Death of the Official

The Draychester Chronicles #1

by M.J. Westerbone

Summer in late 14th Century England. The weather may be good, but for some, medieval life is cheap, nasty, and short…

In the cathedral city of Draychester, Will Blackburne, adventurer, thief, coin clipper and blasphemer is bound for the gallows. He prays for a reprieve. What little he has to offer is youth, wit, and charm, but will it be enough to sway those who judge him?

On the French coast, Sir Roger Mudstone, a man of few morals and even fewer scruples, awaits a ship to bring him home from exile. His hated older brother Hugh is dead, and an undeserved inheritance is his for the taking. He’ll stop at nothing to get his greedy hands on it, no matter what or who stands in his way.

But Hugh has left an explosive clause in his will, something that bodes ill for whoever is caught in the dangerous chaos sure to result from its disclosure. The Bishop of Draychester needs somebody smart, capable, and charming to handle the murderous fallout. Someone who is, ultimately, expendable… has he found the perfect candidate?

Genres: Historical, Mystery

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2020

About the author

M J Westerbone was born in the small industrial mill town of Radcliffe in the old county of Lancashire in the North West of England. From an early age he had a keen interest in history fueled by the fact there were the remains of a ruined medieval manor house (Radcliffe Tower) virtually on his doorstep. Deciding a career in archaeology or as a historian in all likelihood wouldn't pay the bills he focused on IT. He has been the director of an IT and Telecoms business for many years whilst continuing his passion for history by writing historical novels. He is married and lives with his wife in Lancashire.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Medieval usually appeals, so I jumped in for the low cost of 99 cents from Amazon. What I struggled with was warming up to any of the characters. It was a ghastly crew and considering the amount of travel involved and new people along the way something should have appealed or made me laugh? No, if things were meant to be funny I did not find them so. Loads of horrendous behavior by clueless and or evil men. No more for me, thanks.

[Avis Witter · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Death of the Messenger" is the prequel to the series and sets the scene for Sir Roger Mudstone's antics in the future. Medieval history at its dirtiest (quite literally in some parts). "Death of the Official" continues the story of Sir Roger, a maniac who thrives on mayhem and murder and appears to be unbeatable. Sir Roger Mudstone only thinks of himself and what he can gain. He leaves a trail of destruction and dead bodies in his wake and thoroughly enjoys doing so. The death of the Bishop’s official in the village of Sodham sets the scene for Will Blackburne to take up the role and do the Bishop’s bidding.


From the descriptions of the places and people you are able to picture the scenes, the events taking place and the development of the characters. The author’s historical investigation shows how corruption was rife in the church and abbey’s. Life for the ordinary man and woman was hard and meant little to those who were supposed to look after their spiritual and physical well being.


If you like a gritty story that is set in medieval times then this is for you. Very enjoyable. Looking forward to reading the next in series. I can't find it on "Goodreads" or "Bookbub" and can't post on Amazon which is why I've said you can use it anywhere else. Carry on with the good writing.

[Soozee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting Medieval adventure with Will Blackburne, Bernard and Osbert who are sent by the bishop to Sodham, a manor recently given to him, accompanied by the mad ex-nun Agnes. The man the bishop sent previously had been murdered and bishop Gifford wants to know what's been going on. Tied into the tale is the evil Sir Roger and his unfortunate henchman Travis. Sir Roger was the original owner of Sodham, left to him in his brother's will, but his expectations of a rich inheritance were thwarted and Sir Roger wants someone to pay.

The writing style doesn't feel particularly 'of the period' but the tale is well told and kept my attention throughout, unlike some medieval mysteries which seem to stagnate a little. This one has enough strands to keep the action moving.

It seems book 2 is set up to take Will, Bernard and Osbert to Wales for another adventure - I can't wait!

[Janice Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

So life in medieval England was not pleasant for most, but running afoul of Sir Mudstone would definitely be the last thing you would do. Will, Bernard and Osbert are quite the trio and lend humor to the grim reality around them. The medieval setting is realistic, but some situations are a bit strange. There's plenty of action and looks like there will be more adventures coming.

[Susan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.

Some of its extremely funny, some of it's sad but it all hangs together beautifully to make a good read. It's believable and not far fetched. I particularly liked the possible reason that was given for the behaviour of Agnes. I eagerly await the next book.

[Dorothy Dewitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a read

This has to be one of the best Medieval Mystery novels I've read in a while. I do hope the villain pays down the road.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

quite fun, some of the character got unexpected just desserts

[Peter Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well developed story set in medieval England

Good set of characters all contributing to the tale. Set in medieval England where it appears the church was all powerful. Will be interested to see how the story develops. Recommended.

[DALE WINK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not much of a medieval mystery reader. The book came at the recommendation of a friend. And I have to say that I liked the humor buried within the story what must have been a miserable time to be alive. I’ll keep reading the next few books.

[neillcowans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Loved the story.thought the evil sir roger a great nasty bit of work
So pleased he is still about after book one.no doubt he will rear hos nasty head again in further books.well done

[William N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really strange

Not sure what I was expecting, but the "bad guy" in this story is one of the worst I have ever encountered. Strange and mean. The book, on the other hand, is quite good. On to the next one now.

[Rosemarie Swayze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death of the Official

This was a very enjoyable book, much better than I expected, very comical in places with lots of twists and turns. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next instalment

[ELzabeth Livingstone · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good

Unfortunately l couldn't really get to grips with the characters or their behaviour. Some parts were humorous but, alas, not for me!

[Mr Anthony J May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book

An excellent book nicely paced. Set in medieval England possibly a replacement for caedfal. Interesting enough that I will finish the series.

[Mr Anthony W Sadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant can't wait to read more

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun, and some really great characters to follow! Definitely scratched the itch looking for a similar story to the Kingsbridge series. Would recommend.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

C14th Draychester. William Blackburne has recently joined the staff of the Bishop, Jocelyn Gifford when he is sent north with Bernard, and Osbert Frampton. A journey to Sodham in Ribsdale the ex-manor of Sir Roger Mudstone. Meanwhile Mudstone is intent on mayhem and murder on his way to the manor.
An entertaining historical mystery

[Dale · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea

The humor in the book was not enough to make up for unlikable characters and doom and gloom portrayal of the time period.