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Stephen Attebrook Mysteries #1
The Wayward Apprentice
Stephen Attebrook, a crippled knight facing poverty and ruin, seems condemned to a quiet life when he takes a position as deputy coroner in the small medieval town of Ludlow.
But instead, he plunges into a web of murder, espionage and intrigue.
A death Attebrook rules an accidental drowning turns out to be a murder, and he must find the killer with little evidence pointing the way.
Then a commission to return a runaway apprentice pitches him into the midst of a conflict between a rebellious earl and King Henry III that is about to erupt into civil war.
Caught up in the twilight struggle among spies readying for war, Attebrook races to defend the apprentice against a charge of murder while dodging killers in the employ of one of the factions.
Thirteenth century England has never been brought more vividly to life than in the pages of The Wayward Apprentice.
But instead, he plunges into a web of murder, espionage and intrigue.
A death Attebrook rules an accidental drowning turns out to be a murder, and he must find the killer with little evidence pointing the way.
Then a commission to return a runaway apprentice pitches him into the midst of a conflict between a rebellious earl and King Henry III that is about to erupt into civil war.
Caught up in the twilight struggle among spies readying for war, Attebrook races to defend the apprentice against a charge of murder while dodging killers in the employ of one of the factions.
Thirteenth century England has never been brought more vividly to life than in the pages of The Wayward Apprentice.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2010
797 people are currently reading
975 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
November 28, 2011
This book was okay. I have to admit that I only picked it up because it was billed as similar to "The Unquiet Bones" by Mel Starr, which I loved, and it was only 99 cents.
I won't go over the details of the plot, other than to say it is the story of a washed-up knight named Stephen in medieval England who is now making his way in the world as deputy coroner in a small village. When some murders occur in his jurisdiction, Stephen sees a connection and takes it upon himself to solve them.
The period detail here is quite good, as Vail is a scholar in that area. My qualms are with the character development. There are a lot of characters who are thinly developed, and when they come together, it can be hard to discern among them. I have to admit, I would have rather had a longer novel with more backstory on the characters, so as to avoid the confusion I felt at the resolution, when I had to go back through and look people up in the previous pages to remember who was who.
You could do a lot worse than "The Wayward Apprentice". I recommend it to other readers of historical fiction set in medieval England, but with some caveats and reservations. For 99 cents, go ahead and get it. For anything more, I'd wait for a little revision on the part of the author.
I won't go over the details of the plot, other than to say it is the story of a washed-up knight named Stephen in medieval England who is now making his way in the world as deputy coroner in a small village. When some murders occur in his jurisdiction, Stephen sees a connection and takes it upon himself to solve them.
The period detail here is quite good, as Vail is a scholar in that area. My qualms are with the character development. There are a lot of characters who are thinly developed, and when they come together, it can be hard to discern among them. I have to admit, I would have rather had a longer novel with more backstory on the characters, so as to avoid the confusion I felt at the resolution, when I had to go back through and look people up in the previous pages to remember who was who.
You could do a lot worse than "The Wayward Apprentice". I recommend it to other readers of historical fiction set in medieval England, but with some caveats and reservations. For 99 cents, go ahead and get it. For anything more, I'd wait for a little revision on the part of the author.
March 16, 2023
3.5
Solid medieval mystery. This is the first book in a series and I would read another. Sir Stephen Attebrook is the part-time deputy coroner, having left the army after losing half his foot. Set during the seesaw between Simon de Montfort and the King Edward, crown politics affects even villages and results in several murders. Simon is just learning his job but he perseveres, along with his deputy Gilbert, pragmatic owner of a pub where Simon resides. There's a lot going on in this book but it was quite interesting and readable.
Solid medieval mystery. This is the first book in a series and I would read another. Sir Stephen Attebrook is the part-time deputy coroner, having left the army after losing half his foot. Set during the seesaw between Simon de Montfort and the King Edward, crown politics affects even villages and results in several murders. Simon is just learning his job but he perseveres, along with his deputy Gilbert, pragmatic owner of a pub where Simon resides. There's a lot going on in this book but it was quite interesting and readable.
April 24, 2021
English mystery!
This is a first for me to read Jason Vail works. I'm just getting started but I must say I enjoyed the it a great deal. I love a good mystery an even better that's a Medieval English at that. Stephen an his side kick an best friend Gilbert an I must say Gilbert dose give you a good laugh have there work cut out for them. Sir Stephen is a knight out of service from a injury to his foot that he only has half of. He has tried an number of jobs since but all has failed. Now he is Deputy Coroner in the English courts in a not so big of a town but just big enough to cause him some trouble. So you have murder an intrigue an people who just don't like him. A town with a few let's say a little off the beam.
I may have come to the series late but a Damn fine read an well wrote indeed Mr. Jason Vail.
This is a first for me to read Jason Vail works. I'm just getting started but I must say I enjoyed the it a great deal. I love a good mystery an even better that's a Medieval English at that. Stephen an his side kick an best friend Gilbert an I must say Gilbert dose give you a good laugh have there work cut out for them. Sir Stephen is a knight out of service from a injury to his foot that he only has half of. He has tried an number of jobs since but all has failed. Now he is Deputy Coroner in the English courts in a not so big of a town but just big enough to cause him some trouble. So you have murder an intrigue an people who just don't like him. A town with a few let's say a little off the beam.
I may have come to the series late but a Damn fine read an well wrote indeed Mr. Jason Vail.
August 19, 2022
I was able to choose a free book from the Kindle lending library for the month of December. This one looked interesting as I love historical fiction. It's a medieval mystery set in England. I gave it 3 stars since I liked the historical details. I didn't rate it higher as the story seemed to lag at times. Plus I never really cared a lot for the main character.
January 5, 2025
Loved it, was a nice change! First book from this author Jason Vail and will not be my last. I have already downloaded the next 3 :)
Its the 1200's (I picture Robin of the Hood) with fighting the Moors and medieval England. The struggle between followers of the King and the local barons. Our lead character, Stephen, is quietly noble and funny. It helps that he misses his wife, adds emotion to the backstory. Good fighter too, or this story would be a novella. Ha!
No steam between characters but not all is pure in jolly England! I really enjoyed the cast of characters, the real feel of the town and people of the times. Example, going barefoot in the summer to save the leather. Adds to the experience in reading this book.
Gilbert and Edith are great people and the mystery was well done. Several murders, intertwined, but Stephen saves the day.
Highlights & Spoilers:
"The sense of it was so sharp that he came immediately awake, gasping as much with primal desire as grief as piercing as a spear point. His wife, Taresa, wasn’t there of course. She had been dead almost six months now..."
I loved his irreverent relationship with Harry:
Harry eyed the geese with hungry eyes. “Here, here,” he coaxed, holding out a scrap of bread. “I’ve got something for you.”
“Keep those hands where they can be seen, Harry,” Stephen said.
And his nonchalance with God and the Church:
He drew the foot out of sight, embarrassed.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“About what?”
“Your …” “Foot.”
“Yes.”
“Just some bad luck. A Moor cut it off. With an axe.”
Amicia winced. “It’s God’s will.”
Stephen snorted.
Amicia was shocked. “That’s blasphemy.”
Stephen put a finger to his lips. “Don’t tell anyone.”
Its the 1200's (I picture Robin of the Hood) with fighting the Moors and medieval England. The struggle between followers of the King and the local barons. Our lead character, Stephen, is quietly noble and funny. It helps that he misses his wife, adds emotion to the backstory. Good fighter too, or this story would be a novella. Ha!
No steam between characters but not all is pure in jolly England! I really enjoyed the cast of characters, the real feel of the town and people of the times. Example, going barefoot in the summer to save the leather. Adds to the experience in reading this book.
Gilbert and Edith are great people and the mystery was well done. Several murders, intertwined, but Stephen saves the day.
Highlights & Spoilers:
"The sense of it was so sharp that he came immediately awake, gasping as much with primal desire as grief as piercing as a spear point. His wife, Taresa, wasn’t there of course. She had been dead almost six months now..."
I loved his irreverent relationship with Harry:
Harry eyed the geese with hungry eyes. “Here, here,” he coaxed, holding out a scrap of bread. “I’ve got something for you.”
“Keep those hands where they can be seen, Harry,” Stephen said.
And his nonchalance with God and the Church:
He drew the foot out of sight, embarrassed.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“About what?”
“Your …” “Foot.”
“Yes.”
“Just some bad luck. A Moor cut it off. With an axe.”
Amicia winced. “It’s God’s will.”
Stephen snorted.
Amicia was shocked. “That’s blasphemy.”
Stephen put a finger to his lips. “Don’t tell anyone.”
January 16, 2023
A pretty well written mystery set in the 1200s England. A murder is discovered and the Coroner and his Knight assistant go to check on the body to determine how they died. From there a complex series of intertwining events and more death pile up including several romances, spies from competing factions, and more.
Like most modern historical mysteries, this commits what I consider a significant error of having the characters be at best casually religious, with it having virtually no impact or effect on their lives. This is compounded by how the social status of characters is barely noticable, and worse, the dialect of everyone is exactly the same, no matter what strata they inhabit. The knight befriends a legless beggar, is insulted and sneered at by peasants, merchants, and tavern owners, etc.
All in all the mystery wasn't badly done, but was a bit too lofty and excessive for a small village, and had way too much involved for the times and setting. The characters were distinct and interesting, and other than the cultural and historical notes above, acted reasonable for what they were experiencing.
Like most modern historical mysteries, this commits what I consider a significant error of having the characters be at best casually religious, with it having virtually no impact or effect on their lives. This is compounded by how the social status of characters is barely noticable, and worse, the dialect of everyone is exactly the same, no matter what strata they inhabit. The knight befriends a legless beggar, is insulted and sneered at by peasants, merchants, and tavern owners, etc.
All in all the mystery wasn't badly done, but was a bit too lofty and excessive for a small village, and had way too much involved for the times and setting. The characters were distinct and interesting, and other than the cultural and historical notes above, acted reasonable for what they were experiencing.
June 29, 2020
I was absorbed from sentence one: "The messenger of death arrived in the form of a boy dripping wet and covered with mud." page 6
Set in 1262 during the reign of King Henry III, the plot was intriguingly twisted, with tendrils of suspense sprouting in multiple directions. It's a great read that has unexpected and satisfactory resolutions in the final pages.
a favorite passage:
"In that twilight of the mind between sleep and wakefulness ...." page 25
Set in 1262 during the reign of King Henry III, the plot was intriguingly twisted, with tendrils of suspense sprouting in multiple directions. It's a great read that has unexpected and satisfactory resolutions in the final pages.
a favorite passage:
"In that twilight of the mind between sleep and wakefulness ...." page 25
February 12, 2017
I enjoyed this medieval mystery set in the 13th century England, and I plan of reading more in this series. Stephen Attebrook is a knight returned from Spain (where his foot was cut off), basically poor and needing work. He is given the position of Deputy Coroner where he puts his soldier experience to good use. I also really enjoyed the side characters.
December 26, 2025
Not quite sure how I got to this one. It was probably on recommendation of a Goodreads friend. Alas, I have already found that we don't always appreciate the same things.
Here we are back in the 13th century Ludlow and a quick dive into a history book to find it a time of Henry III and the Nobles uprising, although this only slightly touches the story.
I'm not sure if we are fully aware of Stephen Attebrook's personal history yet but he has just been appointed as Deputy Coroner and is called to his first body.
At the start, I felt as if I had got a good grip of all the major characters and could imagine the scenes although not particulatly au fait with small town life at that time. Unfortunately that didn't last and I found myself too often having to look back to check who someone was. Maybe because of this I rather lost which side the various parties were on,too.
Sir Stephen investigates this death but is then hired to find an apprentice who has absconded (hence the title).
I was losing interest in the storyline but thankfully the story comes to life towards the end or I might have given it up. After digesting this read ,maybe, there is a future for the central characters in the series to come but I'm not convinced that I will be there with them.
12th December 2025
Here we are back in the 13th century Ludlow and a quick dive into a history book to find it a time of Henry III and the Nobles uprising, although this only slightly touches the story.
I'm not sure if we are fully aware of Stephen Attebrook's personal history yet but he has just been appointed as Deputy Coroner and is called to his first body.
At the start, I felt as if I had got a good grip of all the major characters and could imagine the scenes although not particulatly au fait with small town life at that time. Unfortunately that didn't last and I found myself too often having to look back to check who someone was. Maybe because of this I rather lost which side the various parties were on,too.
Sir Stephen investigates this death but is then hired to find an apprentice who has absconded (hence the title).
I was losing interest in the storyline but thankfully the story comes to life towards the end or I might have given it up. After digesting this read ,maybe, there is a future for the central characters in the series to come but I'm not convinced that I will be there with them.
12th December 2025
January 10, 2026
I had never heard of this author before (from a quick Google I think he usually writes non-fiction) but I like historical whodunits and it was under a £ for the Kindle so I thought I'd give it a shot and was pleasantly surprised.
It's a fairly gritty portrayal of the period it's set in, which I think is probably the best approach when writing a murder mystery (they really don't lend themselves to coziness) and the main character has a darkly numerous outlook on life which is quite engaging and again fits in well with the subject matter.
The other main characters are well-drawn and the central mystery plays out in a very satisfactory way.
It would have been nice if it was a little longer, but only because I enjoyed it so much. I certainly can't complain it wasn't good value.
It could have done with a slightly more thorough proof-read and there is a very badly written sex scene which almost seems to have been thrown in there as an after-thought (fair enough put the scene in but don't write it so clumsily) but all in all I'm hoping the author decides to make it the first in a series.
It's a fairly gritty portrayal of the period it's set in, which I think is probably the best approach when writing a murder mystery (they really don't lend themselves to coziness) and the main character has a darkly numerous outlook on life which is quite engaging and again fits in well with the subject matter.
The other main characters are well-drawn and the central mystery plays out in a very satisfactory way.
It would have been nice if it was a little longer, but only because I enjoyed it so much. I certainly can't complain it wasn't good value.
It could have done with a slightly more thorough proof-read and there is a very badly written sex scene which almost seems to have been thrown in there as an after-thought (fair enough put the scene in but don't write it so clumsily) but all in all I'm hoping the author decides to make it the first in a series.
October 30, 2025
I enjoyed this tale of murder and political espionage in thirteenth century England.
Stephen Attebrook is a crippled Knight, he lost his foot in battle but apart from pain it doesn't seem to cause him too much trouble. He takes the position of deputy coroner in the small town of Ludlow, but coroners duties are forgotten when an accidental death becomes a murder and there is not much evidence as to who committed the crime.
Then on trying his best to return a runaway Apprentice to his master he finds himself in a conflict between followers of the King and a rebellious Earl and then finds himself having to defend the Apprentice against murder.
A good read, packed with interesting characters, a good plot with twists and very easy to read. A good start to a series which I am sure will only get better.3/5
Stephen Attebrook is a crippled Knight, he lost his foot in battle but apart from pain it doesn't seem to cause him too much trouble. He takes the position of deputy coroner in the small town of Ludlow, but coroners duties are forgotten when an accidental death becomes a murder and there is not much evidence as to who committed the crime.
Then on trying his best to return a runaway Apprentice to his master he finds himself in a conflict between followers of the King and a rebellious Earl and then finds himself having to defend the Apprentice against murder.
A good read, packed with interesting characters, a good plot with twists and very easy to read. A good start to a series which I am sure will only get better.3/5
January 17, 2020
Very insightful
I love history . This time period of knights in shining armour shows the other side of the coin. What does a wounded knight do to support himself after a serious injury? The author finds him a suitable job as coroner. So we have a web of mystery about 2 murders that occurred. How Steven goes about solving them without DNA and other modern inventions is very interesting. The jury system and laws in that time period are also discussed. The characters are believable as well.
I love history . This time period of knights in shining armour shows the other side of the coin. What does a wounded knight do to support himself after a serious injury? The author finds him a suitable job as coroner. So we have a web of mystery about 2 murders that occurred. How Steven goes about solving them without DNA and other modern inventions is very interesting. The jury system and laws in that time period are also discussed. The characters are believable as well.
May 17, 2013
A slow start but then well-paced, this 13th century crime novel is very different from Priscilla Royal's Wine of Violence which I read last week. This is very violent (the fights are well-written, convincing and technical) but not particularly dark, amusing and in places bawdy. There are some typos and one or two historical inaccuracies, but this was an enjoyable book and I hope to read more of the series.
November 20, 2018
Okay
This story of a disinherited, physically disabled knight was a bit dry as a plot. This is basically a murder mystery, but I didn't find it especially interesting.
As for the dialogue, it certainly isn't 13th century, but I did find it pretty humorous. The knight, Sfephen, seems a bland character, although he does manage some good comeback remarks.
I guess I'd recommend to readers of historical fiction. I just wasn't sold.
This story of a disinherited, physically disabled knight was a bit dry as a plot. This is basically a murder mystery, but I didn't find it especially interesting.
As for the dialogue, it certainly isn't 13th century, but I did find it pretty humorous. The knight, Sfephen, seems a bland character, although he does manage some good comeback remarks.
I guess I'd recommend to readers of historical fiction. I just wasn't sold.
March 22, 2016
Great read with lots of action!
Well fleshed out and like able characters with an engaging plot. Wonderful use of imagery. I was on the edge of my seat a few times!
Well fleshed out and like able characters with an engaging plot. Wonderful use of imagery. I was on the edge of my seat a few times!
October 23, 2017
A Knight's Tale Meets Sherlock Holmes
A very well written and intriguing story. You quickly fall in love with the main character and his sidekick! Well worth the read!
A very well written and intriguing story. You quickly fall in love with the main character and his sidekick! Well worth the read!
June 24, 2019
The protagonist of this medieval murder mystery is Stephen Attebrook, an Englishman and former soldier who was no longer able to practice his profession after being wounded. With no other particular skills but with some family contacts and his own wits, Attebrook secures the post of deputy coroner for the town of Ludlow. He and his sidekick, the would-be-priest-turned-innkeeper Gilbert Wistwode, confront murders, thugs, runaway lovers, and the political machinations of a simmering civil war.
When I first heard about this series of books, I thought they would be a nice complement to the Cadfael series, which is one of the best set of stories I've ever read. Turns out--and I hate to say this, because I did like this book--that it feels like a thinly disguised rip-off. Both Cadfael and Attebrook are former soldiers who take up new careers and end up solving murders (though to be fair, Attebrook is sort of getting paid to); both live in times of political disquiet and have to tread carefully to avoid angering powerful interests; and both are in (actual) small towns near the Welsh border--in fact, Attebrook's Ludlow is only about 25 miles south of Cadfael's Shrewsbury!
This first volume takes place in September 1262, over the course of just a few weeks. The next in the series, Baynard's List, picks up a couple of weeks after the conclusion, so I am jumping into that next. I'm hoping that many of the secondary characters from Wayward Apprentice figure into the ongoing tales, because they make the town of Ludlow come alive and are probably the best chance for me to embrace this series and get past the feeling that I'm reading something derivative.
When I first heard about this series of books, I thought they would be a nice complement to the Cadfael series, which is one of the best set of stories I've ever read. Turns out--and I hate to say this, because I did like this book--that it feels like a thinly disguised rip-off. Both Cadfael and Attebrook are former soldiers who take up new careers and end up solving murders (though to be fair, Attebrook is sort of getting paid to); both live in times of political disquiet and have to tread carefully to avoid angering powerful interests; and both are in (actual) small towns near the Welsh border--in fact, Attebrook's Ludlow is only about 25 miles south of Cadfael's Shrewsbury!
This first volume takes place in September 1262, over the course of just a few weeks. The next in the series, Baynard's List, picks up a couple of weeks after the conclusion, so I am jumping into that next. I'm hoping that many of the secondary characters from Wayward Apprentice figure into the ongoing tales, because they make the town of Ludlow come alive and are probably the best chance for me to embrace this series and get past the feeling that I'm reading something derivative.
January 27, 2022
When Sir Stephen, a knight with a disabling war wound, takes on the role of deputy coroner, he must suss out the connections between two murders and a runaway apprentice. He is helped along the way by Gilbert, his landlord / scribe and a legless beggar named Harry. Thus begins the first book of the Stephen Attebrook mysteries, "The Wayward Apprentice" by Jason Vail.
Because the author is an expert in all things martial, the reader is treated to realistic fights, using weapons, bare hands, and every dirty trick in the book. The tension was exquisite as I waited breathlessly for the outcome of Stephen's fights. While Sir Stephen was a formidable warrior, the war wound handicapped his efforts, leaving me on the edge of my seat, unsure if he would survive (despite knowing all the while he must survive for the series to continue). And I was deeply invested in Sir Stephen's survival because he was such an honorable, likable, and humorous character.
I loved the banter between Stephen and Gilbert, especially amusing as they performed a post mortem on a putrefied corpse. Harry the Beggar, who had lost his legs in a farming accident, was a witty and canny cynic, surviving because of a deep understanding of human nature. The side characters who constituted the suspects, victims, and villains in this mystery were well-drawn and made me care about finding a just resolution. And what a resolution--a literal cliff-hanger that left me satisfied once it resolved.
This tale was a juggernaut, propelling this reader forward, unable to stop turning the pages. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Because the author is an expert in all things martial, the reader is treated to realistic fights, using weapons, bare hands, and every dirty trick in the book. The tension was exquisite as I waited breathlessly for the outcome of Stephen's fights. While Sir Stephen was a formidable warrior, the war wound handicapped his efforts, leaving me on the edge of my seat, unsure if he would survive (despite knowing all the while he must survive for the series to continue). And I was deeply invested in Sir Stephen's survival because he was such an honorable, likable, and humorous character.
I loved the banter between Stephen and Gilbert, especially amusing as they performed a post mortem on a putrefied corpse. Harry the Beggar, who had lost his legs in a farming accident, was a witty and canny cynic, surviving because of a deep understanding of human nature. The side characters who constituted the suspects, victims, and villains in this mystery were well-drawn and made me care about finding a just resolution. And what a resolution--a literal cliff-hanger that left me satisfied once it resolved.
This tale was a juggernaut, propelling this reader forward, unable to stop turning the pages. I look forward to the next book in the series.
December 5, 2024
The Knight of Hard Knocks
Stumbled upon this author and his historical novels of Medieval Plantagenet England. Gave a good description of everyday life in the late 13th Century (post-Anarchy), but still with lots of hard-feelings between Crown and Barons. Will read more of his novels.
BTW, he mentions the monetary units of the day. FYI, the standard unit of everyday money was the Silver Penny, of which 240 are in a Pound Sterling (.925 fine silver), 20 shillings to a Pound, and 12 pennies to a shilling (lots of confusion in summing accounts!). For over 500 years, the silver penny was the only coin minted, with it being cut into halves and quarters (ha’penny and farthing, respectively) for smaller transactions.
A rather common practice related to cutting the silver penny into smaller units was “clipping”; the shaving off a small portion of silver from the penny but not enough to alter its appearance. This “clipping” was illegal (equivalent to counterfeiting, in criminal penalty), and has given rise to the term “bad penny”—a coin that was underweight but circulated at full value.
Stumbled upon this author and his historical novels of Medieval Plantagenet England. Gave a good description of everyday life in the late 13th Century (post-Anarchy), but still with lots of hard-feelings between Crown and Barons. Will read more of his novels.
BTW, he mentions the monetary units of the day. FYI, the standard unit of everyday money was the Silver Penny, of which 240 are in a Pound Sterling (.925 fine silver), 20 shillings to a Pound, and 12 pennies to a shilling (lots of confusion in summing accounts!). For over 500 years, the silver penny was the only coin minted, with it being cut into halves and quarters (ha’penny and farthing, respectively) for smaller transactions.
A rather common practice related to cutting the silver penny into smaller units was “clipping”; the shaving off a small portion of silver from the penny but not enough to alter its appearance. This “clipping” was illegal (equivalent to counterfeiting, in criminal penalty), and has given rise to the term “bad penny”—a coin that was underweight but circulated at full value.
January 18, 2026
This is the first novel in Jason Vail's Stephen Attebrook series that I have read and I really enjoyed it. Sir Stephen Attebrook is an impoverished knight crippled in Spain fighting the Moors, who takes a position as a part time deputy coroner in the small medieval town of Ludlow. It seems he is condemned to a quiet life, but very soon finds out it is not to be.
A death he had ruled to be an accidental drowning on further investigation is found to have been a murder. With little evidence to go on he faces a very difficult task. Then he is given a commission to find and return to his master a runaway apprentice. This pitches Sir Stephen into the midst of a conflict between the supporters of Simon de Montfort and King Henry III that is about to erupt into civil war.
Soon Sir Stephen finds that his own life is in peril and his fighting skills are put to the test when armed men are sent to kill him. I won't spoil the plot for readers, but there are several twists and turns in the story and characters who are more than they appear to be. The author knows the period well and brings it to life. I will certainly be reading more of the series and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good read.
A death he had ruled to be an accidental drowning on further investigation is found to have been a murder. With little evidence to go on he faces a very difficult task. Then he is given a commission to find and return to his master a runaway apprentice. This pitches Sir Stephen into the midst of a conflict between the supporters of Simon de Montfort and King Henry III that is about to erupt into civil war.
Soon Sir Stephen finds that his own life is in peril and his fighting skills are put to the test when armed men are sent to kill him. I won't spoil the plot for readers, but there are several twists and turns in the story and characters who are more than they appear to be. The author knows the period well and brings it to life. I will certainly be reading more of the series and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good read.
August 3, 2025
Well written medieval mystery!
Vail delivers a page-turning novel on a trencher filled with action, doubts, logic, good friends and crimes seasoned with a bit of bawdy spice and violence (think a definite PG13). It amazed me that I was so easily transported back in time where freedoms denied was a way of life and people made it their mission to know and cling to what little laws favored the oppressed. Stephen fights his way through his role as a coroner to his king and fights hard to deliver justice to the guilty and life to those wrongfully accused.
I liked Stephen and his friends. I could easily enjoy another standalone mystery for good entertainment and quietly thank God for living in a more orderly time and place. Because of a few swears ( mild) and one sexy bath scene (moderate in details) I can't recommend it for young readers but the book as a whole made for great reading.
Vail delivers a page-turning novel on a trencher filled with action, doubts, logic, good friends and crimes seasoned with a bit of bawdy spice and violence (think a definite PG13). It amazed me that I was so easily transported back in time where freedoms denied was a way of life and people made it their mission to know and cling to what little laws favored the oppressed. Stephen fights his way through his role as a coroner to his king and fights hard to deliver justice to the guilty and life to those wrongfully accused.
I liked Stephen and his friends. I could easily enjoy another standalone mystery for good entertainment and quietly thank God for living in a more orderly time and place. Because of a few swears ( mild) and one sexy bath scene (moderate in details) I can't recommend it for young readers but the book as a whole made for great reading.
January 10, 2021
It was interesting to see how a Medieval Coroner went about investigating crimes -especially a brand new one who's not too happy about having to take this lowly position. A huge comedown for a knight. Stephen starts thinking about his profession as a temporary stopgap and is desperate to go back to War and win loot and thereby a Manor.But he soon grows to love the job. So much so that he's miffed when it's taken from him somewhere down in the series. He is determined to do a good job and is ably assisted by his clerk and inn keeper Gilbert. It was interesting to see how his character grows confident over the the course of the series- making friends (and more enemies). He wins and loses fortunes and his status goes up and down. The people of the town of Ludlow brings the book to life. Harry the Begger (and chief informant), the inn keeper Gilbert's family, the local criminal family etc. Add to that the regular Medieval cast consisting of Lords and Ladies,Monks,Knights and even the Prince makes an appearance down the series.
November 1, 2024
I started this book just after finishing the trilogy about his parents and I have not been disappointed. It seems that I read one in about 4-5 days if not less. The whole series is great. I love the time period and he does well describing the places and people.
I really enjoy Gilbert and Harry and have liked the friendship there and the progression of the lives of the three of them. Stephen tries to live up to his “class” but does not always succeed, he is more human and aware of others and their struggles.
I do wish there was more backstory, I want to know what happened with him and his family and the how’s and why’s of it all that brought him to his position. We get some but not enough.
Each book is a lot of fun and shows Stephen’s abilities and growth as a person. I recommend the whole series so far, as I am on book 10 since starting the series.
I really enjoy Gilbert and Harry and have liked the friendship there and the progression of the lives of the three of them. Stephen tries to live up to his “class” but does not always succeed, he is more human and aware of others and their struggles.
I do wish there was more backstory, I want to know what happened with him and his family and the how’s and why’s of it all that brought him to his position. We get some but not enough.
Each book is a lot of fun and shows Stephen’s abilities and growth as a person. I recommend the whole series so far, as I am on book 10 since starting the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2022
Excellent! skillfully written, suspense to the end!
I couldn’t stop reading this book. An exciting tale with heart rending emotions, love, despair, drama, evil, bravery, cowardice. A new hero has emerged in literature. A humble knight, disabled by war, grieving his dead wife, throws himself into the investigation of a murder, then another, while fending off a surprising number of enemies out for his blood. The conclusion had me sitting forward, and I would have wrung my hands if I hadn’t been holding my Kindle, 😅. Well worth the price, and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
I couldn’t stop reading this book. An exciting tale with heart rending emotions, love, despair, drama, evil, bravery, cowardice. A new hero has emerged in literature. A humble knight, disabled by war, grieving his dead wife, throws himself into the investigation of a murder, then another, while fending off a surprising number of enemies out for his blood. The conclusion had me sitting forward, and I would have wrung my hands if I hadn’t been holding my Kindle, 😅. Well worth the price, and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
March 16, 2019
In this first book Interesting story
Mr. Vail has brought the 13th Century back to life in this new series of books. In this first book we are introduced to Stephen Attebrook a knight who through unfortunate circumstances has taken the job of deputy coroner. Here he encounters murder, arson and unscrupulous individuals while doing his best to solve the crimes. The characters in the book and the description of the town are well drawn out and realistic. Looking forward to the next book.
Mr. Vail has brought the 13th Century back to life in this new series of books. In this first book we are introduced to Stephen Attebrook a knight who through unfortunate circumstances has taken the job of deputy coroner. Here he encounters murder, arson and unscrupulous individuals while doing his best to solve the crimes. The characters in the book and the description of the town are well drawn out and realistic. Looking forward to the next book.
June 12, 2023
Another English historical mystery series set in the reign of Henry III in 262. Stephen Attebrook, newly appointed Deputy Coroner, is in charge in Ludlow while the Coroner, Sir Geoff, is away. His first murder victim is mistakenly identified as an accident. He also is asked to find a runaway apprentice on his own time. Stephen slowly begins his investigative career and eventually solves both cases.
August 23, 2025
Unfortunately, I found the ancient rules of life in a 13th century English medieval village more interesting than the characters or plot. The premise of a knight, no longer capable of going to war because of his missing foot, turned coroner sounded like a great premise for a mystery. Sadly, all the characters sounded flat and wooden to me. I never got invested in the outcome of any of the plot points.
January 9, 2018
Typos annoying! Great book, but needed better proofreading. Typos annoying! Great book, but needed better proofreading.
Great book, but needed better proofreading. Just sloppy errors are noticeable. The writer is good and this was surprising because he’s usually more polished.
Great book, but needed better proofreading. Just sloppy errors are noticeable. The writer is good and this was surprising because he’s usually more polished.
February 24, 2019
Really interesting!
Definitely going to read book 2. Not quite 5* at the moment. i thought the plotting was very good. However, there were quite a few out of place words, although that’s not at all why I’ve marked it as 4*. Just could have done with bit stronger proof reading. Looking forward to the next one!
Definitely going to read book 2. Not quite 5* at the moment. i thought the plotting was very good. However, there were quite a few out of place words, although that’s not at all why I’ve marked it as 4*. Just could have done with bit stronger proof reading. Looking forward to the next one!
August 5, 2020
This was a fun read. I found the characters engaging and well developed, and the action well described (always a good sign when I understand the fight scenes). Although some reviewers believe this to be a "thinly disguised ripoff of Cadfael", I found it more reminiscent of the Matthew Cordwainer mysteries by Joyce Lionarons. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
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