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Stephen Attebrook Mysteries #8
Murder at Broadstowe Manor
Sir Rogier FitzHerbert, a close supporter of Simon de Montfort, is found hanged in his locked bedchamber alongside the body of a young man at his estate outside the medieval city of Hereford.
The new coroner for the county rules the deaths a murder-suicide, but Stephen Attebrook, a struggling knight without means and deprived of his position of deputy coroner, comes to think that all is not as it appears.
What looks like a routine murder inquiry draws Stephen and his friends Gilbert Wistwode and Harry into the game of espionage and diplomacy, for Montfort had sent the dead lord on a mission to the Welsh, bearing a letter with Montfort’s proposals for a secret alliance. Men would kill to get that letter, which went missing upon FitzHerbert’s death. Stephen finds himself in pursuit of that letter, for it seems to hold the key to the mystery.
Stephen’s troubles pile up by leaps and bounds for he must dodge deputies sent after him by Sheriff Percival FitzAllan, who accuses Stephen of murder himself, and he delves deeply into Hereford’s underworld where death lurks in every alley and byway in his search for the truth.
The new coroner for the county rules the deaths a murder-suicide, but Stephen Attebrook, a struggling knight without means and deprived of his position of deputy coroner, comes to think that all is not as it appears.
What looks like a routine murder inquiry draws Stephen and his friends Gilbert Wistwode and Harry into the game of espionage and diplomacy, for Montfort had sent the dead lord on a mission to the Welsh, bearing a letter with Montfort’s proposals for a secret alliance. Men would kill to get that letter, which went missing upon FitzHerbert’s death. Stephen finds himself in pursuit of that letter, for it seems to hold the key to the mystery.
Stephen’s troubles pile up by leaps and bounds for he must dodge deputies sent after him by Sheriff Percival FitzAllan, who accuses Stephen of murder himself, and he delves deeply into Hereford’s underworld where death lurks in every alley and byway in his search for the truth.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2018
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82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 23, 2020
I have read and enjoyed the Stephen Attebrook series for the past five years. They are not polished books but they provide action and adventure within the historical context featuring a man who should have given up many years ago considering all his trials. But that, of course, is part of the fun in reading these books.
Simon de Montfort is gathering men to oppose King Henry III, but Stephen is sworn to the king and is not at all happy about his assignment to recapture a missing letter from de Montfort to gain Welsh assistance. Of course Stephen happens into the aftermath of murder, theft and the missing letter to start things off.
There are many trials and skirmishes and physical feats the author so ably describes in every book. I think he created this underdog character to demonstrate how one can fight to victory and/or freedom no matter the odds. Pretty much everything bad happens. The usual group of pals are part of the action.
Kindle Unlimited
Simon de Montfort is gathering men to oppose King Henry III, but Stephen is sworn to the king and is not at all happy about his assignment to recapture a missing letter from de Montfort to gain Welsh assistance. Of course Stephen happens into the aftermath of murder, theft and the missing letter to start things off.
There are many trials and skirmishes and physical feats the author so ably describes in every book. I think he created this underdog character to demonstrate how one can fight to victory and/or freedom no matter the odds. Pretty much everything bad happens. The usual group of pals are part of the action.
Kindle Unlimited
April 4, 2019
Another romp for Steven and Gilbert with the usual teasing and insults between them and Harry, now on the up in the world. Steven seems to have been relieved of his various responsibilities but it does not stop him becoming involved in the investigation of what might have been a suicide but turns out to be murder, and murder of a man with more complex life than anyone at first guessed.
June 25, 2020
Open full-scale warfare between those loyal to King Henry III and those who support his rebellious brither-in-law, Simon de Montfort, is coming closer; and the threat of renewed raids by Welsh bands coming over the border hangs over the towns of the western marches. It's in this atmosphere that Stephen Attebrook, former soldier and assistant coroner of the town of Ludlow, finds himself caught up in another mystery.
This time it's the apparent murder-suicide of a nobleman who was caught in flagrante delicto with a young man of the town. But as with most murders that Attebrook and his innkeeper/clerk companion Gilbert Wistwode face, there's more than initially meets the eye.
I can't go into much more detail than that without spoilers, so I will just say that for fans of the Attebrook series who have read the previous books, this is a solid tale that reunites us with all the (surviving) favorite characters from the earlier tales. It's set in the late summer of 1263, just weeks after the conclusion of book #7, The Bear Wagon, and like all the previous sequels there are frequent references to people and events from those books, so this wouldn't work well as a stand-alone read. It's also rather staggering to contemplate that all the adventures and changes of fortune covered in these eight books have taken place in just one calendar year!
That pacing aside, this story has very good dialog, brisk plot movement, and is actually one of the better crafted volumes in Vail's Attebrook series.
Apparently the Kindle edition of this book goes by the title The Hanged Man.
This time it's the apparent murder-suicide of a nobleman who was caught in flagrante delicto with a young man of the town. But as with most murders that Attebrook and his innkeeper/clerk companion Gilbert Wistwode face, there's more than initially meets the eye.
I can't go into much more detail than that without spoilers, so I will just say that for fans of the Attebrook series who have read the previous books, this is a solid tale that reunites us with all the (surviving) favorite characters from the earlier tales. It's set in the late summer of 1263, just weeks after the conclusion of book #7, The Bear Wagon, and like all the previous sequels there are frequent references to people and events from those books, so this wouldn't work well as a stand-alone read. It's also rather staggering to contemplate that all the adventures and changes of fortune covered in these eight books have taken place in just one calendar year!
That pacing aside, this story has very good dialog, brisk plot movement, and is actually one of the better crafted volumes in Vail's Attebrook series.
Apparently the Kindle edition of this book goes by the title The Hanged Man.
October 2, 2022
I love a good mystery, and this one involves murder and possible suicide during the year of 1263 in England.
Celebrations are interrupted when the adherents of Simon de Montfort, from Herefordshire, gather at Hereford Castle to select the county’s delegates to a Parliament that Montfort has summoned in order to solidify his control of the kingdom. One of those delegates, Sir Rogier FitzHerbert, is found hanged in his locked bedchamber along side the body of a young man.
The new coroner for the county rules the death a murder-suicide. Those faithful to the dead lord, FitzHerbert, doubt he could have murdered the young man and engage Stephen Attebrook to prove this was no suicide, but cold-blooded murder of both. Steven and his friends Gilbert Wistwode and Harry the carver are drawn into this inquiry as Montfort had sent the dead lord on a mission to the Welsh, bearing a letter with Montfort’s proposals for a secret alliance. Men would kill to get that letter, which wet missing upon FitzHerbert’s death. Stephen finds himself in pursuit of that letter, for it seems to hold the key to the mystery.
Follow along as Stephen’s troubles pile up, as he must dodge deputies sent after him by the Sheriff, who accuses Stephen of the murder himself. Stephen delves deeply into Hereford’s underworld where death lurks in every alley and byway in his search for the truth!
Lots of twists and turns that are likely to be hard to put down from reading.
Celebrations are interrupted when the adherents of Simon de Montfort, from Herefordshire, gather at Hereford Castle to select the county’s delegates to a Parliament that Montfort has summoned in order to solidify his control of the kingdom. One of those delegates, Sir Rogier FitzHerbert, is found hanged in his locked bedchamber along side the body of a young man.
The new coroner for the county rules the death a murder-suicide. Those faithful to the dead lord, FitzHerbert, doubt he could have murdered the young man and engage Stephen Attebrook to prove this was no suicide, but cold-blooded murder of both. Steven and his friends Gilbert Wistwode and Harry the carver are drawn into this inquiry as Montfort had sent the dead lord on a mission to the Welsh, bearing a letter with Montfort’s proposals for a secret alliance. Men would kill to get that letter, which wet missing upon FitzHerbert’s death. Stephen finds himself in pursuit of that letter, for it seems to hold the key to the mystery.
Follow along as Stephen’s troubles pile up, as he must dodge deputies sent after him by the Sheriff, who accuses Stephen of the murder himself. Stephen delves deeply into Hereford’s underworld where death lurks in every alley and byway in his search for the truth!
Lots of twists and turns that are likely to be hard to put down from reading.
January 31, 2020
#8 in the deputy coroner Stephen Attebrook mystery series set in the English town of Ludlow near the Welsh border from August to September, 1263. An impoverished knight considered too disabled because of a foot injury for combat, so gets by by working as a coroner’s investigator. Things are looking up for Stephen as he has been appointed the coroner which comes with a stipend.
As the supporters of Simon de Montfort and the king move closer to civil war, Attebrook is replaced by his arch enemy as coroner of Herefordshire. Just as the action is taken, a big Montfort supporter is discovered dead along with another body and the new coroner, who dislikes Stephen, rules the death a murder-suicide. One of those faithful to the dead lord engages Stephen to prove this was not suicide. He no longer has authority to do this, but takes on the case and things quickly spiral into a more and more complex situation. Stephen is accused of murdering his brother, arrested and thrown in jail by his enemy with the expectation he'll die there; he escapes and has to investigate as a hunted criminal and the dead noble was supposed to deliver an important letter from Montfort which has gone missing which adds another complication because it is important to both sides.
As the supporters of Simon de Montfort and the king move closer to civil war, Attebrook is replaced by his arch enemy as coroner of Herefordshire. Just as the action is taken, a big Montfort supporter is discovered dead along with another body and the new coroner, who dislikes Stephen, rules the death a murder-suicide. One of those faithful to the dead lord engages Stephen to prove this was not suicide. He no longer has authority to do this, but takes on the case and things quickly spiral into a more and more complex situation. Stephen is accused of murdering his brother, arrested and thrown in jail by his enemy with the expectation he'll die there; he escapes and has to investigate as a hunted criminal and the dead noble was supposed to deliver an important letter from Montfort which has gone missing which adds another complication because it is important to both sides.
February 1, 2025
4.25, solid story with a few twists. How Mr. Vail comes up with all these stories and detail is beyond me, really well done. Harry gets involved, with a new love- we all saw THAT coming. I wish Stephen would get a good woman, I have had enough of Margaret and her devious ways.
There were a few things that stood out this time but this quote in particular:
"Michael was seven, almost old enough to work full time."
Seriously, what a reminder of what life would have been like in the 1200's- the whole series is a stark reminder of how good we have it now. How far we have struggled and advanced.
Stephen looses his Coroner title but is asked to solve the latest murder mystery which as always is way more entwined with other events. He gets accused of murder (again), is locked up (again), is rescued (again) and somehow gets pardoned. Rinse and repeat, but in a good cozy way :)
He and Gilbert are great together:
"The shadow of a suspicion did cross my mind once.”
“And remains, it seems.”
“And remains,” Stephen agreed. “Until it is dispelled.”
There were a few things that stood out this time but this quote in particular:
"Michael was seven, almost old enough to work full time."
Seriously, what a reminder of what life would have been like in the 1200's- the whole series is a stark reminder of how good we have it now. How far we have struggled and advanced.
Stephen looses his Coroner title but is asked to solve the latest murder mystery which as always is way more entwined with other events. He gets accused of murder (again), is locked up (again), is rescued (again) and somehow gets pardoned. Rinse and repeat, but in a good cozy way :)
He and Gilbert are great together:
"The shadow of a suspicion did cross my mind once.”
“And remains, it seems.”
“And remains,” Stephen agreed. “Until it is dispelled.”
April 7, 2019
Great series
I decided to read all the books before I wrote a rating as the books need to be read I order as one long story. Mr. Vail through these books has taken you into a time where hardships are normal, death looking around the corner and treason is in the air. The characters are very real and compelling with the murders central to the story the sub plots are also fascinating. I really hope there are more books as I have a few issues that need to be resolved. I highly recommend these books.
I decided to read all the books before I wrote a rating as the books need to be read I order as one long story. Mr. Vail through these books has taken you into a time where hardships are normal, death looking around the corner and treason is in the air. The characters are very real and compelling with the murders central to the story the sub plots are also fascinating. I really hope there are more books as I have a few issues that need to be resolved. I highly recommend these books.
March 25, 2022
Another enjoyable mystery with Stephen Attebrook and friends. Sir Stephen did some very clever maneuvering in this story, playing off one enemy against another, and coming out on top. True to his honorable nature, Sir Stephen fulfilled a promise to solve a murder, even after the person who made the request was also murdered. On the friends front, I was delighted to see Harry the woodcarver continue to make progress in his new life. Nothing comes easily to any of the characters, but courage, perseverance, and the occasional bout of bickering with loyal friends gets them through.
March 20, 2019
Looking Forward to the Next.
Having enjoyed all of this series , I cannot speak too highly of the pleasure every one has given me .
One becomes totally absorbed in the adventures of Sir Stephen and his associates , both good and evil . Knowing the historical background of this period I hope to be kept up to date on Stephen Attabrook's part in the coming civil war
Having enjoyed all of this series , I cannot speak too highly of the pleasure every one has given me .
One becomes totally absorbed in the adventures of Sir Stephen and his associates , both good and evil . Knowing the historical background of this period I hope to be kept up to date on Stephen Attabrook's part in the coming civil war
January 18, 2019
Enjoyable tale
As always, Jason Vail delivers to his readers a cleverly written story. Twists and turns fill the pages and just when one believes he/she has solved the mystery, another fact distributes that.
As always, Jason Vail delivers to his readers a cleverly written story. Twists and turns fill the pages and just when one believes he/she has solved the mystery, another fact distributes that.
May 28, 2019
Entertaining as always. Removed as coroner, Stephen Attebrook investigates what looks like a murder both for himself and for others. There was one part of the murder that I felt was unexplained, though.
August 18, 2019
I've enjoyed all the books in this series. They were a good read!
Why the hech should I have to explain more than I have. I either enjoy a book or don't. It's not a bloody reading assignment I have DO A report on..
Why the hech should I have to explain more than I have. I either enjoy a book or don't. It's not a bloody reading assignment I have DO A report on..
June 2, 2021
Another mystery under his belt.
Nice fun easy read Stephen is moving up in the world at a slow pace. One day he will get his just rewards an hold his head up high. Be a friend to those how care.
Nice fun easy read Stephen is moving up in the world at a slow pace. One day he will get his just rewards an hold his head up high. Be a friend to those how care.
July 24, 2021
While trying to solve the murder of one of de Montforts supporters and recover a missing letter, Attebrook os accused of murder himself, and not only has to defend himself from the charge, but uncover the truth of what happened to the dead nobleman
August 28, 2021
that was seriously anticlimactic
it had do much potential! it could have gone so many ways. and, again, the “bad guy” totally confessed (mostly). i don’t get it. so much description of the roads they are riding and Stephen beating people up, but the mystery was blah. sigh.
it had do much potential! it could have gone so many ways. and, again, the “bad guy” totally confessed (mostly). i don’t get it. so much description of the roads they are riding and Stephen beating people up, but the mystery was blah. sigh.
November 21, 2021
Another thrilling tale
Another thrilling tale in the series. It seemed a little slow in the beginning, but gradually picked up the pace and had quite a satisfying result. Already have the next book in the series loaded on my Kindle.
Another thrilling tale in the series. It seemed a little slow in the beginning, but gradually picked up the pace and had quite a satisfying result. Already have the next book in the series loaded on my Kindle.
October 17, 2022
Good tale with a large house containing many locked doors and dead end hallways
Stephen is becoming obsessed with detective skills. His head spins anda the above quote haunts his nights. Many red herrings while eliminating the dark hallways. How long will Margaret be a friend?
Stephen is becoming obsessed with detective skills. His head spins anda the above quote haunts his nights. Many red herrings while eliminating the dark hallways. How long will Margaret be a friend?
February 9, 2019
Great book
Love the writer's books . Read as many s O can. Always a surprising ending. Great read keeps your interest.
Love the writer's books . Read as many s O can. Always a surprising ending. Great read keeps your interest.
March 2, 2019
Excellent!!!
Series continues to be most entertaining!! Hope Gail continues to churn out more tales of Steven & company!! ! !
Series continues to be most entertaining!! Hope Gail continues to churn out more tales of Steven & company!! ! !
March 2, 2019
Gripping
Another good offering from Jason Vail, read it in double quick time. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Another good offering from Jason Vail, read it in double quick time. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
April 2, 2019
Waiting for the next book!
Another good read! I have finished all 8 of series and wish there were more. I will try some of Jason Vail's other books.
Another good read! I have finished all 8 of series and wish there were more. I will try some of Jason Vail's other books.
May 23, 2019
A genuine page turner
I have read the whole series and have enjoyed them all. This book was no exception. I can thoroughly recommend it.
I have read the whole series and have enjoyed them all. This book was no exception. I can thoroughly recommend it.
September 10, 2020
Too short
Well not really but it goes fast so it seems so. Another good novel with Attebrook and Gilbert and Harry.
Well not really but it goes fast so it seems so. Another good novel with Attebrook and Gilbert and Harry.
May 28, 2021
Always good
Great stories of the medieval period in England. Who done its with all the trappings of life in the fourteenth century.
Great stories of the medieval period in England. Who done its with all the trappings of life in the fourteenth century.
October 18, 2022
Bumbling along to the objective.
Sir Stephen works through all the trials and tribulations to achieve his objective. And in the end he almost gets some of his spoils returned.
Sir Stephen works through all the trials and tribulations to achieve his objective. And in the end he almost gets some of his spoils returned.
October 1, 2023
good reading
Love the storyline the writing is full of surprises and humorous. The characters are colorful and fun to get to know. This is my new favorite author to follow.
Love the storyline the writing is full of surprises and humorous. The characters are colorful and fun to get to know. This is my new favorite author to follow.
September 7, 2024
Family Ties
Stephen loses job and manor. A wanted man, involved with a murder who done it. Old friends, old enemies and more so? Treason on brink of civil war. What’s next?
Stephen loses job and manor. A wanted man, involved with a murder who done it. Old friends, old enemies and more so? Treason on brink of civil war. What’s next?
May 16, 2020
1263. Sir Stephen Attebrook, among others, have been called to Hereford Castle to select the county's representives to a Parliament of Simon de Montfort making. But Attebrook is striped of his coroner's duty by his enemy FitzAllan, so the new coroner, Sir Thomas de Mapuleye, investigates the death of Sir Rogier FitzHerbert, one of the candidates. But Sir Stephen is employed to find a letter missing from Sir Rogier's chamber.
Another enjoyable well-written mystery in this series with its delightful characters.
Another enjoyable well-written mystery in this series with its delightful characters.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews