Sarah Hawkswood Ordre des livres

Midsummer, 1145. The steward of Evesham Abbey is found dead at the bottom of a well pit. The Abbot, whose relationship with the lord Sheriff of Worcestershire is strained at best, dislikes needing external help with the unfortunate incident. However, he grudgingly receives the trio of Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin. As the sheriff's men probe who had more reason to want Walter the Steward dead, they discover that truth is in short supply. With the tensions between the Abbey and the local castle guard reaching boiling point, another killing will force the investigation down a dangerous path.

Set in Worcester during January 1145, the story unfolds after the poisoning of bow maker Godfrey Bowyer, who dies tragically while his wife Blanche survives. The investigation, led by Sheriff’s men Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll, and Underserjeant Walkelin, initially seems straightforward due to the limited number of potential culprits. However, as they delve deeper, the complexity of the case increases, revealing a web of suspects linked to the unpopular victim, suggesting that someone may be orchestrating events from the shadows.

Set against the backdrop of All Hallow's Eve in 1144, the story unfolds with the gruesome murder of Durand Wuduweard, the reclusive keeper of the King's Forest. As rumors of a lurking wolf intensify, Sheriff William de Beauchamp assigns Hugh Bradecote and Serjeant Catchpoll to investigate the chilling crime. Amidst superstitious villagers and escalating violence, they must navigate a web of fear and mystery to uncover the truth behind Durand's death and prevent further tragedies.

Author brings to life the mysterious world of twelfth century Worcestershire

January, 1145. Godfrey Bowyer, the best but least likeable bow maker in Worcester, dies an agonising death by poisoning. Although similarly struck down after the same meal, his wife Blanche survives. The number of people who could have administered the poison should mean a very short investigation for the Sheriff's men, Hugh Bradecote and Serjeant Catchpoll, but perhaps someone was pulling the strings, and that widens the net considerably. Could it be the cast-out younger brother or perhaps Orderic the Bailiff, whose wife may have had to endure Godfrey's attentions? Could it even be the wife herself? With Bradecote eager to return to his manor and worried about his wife's impending confinement, and Underserjeant Walkelin trying to get his mother to accept his choice of bride, there are distractions aplenty, though Serjeant Catchpoll will not let them get in the way of solving this case.

Osbern de Lench is known far and wide as a hard master, whose temper is perpetually frayed. His horse returns to the hall riderless one day and the lifeless body of the lord is found soon after. Was it the work of thieves, or something closer to home? Hugh Bradecote, the wily Serjeant Catchpoll and apprentice Walkelin have suspects aplenty.

The body of Durand Wuduweard, the unpopular keeper of the King's Forest of Feckenham,is discovered beside his hearth, his corpse rendered barely identifiable by sharp teeth. Hushed whispers of a man-wolf spread swiftly...

When Hugh Bradecote's betrothed and her escorts are captured by a bloodthirsty renegade whilst on a pilgrimage, it is up to Bradecote and Catchpoll to rescue them before it is too late.

When Ricolde, 'the finest whore in Worcester', is found butchered on an island a few miles up the River Severn, can Bradecote and Catchpoll discover the killer's identity?

June 1144. When a naked corpse is discovered, Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin try to confirm his identity, but it seems as though a lot of folk want to keep the truth hidden.