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A Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation #2
Ordeal by Fire
September 1143. Sergeant Catchpoll hopes a fire at a Worcester silversmith's is just an accident, but when there is a second fire, and a charred corpse is discovered, he has no choice but to call in the undersheriff, Hugh Bradecote, to help find the culprit. With further fires, a hooded figure stalking the streets, and a possible murder that has gone undiscovered for some months, the duo have to work together to avoid getting more than their fingers burnt in this puzzling investigation.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2016
248 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hawkswood
24 books114 followersSarah Hawkswood describes herself as a ‘wordsmith’ who is only really happy when writing. She read Modern History at Oxford and her factual book on the Royal Marines in the First World War, From Trench and Turret, was published in 2006. She also writes Regency romance as Sophia Holloway. The Bradecote and Catchpoll series are her first novels.
She takes her pen name from one of her eighteenth century ancestors who lived in Worcestershire, and selected it because the initials match those of her maiden name. She is married, with two grown up children, and now lives in Worcestershire.
She is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association, the Historical Writers’ Association, and the Historical Novel Society.
You can contact her at sarahhawkswood@gmail.com
She takes her pen name from one of her eighteenth century ancestors who lived in Worcestershire, and selected it because the initials match those of her maiden name. She is married, with two grown up children, and now lives in Worcestershire.
She is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association, the Historical Writers’ Association, and the Historical Novel Society.
You can contact her at sarahhawkswood@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 14, 2022
**Should read as 4.5 Stars!**
This exciting mystery is the 2nd outing of our formidable duo called; "Bradecote and Catchpoll".
At the front of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Worcester, England, in the 12th Century, while at the back you'll notice an informative Historical Note.
Storytelling is excellent, all characters, whether they are real historical or fascinating fictional, come splendidly to life, and the hard life as well as the dark atmosphere in the 12th Century come wonderfully off the pages.
This story is set in September, in the year AD 1143, in Worcester itself, and where deliberate started fires will be the main ingredient of this tale of vengeance and death.
It starts off with a fire at the silversmith, which Sergeant Catchpoll reckons at first as a possible accident, but when a second fire soon after reveals the death of an old woman, Catchpoll will ask for his superior, the undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, to appear and take the lead in this investigation.
Hugh Bradecote, bereaved and a widower after the death of his wife, Ela, during childbirth, but now also a father of his newly born son, named Gilbert, will set out to Worcester to start the investigation and hopefully find soon the fire-raiser before more casualties will follow, and this endeavour he will be assisted by Sergeant Catchpoll and a man-at-arms, named Walkelin.
What is to follow is a thrilling and enjoyable historical mystery, with quite some deliberate fires and death, and while trying to solve this case together they will come up with more questions than answers, but after some twists and turns accompanied by an exciting and well worked-out plot they will be able to identify the culprit, and catch him in the end before more casualties will perish by his hand.
Very much recommended to anyone who like a historical who-dunnit, this time filled with fire and murder, all this told by the author in her own formidable and pleasurable fashion, and so the only thing I can say is to read it and you won't be disappointed, and that's why I want to call this glorious episode: "A Captivating Fire-Raiser Mystery"!
This exciting mystery is the 2nd outing of our formidable duo called; "Bradecote and Catchpoll".
At the front of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Worcester, England, in the 12th Century, while at the back you'll notice an informative Historical Note.
Storytelling is excellent, all characters, whether they are real historical or fascinating fictional, come splendidly to life, and the hard life as well as the dark atmosphere in the 12th Century come wonderfully off the pages.
This story is set in September, in the year AD 1143, in Worcester itself, and where deliberate started fires will be the main ingredient of this tale of vengeance and death.
It starts off with a fire at the silversmith, which Sergeant Catchpoll reckons at first as a possible accident, but when a second fire soon after reveals the death of an old woman, Catchpoll will ask for his superior, the undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, to appear and take the lead in this investigation.
Hugh Bradecote, bereaved and a widower after the death of his wife, Ela, during childbirth, but now also a father of his newly born son, named Gilbert, will set out to Worcester to start the investigation and hopefully find soon the fire-raiser before more casualties will follow, and this endeavour he will be assisted by Sergeant Catchpoll and a man-at-arms, named Walkelin.
What is to follow is a thrilling and enjoyable historical mystery, with quite some deliberate fires and death, and while trying to solve this case together they will come up with more questions than answers, but after some twists and turns accompanied by an exciting and well worked-out plot they will be able to identify the culprit, and catch him in the end before more casualties will perish by his hand.
Very much recommended to anyone who like a historical who-dunnit, this time filled with fire and murder, all this told by the author in her own formidable and pleasurable fashion, and so the only thing I can say is to read it and you won't be disappointed, and that's why I want to call this glorious episode: "A Captivating Fire-Raiser Mystery"!
January 11, 2020
I believe there are presently six books in this series, and I have started my journey with the second. I really enjoy medieval mysteries, but somehow this author's work did not come to my attention until one of Amazon's algorithms pointed to the book as one I might like.
The year is 1143, the place is Worcester, the crime is arson and the sheriff is not in town. Serjeant Catchpoll must call in Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote to assist with the investigation before more fires are set but that does not stop the perpetrator. There will be more fires and loss of life before it is over.
The two men have worked together previously (book 1 I have yet to read), so they quickly get into the rhythm of partnership required to investigate cause. They also gain a young man, Walkelin, to help in the cause as he learns the ropes that may lead to future advancement.
Bradecote comes into this from having just buried his wife who died in childbirth. Three weeks of guilt-ridden mourning left him depressed. Then he received the message from Worcester calling him from his manor to head the investigation into suspicious fires.
The clues are few and far between, and the people of Worcester are full of fear. The men work well together for the most part and finally uncover the identity of the madman.
Kindle Unlimited
The year is 1143, the place is Worcester, the crime is arson and the sheriff is not in town. Serjeant Catchpoll must call in Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote to assist with the investigation before more fires are set but that does not stop the perpetrator. There will be more fires and loss of life before it is over.
The two men have worked together previously (book 1 I have yet to read), so they quickly get into the rhythm of partnership required to investigate cause. They also gain a young man, Walkelin, to help in the cause as he learns the ropes that may lead to future advancement.
Bradecote comes into this from having just buried his wife who died in childbirth. Three weeks of guilt-ridden mourning left him depressed. Then he received the message from Worcester calling him from his manor to head the investigation into suspicious fires.
The clues are few and far between, and the people of Worcester are full of fear. The men work well together for the most part and finally uncover the identity of the madman.
Kindle Unlimited
December 28, 2022
There are unexplained fires in Worcester and there is a suspicion that they are lit. Bradecote and Catchpoll need to find the connection between them in order to catch the arsonist.
September 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this second in the series, after being underwhelmed by the first book. Undersheriff Bradecote is coming into his own as an investigator, and he and the wizened old pro, Sergeant Catchpoll, are turning into an effective team. This book introduces young Wakelin, a soldier at the castle, and chosen by Catchpoll to be trained up as a junior investigator to the team.
A mysterious caped figure is stalking Worcester in September 1143, setting fires at night. As much of the town is wood, this is a terrifying crime. The Sheriff is away on business, so Catchpoll sends for Bradecote; he has recently suffered a death in his family, and numb with shock, reports for duty. The two begin trying to make sense of the fires, which have now caused a death. It’s a race against time, before the arsonist strikes again. It’s an enjoyable, tense and well-done mystery. Although set during the civil war between King Stephen and his cousin, Empress Maud, like the Brother Cadfael series, this series is more like a police procedural, focusing on the grittier underside of life among the regular folk of Worcester. I look forward to reading on as the relationships and characters develop.
A mysterious caped figure is stalking Worcester in September 1143, setting fires at night. As much of the town is wood, this is a terrifying crime. The Sheriff is away on business, so Catchpoll sends for Bradecote; he has recently suffered a death in his family, and numb with shock, reports for duty. The two begin trying to make sense of the fires, which have now caused a death. It’s a race against time, before the arsonist strikes again. It’s an enjoyable, tense and well-done mystery. Although set during the civil war between King Stephen and his cousin, Empress Maud, like the Brother Cadfael series, this series is more like a police procedural, focusing on the grittier underside of life among the regular folk of Worcester. I look forward to reading on as the relationships and characters develop.
September 2, 2024
This is the second book in this series, and I did like this book more than the first.
The start is sad for Bradecote, the under-sheriff, but this is helped by keeping him busy, and his relationship with Catchpoll. Fires are being set in the town of Worcester. First a silversmith's work place but then others, one of which have killed an old woman, and threatened a Jew. At first there would seem to be only one suspect as to who it was setting these fires, but the number of suspects grows, so Catchpoll recommends bringing in a young member of the men-at-arms called Walkelin.
I liked the way the relationship between these three men grew
The start is sad for Bradecote, the under-sheriff, but this is helped by keeping him busy, and his relationship with Catchpoll. Fires are being set in the town of Worcester. First a silversmith's work place but then others, one of which have killed an old woman, and threatened a Jew. At first there would seem to be only one suspect as to who it was setting these fires, but the number of suspects grows, so Catchpoll recommends bringing in a young member of the men-at-arms called Walkelin.
I liked the way the relationship between these three men grew
September 20, 2024
Bradecote and Catchpoll investigate a series of fires in 1143 Worcester. They struggle to identify a motive for the crimes or a connection between them, and the realisation that an earlier death may have been another crime adds a further distraction.
This was an enjoyable murder mystery and I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Bradecote and Catchpoll develop. The introduction of Walkelin, a younger man-at-arms from the castle who admires both men, adds interest to the dynamic and I hope we see more of him in future. The setting and characters are convincing and the plot was quite solid, although I suspected the culprit from early on.
This is a pleasant and well researched series that I plan to continue.
This was an enjoyable murder mystery and I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Bradecote and Catchpoll develop. The introduction of Walkelin, a younger man-at-arms from the castle who admires both men, adds interest to the dynamic and I hope we see more of him in future. The setting and characters are convincing and the plot was quite solid, although I suspected the culprit from early on.
This is a pleasant and well researched series that I plan to continue.
December 16, 2023
I loved it all: plot, characters, storyline! I particularly enjoyed the relationship between both main characters, the description of both their distinct ways of life within the historical background and police procedurals. I will read the whole series!
December 3, 2020
An enjoyable historical crime novel set in the city of Worcester in 1143. The Sheriff is called away when a series of unexplained fires burn down homes and businesses and then there are deaths. SerjeantCatchpole sets out to investigate and calls upon under sheriff Bardecote for assistance. He arrives fresh from a tragedy at home but soon falls into the case and the pair begin their relentless trail of the perpetrator. Some excellent characters that make up the likely settlements of the time. The style is engrossing and easily readable. Am looking forward to book 3 in the series.
Well worth 4 stars from me.
Well worth 4 stars from me.
July 30, 2017
I'm growing to like this series. Like the main characters growing understanding of each other, I am becoming more at ease with the author's way of working and more respectful of the skill she shows. I'd worked out who the murderer was about 60% of the way through the book but had no idea of the whole tapestry behind the crime. I want to read the next entry into the series soon because I increasingly like the characters, the setting and the plotting. Happy little reader.
October 7, 2019
The books just get better and better..this was a tough one to read but entirely satisfying
I love this author The detail of the language of the time is impeccable. Many many stars worth. I love her books. Well worth the read cannot wait for the next book. Historical details and the character's personal relationships are right on. Hope there are many more to come. 6 won't be enlugh!
I love this author The detail of the language of the time is impeccable. Many many stars worth. I love her books. Well worth the read cannot wait for the next book. Historical details and the character's personal relationships are right on. Hope there are many more to come. 6 won't be enlugh!
March 31, 2019
Quite good. Similar in concept to Bernard Knights Crowner John series, but lacking the depth of character.
June 2, 2021
Good writing and likeable characters. The book catches the time period well. The story drags a bit at the very end. Seems set up well for a series.
January 31, 2023
I really enjoyed this second outing for undersheriff Hugh Bradecote and Serjeant Catchpoll.
This time we are dealing with a firestarter or as the book dubs them a fireraiser.
We also meet a new member to the team, Walkelin, who Catchpoll picks to train as a serjeant.
We meet many townsfolk of Worcester and get a great glimpse into life in this troubled time in English history.
While there were lots of characters I felt it easier to keep track than in the first book, probably because I had Bradecote and Catchpoll firmly in my head.
We get to see a little more of the sheriff of Worcester and I liked the author's note at the end which described the role of the Sherriff or Shire Reeve (Anglo Saxon) at this time.
We also get a peek into both Catchpoll's and Hugh Bradecote's personal lives.
I was able to work out whodunnit, but this did not diminish this book for me.
Highly recommended.
This time we are dealing with a firestarter or as the book dubs them a fireraiser.
We also meet a new member to the team, Walkelin, who Catchpoll picks to train as a serjeant.
We meet many townsfolk of Worcester and get a great glimpse into life in this troubled time in English history.
While there were lots of characters I felt it easier to keep track than in the first book, probably because I had Bradecote and Catchpoll firmly in my head.
We get to see a little more of the sheriff of Worcester and I liked the author's note at the end which described the role of the Sherriff or Shire Reeve (Anglo Saxon) at this time.
We also get a peek into both Catchpoll's and Hugh Bradecote's personal lives.
I was able to work out whodunnit, but this did not diminish this book for me.
Highly recommended.
September 12, 2019
Great read-- clean, funny, very interest interesting!
I enjoyed this book better than the first in the series. Again, I really appreciated the humorous dialogue, which had me chuckling throughout the book. It's my favourite part, and all without derogatory language or sexual vulgarity. Sarah Hawkswood spins an intriguing mystery, where arson is committed and several suspects are potentially to blame. This time I guessed correctly but more by fluke than reason. One has to follow clues carefully in these books, which makes them both a mental exercise and true joy to read!
I enjoyed this book better than the first in the series. Again, I really appreciated the humorous dialogue, which had me chuckling throughout the book. It's my favourite part, and all without derogatory language or sexual vulgarity. Sarah Hawkswood spins an intriguing mystery, where arson is committed and several suspects are potentially to blame. This time I guessed correctly but more by fluke than reason. One has to follow clues carefully in these books, which makes them both a mental exercise and true joy to read!
May 13, 2020
This is the second book in Sarah Hawkswood’s Bradecote and Catchpoll Mystery series. These mysteries are all set in the twelfth century during the Anarchy, a civil war resulting from a succession crisis. The 18 year conflict was understandably hard on the common people: ‘…they said openly that Christ and his saints slept’. This stunning phrase gives us an image of devastation that led to the period being called ‘The Anarchy’.
I loved Ordeal by Fire and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I loved Ordeal by Fire and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
November 29, 2020
Great to read a crime that is solved by investigation, clues and brain power rather than all the technical facilities available to detectives these days. This book was set in the 12th century, so very different methods were used. Investigating the crimes, a series of fires in the city of Worcester, were the under-sheriff Bradecote and Sergeant Catchpoll. An unlikely couple but together combining both their own strengths resulted in a great team.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2022
Enjoyed very much!
I had read/listened to the first book in the series, which I enjoyed. I like this second book in the series even more. There us a little more humor and banter between the main characters as they become more familiar with each other, and we to them. The dialog is especially well written. The audio versions are excellent, with Matt Addis narrating. I highly recommend this series so far, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
I had read/listened to the first book in the series, which I enjoyed. I like this second book in the series even more. There us a little more humor and banter between the main characters as they become more familiar with each other, and we to them. The dialog is especially well written. The audio versions are excellent, with Matt Addis narrating. I highly recommend this series so far, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
March 19, 2023
So number two in the series same high standard of medieval sleuthing with bradecote and catchpoll, also a new recruit young walkelin to the team. This involves arson, murder and all round skulduggery, it seems this is a series i shall read all the books so good are they(no spoilers). It concerns a series of fires around worcester, which our team has to solve. So go out and BUY this book it its well worth a very good read.
January 10, 2026
I was unaware that this was the second book in a thirteen book series but thoroughly enjoyed it!
I liked the characters and the wondering of who committed such crimes.
Very well written book and I enjoy that she used medieval words like “‘midden”, as it gives you a sense that you’re actually in the 12th century and not just someone writing about the 12th century.
Cant wait to enjoy more books by Sarah!
I liked the characters and the wondering of who committed such crimes.
Very well written book and I enjoy that she used medieval words like “‘midden”, as it gives you a sense that you’re actually in the 12th century and not just someone writing about the 12th century.
Cant wait to enjoy more books by Sarah!
August 10, 2017
A nice easy to read whodunit set in 12th century Worcester.
I liked the main protagonists, i.e., Catchpoll and Bradecote very much. I found that although I was not actively seeking the culprit, I did guess who it was early on. This did not diminish my enjoyment of the book though.
May seek out the first in the series now.
I liked the main protagonists, i.e., Catchpoll and Bradecote very much. I found that although I was not actively seeking the culprit, I did guess who it was early on. This did not diminish my enjoyment of the book though.
May seek out the first in the series now.
June 22, 2022
I find this to be such an excellently researched series. It is set in the time of the Anarchy, when Empress Matilda and King Stephen were battling it out as to whom would rule England. The author has done such an excellent job with developing her characters and plots that once I begin reading her books I can't put them down.
August 29, 2017
Even tho I figured out "who probably done it" well before the conclusion, the "why" was clever, the characters were interesting, the writing was very good, the historical research excellent, and the ending felt very satisfying. I'm looking forward to the 3rd book and beyond!
February 25, 2020
Wonderful!
Beautifully written historic adventure with early version of “police” in 1143 England is a great treat. Interesting, engaging characters make this a murder investigation to savor and enjoy!
Beautifully written historic adventure with early version of “police” in 1143 England is a great treat. Interesting, engaging characters make this a murder investigation to savor and enjoy!
June 27, 2020
Mystery well baked
Good characters who fit their medieval roles well must solve the mystery of the burning businesses. At first the fires appear unrelated until the pieces fall into place like an intricate puzzle.
Good characters who fit their medieval roles well must solve the mystery of the burning businesses. At first the fires appear unrelated until the pieces fall into place like an intricate puzzle.
January 5, 2022
Good reaf
I wasn't sure if I liked this book, the characters seemed a bit harsh. But by the time I got to the end I really liked the characters. I love historical mysteries it gives you an insight as to how life was. Looking forward to the next book.
I wasn't sure if I liked this book, the characters seemed a bit harsh. But by the time I got to the end I really liked the characters. I love historical mysteries it gives you an insight as to how life was. Looking forward to the next book.
May 12, 2023
The second book in the series of the Bradecote and Catchpoll mysteries.
This time there is an arsonist in Worcester and the duo need to find out who and why.
I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more in this series.
This time there is an arsonist in Worcester and the duo need to find out who and why.
I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more in this series.
September 25, 2024
The relationship between the main characters is developing nicely and a third team member will take the stress off Catchpoll's legs. I really liked the inside view of Catchpoll's home life and Bradecote's situation has good plot potential. Hoping to see more of some of the secondary characters.
February 9, 2025
Een lekker historische detective. Engeland in de 12e eeuw, er zijn branden en doden en er moet uitgezocht worden wat er is gebeurd. Niets wat er echt uitsprong als heel bijzonder, maar las fijn weg en was ook niets mis mee, dus gewoon 4 sterren.
March 4, 2025
I was recommended to start this series from book 2 so I have and I really liked it. Great characters, great setting and history, and a jolly, if slightly light on clues, plot. Excellent narration too.(Audiobook)
March 30, 2025
A different twist on a mystery novel. The action takes place in 12th century Worcester, has interesting characters and a good story line about a series of arson attacks. Somewhat predictable but an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews