What do you think?
Rate this book
The Draychester Chronicles #2
Death Of The Vintner
Late 14th Century Wales. Trouble is brewing, but isn't it always?
The Bishop of Draychester is missing a very expensive barrel of Gascony wine. A gift for the new king, stolen from the port of Tenby in the English stronghold of South Pembrokeshire. It's a dangerous place to be asking the wrong sort of questions. The town is awash with ill feeling and intrigue, the result of a bitter feud between the merchants. Who better to send to investigate than Will Blackburne, newly appointed bishop's official?
In the north of Wales, the Welsh are starting to rise up against their English overlords. For an old mercenary like the outlawed Sir Roger Mudstone, it’s an opportunity too good to be missed. His murderous reputation has earned him the offer of a pardon. The king wants to extract his revenge on the Welsh, and someone has to do the dirty work...
The Bishop of Draychester is missing a very expensive barrel of Gascony wine. A gift for the new king, stolen from the port of Tenby in the English stronghold of South Pembrokeshire. It's a dangerous place to be asking the wrong sort of questions. The town is awash with ill feeling and intrigue, the result of a bitter feud between the merchants. Who better to send to investigate than Will Blackburne, newly appointed bishop's official?
In the north of Wales, the Welsh are starting to rise up against their English overlords. For an old mercenary like the outlawed Sir Roger Mudstone, it’s an opportunity too good to be missed. His murderous reputation has earned him the offer of a pardon. The king wants to extract his revenge on the Welsh, and someone has to do the dirty work...
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2021
About the author
M.J. Westerbone
6 books5 followersM 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 21, 2026
I'm a fan of medieval crime and mystery and there are things to like about this series - the Bishop, Scrivener and the trio of bishop's men, Will, Bernard and Osbert, for example are interesting and entertaining. The settings seem convincing to me and I've enjoyed the overall stories of the first two books.
But, and it's a big but, I just cannot take Sir Roger Mudstone. He's so unpleasant that I nearly gave up on the first book after a couple of chapters. I stuck with it, and thought it worth trying the second to see if some other, more nuanced villain replace him. But no, sadly he is back. So far he's not shown a single redeeming feature.
So, with a certain amount of reluctance, I'm abandoning this series (there are so many more out there to try). I wondered whether they were inspired by Howard of Warwick's Chronicles of Brother Hermitage, which I found ingenious and vastly entertaining. So I think I'll re-read the ones of those I have and catch up with all the rest.
But, and it's a big but, I just cannot take Sir Roger Mudstone. He's so unpleasant that I nearly gave up on the first book after a couple of chapters. I stuck with it, and thought it worth trying the second to see if some other, more nuanced villain replace him. But no, sadly he is back. So far he's not shown a single redeeming feature.
So, with a certain amount of reluctance, I'm abandoning this series (there are so many more out there to try). I wondered whether they were inspired by Howard of Warwick's Chronicles of Brother Hermitage, which I found ingenious and vastly entertaining. So I think I'll re-read the ones of those I have and catch up with all the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
Another good run!
Once again the Bishops motley crew find themselves dispatched to solve a mystery. It quickly becomes a murder, followed by a mad dash into hostile territory (Wales) in pursuit of the culprits before they can claim sanctuary. Of course, the wild card rogue, Sir Roger Mudstone, is in Wales recking havoc under the King’s banner. Will the Draychester men outwit the murderers & manage not to fall prey to Sir Roger? That is anyone’s guess!
Once again the Bishops motley crew find themselves dispatched to solve a mystery. It quickly becomes a murder, followed by a mad dash into hostile territory (Wales) in pursuit of the culprits before they can claim sanctuary. Of course, the wild card rogue, Sir Roger Mudstone, is in Wales recking havoc under the King’s banner. Will the Draychester men outwit the murderers & manage not to fall prey to Sir Roger? That is anyone’s guess!
February 26, 2021
Barely acceptable. Language is NOT medieval. More than several places where characters are using current colloquial phrases that just don't fit. Add to that the ending was really hokey....left a lot of unanswered questions and then led you into the next book. Less than high end writing. Unimpressed.
March 15, 2025
Keep going
Great second book following on
Sir roger still a great villain
When I read a book I try to picture in my mind the person described and when I see sir roger in my head I'm reminded of the sheriff in robin hood prince of theives
Great second book following on
Sir roger still a great villain
When I read a book I try to picture in my mind the person described and when I see sir roger in my head I'm reminded of the sheriff in robin hood prince of theives
January 4, 2022
Good
Not certain about this read. Although I enjoy battles and boisterous characters the villains, apart from the Bishop's trio, were a little too violent!
Not certain about this read. Although I enjoy battles and boisterous characters the villains, apart from the Bishop's trio, were a little too violent!
July 16, 2023
Fun
I have read the first two and thoroughly enjoyed them both,as soon as I finish this, onto the third. Humorous to the nth degree.
I have read the first two and thoroughly enjoyed them both,as soon as I finish this, onto the third. Humorous to the nth degree.
June 6, 2025
Outstanding
Great characters and a great story line. I would never have expected that such an admixture would have worked. Looking forward to the next adventure!
Great characters and a great story line. I would never have expected that such an admixture would have worked. Looking forward to the next adventure!
May 4, 2025
Brilliant characters, great descriptions of time and places, pity that there are only 4 books? in the series as I'm a great fan of historical mystery.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews