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Stephen Attebrook Mysteries #12
A Curious Death
The deputy constable of Oxford Castle, Miles de Dinesley, is found dead in a tub at a local bathhouse, just two alcoves away from where Stephen Attebrook, once a coroner at Ludlow, and his good friend, Gilbert Wistwode, are enjoying a soothing bath after a long journey.
The Oxford coroner rules the death an accidental drowning.
But Dinesley’s influential uncle, Percival FitzAllan, the earl of Arundel, is not convinced. Even though no one saw anyone enter or leave Dinesley’s alcove, FitzAllan believes his dear nephew was murdered.
With nowhere else to turn, FitzAllan engages Stephen, his bitter enemy, to find the killer. Stephen, content to put the profession of solving murders behind him, would rather avoid involvement. So, FitzAllan makes an offer too tempting for Stephen to refuse: the recovery of Stephen’s childhood manor, which had been confiscated by the crown and granted to FitzAllan.
But war interferes. Prince Edward sends Stephen on a perilous secret mission to pave the way for the first battle of the war about to erupt in earnest between Edward’s father, King Henry, and the rebellious barons under the leadership of Earl Simon de Montfort.
With Stephen preoccupied and the title to Hafton Manor in the balance, Gilbert takes up the charge — which drags him into the corrupt morass of Oxford’s underworld and taxes his deductive powers to the limit.
The Oxford coroner rules the death an accidental drowning.
But Dinesley’s influential uncle, Percival FitzAllan, the earl of Arundel, is not convinced. Even though no one saw anyone enter or leave Dinesley’s alcove, FitzAllan believes his dear nephew was murdered.
With nowhere else to turn, FitzAllan engages Stephen, his bitter enemy, to find the killer. Stephen, content to put the profession of solving murders behind him, would rather avoid involvement. So, FitzAllan makes an offer too tempting for Stephen to refuse: the recovery of Stephen’s childhood manor, which had been confiscated by the crown and granted to FitzAllan.
But war interferes. Prince Edward sends Stephen on a perilous secret mission to pave the way for the first battle of the war about to erupt in earnest between Edward’s father, King Henry, and the rebellious barons under the leadership of Earl Simon de Montfort.
With Stephen preoccupied and the title to Hafton Manor in the balance, Gilbert takes up the charge — which drags him into the corrupt morass of Oxford’s underworld and taxes his deductive powers to the limit.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2022
104 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 27, 2022
I have enjoyed this series through the years and was delighted to find this latest addition at the bargain price of $1.19?! Even better.
As usual Stephen is asked to do the impossible by the king. There are some gnarly fighting scenes as well as the slow but careful investigations conducted by his sidekick and Stephen picks up another orphan for his household. This book requires having read the previous 11 books of the series - not to be picked up without the background.
As usual Stephen is asked to do the impossible by the king. There are some gnarly fighting scenes as well as the slow but careful investigations conducted by his sidekick and Stephen picks up another orphan for his household. This book requires having read the previous 11 books of the series - not to be picked up without the background.
March 6, 2022
A Curious Death is the 12th in the Stephen Attebrook series, of which I am a huge fan. These books are set in the 13th during the reign of Henry III.
Stephen is a knight who is down on his luck and trying to regain his fortune and birthright. He has worked as a coroner and has for a best friend Gilbert an innkeeper and former monk. Their are an interesting number of recurring characters, who I always enjoy seeing.
They never disappoint. I would suggest starting with the first, The Wayward Apprentice.
Stephen is a knight who is down on his luck and trying to regain his fortune and birthright. He has worked as a coroner and has for a best friend Gilbert an innkeeper and former monk. Their are an interesting number of recurring characters, who I always enjoy seeing.
They never disappoint. I would suggest starting with the first, The Wayward Apprentice.
June 5, 2022
Just as good as the rest
These are very good books, and I find them pretty much unputdownable. My only problem is that they are a bit samey. They all follow a similar pattern and I usually work out who did what well in advance.
These are very good books, and I find them pretty much unputdownable. My only problem is that they are a bit samey. They all follow a similar pattern and I usually work out who did what well in advance.
February 9, 2025
This is not the only time while reading this series, that I have wished for more flexible star ratings. Definitely a 4.5 and I hate giving most each of these books a 4!
I usually only rate something a 5 if I am going to buy it or it blows me away, but this series has really grown on me and I view it as highly rated and above a 4 star. Anyway- another terrific story.
There is not usually any heat except allusions to naughtiness (Stephen is putty in Margaret's hands) and I have great hopes for Ida, but I find what draws me is the male comradery that unfolds as well as the fascination with life in the 1200's. Awful and corrupt. Nothing new under the sun I guess...
Highlights and Spoilers- this one has a tragic reason for the murder and once again, Stephen takes the moral high ground even though it pains him to do so!
Stephen gets called into the King's service:
"Gilbert watched him go, filled with foreboding and worry.
He had no confidence that Stephen’s disguise as a Dominican friar would fool anyone."
This was a nugget that I dwelt on, if it is true then the ground work for corruption in the church started so very long ago:
“Of course,” Gilbert said. “They’re clerics.”
Since the main purpose of universities was to prepare men for careers in the church, all students were regarded as clerics themselves, subject only to the jurisdiction of church courts and could not be charged or tried in hundred, county and the king’s courts.
This often meant that a student might get off free from any crime he committed, even murder.
WOW.
Stephen ends up injured and Gilbert gets sick, at least he has his priorities :)
"What he wouldn’t give for a mince pie, though. A mince pie and a bath.
He had sweated profusely during his confinement, and he smelled foul, even to himself.
You knew it was bad when your own odor offended you."
I usually only rate something a 5 if I am going to buy it or it blows me away, but this series has really grown on me and I view it as highly rated and above a 4 star. Anyway- another terrific story.
There is not usually any heat except allusions to naughtiness (Stephen is putty in Margaret's hands) and I have great hopes for Ida, but I find what draws me is the male comradery that unfolds as well as the fascination with life in the 1200's. Awful and corrupt. Nothing new under the sun I guess...
Highlights and Spoilers- this one has a tragic reason for the murder and once again, Stephen takes the moral high ground even though it pains him to do so!
Stephen gets called into the King's service:
"Gilbert watched him go, filled with foreboding and worry.
He had no confidence that Stephen’s disguise as a Dominican friar would fool anyone."
This was a nugget that I dwelt on, if it is true then the ground work for corruption in the church started so very long ago:
“Of course,” Gilbert said. “They’re clerics.”
Since the main purpose of universities was to prepare men for careers in the church, all students were regarded as clerics themselves, subject only to the jurisdiction of church courts and could not be charged or tried in hundred, county and the king’s courts.
This often meant that a student might get off free from any crime he committed, even murder.
WOW.
Stephen ends up injured and Gilbert gets sick, at least he has his priorities :)
"What he wouldn’t give for a mince pie, though. A mince pie and a bath.
He had sweated profusely during his confinement, and he smelled foul, even to himself.
You knew it was bad when your own odor offended you."
June 11, 2022
So glad to encounter Stephen & Gilbert again!
Once again, Stephen Attebrook & Gilbert Wistwode are faced with a mystery requiring all their patience & cunning! Against that backdrop, there is civil war between King Henry & Simon de Montfort. The intrigue & bloody battle threaten to end Stephen. Only with the the love & care of his loyal circle does he have a chance. But even if he survives, a devil’s bargain remains. If Stephen sacrifices his dreams, others will win. But if does chooses to fulfill them, many will will die. I must say I enjoyed this book thoroughly & anxiously await the next!
Once again, Stephen Attebrook & Gilbert Wistwode are faced with a mystery requiring all their patience & cunning! Against that backdrop, there is civil war between King Henry & Simon de Montfort. The intrigue & bloody battle threaten to end Stephen. Only with the the love & care of his loyal circle does he have a chance. But even if he survives, a devil’s bargain remains. If Stephen sacrifices his dreams, others will win. But if does chooses to fulfill them, many will will die. I must say I enjoyed this book thoroughly & anxiously await the next!
April 23, 2022
I am so impressed with Jason Vail's stamina in writing the Stephen Attebrook series. Twelve books in and I am more enthralled than ever, especially with the addition of new characters. Sir Stephen has a habit of befriending and taking under his protection the less fortunate, showing how truly strong people have enough left over to care for others, despite the toll the world takes on them. Mr. Vail has created a stoic and sympathetic character in Stephen Attebrook. I eagerly await the next installment in this series.
June 23, 2022
I gave this book 4 stars for the story, but was a little put-off by it. Essentially, it is really two stories in one. The murder being the first(which is the title), the second being Attebrook's adventure to assist the king in protection of his kingdom. Gilbert basically solves the mystery without Attebrook and really does a good job. But, Attebrook has been called to duty by the king and is, therefore, drawn away from the investigative process associated with the murder. I have been drawn to Jason Vail's books because they are well written and the battle descriptions are very vivid.
January 1, 2023
March 1264 Stephen Attebrook and Gilbert Wistwode are at the muster at Oxford. On the death of his nephew, Miles, Percival FitzAllan, Earl of Arundel, asks his old enemy Attebrook to investigate. But Prince Edward wants him to travel to Northampton to investigate if there is a breech in the defenses.
An entertining historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyble and well-written series.
An entertining historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyble and well-written series.
June 2, 2022
A complex political plot along with more domestic problems as Stephen and Gilbert split up to tackle a murder in a bathhouse and a rebellion against the King. The historical detail is rich and thick as usual and as this is probably my favourite author for fight scenes I’m glad to say there’s some action, too.
January 4, 2024
Such a great team!
I love the Stephen Attebrook mysteries - now, I think, more for the way the characters have developed into people I really like. They struggle with age old issues such as justice (versus judgment), with feelings of inadequacy, and with aching poverty in the very midst of plenty. The world building continues to be excellent and I highly recommend.
I love the Stephen Attebrook mysteries - now, I think, more for the way the characters have developed into people I really like. They struggle with age old issues such as justice (versus judgment), with feelings of inadequacy, and with aching poverty in the very midst of plenty. The world building continues to be excellent and I highly recommend.
February 1, 2024
I found this Stephen Attebrook mystery the best one so far--well written and suspenseful. Stephen is in Oxford as a soldier under Prince Edward. There is a curious death in a local bath house-but before Stephen can solve this mystery, Prince Edward sends him to Northampton to spy out the town for a possible military expedition. Gilbert is left in Oxford to investigate the mystery.
March 5, 2022
More of Stephen losing
He always helps the important people immensely but doesn’t get what he deserves. Part of me thought this was the end of both Stephen and Gilbert. Who knows where it goes next.
He always helps the important people immensely but doesn’t get what he deserves. Part of me thought this was the end of both Stephen and Gilbert. Who knows where it goes next.
July 17, 2022
Thrilling tale
Another great story in the adventures of Stephen Attebrook. Nice to see Gilbert get a little bit of the spotlight on him for a change. Hope there is another book in the series.
Another great story in the adventures of Stephen Attebrook. Nice to see Gilbert get a little bit of the spotlight on him for a change. Hope there is another book in the series.
March 1, 2022
Curious ending
I like all of this series of books but was unsatisfied with the ending of this one. Better hurry up with getting out the next one so we know what happens next!
I like all of this series of books but was unsatisfied with the ending of this one. Better hurry up with getting out the next one so we know what happens next!
March 3, 2022
Best story
Start with the first in the series. They are all good, but the characters continue and they are all wonderful. Historically even I was enthralled by the long bow.
Start with the first in the series. They are all good, but the characters continue and they are all wonderful. Historically even I was enthralled by the long bow.
March 7, 2022
Masterly
As always, very well written. The settings and cultural knowledge are spot on and the characters understandable. Jason Vail obviously knows his craft.
As always, very well written. The settings and cultural knowledge are spot on and the characters understandable. Jason Vail obviously knows his craft.
March 11, 2022
First Class
Absolutely riveting as usual. Could not put this down yet again. Impatiently awaiting book 13. Once again I thank you.
Absolutely riveting as usual. Could not put this down yet again. Impatiently awaiting book 13. Once again I thank you.
March 31, 2022
Sandies 2 cents
Good story. After reading first book of two almost didn't continue because of character weakness of Stephen. Happy with his development
Good story. After reading first book of two almost didn't continue because of character weakness of Stephen. Happy with his development
May 21, 2022
Love this series
Truly the best series Kindle Unlimited offers. Always entertaining always harrowing. Really wondering what will happen in the next installment.
Truly the best series Kindle Unlimited offers. Always entertaining always harrowing. Really wondering what will happen in the next installment.
June 26, 2022
I'm loving this series. Left an opening at the end for continuation so hopefully that means another book sometime.
September 25, 2022
Pretty good
Liked the whole part about finding and getting through the sally port before the great battle. I like Vail's books.
Liked the whole part about finding and getting through the sally port before the great battle. I like Vail's books.
October 24, 2022
back in hot water again
From assistant coroner to spy, and finally ending up as a very good but inexperienced detective. The goal remains just out of reach. What happens next ?
From assistant coroner to spy, and finally ending up as a very good but inexperienced detective. The goal remains just out of reach. What happens next ?
November 9, 2022
Just rewards??
Stephen is a man of moral character, with failings of course. King's and lords expect results, but will they remember those who make success possible?
Stephen is a man of moral character, with failings of course. King's and lords expect results, but will they remember those who make success possible?
October 13, 2023
A good quick read, fast moving.
October 6, 2024
Civil War
The best book of the series? Nicely gelled. Death in a bathhouse, spy, kidnapper, Gilbert and Wymar to the rescue. New friends, old enemies and Bill!
The best book of the series? Nicely gelled. Death in a bathhouse, spy, kidnapper, Gilbert and Wymar to the rescue. New friends, old enemies and Bill!
January 13, 2025
Laborious, too much description of geography and directions
October 21, 2025
Good read as usual
It was good but I really didn't like this one as much as the earlier ones. I miss the inn and Harry and Ludlow. And I really wanted the guilty exposed .
It was good but I really didn't like this one as much as the earlier ones. I miss the inn and Harry and Ludlow. And I really wanted the guilty exposed .
October 25, 2023
#12 in the Sir Stephen Atterbrook mystery series. March-April. 1264. Stephen is a knight who is down on his luck and trying to regain his fortune and birthright. He has worked as a coroner aided by Gilbert an innkeeper and former monk. As usual Stephen is asked to do the impossible by the king and another such task by his bitter enemy Percival FitzAllan, the earl of Arundel. This is a series which requires having read the previous books of the series as this is necessary background to understand Stephen and his plight.
Taking place during the continuing civil war between King Henry & Simon de Montfort for the English crown, the mystery is the death the very much unliked nephew of the earl of Arundel who "hires" (a promise to possibly restore Stephen's family manor) Stephen to find out who the murderer is. Stephen's investigation is interrupted by the king who sends him on a perilous secret mission to pave the way for the first battle of the war thus leaving the investigation in the hands of Gilbert.
As usual, the story ends with several loose ends paving the way for the continuing saga of Stephen seeking to regain his family's lands and status.
Taking place during the continuing civil war between King Henry & Simon de Montfort for the English crown, the mystery is the death the very much unliked nephew of the earl of Arundel who "hires" (a promise to possibly restore Stephen's family manor) Stephen to find out who the murderer is. Stephen's investigation is interrupted by the king who sends him on a perilous secret mission to pave the way for the first battle of the war thus leaving the investigation in the hands of Gilbert.
As usual, the story ends with several loose ends paving the way for the continuing saga of Stephen seeking to regain his family's lands and status.
April 8, 2023
Another great read
I'm never disappointed with Jason Vail's work, or with his characters. Finding a simple morality in such large characters is rare and hard to write about. He does it well. Glad there is another volume in this long and enjoyable series.
I'm never disappointed with Jason Vail's work, or with his characters. Finding a simple morality in such large characters is rare and hard to write about. He does it well. Glad there is another volume in this long and enjoyable series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews