What do you think?
Rate this book
The Attebrook Family Saga #2
The Poisoned Cup
King Henry II is dead. All Europe thinks he died of a lingering sickness, but Robert Attebrook, who has risen from his birth as a carpenter’s son to become one of the king’s trusted household knights, discovers the monarch was poisoned — the fatal potion concealed in the stem of a specially crafted cup, slipped to him by someone he trusted.This secret murder plunges the Attebrook family — Robert and his indominable wife Giselle — back into conflict with their fearsome enemy, the ruthless Earl Eustace FitzWalter. FitzWalter has schemed for years to recover his earldom, confiscated by King Henry for treason. FitzWalter blames the Attebrooks for his loss, and has nurtured hopes of revenge. With King Richard, FitzWalter’s close friend, now on the throne, he takes back what he lost and more, and sets into motion his plan to destroy the Attebrooks for good.Follow the struggles of the Attebrooks across the face of old England and its forbidding forests inhabited by desperate outlaws and into the depths of France and Germany, where kings clash in the game of power and death stalks King Richard.Open The Poisoned Cup, and slip back into the tumultuous years of the Twelfth Century — and partake of the continuing saga of the founding of the great Attebrook family, the ancestors of Stephen Attebrook of Ludlow, the celebrated medieval detective.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
554 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2021
178 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 29, 2021
If you are going to write books set in the 12th Centaury, then you need to have a firm grip of the Catholic Church of that time.
The Church was all pervasive, everyone was conventionally pious or at least conforming. The Church was a major factor in everyday life, to not comprehend this is to fail in creating your world.
Vail doesn't have a clue, the Bishop Of Hereford's investigator Nigel The Grey was a disaster as a character, trying to pass as a priest, what nonsense! This author needs not only to obtain some understanding of Medieval Catholicism's overarching place in 12th Centenary society but become familiar with some of the terms used, Catholics then & now didn't have "services" they had/have
the Mass.
February 18, 2022
Action adventure and Medieval English mystery
At the time of the Crusades, King Richard is held captive abroad and his brother Prince John incites rebellion in an attempt to steal the throne in Medieval England circa the early 1190's AD. Queen Eleanor the Queen Mother sets in motion a plot to influence events which bring a dispossessed noble couple into the fight of their lives. Robin Hood wasn't the only bandit surviving and fighting in the woodlands. A compelling read that brings the complexities of that age into sharp focus. Highly recommended.
At the time of the Crusades, King Richard is held captive abroad and his brother Prince John incites rebellion in an attempt to steal the throne in Medieval England circa the early 1190's AD. Queen Eleanor the Queen Mother sets in motion a plot to influence events which bring a dispossessed noble couple into the fight of their lives. Robin Hood wasn't the only bandit surviving and fighting in the woodlands. A compelling read that brings the complexities of that age into sharp focus. Highly recommended.
June 3, 2022
Even better than the first book in the Attebrook family saga. Engagement with the characters and story was enhanced because the characters moved on from merely reacting to and surviving injustice to actively seeking justice against those who did them wrong. The defiant acts of Lady Giselle against the evil Earl Eustace were a delight to read. Also, the roots of Stephen Attebrook's abilities as a "finder" were revealed in Robert's efforts to discover the murderer of a king.
October 31, 2025
You know you have a good story when you get concerned about the characters.
As a general theme Vail's heroes are stretched by adversity but his villains ,not villeins, get plenty of breaks.
The second volume of the Atebrooke saga sees the families ejected from Hafton with the return of the evil Fitzwalter. The story clips along relentlessly with Gizelle managing the family, while Robert serves abroad.
I did see a comment about the poor rendering of the edtablished Christian church . In my limited knowledge of that period of English history the setting is very
believable and the Church establishment are described in all their venality.
As a general theme Vail's heroes are stretched by adversity but his villains ,not villeins, get plenty of breaks.
The second volume of the Atebrooke saga sees the families ejected from Hafton with the return of the evil Fitzwalter. The story clips along relentlessly with Gizelle managing the family, while Robert serves abroad.
I did see a comment about the poor rendering of the edtablished Christian church . In my limited knowledge of that period of English history the setting is very
believable and the Church establishment are described in all their venality.
July 10, 2021
Thrilling tale
Quite an interesting story about the Attebrook family and their trials and tribulations around the time of King Richard the Lionheart. There are many different stories running in parallel, but the chapters are well marked so that you don't get confused. A nice wrap up of things at the end.
Quite an interesting story about the Attebrook family and their trials and tribulations around the time of King Richard the Lionheart. There are many different stories running in parallel, but the chapters are well marked so that you don't get confused. A nice wrap up of things at the end.
October 7, 2021
I like Jason Vail's books and have read all the Attebrook books. But one frustration is that all the baddies are irredeemably bad and all the goodies are unfailingly good. It does make in the end for a terrible predictable ending. But hey ho he does paint a good picture of the life of the poor in medieval England so I'll forgive him.
November 8, 2022
Only one thing, . . .
Only one thing I would do differently, I'd read the Attebrook Family Saga before I read the Steven Attebrook series if I were just starting. Either way, the stories are great, but there would be less of a spoiler effect that way. There aren't many tales I've enjoyed as much as I've enjoyed this pair of stories.
Only one thing I would do differently, I'd read the Attebrook Family Saga before I read the Steven Attebrook series if I were just starting. Either way, the stories are great, but there would be less of a spoiler effect that way. There aren't many tales I've enjoyed as much as I've enjoyed this pair of stories.
April 23, 2023
i love the details
I’ve read all the Attebrook books and enjoy the details of how life might have been at that time, such as how it would’ve been to stop at an inn and sleep in a room with random people, etc. I so enjoy reading these; please keep them coming! And maybe find a new editor—plenty of typos, missing words, etc; that are not the author’s responsibility to fix.
I’ve read all the Attebrook books and enjoy the details of how life might have been at that time, such as how it would’ve been to stop at an inn and sleep in a room with random people, etc. I so enjoy reading these; please keep them coming! And maybe find a new editor—plenty of typos, missing words, etc; that are not the author’s responsibility to fix.
October 10, 2025
Robert Attebrook is now a knight for William Marshal, a loyal subject of King Henry I. While Henry is old and getting weaker, his death is unexpected. Robert is in the group that cleans up Henry's chamber and he finds an ornate drinking cup under the bed. Through all his subsequent travels, adventures and tribulations, he is still looking for the significance of the cup.
February 22, 2021
First Class. Brilliant
Book one was excellent but book two surpassed all expectations. Action packed throughout. Amazing plot full of twists and turns. Could not put this down. Impatiently awaiting book three. Thank you
Book one was excellent but book two surpassed all expectations. Action packed throughout. Amazing plot full of twists and turns. Could not put this down. Impatiently awaiting book three. Thank you
March 30, 2021
A Worthy Continuation
After the first book about Robert & Giselle I found this book a thrilling continuation. I’ve become a true fan of Jason Vail. I hope to hear more of Robert, Gisele and their descendent, Stephen Attebrooke. Farewell, friends for now!
After the first book about Robert & Giselle I found this book a thrilling continuation. I’ve become a true fan of Jason Vail. I hope to hear more of Robert, Gisele and their descendent, Stephen Attebrooke. Farewell, friends for now!
April 5, 2021
Amazing
Gracias me, what a storyline, explained in great detail and again lots of action, plots twists and turns, I'd love there to be more to bring us up to Steven Attebrook. To follow on his line would be awesome reading.
Gracias me, what a storyline, explained in great detail and again lots of action, plots twists and turns, I'd love there to be more to bring us up to Steven Attebrook. To follow on his line would be awesome reading.
August 6, 2021
Poisoned Cup
This is two stories in one. I felt that there were some gaps in the storyline which did make for some rethinking by the reader which is not all bad. I would recommend this book to a friend. All in all a good book.
This is two stories in one. I felt that there were some gaps in the storyline which did make for some rethinking by the reader which is not all bad. I would recommend this book to a friend. All in all a good book.
July 14, 2023
Masterful Medieval Saga
Thus second book, The Poisoned Cup, continues the Attention story. Well written and engrossing continuing story of treachery, greed and hope.
About bro start the next novel. You should read thus series if you are a fan of historical fiction.
Thus second book, The Poisoned Cup, continues the Attention story. Well written and engrossing continuing story of treachery, greed and hope.
About bro start the next novel. You should read thus series if you are a fan of historical fiction.
July 20, 2023
brilliant storytelling
Jason vail is a wonderful storyteller. His tales of life in the 12th century are full of adventure, life and intrigue.
One almost feels they are living in that distant age as they share the experiences of the protagonists.
First class.
Jason vail is a wonderful storyteller. His tales of life in the 12th century are full of adventure, life and intrigue.
One almost feels they are living in that distant age as they share the experiences of the protagonists.
First class.
July 26, 2023
Romantic History
Ah, the poor Attebrooks --plagued again with a multitude of problems, but coincidence and luck (plus superhero skills) permit them to continue ever onward. Notwithstanding this silliness, the historical context in which the plot is set is mostly accurate.
Ah, the poor Attebrooks --plagued again with a multitude of problems, but coincidence and luck (plus superhero skills) permit them to continue ever onward. Notwithstanding this silliness, the historical context in which the plot is set is mostly accurate.
April 23, 2025
Wonderful historical fiction book
Jason Vail has giving us a rich portrayal of life in 12th century England under the rule of Richard the Lioneheart. With wonderful characters an a exciting plot this book keeps you well entertained.
Jason Vail has giving us a rich portrayal of life in 12th century England under the rule of Richard the Lioneheart. With wonderful characters an a exciting plot this book keeps you well entertained.
August 23, 2021
I miss the humor in the Stephen Attention stories, but it is good to get a feel for his background.
September 25, 2021
A good read
Liked the flow of the story and the historical scene setting. Would have liked to see a more conclusive end to the bad guys. I'll wait for the next book!
Liked the flow of the story and the historical scene setting. Would have liked to see a more conclusive end to the bad guys. I'll wait for the next book!
October 14, 2021
Good action adventure set in 12 century. Gives an insight in basic lives at the time.
October 24, 2021
Good romp
I really enjoyed both parts, the forerunners to the Stephen Attebrook series. Please write more, I feel as if I am there when I read them.
I really enjoyed both parts, the forerunners to the Stephen Attebrook series. Please write more, I feel as if I am there when I read them.
November 9, 2021
Excellent story
This is offshoot of what I consider authors best stories. Excellent non-the-less!!!
Hopefully, we have more yarns-to-reveal-in, for years to come.
This is offshoot of what I consider authors best stories. Excellent non-the-less!!!
Hopefully, we have more yarns-to-reveal-in, for years to come.
November 25, 2021
Absolute best books are any Attebrook stories
I love all of Jason Vail's books! The worst part is when they end! How long until the next book???
I love all of Jason Vail's books! The worst part is when they end! How long until the next book???
May 3, 2022
Well done
Well written no whinging in the 12th century look elsewhere for romanticizing medieval times this reads real such rich detail time machine!
Well written no whinging in the 12th century look elsewhere for romanticizing medieval times this reads real such rich detail time machine!
March 7, 2023
Evil Fitzwalter!
Oh, how I do want Eustace to get his cumuppence. Evil thy name is Fitzwalter. Good story and looking forward to filling in the gaps of the Attebrook.
Oh, how I do want Eustace to get his cumuppence. Evil thy name is Fitzwalter. Good story and looking forward to filling in the gaps of the Attebrook.
March 11, 2024
AI usage
I have read all of the books by Mr. Vail, except THE HEIRESS. He tells a great story, but errors appear that the human eye would have detected BEFORE printing.
I have read all of the books by Mr. Vail, except THE HEIRESS. He tells a great story, but errors appear that the human eye would have detected BEFORE printing.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews