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The war between the rebellious barons under Simon de Montfort and those loyal to King Henry III seethes around the border town of Ludlow during February and March 1264, with contending armies ravaging the countryside on every side.
But not all of medieval Ludlow’s citizens are caught up on the conflict, or so they think. Some have more pressing personal business — such as Harry the woodcarver, whose life is jolted by the unexpected return of his estranged wife, Megge. She stuns Harry with the confession that she sold their two sons into serfdom to stave off her own poverty.
What can Harry do in the face of this monstrous revelation but ask his close friend, Stephen Attebrook, the finder extraordinaire, to get the boys back?
This request plunges Stephen and his two friends, Harry and Gilbert, into the midst of the war as they rush across the March in search of the missing children — a search that ultimately leads them into the dangerous wilds of Wales where murder and violent death await.
But not all of medieval Ludlow’s citizens are caught up on the conflict, or so they think. Some have more pressing personal business — such as Harry the woodcarver, whose life is jolted by the unexpected return of his estranged wife, Megge. She stuns Harry with the confession that she sold their two sons into serfdom to stave off her own poverty.
What can Harry do in the face of this monstrous revelation but ask his close friend, Stephen Attebrook, the finder extraordinaire, to get the boys back?
This request plunges Stephen and his two friends, Harry and Gilbert, into the midst of the war as they rush across the March in search of the missing children — a search that ultimately leads them into the dangerous wilds of Wales where murder and violent death await.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2021
130 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 17, 2021
This 11th book in the Stephen Attebrook series covered a great deal of territory as it begins with the shocking raid and fire of Stephen's long fought for manor. Could the author grant us a moment of happiness in Attebrook's knightly adventures? Well, it is 13th Century England.
The action is pretty much nonstop, plenty of swordplay, quite an assortment of heroic action, some recognition from a Lord here and there, near drowning, and one special additional quest to find the sons of friend Harry, partially successful. No spoilers.
You can purchase this latest adventure for $1.19 from Amazon! All the other books in series are on Kindle Unlimited presently.
The action is pretty much nonstop, plenty of swordplay, quite an assortment of heroic action, some recognition from a Lord here and there, near drowning, and one special additional quest to find the sons of friend Harry, partially successful. No spoilers.
You can purchase this latest adventure for $1.19 from Amazon! All the other books in series are on Kindle Unlimited presently.
February 6, 2025
Poor Stephen- freezing cold swimming to help with the war effort, escaping with your life, losing your manor (in record time), being pressed into service while trying to help a desperate Harry, wanting to find his sons who are sold by his wife (estranged...). Poor Joan, what a shock for her :)
Anyway- really great story, this time with the grim realities of being sold, enslaved and put to work in the mines. How much humanity has suffered and continues to!
I am emotionally connected to Stephen and the gang now, they really have a solid friendship and I am looking forward to more Ida!
“Ah,” Harry said. “Clever. You’d make a fine merchant.”
“You have to have a head for business to run a manor profitably,” Stephen said.
“Well, you haven’t proven that you can do that yet,” Harry said.
“But he has the opportunity now,” Gilbert said.
“You mean Ida has the opportunity,” Harry said.
“Quite so,” Stephen said with a small smile."
Anyway- really great story, this time with the grim realities of being sold, enslaved and put to work in the mines. How much humanity has suffered and continues to!
I am emotionally connected to Stephen and the gang now, they really have a solid friendship and I am looking forward to more Ida!
“Ah,” Harry said. “Clever. You’d make a fine merchant.”
“You have to have a head for business to run a manor profitably,” Stephen said.
“Well, you haven’t proven that you can do that yet,” Harry said.
“But he has the opportunity now,” Gilbert said.
“You mean Ida has the opportunity,” Harry said.
“Quite so,” Stephen said with a small smile."
August 21, 2021
1264 Harry discovers that his estraged wife, Megge, has sold their two sons into slavery. Trying to find and retrieve them, Stephen Attebrook with Gilbert and Harry become entangled in the civil war.
An entertaining historical thriller rather than a mystery, with its likeable main characters.
An entertaining historical thriller rather than a mystery, with its likeable main characters.
September 22, 2021
Could of be better!
Not as good as the others. That's why only a three. Could of had a little more of a story to it.
Not as good as the others. That's why only a three. Could of had a little more of a story to it.
July 20, 2021
Sir Stephen to the rescue!
I wish he would write faster. I really enjoy the characters and all the mischief they get into on a regular basis. It would be great if the next book was a bit longer.
I wish he would write faster. I really enjoy the characters and all the mischief they get into on a regular basis. It would be great if the next book was a bit longer.
July 31, 2021
I have a particular love for medieval mysteries and one of my favorites are the Stephen Attebrook series by Jason Vail, which are set in 13th century, England. I almost always read them as soon as they come out and then eagerly await the next one. His latest, the 11th is Missing and it further extends Stephen's story.
With any series which one follows, the secondary characters become as important as the main characters and this series has some great ones, there is Gilbert who is an innkeeper who used to be a monk, until he fell under the spell of books and a woman; and Harry, a skilled wood carver who has had both his legs amputated and he is as cagey as they come.
One of the things with this series is that it is action packed and Missing continues the trend. Jason Vail is an expert of martial arts and one of the areas of his focus is historical European martial arts in particular use of broadsword and dagger, so when one reads his novels one can expect fairly detailed fight scenes.
If you are interested in this series, I suggest that you start with the first The Wayward Apprentice.
With any series which one follows, the secondary characters become as important as the main characters and this series has some great ones, there is Gilbert who is an innkeeper who used to be a monk, until he fell under the spell of books and a woman; and Harry, a skilled wood carver who has had both his legs amputated and he is as cagey as they come.
One of the things with this series is that it is action packed and Missing continues the trend. Jason Vail is an expert of martial arts and one of the areas of his focus is historical European martial arts in particular use of broadsword and dagger, so when one reads his novels one can expect fairly detailed fight scenes.
If you are interested in this series, I suggest that you start with the first The Wayward Apprentice.
August 14, 2021
What makes Stephen Attebrook books riveting reading is that they have the perfect mix of mystery and history. And a honorable hero is always a plus. Situations change at the blink of an eye and Attebrook has to scramble hard to keep up. Just yesterday he was the Lord of the Manor and today the Manor is gone. I like his stubbornness and refusal to give up. The mystery of Harry's kidnapped children gets equal screentime and Stephen's attention and efforts as much as the War between the King and Montfort.
May 7, 2022
#11 in the Stephen Attebrook mystery series.
During February and March 1264, Stephen again finds himself in the middle of the struggle between rebellious barons and King Henry III. As contending armies ravaging the countryside, Stephen's nearly awarded estate is destroyed by his arch enemy Simon de Montford.
His situation is complicated when the former wife who left Stephen's friend Harry when he was seriously injured returns and tells them she has sold their 2 sons into serfdom. Harry appeals to Stephen to help him get his sons back and this is a story of their effort.
During February and March 1264, Stephen again finds himself in the middle of the struggle between rebellious barons and King Henry III. As contending armies ravaging the countryside, Stephen's nearly awarded estate is destroyed by his arch enemy Simon de Montford.
His situation is complicated when the former wife who left Stephen's friend Harry when he was seriously injured returns and tells them she has sold their 2 sons into serfdom. Harry appeals to Stephen to help him get his sons back and this is a story of their effort.
April 12, 2022
"With enough struggle and sacrifice, things can be set right..."
If only this were true for people who aren't close friends of Stephen Attebrook. Like an avenging angel, Sir Stephen takes on an evil enterprise (a Welsh mine) whose owners enrich themselves on the backs of abused slaves. Towards the end of the story, I was confident that Sir Stephen would be able to rescue Harry's son, but wished that more could be done. Bravo, Sir Stephen, for giving this reader a happy ending.
If only this were true for people who aren't close friends of Stephen Attebrook. Like an avenging angel, Sir Stephen takes on an evil enterprise (a Welsh mine) whose owners enrich themselves on the backs of abused slaves. Towards the end of the story, I was confident that Sir Stephen would be able to rescue Harry's son, but wished that more could be done. Bravo, Sir Stephen, for giving this reader a happy ending.
August 31, 2023
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series—great characters. The main plot here is that Stephen is trying to find Harry’s young boys, whose mother had sold them. More of a thriller than a mystery, really. As always, Vail shows you the brutality and difficulties of the era. But a sentimental ending too.
I have to admit the political intrigue of kings, earls, rebels, Welsh, etc. gets confusing, but the story is unaffected by that.
I have to admit the political intrigue of kings, earls, rebels, Welsh, etc. gets confusing, but the story is unaffected by that.
August 24, 2021
I have read nearly all of Jason Vail's books, and really enjoy the humor he adds to his characters. After twenty books, the story lines become a little predictable, but they are all fun. In this one, Stephen is asked to find his friend, Harry's, two children, after Harry's estranged wife shows up and lets it slip that she has sold them. Great action.
July 26, 2021
I can hardly wait for the next book!
Every Stephen Attebrook book has been treat. A fine adventure, interesting characters and accurate historic meileu. This is a terrific series.
Every Stephen Attebrook book has been treat. A fine adventure, interesting characters and accurate historic meileu. This is a terrific series.
August 26, 2021
Excellent
The characters and the storyline never fails to capture the imagination and, as a result, I look forward to the following episode and how Harry and his young son have got on?
The characters and the storyline never fails to capture the imagination and, as a result, I look forward to the following episode and how Harry and his young son have got on?
August 29, 2021
Missing
Great story line. I love the way he brought her characters into the story line. It was like meeting g old friends again. I hope he keeps writing more about Stephen, Ida, Garry, and Gilbert.
Great story line. I love the way he brought her characters into the story line. It was like meeting g old friends again. I hope he keeps writing more about Stephen, Ida, Garry, and Gilbert.
September 4, 2021
stephen didn’t get shafted
he should have gotten more credit for the chain though. and i cannot believe prince edward really wanted to get hose prisoners home. less a mystery and more an adventure.
he should have gotten more credit for the chain though. and i cannot believe prince edward really wanted to get hose prisoners home. less a mystery and more an adventure.
September 7, 2021
Wow great story
I really think this is one of the best Stephen Attebrook mysteries. I can't wait for the next three. Only issue is I read them so fast going from one adventure to the next.
I really think this is one of the best Stephen Attebrook mysteries. I can't wait for the next three. Only issue is I read them so fast going from one adventure to the next.
October 11, 2021
Attebrook overworked
The unlikely adventures of Sir Stephen are of declining interest. His efforts as coroner were a good beginning but the continuing episodes are increasingly far-fetched, and the cast of characters somewhat tiresome.
The unlikely adventures of Sir Stephen are of declining interest. His efforts as coroner were a good beginning but the continuing episodes are increasingly far-fetched, and the cast of characters somewhat tiresome.
November 29, 2021
Enjoyable
The saga of Stephen Attebrook is an interesting look into the 12th Century England with its wars and living conditions and the people that inhabited the era. The storyline is exciting with the characters well drawn out.
The saga of Stephen Attebrook is an interesting look into the 12th Century England with its wars and living conditions and the people that inhabited the era. The storyline is exciting with the characters well drawn out.
March 29, 2022
Love this series
I just can't say enough about this series. I don't understand why they are so inexpensive. They are well researched and thought out. The world is amazing. I love Stephen, Harry and Gilbert. They all have great will and determination. A must read.
I just can't say enough about this series. I don't understand why they are so inexpensive. They are well researched and thought out. The world is amazing. I love Stephen, Harry and Gilbert. They all have great will and determination. A must read.
April 19, 2022
Good but limited
This is a well-written, action packed story with lovely descriptions of actions, buildings and scenery. It is set in an historically tense time, and the politics are roughly outlined. The characters lack depth.
This is a well-written, action packed story with lovely descriptions of actions, buildings and scenery. It is set in an historically tense time, and the politics are roughly outlined. The characters lack depth.
June 10, 2022
Great adventure story
Another thrilling adventure in the series. Lots of action and a fast paced plot keep you interested right up to the end of the book. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Another thrilling adventure in the series. Lots of action and a fast paced plot keep you interested right up to the end of the book. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 5, 2022
Devoted Friends
One good turn deserves another. How far would you go for someone who saves your life? Repercussions are certainly in the shodow for our beloved Stephen. Let friends be his strength.
One good turn deserves another. How far would you go for someone who saves your life? Repercussions are certainly in the shodow for our beloved Stephen. Let friends be his strength.
March 29, 2023
There's not really any story involved in this one just a lot of travelling and fighting.
There are more wrong words and spelling mistakes than is tolerable. I don't think any proof reading whatsoever takes place?
There are more wrong words and spelling mistakes than is tolerable. I don't think any proof reading whatsoever takes place?
July 29, 2021
Excellent
Brilliant as I expected. Action packed throughout. Excellent storyline. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series yet again. Thank you.
Brilliant as I expected. Action packed throughout. Excellent storyline. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series yet again. Thank you.
August 6, 2021
An enjoyable story
The reader can always depend on this author to write an intriguing tale. The characters are well developed, and the ending is delightful.
The reader can always depend on this author to write an intriguing tale. The characters are well developed, and the ending is delightful.
August 7, 2021
Excellent
Another fast paced edition of the Stephen Attebrook series. Cannot wait for the next chapter and highly recommend Missing to any readers of historical fiction.
Another fast paced edition of the Stephen Attebrook series. Cannot wait for the next chapter and highly recommend Missing to any readers of historical fiction.
August 10, 2021
Another good Stephen Attebrook story. I love how.it sets up for.the.next one.
August 14, 2021
Missing
It's a cracking good story and gives you an insight to how things were then without labouring the point. Am working my way through all his books.
It's a cracking good story and gives you an insight to how things were then without labouring the point. Am working my way through all his books.
August 30, 2021
Stephen Attenborough books
Have now read all the 11 books and throughly enjoyed them. Knowing the area where they are set made them an even better read. 👍👍👍.
Have now read all the 11 books and throughly enjoyed them. Knowing the area where they are set made them an even better read. 👍👍👍.
September 16, 2021
Best series ever
Hope you always keep this incredibly interesting series going. One of all time favorites!!!
Looking forward to the next chapter immensely!!!
Hope you always keep this incredibly interesting series going. One of all time favorites!!!
Looking forward to the next chapter immensely!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews