s character come across as being well balanced and authentic. They are all intelligient, quick witted, empathetic, with a strong sense of justice. But they comes across as being human. They have weaknesses and fears, make mistakes and learn from them. I really loved this crime fighting team!
I really hope that you give this one a read as it’s a great historical novel! It’s a cracking read, extremely well researched, has amazing characters and narrative. What more could you want?! 5⭐️!
It is clear that Sarah knows her history as it dances off the pages with a richness of knowledge that gives the reader the ability to accept all information as facts. I love how turns of phrases were used that were clearly from the period, descriptions of everyday life were on point. I just loved all the small details that were included in the prose. This is the type of historical novels which I love - they allow images to form, gives context to what were previously maybe just dates in history, allow the general populace to be voiced. Yes this is fiction but it’s based in fact. I am very much a social historian and I throughly enjoy books like this one.
‘River of Sins’ finds Bradecote and Catchpoll trying to solve a murder of ‘the finest Whore in Worcester’. The fact that the victim was so multi-layered is a testament to the writer. The empathy that the book showed for her as a character was lovely. It’s a great commentary on social issues - ones that were just as prevalent then as they are now. The back and forth between the two main characters and Walkelin allows the reader to grasp the facts and ideas behind the investigation. The pacing of the book really picked up towards the end I was completely hooked right until the end. I must admit as a new reader to the series the character that grabbed my attention was actually Walkelin, Catchpoll’s serjeant cadet so to speak. I hope that there is going to be more of him. All of Sarah’s character come across as being well balanced and authentic. They are all intelligient, quick witted, empathetic, with a strong sense of justice. But they comes across as being human. They have weaknesses and fears, make mistakes and learn from them. I really loved this crime fighting team!
I really hope that you give this one a read as it’s a great historical novel! It’s a cracking read, extremely well researched, has amazing characters and narrative. What more could you want?! 5⭐️!
November 19, 2020
River of Sins by Sarah Hawkswood is another amusing medieval detective novel featuring undersheriff Lord Bradecote and Worchester Serjeant Catchpoll. This is a particularly grisly murder of a woman, Ricolde, who was known as the Whore of Worcester. She was the highest paid, most beautiful whore in all of the city. Why would someone hack her to death, down the river from her home. It was not robbery as her home was intact, including a substantial sum of coin. Catchpoll knew everyone and he new her. She was friendly and she had treated him with respect. He was sad, even more so when they visited the local church and found out more about her. Their investigation was nothing if not methodical. They contacted some of her clients and discovered that often she had been sought out for comfort, as a friendly ear, and warm bed; less for what happened in that bed, which was often just sleep. She donated to the church and to those less fortunate. She was a conundrum, as were her feet, which appeared to have been burnt sometime in the past, making it difficult for her to walk. And, her hands had been tied behind her. She had been abducted before she was killed.
Lord Bradecote had been in town to have a new pair of boots made so Catchpoll hadn't had to send for him. Catchpoll and his apprentice, Walkelin, were the day-to day law in Worcester. They walked the streets, bringing to justice minor criminals. The undersheriff got involved only with major crimes, such as murder. Catchpoll is a middle aged, happily married, good-natured sort of man, except when he was riled. What riled him was injustice and those who were bullies and picked on those weaker. He did not step outside of the law, but her often daydreamed about how he would like to handle some of the people he came across. Walkelin was young, but eager, and bright. He learned at every turn. Bradecote was a good man, a happy man. His estate was doing well. He had a beautiful wife, whom he loved, and a lively small son. All he needed was a new pair of boots. Alas, he got so much more. I love this series. Hawkswood makes them entertaining as well as giving the reader a good mystery, as she describes it: a smashed pitcher with the shards to piece it together appearing one by one. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of River of Sins by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #riverofsins
Lord Bradecote had been in town to have a new pair of boots made so Catchpoll hadn't had to send for him. Catchpoll and his apprentice, Walkelin, were the day-to day law in Worcester. They walked the streets, bringing to justice minor criminals. The undersheriff got involved only with major crimes, such as murder. Catchpoll is a middle aged, happily married, good-natured sort of man, except when he was riled. What riled him was injustice and those who were bullies and picked on those weaker. He did not step outside of the law, but her often daydreamed about how he would like to handle some of the people he came across. Walkelin was young, but eager, and bright. He learned at every turn. Bradecote was a good man, a happy man. His estate was doing well. He had a beautiful wife, whom he loved, and a lively small son. All he needed was a new pair of boots. Alas, he got so much more. I love this series. Hawkswood makes them entertaining as well as giving the reader a good mystery, as she describes it: a smashed pitcher with the shards to piece it together appearing one by one. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of River of Sins by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #riverofsins
November 24, 2020
4.5
River of Sins is the seventh novel in the Bradecote and Catchpoll historical crime series by Sarah Hawkswood, and they just keep getting better and better.
This one begins with the brutal murder of a woman on an island in the River Severn in 1144, and Undersheriff Bradecote and Sergeant Catchpoll have their work cut out for them trying to identify and catch the killer.
The woman’s name is Ricolde, and before her death she was “the finest whore in Worcester.” But it turns out there is a lot more to her than that title would suggest, and this is a theme of the whole novel: how women are perceived, usually by men, and how that is often so much more one-dimensional than who they really are. It’s not a feminist story as such, but the female characters are so well-drawn that more than one has stayed with me for days after reading.
I am liking the pairing of the lord Bradecote and the down-to-earth local sergeant Catchpoll more and more. Apprentice Sergeant Walkelin gets more to do in this one too, on both a professional and personal level, and it’s great to see the three of them developing not just a solid working relationship, but a deeper understanding of each other.
The solution to the brutal crime seems simple at first, but of course the waters become appropriately muddied as the investigation proceeds. These novels are basically 12th Century police procedurals, and while contemporary versions of the genre aren’t really my cup of tea, the charm and fascination of the historical setting offsets that. Hawkswood seamlessly adds enough interesting and authentic detail that you feel you are in the period, without ever getting bogged down in masses of description. It’s a fine line and she walks it skilfully.
I devoured this in three sittings, and when I reached the final third I found it impossible to put down. The climactic scenes had me holding my breath more than once.
I would rate this 4.5, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Hawkswood earns that final elusive star from me in the next instalment, which I will certainly be reading as soon as it appears.
Thank you to @allisonandbusby and #Netgalley for offering me an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
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River of Sins is the seventh novel in the Bradecote and Catchpoll historical crime series by Sarah Hawkswood, and they just keep getting better and better.
This one begins with the brutal murder of a woman on an island in the River Severn in 1144, and Undersheriff Bradecote and Sergeant Catchpoll have their work cut out for them trying to identify and catch the killer.
The woman’s name is Ricolde, and before her death she was “the finest whore in Worcester.” But it turns out there is a lot more to her than that title would suggest, and this is a theme of the whole novel: how women are perceived, usually by men, and how that is often so much more one-dimensional than who they really are. It’s not a feminist story as such, but the female characters are so well-drawn that more than one has stayed with me for days after reading.
I am liking the pairing of the lord Bradecote and the down-to-earth local sergeant Catchpoll more and more. Apprentice Sergeant Walkelin gets more to do in this one too, on both a professional and personal level, and it’s great to see the three of them developing not just a solid working relationship, but a deeper understanding of each other.
The solution to the brutal crime seems simple at first, but of course the waters become appropriately muddied as the investigation proceeds. These novels are basically 12th Century police procedurals, and while contemporary versions of the genre aren’t really my cup of tea, the charm and fascination of the historical setting offsets that. Hawkswood seamlessly adds enough interesting and authentic detail that you feel you are in the period, without ever getting bogged down in masses of description. It’s a fine line and she walks it skilfully.
I devoured this in three sittings, and when I reached the final third I found it impossible to put down. The climactic scenes had me holding my breath more than once.
I would rate this 4.5, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Hawkswood earns that final elusive star from me in the next instalment, which I will certainly be reading as soon as it appears.
Thank you to @allisonandbusby and #Netgalley for offering me an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
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October 31, 2020
I'm always so relieved when I come upon a new historical mystery series to enjoy, especially one that's well underway, so I won't immediately start having to wait a year of more before each new volume. River of Sins is the seventh volume in Sarah Hawkswood's Bradecote and Catchpoll series. The two central characters—Bradecote and Catchpoll, of course—are an interesting mix. As Undersheriff and a member of the minor nobility Bradecote has higher social standing than Catchpoll. Catchpoll, however, has had much more experience investigating criminal cases, and Bradecote can comfortably follow Catchpoll's lead when appropriate, without issues of hierarchy arising. Their relationship is one of the things that has me wanting to go back and read the first six volumes in the series. Clearly they weren't always this much at ease with one another, and I want to see how they reached this standing in one another's eyes.
The main characters' respect for one another also extends, in an uneven but marked way, to their treatment of others. This mystery revolves around the murder of Ricolde, a woman who was known as "the finest whore in Worcester." While many, including Bradecote at the beginning, treat her as relatively expendable, Catchpoll sees her as a woman who has succeeded on her own terms in one of the few professions open to her gender. The local priest has similar respect for Ricolde, who never attended service, but regularly went to confession and helped provide funds for religious dowaries, allowing young women alone in the world to become nuns if they preferred that life to prostitution. Would this kind of respect among disparate characters have actually existed in the 12th Century? I have no idea—but in the book it works well and gives one lots of interesting questions to think about, regarding both that times and our own.
If you like historical mysteries and haven't encountered this series, you have much to look forward to. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
The main characters' respect for one another also extends, in an uneven but marked way, to their treatment of others. This mystery revolves around the murder of Ricolde, a woman who was known as "the finest whore in Worcester." While many, including Bradecote at the beginning, treat her as relatively expendable, Catchpoll sees her as a woman who has succeeded on her own terms in one of the few professions open to her gender. The local priest has similar respect for Ricolde, who never attended service, but regularly went to confession and helped provide funds for religious dowaries, allowing young women alone in the world to become nuns if they preferred that life to prostitution. Would this kind of respect among disparate characters have actually existed in the 12th Century? I have no idea—but in the book it works well and gives one lots of interesting questions to think about, regarding both that times and our own.
If you like historical mysteries and haven't encountered this series, you have much to look forward to. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
January 17, 2021
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
River of Sins is the 7th book in Sarah Hawkswood's medieval Bradecote & Catchpoll mystery series. Released 19th Nov 2020 by Allison & Busby, it's 352 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is an intricately crafted and well engineered mystery wrapped around a meticulous and accurate historical framework. The characters are well established with realistic and believable internal motivations and agendas. The author is gifted at providing the necessary information without spoon-feeding readers (or drowning them with floods of unnecessary back story). The pacing is well measured and the whole is an engaging and delightful read. I was unfamiliar with the characters and hadn't read any of the previous books (an oversight I will be remedying immediately). I never felt lost or confused; it works very well as a standalone mystery.
Despite the horrific nature of the prologue murder (a near-beheading with an axe), there are no really violent or graphic descriptions. The language is fairly clean (PG rated for some medieval double entendre) and the prose is well written.
I would heartily recommend this one to readers of the historical murder mystery genre, especially fans of Sharon Kay Penman, Ellis Peters, Candace Robb, and Susanna Gregory (and similar). Fans of well written character driven mystery from any period will find much to enjoy here.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
River of Sins is the 7th book in Sarah Hawkswood's medieval Bradecote & Catchpoll mystery series. Released 19th Nov 2020 by Allison & Busby, it's 352 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is an intricately crafted and well engineered mystery wrapped around a meticulous and accurate historical framework. The characters are well established with realistic and believable internal motivations and agendas. The author is gifted at providing the necessary information without spoon-feeding readers (or drowning them with floods of unnecessary back story). The pacing is well measured and the whole is an engaging and delightful read. I was unfamiliar with the characters and hadn't read any of the previous books (an oversight I will be remedying immediately). I never felt lost or confused; it works very well as a standalone mystery.
Despite the horrific nature of the prologue murder (a near-beheading with an axe), there are no really violent or graphic descriptions. The language is fairly clean (PG rated for some medieval double entendre) and the prose is well written.
I would heartily recommend this one to readers of the historical murder mystery genre, especially fans of Sharon Kay Penman, Ellis Peters, Candace Robb, and Susanna Gregory (and similar). Fans of well written character driven mystery from any period will find much to enjoy here.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 12, 2021
This is Bradecote and Catchpoll No, 7, and the series just gets better and better. I have read the previous books and have charted the progress of the relationship between the inexperienced, recently bereaved Bradecote and the wily old hand, Catchpoll from it's awkward beginnings to the wonderful team in this book, with the addition of the excellent Wakelin. This competent threesome make for an excellent period mystery and a very satisfying read.
My passion is for historical mystery and I am not easily pleased, yet this book satisfied even my lofty standards. The period was wonderfully evoked with a wealth of well-researched detail which fully immersed the reader in the time and place. The dialog also had the ring of authenticity, each character speaking with exactly the voice one would expect from their station in life at that time, with none of the anachronistic 'modern speech in a period setting' dialog that one so often gets in contemporary historical fiction. The attitudes and mores of the characters were also satisfyingly contemporaneous.
The story is intriguing enough and moves along at an acceptable pace. The term 'whore' abounds to a jarring extent, but is is clearly used exactly as it would have been at that time so one's 21st century sensibilities are somewhat eased. The mystery is somewhat complex in parts, and the addition of apparently unrelated murders adds to the melee. Surprisingly enough, the ingénue Wakelin seems to fit together many of the clues. He's coming along quite nicely! Refreshingly unlike Agatha Christie and her ilk, the murderer turns out to be not the least likely person but the most likely, and this is no spoiler since one doesn't really realise that until the final denouement.
A great book - enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley in return for a fair, unbiased review.
My passion is for historical mystery and I am not easily pleased, yet this book satisfied even my lofty standards. The period was wonderfully evoked with a wealth of well-researched detail which fully immersed the reader in the time and place. The dialog also had the ring of authenticity, each character speaking with exactly the voice one would expect from their station in life at that time, with none of the anachronistic 'modern speech in a period setting' dialog that one so often gets in contemporary historical fiction. The attitudes and mores of the characters were also satisfyingly contemporaneous.
The story is intriguing enough and moves along at an acceptable pace. The term 'whore' abounds to a jarring extent, but is is clearly used exactly as it would have been at that time so one's 21st century sensibilities are somewhat eased. The mystery is somewhat complex in parts, and the addition of apparently unrelated murders adds to the melee. Surprisingly enough, the ingénue Wakelin seems to fit together many of the clues. He's coming along quite nicely! Refreshingly unlike Agatha Christie and her ilk, the murderer turns out to be not the least likely person but the most likely, and this is no spoiler since one doesn't really realise that until the final denouement.
A great book - enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley in return for a fair, unbiased review.
November 26, 2020
This was my first foray into the Bradecote and Catchpoll series, so while there may be character nuances I missed because of not knowing the previous relationships I found it perfectly enjoyable as a stand alone mystery and never felt lost, or like I had to go read the previous ones. Historical Fiction and Mystery readers alike will enjoy this one, probably for the more intellectual or seasoned reader.
The Mystery set up itself was unique in that we know who the murder is from the first scene, but we don't know WHO he is within the characters presented later on. I loved this aspect, and definitely went back and forth on who I thought it was throughout the book.
I liked the Medieval setting (probably one of my favorite parts of this), even though the "detecting" itself reminded me a little of the more Victorian police procedurals, it worked very well in my mind to bridge the gap between contemporary and medieval. I've read a few other "Medieval Mysteries" and felt like this one somehow made better sense to a modern reader while still having all the historical aspects that made it so interesting.
The relationship between all these gentlemen (essentially medieval police) with their various backgrounds and strengths was the real character angle draw of this story, and I definitely felt sentimental towards them all by the end and would definitely pick up more books featuring them. I think if I had been familiar with these characters already I would have enjoyed it even more - just like with any series once you are invested in the characters they have a sort of pull on you that continues throughout. A solid 3.5 Stars.
The Mystery set up itself was unique in that we know who the murder is from the first scene, but we don't know WHO he is within the characters presented later on. I loved this aspect, and definitely went back and forth on who I thought it was throughout the book.
I liked the Medieval setting (probably one of my favorite parts of this), even though the "detecting" itself reminded me a little of the more Victorian police procedurals, it worked very well in my mind to bridge the gap between contemporary and medieval. I've read a few other "Medieval Mysteries" and felt like this one somehow made better sense to a modern reader while still having all the historical aspects that made it so interesting.
The relationship between all these gentlemen (essentially medieval police) with their various backgrounds and strengths was the real character angle draw of this story, and I definitely felt sentimental towards them all by the end and would definitely pick up more books featuring them. I think if I had been familiar with these characters already I would have enjoyed it even more - just like with any series once you are invested in the characters they have a sort of pull on you that continues throughout. A solid 3.5 Stars.
October 30, 2022
**Should Read as 4.5 Stars**
This excellent medieval mystery is the 7th volume of the wonderful "Bradecote & Catchpoll" series.
Storytelling is wonderful, all characters are very believable and lifelike, and the atmosphere of the 12th Century and surroundings within and without the place of Worcester, are all very well pictured and described by the author.
This tale is situated in the month of July, AD 1144, and a body of a butchered woman is found on Bevere Island, near Worcester.
It is the body of the woman called, Ricolde, known with a certain respect as the Whore of Worcester, and her murder has a link to the death of her mother from many years ago, and that death occurred around the same place as this murder of Ricolde.
The Undersheriff, Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll, and Serjeant apprentice, Walkelin, will have their hands full with this investigation and discover the identity of this murderer.
While investigating this murder case, and its links to Ricolde's mother, there will follow two more murders, that of the whore, Berta, and that of Widow Hedger, who's Walkelin's aunt.
What is follow is a fast-paced and action-packed medieval mystery, which has a great storyline accompanied with a well-executed plot, but that will end with a somewhat predictable culprit/killer, and with the knowledge that this coldblooded murderer will be brought to justice in the end.
Very much recommended, for this is a great addition to this amazing historical medieval mystery series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Captivating Deadly Sinful River"!
This excellent medieval mystery is the 7th volume of the wonderful "Bradecote & Catchpoll" series.
Storytelling is wonderful, all characters are very believable and lifelike, and the atmosphere of the 12th Century and surroundings within and without the place of Worcester, are all very well pictured and described by the author.
This tale is situated in the month of July, AD 1144, and a body of a butchered woman is found on Bevere Island, near Worcester.
It is the body of the woman called, Ricolde, known with a certain respect as the Whore of Worcester, and her murder has a link to the death of her mother from many years ago, and that death occurred around the same place as this murder of Ricolde.
The Undersheriff, Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll, and Serjeant apprentice, Walkelin, will have their hands full with this investigation and discover the identity of this murderer.
While investigating this murder case, and its links to Ricolde's mother, there will follow two more murders, that of the whore, Berta, and that of Widow Hedger, who's Walkelin's aunt.
What is follow is a fast-paced and action-packed medieval mystery, which has a great storyline accompanied with a well-executed plot, but that will end with a somewhat predictable culprit/killer, and with the knowledge that this coldblooded murderer will be brought to justice in the end.
Very much recommended, for this is a great addition to this amazing historical medieval mystery series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Captivating Deadly Sinful River"!
January 1, 2021
This is book seven of a series; and funny thing is, I think I have read the first one, but GR says apparently not. The characters seem so familiar to me as does the storyline of book one.
I enjoyed it - I love a good historical "whodunnit" and the author takes us on the same meandering path as the Severn River. The time is set during what came to be known as "The Anarchy", when Empress Maud and King Stephen fought for the throne of England in the 12th Century.
Plenty of investigating, clue following, suspect interviewing - for the methods of investigation were not as scientifically exacting as they are today. And public perception of a person's character held more weight than whether they were innocent or not.
If you like the Cadfael series, you will take to this one - will most likely go back and read them from the start as there are references to previous events and characters.
I enjoyed it - I love a good historical "whodunnit" and the author takes us on the same meandering path as the Severn River. The time is set during what came to be known as "The Anarchy", when Empress Maud and King Stephen fought for the throne of England in the 12th Century.
Plenty of investigating, clue following, suspect interviewing - for the methods of investigation were not as scientifically exacting as they are today. And public perception of a person's character held more weight than whether they were innocent or not.
If you like the Cadfael series, you will take to this one - will most likely go back and read them from the start as there are references to previous events and characters.
December 20, 2020
Summer 1144 and a man find a body on an island in the middle of the river Severn near to Worcester. She is identified as Ricolde, the 'whore of Worcester' and she has been butchered. Undersheriff Bradecote and his deputy Catchpole have the task of investigating her murder. Ricolde had escaped a life of cruelty and poverty in the only way she could but was known as being generous and supportive to others so the answer to her death must lie in her childhood.
I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series and, whilst not a major handicap, this did mean I did not understand references to previous tales. The story is strong enough and the setting nicely steeped in medieval times. However it never really seemed to grip me, enjoyable as it was.
I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series and, whilst not a major handicap, this did mean I did not understand references to previous tales. The story is strong enough and the setting nicely steeped in medieval times. However it never really seemed to grip me, enjoyable as it was.
November 5, 2020
1144 Reeve Heribert of Bevere discovers a body on Bevere Island in the River Severn. He travels to Worcester to inform Under sheriff the Lord Bradecote and Serjeant Catchpole. It would seem that the body is of Ricolde, known as The Whore of Worcester. But why was she killed and by whom needs to be discovered.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with a group of likeable characters. A good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with a group of likeable characters. A good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2020
A good time period mystery that is an easy read. Not a page turner, but a solid story that moves along - more a good view on how folks lived in the 1400's and how they likely interacted and reacted. The mystery of the murders kind of takes second to the interactions and dealings of the characters and the author did a good job of submersing the story in the time period - I guess more of a "group character study", which definitely makes for good reading.
November 4, 2020
I have enjoyed this story as well as its main characters very much. The plot was enthralling with many twists and turns! I could guess who the culprit was only at the very end! This is my first book by the author and definitely not my last one!
Thank you, Sarah for letting me read your book for free on NetGalley!
Thank you, Sarah for letting me read your book for free on NetGalley!
January 13, 2021
How have I never heard of this series? As this is the 7th book, you can be sure I am going to read the others. Thankfully, I didn't feel like I was missing anything - it read just fine as a standalone crime novel. The characters are interesting and I really liked the personalities. Definitely checking out the other books!
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