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A Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation #11
Too Good to Hang
April, 1145. Thorgar the Ploughman is found by the bloodied body of Father Edmund, a village priest in Ripple, and is summarily hanged for being caught in the act, despite his pleas of innocence.
When his sister goes to Worcester to seek justice for Thorgar, the lord Sheriff sends Hugh Bradecote, with Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin, to discover the truth. They soon expose strong motives for placing the blame on the ploughman's shoulders, some unpleasant secrets festering among the villagers, as well as the whisper of a treasure long lost and now rediscovered.
The shadow the noose casts is a long one, but the Sherrif's men will need to plumb the darkness to uncover the true killer.
When his sister goes to Worcester to seek justice for Thorgar, the lord Sheriff sends Hugh Bradecote, with Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin, to discover the truth. They soon expose strong motives for placing the blame on the ploughman's shoulders, some unpleasant secrets festering among the villagers, as well as the whisper of a treasure long lost and now rediscovered.
The shadow the noose casts is a long one, but the Sherrif's men will need to plumb the darkness to uncover the true killer.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2023
About the author
Sarah Hawkswood
19 books90 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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 24, 2023
4.5*
Too Good to Hang is the eleventh engrossing medieval mystery in Sarah Hawkswood's great series featuring Lord Undersheriff of Worcester Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin. While there's significant character development of the central trio over the course of the series, this book would also read well as standalone, given that sufficient background information is given to set the scene.
It's spring 1145 and a shocking death has occurred in the village of Ripple, approximately 12 miles south of the county town of Worcester. Unpopular parish priest Father Edmund has been discovered beaten to death in the village church, with young ploughman Thorgar leaning over him. Despite protesting his innocence of the crime, Selewine the Reeve (a local official with responsibilities delegated by the Crown) pronounces him guilty, on the basis that not only was he discovered with the body, but that he had been seen arguing with the priest earlier in the day. Thorgar is summarily hanged from a large oak, to the horror of his widowed mother and family.
Thorgar's fiesty younger sister Osgyth hastens to Worcester, where upon hearing her story, Lord Sheriff William de Beauchamp dispatches Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin to Ripple to investigate the death of the priest and determine whether the correct culprit was executed. The Sheriff's representatives receive a frosty reception in the town, as they question villagers, a nearby miller and a pair of Welsh tradespeople about the background to the crime. It transpires that Father Edmund was much disliked in Ripple, primarily because of his haughty demeanour, but also disturbingly on the basis of his abuse of several young girls within the parish. Meanwhile, Thorgar is reputed to have been a reliable and upstanding young man, on the cusp of a monastic vocation within the nearby Tewkesbury Abbey. He seems an unlikely suspect in the murder of a priest. As they dig deeper, Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin uncover simmering antipathies amongst the Ripple community, and rumours of the recent discovery of a long-lost treasure. Could this prove a motive in the killing of Father Edmund and the scapegoating of young Thorgar? The action reaches a crescendo with a thrilling chase by boat down the River Severn to Tewkesbury in pursuit of the villain and the rescue of a pivotal witness, thanks to the intercession of an unlikely heroine.
Sarah Hawkswood creates an immersive setting in terms of both time and place. Customs and language of the twelfth century are seamlessly integrated throughout the narrative, while the aspirations and preoccupations of the characters are sufficiently familiar to a 21st century audience to maintain interest and generate empathy. Geographically, the locations of towns, transport routes and major ecclesiastical landmarks remain much the same as they did almost 900 years ago: when reading these books I always enjoy comparing the maps at the start of the book with Google Earth and wondering at how much or little the streetscapes and natural landscapes have changed.
The building of historical detail and establishment of character relationships underlying the mystery plot of Too Good to Hang create a slow-build towards an action-packed denouement. The characterisation of the central trio remains strong, as series readers have come to expect, with young Walkelin gaining greater authority on each outing and Catchpoll reliably providing insight and moments of dry humour in his familiarly taciturn manner. As always, the supporting characters in this story are varied and intriguing, with several formidable female characters keeping the investigative trio on their toes, while undercurrents of jealousy, resentment and greed reveal several potential suspects for more than one crime that has taken place in Ripple. Evil doesn't lurk too far beneath the surface, but secrets can't stay buried forever...
I'd strongly recommend Too Good to Hang, and the entire Bradecote & Catchpoll series to any reader who enjoys well-researched and immersive historical fiction. Any reader who - like myself - devoured Ellis Peters' brilliant Brother Cadfael series will also love this series.
My thanks to the author, Sarah Hawkswood, publisher Allison & Busby, and NetGalley (UK), for the opportunity to read and review this engrossing title.
Too Good to Hang is the eleventh engrossing medieval mystery in Sarah Hawkswood's great series featuring Lord Undersheriff of Worcester Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin. While there's significant character development of the central trio over the course of the series, this book would also read well as standalone, given that sufficient background information is given to set the scene.
It's spring 1145 and a shocking death has occurred in the village of Ripple, approximately 12 miles south of the county town of Worcester. Unpopular parish priest Father Edmund has been discovered beaten to death in the village church, with young ploughman Thorgar leaning over him. Despite protesting his innocence of the crime, Selewine the Reeve (a local official with responsibilities delegated by the Crown) pronounces him guilty, on the basis that not only was he discovered with the body, but that he had been seen arguing with the priest earlier in the day. Thorgar is summarily hanged from a large oak, to the horror of his widowed mother and family.
Thorgar's fiesty younger sister Osgyth hastens to Worcester, where upon hearing her story, Lord Sheriff William de Beauchamp dispatches Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin to Ripple to investigate the death of the priest and determine whether the correct culprit was executed. The Sheriff's representatives receive a frosty reception in the town, as they question villagers, a nearby miller and a pair of Welsh tradespeople about the background to the crime. It transpires that Father Edmund was much disliked in Ripple, primarily because of his haughty demeanour, but also disturbingly on the basis of his abuse of several young girls within the parish. Meanwhile, Thorgar is reputed to have been a reliable and upstanding young man, on the cusp of a monastic vocation within the nearby Tewkesbury Abbey. He seems an unlikely suspect in the murder of a priest. As they dig deeper, Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin uncover simmering antipathies amongst the Ripple community, and rumours of the recent discovery of a long-lost treasure. Could this prove a motive in the killing of Father Edmund and the scapegoating of young Thorgar? The action reaches a crescendo with a thrilling chase by boat down the River Severn to Tewkesbury in pursuit of the villain and the rescue of a pivotal witness, thanks to the intercession of an unlikely heroine.
Sarah Hawkswood creates an immersive setting in terms of both time and place. Customs and language of the twelfth century are seamlessly integrated throughout the narrative, while the aspirations and preoccupations of the characters are sufficiently familiar to a 21st century audience to maintain interest and generate empathy. Geographically, the locations of towns, transport routes and major ecclesiastical landmarks remain much the same as they did almost 900 years ago: when reading these books I always enjoy comparing the maps at the start of the book with Google Earth and wondering at how much or little the streetscapes and natural landscapes have changed.
The building of historical detail and establishment of character relationships underlying the mystery plot of Too Good to Hang create a slow-build towards an action-packed denouement. The characterisation of the central trio remains strong, as series readers have come to expect, with young Walkelin gaining greater authority on each outing and Catchpoll reliably providing insight and moments of dry humour in his familiarly taciturn manner. As always, the supporting characters in this story are varied and intriguing, with several formidable female characters keeping the investigative trio on their toes, while undercurrents of jealousy, resentment and greed reveal several potential suspects for more than one crime that has taken place in Ripple. Evil doesn't lurk too far beneath the surface, but secrets can't stay buried forever...
I'd strongly recommend Too Good to Hang, and the entire Bradecote & Catchpoll series to any reader who enjoys well-researched and immersive historical fiction. Any reader who - like myself - devoured Ellis Peters' brilliant Brother Cadfael series will also love this series.
My thanks to the author, Sarah Hawkswood, publisher Allison & Busby, and NetGalley (UK), for the opportunity to read and review this engrossing title.
October 1, 2023
Always looking ahead to a new book in the Bradecote & Catchpoll series. In Too Good to Hang Thorgar the Ploughman is hanged for killing the priest Father Edmund, despite his protestations to be innocent. Thorgar´s sister Osgyth seeks justice at Worcester, and Bradecote is sent to the village, together with Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Wakelin. They soon find out that the priest abused little girls in the village and that there are other secrets among the inhabitants. With all their skills they try to uncover the truth, while other difficult implications are occuring. I liked the characters, especially Wakelin, who tries to imitate Catchpoll´s bearing, and wise women like the healer Agnes and the two Oldwomen. The setting is interesting as always, with signs of the hard life then, the power of men over women and one man over all of the village. After the thorough search events then tumble in an action-laden ending till all the loose ends are knit together. The only point I wasn´t always sure of was the use of mediaeval words and phrases, for which an appendix would have been helpful.
Thanks to Allison & Busby and Netgalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Allison & Busby and Netgalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2023
Sarah Hawkswood is a new author to me and despite discovering this is the 11th book in the series I didn't feel that it hindered me in any way.
Thorgar, the ploughman, is found leaning over the dead body of Father Edmund and hung for murder after a very brief trial by the village Reeve and villagers. But his sister appeals his innocence to the Lord Sheriff and he sends Under Sheriff Hugh Bradcote, Sergeant Catchpoll and under sergeant Wakelin to investigate. A hard case for them as hindered by the villagers insistence of Thorgars guilt.
This book is set in the 12th century and I wondered about the language of the time, but I needn't have as this is an easy book to read. A medieval whodunnit.
Thorgar, the ploughman, is found leaning over the dead body of Father Edmund and hung for murder after a very brief trial by the village Reeve and villagers. But his sister appeals his innocence to the Lord Sheriff and he sends Under Sheriff Hugh Bradcote, Sergeant Catchpoll and under sergeant Wakelin to investigate. A hard case for them as hindered by the villagers insistence of Thorgars guilt.
This book is set in the 12th century and I wondered about the language of the time, but I needn't have as this is an easy book to read. A medieval whodunnit.
January 7, 2024
April 1845. Sergeant Catchpoll, Under-Sherriff Lord Bradecote, and Under-Sergeant Walkeling are sent to the village of Ripple to investigate the murder of a priest and the over-precipitous hanging of Thorgar, an innocent young man. If Thorgar didn’t kill the priest, who did, how and why? There are multiple potential motives, unpleasant truths, and the potential of buried treasure. This is a Medieval whodunnit, very engaging. It’s well read by Matt Addis complete with convincing Worcestershire accent for Catchpoll. This is actually Book 11 in the Bradecote AND Catchpoll series, but very easy to get into despite me not having read/listened to any previous ones. If you like the Cadfael books, give the Bradecote and Catchpoll books a go.
January 2, 2024
I hadn't read any of Sarah Hawkwood books before, but I will read more.
This book was set in early medieval times, the time of King Stephen and Empress Maud. It very much reminded me of Cadfael, but it was none the worst for that. It begins with the murder of a priest and the villagers led by the village Reeve hang the wrong man. The Sheriffs deputy and assistant arrive to investigate, and more murders follow.
I enjoyed the setting and the characters, which were well drawn. Unlike many historical murder mysteries, which endow their detectives with modern understanding and attitudes, Catchpoll and Badecock use only their understanding of the people and surroundings to solve the murders.
This book was set in early medieval times, the time of King Stephen and Empress Maud. It very much reminded me of Cadfael, but it was none the worst for that. It begins with the murder of a priest and the villagers led by the village Reeve hang the wrong man. The Sheriffs deputy and assistant arrive to investigate, and more murders follow.
I enjoyed the setting and the characters, which were well drawn. Unlike many historical murder mysteries, which endow their detectives with modern understanding and attitudes, Catchpoll and Badecock use only their understanding of the people and surroundings to solve the murders.
May 19, 2023
My thanks to Allison & Busby for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Too Good to Hang: a Medieval Mystery’ by Sarah Hawkswood.
This is Book 11 in Hawkswood’s Bradecote and Catchpoll series of medieval mysteries. She provides background on characters and setting for readers new to the series though the books can easily be read as standalones.
April, 1145. Thorgar the Ploughman is found standing by the bloodied body of Father Edmund, a priest in the village of Ripple. Despite his pleas of innocence, he is summarily hanged for being caught in the act.
His sister, Osgyth, travels to Worcester to seek justice for Thorgar. The Lord Sheriff is sympathetic to her case and sends Hugh Bradecote, along with Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin, to discover the truth. It’s not long until they expose strong motives for placing the blame on the ploughman’s shoulders.
There are secrets festering among the inhabitants of Ripple, as well as whispers of a treasure long lost and now rediscovered. The Sherrif’s men will need to use all their skills to uncover the true killer.
In ‘Too Good to Hang’ Hawkswood provides a great deal of period detail and those sights, sounds, and, yes, the smells of her 12th Century setting allowed for an immersive experience. Her use of language retains a sense of authenticity yet remains understandable to the modern ear.
I especially appreciated her depiction of a number of older women in the various communities. They are addressed as ‘Oldmother’. They might be invisible to many but they were very impressive! When one Oldmother comes round after being knocked unconscious she says: ‘I is not dead yet.’ Definitely some Granny Weatherwax vibes there.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘Too Good to Hang’ finding it a satisfying medieval whodunnit. I also have recently enjoyed her Regency romances written under her given name of Sophia Holloway.
This is Book 11 in Hawkswood’s Bradecote and Catchpoll series of medieval mysteries. She provides background on characters and setting for readers new to the series though the books can easily be read as standalones.
April, 1145. Thorgar the Ploughman is found standing by the bloodied body of Father Edmund, a priest in the village of Ripple. Despite his pleas of innocence, he is summarily hanged for being caught in the act.
His sister, Osgyth, travels to Worcester to seek justice for Thorgar. The Lord Sheriff is sympathetic to her case and sends Hugh Bradecote, along with Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin, to discover the truth. It’s not long until they expose strong motives for placing the blame on the ploughman’s shoulders.
There are secrets festering among the inhabitants of Ripple, as well as whispers of a treasure long lost and now rediscovered. The Sherrif’s men will need to use all their skills to uncover the true killer.
In ‘Too Good to Hang’ Hawkswood provides a great deal of period detail and those sights, sounds, and, yes, the smells of her 12th Century setting allowed for an immersive experience. Her use of language retains a sense of authenticity yet remains understandable to the modern ear.
I especially appreciated her depiction of a number of older women in the various communities. They are addressed as ‘Oldmother’. They might be invisible to many but they were very impressive! When one Oldmother comes round after being knocked unconscious she says: ‘I is not dead yet.’ Definitely some Granny Weatherwax vibes there.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘Too Good to Hang’ finding it a satisfying medieval whodunnit. I also have recently enjoyed her Regency romances written under her given name of Sophia Holloway.
December 6, 2023
This very likeable medieval mystery is the 11th instalment of the superb "Bradecote & Catchpoll" series, with now also featuring Walkelin.
At the start of the book you'll notice a well-drawn map of the village of Ripple and surroundings in Worcestershire, and its there where the main and important actions will take place.
Storytelling is delightful, all characters very believable and lifelike, the interaction especially within our three main protagonists, Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin is very sound and lively, while the atmosphere in Worcestershire, England, in the 12th Century are wonderfully described and pictured by the author.
This tale starts off in April, AD1145, with the hanging of the innocent Thorgar the Ploughman, after he was found kneeling beside the dead body of Father Edmund.
His sister Osgyth will head to Worcester to seek justice, and she will find herself with Serjeant Catchpoll and telling him about the injustice done to her brother Thorgar in Ripple, and begging him for help.
Undersheriff Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin head out to Ripple with Osgyth to find out the truth about the killing of Father Edmund, and so start their investigations when all of a sudden more killings are perpetrated, and all these murders are committed due to someone's greed for pieces of silver.
What is to follow is an exciting mystery, although with a somewhat predictable culprit, but still with a very good storyline towards a very satisfying plot, to make this mystery such a joyful read.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this very pleasing series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Enjoyable Justice Search"!
At the start of the book you'll notice a well-drawn map of the village of Ripple and surroundings in Worcestershire, and its there where the main and important actions will take place.
Storytelling is delightful, all characters very believable and lifelike, the interaction especially within our three main protagonists, Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin is very sound and lively, while the atmosphere in Worcestershire, England, in the 12th Century are wonderfully described and pictured by the author.
This tale starts off in April, AD1145, with the hanging of the innocent Thorgar the Ploughman, after he was found kneeling beside the dead body of Father Edmund.
His sister Osgyth will head to Worcester to seek justice, and she will find herself with Serjeant Catchpoll and telling him about the injustice done to her brother Thorgar in Ripple, and begging him for help.
Undersheriff Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin head out to Ripple with Osgyth to find out the truth about the killing of Father Edmund, and so start their investigations when all of a sudden more killings are perpetrated, and all these murders are committed due to someone's greed for pieces of silver.
What is to follow is an exciting mystery, although with a somewhat predictable culprit, but still with a very good storyline towards a very satisfying plot, to make this mystery such a joyful read.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this very pleasing series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Enjoyable Justice Search"!
June 25, 2023
Read them all. Wish for more...
Wish for more news on the men, Bradcote, Catchpoll,and Walkelin....and their martial and family relationships in and amongst the tales of murder and mayhem in Their town and in their travels...we know more about the boss than we do about their wives and children...we need to know more about each of these men and what they do at home when they are not involved in some serious case or another...the wives are great characters and have interesting lives and stories worth exploring...please.
Another fast read and well plotted tale that keeps ones interest until the end. Just want more. Character development! Love the dialects of the common people...like Catchpoll's...and the authenticity it bring to all these books.
The laws of this time period were so harsh for petty things and seemed less harsh for more serious crimes , especially if one was higher up in the heircharchyy....just like today...such a shame and shameless...
So many novels today reflect the Trump era here in the USA. What he did to our country is the worst ever...knowing he knows nothing of history makes it horrible that what he did and does has been repeated so much in the history of the countries of the world and continues all around the world to this day.
Worth reading the series to compare and contrast with today and learn the similarities and differences with different eras in our history and the history in England during this time period.
Fast read. Good writing. Great main characters. Worth reading.
Wish for more news on the men, Bradcote, Catchpoll,and Walkelin....and their martial and family relationships in and amongst the tales of murder and mayhem in Their town and in their travels...we know more about the boss than we do about their wives and children...we need to know more about each of these men and what they do at home when they are not involved in some serious case or another...the wives are great characters and have interesting lives and stories worth exploring...please.
Another fast read and well plotted tale that keeps ones interest until the end. Just want more. Character development! Love the dialects of the common people...like Catchpoll's...and the authenticity it bring to all these books.
The laws of this time period were so harsh for petty things and seemed less harsh for more serious crimes , especially if one was higher up in the heircharchyy....just like today...such a shame and shameless...
So many novels today reflect the Trump era here in the USA. What he did to our country is the worst ever...knowing he knows nothing of history makes it horrible that what he did and does has been repeated so much in the history of the countries of the world and continues all around the world to this day.
Worth reading the series to compare and contrast with today and learn the similarities and differences with different eras in our history and the history in England during this time period.
Fast read. Good writing. Great main characters. Worth reading.
July 8, 2023
It is great to return to the world Bradecote , Catchpole and Wakelin in the Author's latest medieval , murder mystery .As always the Author manages to bring to light the mores of the time - the hard life of a small village , the power men held over women and the power one man holds over them all .
Priest , Father Edmund is found dead and the unfortunate Ploughman discovered near is body is hanged despite protesting his innocence . When his sister seeks justice in Worcester , a sympathetic Lord Sherriff sends the trio to investigate and they soon discover secrets held within the village , even the dead Priest had a terrible secret .
Rumours of a treasure being found swirl around the village and when an old woman is found dead in her home it appears her house has been searched - was the killer searching for the rumoured treasure ?
The Sherriff's men must use all the guile and wit to discover the true killer's identity as a missing young boy's life is now at risk
This is yet another thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery by the Author - full of diverse characters , great worldbuilding - using the lives , sights , sounds and politics of the era to good effect .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Priest , Father Edmund is found dead and the unfortunate Ploughman discovered near is body is hanged despite protesting his innocence . When his sister seeks justice in Worcester , a sympathetic Lord Sherriff sends the trio to investigate and they soon discover secrets held within the village , even the dead Priest had a terrible secret .
Rumours of a treasure being found swirl around the village and when an old woman is found dead in her home it appears her house has been searched - was the killer searching for the rumoured treasure ?
The Sherriff's men must use all the guile and wit to discover the true killer's identity as a missing young boy's life is now at risk
This is yet another thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery by the Author - full of diverse characters , great worldbuilding - using the lives , sights , sounds and politics of the era to good effect .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
June 9, 2023
The village of Ripple is generally fairly unassuming but beneath the surface there are issues. When the local priest is found murdered suspicion naturally falls upon the man found at his side, ploughman Thorgar, and he is treated to summary justice. His sister believes him innocent and travels to the city to seek justice from their Lord. Bradecote, Catchpoll and Wakelin travel to Ripple and find more than just one death.
Hawkswood has written a series of very entertaining Medieval crime mysteries and this is the latest of them. It is relatively short and not too demanding but gives a great sense of the era around the war of succession between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. The visioning of a small village and the petty troubles and jealousies therein are well imagined.
Hawkswood has written a series of very entertaining Medieval crime mysteries and this is the latest of them. It is relatively short and not too demanding but gives a great sense of the era around the war of succession between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. The visioning of a small village and the petty troubles and jealousies therein are well imagined.
April 16, 2023
Too Good to Hang is the eleventh book in Sarah Hawkswood’s Bradecote and Catchpoll series. If you’re new to the author’s work though, there’s nothing to stop you starting here. Set in the 1145, this time round Sheriff and Sarjeant must investigate the case of Thorgar the Ploughman, hanged for a murder he swore that he did not commit.
This book has everything you’d want from a fairly short historical crime novel - a plot that holds the reader’s interest, compelling characters, believable dialogue. A strong addition to the series. More please.
Thank you to NetGalley and Allison & Busby publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has everything you’d want from a fairly short historical crime novel - a plot that holds the reader’s interest, compelling characters, believable dialogue. A strong addition to the series. More please.
Thank you to NetGalley and Allison & Busby publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2023
This is a great medieval mystery taking place in April 1145. A young man in the village of Ripple, Thorgar, finds Father Edmund dead. When someone else comes by, they claim that Thorgar was the murderer. Soon, Selewine, the Reeve, says that Thorgar should be hanged, and the villagers quickly string him up. Thorgar's sister, Osgyth, walks a dozen miles to Worcester and then to Gloucester to try to see the Lord Sheriff. Fortunately, she sees Mistress Catchpoll who tells her to go the gatehouse and ask for Serjeant Catchpoll. She tells him about her brother, and Catchpole, Underserjeant Walkelin, and Lord Undersheriff Bradecote ride their horses to Ripple with Osgyth behind Catchpole on his horse.
It doesn't take the three men long to decide that Thorgar was not the killer. They soon begin hearing that Father Edmund was a womanizer, and was not well liked in town. They also find out that Thorgar has recently dug up some long buried valuable items with his plow, and Reeve Selewine would like to claim then as his own. Soon, a local old woman is found dead in her home which appears to have been searched. Gradually, the three members of the law get more information. Meanwhile the Woman who is Healer is found having been attacked in her cottage, and then Osgyth's younger brother disappears.
Can Bradecote, Catchpole, and Walkelin find the young boy before he's found by the killer? The book becomes very exciting as we near the end. I am not a medieval historian, but the characters and the ways of living appear to be very realistic. So far, I've only read the first and this the last book of the series, but I've already bought most of those in between and can't wait to read them.
It doesn't take the three men long to decide that Thorgar was not the killer. They soon begin hearing that Father Edmund was a womanizer, and was not well liked in town. They also find out that Thorgar has recently dug up some long buried valuable items with his plow, and Reeve Selewine would like to claim then as his own. Soon, a local old woman is found dead in her home which appears to have been searched. Gradually, the three members of the law get more information. Meanwhile the Woman who is Healer is found having been attacked in her cottage, and then Osgyth's younger brother disappears.
Can Bradecote, Catchpole, and Walkelin find the young boy before he's found by the killer? The book becomes very exciting as we near the end. I am not a medieval historian, but the characters and the ways of living appear to be very realistic. So far, I've only read the first and this the last book of the series, but I've already bought most of those in between and can't wait to read them.
May 14, 2023
Another engrossing story in this series. The murder mystery had me guessing until the end and I enjoyed how Bradcote and Catchpole worked things out. Walkelin is now married and taking a more active role in their work. What I like about this series is I get to know what it was like for ordinary people living at this time. There are descriptions of their homes, their work, the hierarchy in a village and how religion played such an important part in their everyday life. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 6, 2023
أبريل 1145. تم العثور جثة الأب إدموند ، كاهن قرية ، وهي ملطخة بالدماء مطعونة و مضروبة بشدة في الوجه ،يتهم القرويون المزارع ثورغارد و ذلك لأنه وجد الجثة وتم شنقه بمحاكمة موجزة بسبب القبض عليه متلبسًا ، على الرغم من توسلاته بالبراءة.
عندما تذهب أخته لطلب العدالة ، يرسل اللورد شريف محققين ، لاكتشاف أبعاد القضية. وسرعان ما كشفوا عن دوافع قوية لإلقاء اللوم على أكتاف المزارع المظلوم ثورغارد، ، فضلاً عن الهمس بكنز ضاع منذ فترة طويلة وأعيد اكتشافه الآن.
عندما تذهب أخته لطلب العدالة ، يرسل اللورد شريف محققين ، لاكتشاف أبعاد القضية. وسرعان ما كشفوا عن دوافع قوية لإلقاء اللوم على أكتاف المزارع المظلوم ثورغارد، ، فضلاً عن الهمس بكنز ضاع منذ فترة طويلة وأعيد اكتشافه الآن.
April 24, 2023
Young Thorgar the Ploughman is hanged after Father Edmund is murdered in the church. An investigation is launched.
An atmospheric medieval whodunit that leaves you guessing right till the end. The law enforcers have a tough case to solve.
A great story with several suspects, infinite clues.,and red herrings. I enjoyed reading this book very much.
An atmospheric medieval whodunit that leaves you guessing right till the end. The law enforcers have a tough case to solve.
A great story with several suspects, infinite clues.,and red herrings. I enjoyed reading this book very much.
June 3, 2023
This is number eleven in this excellent series and it does,nt disappoint, our three medieval sleuths are up to the job. It as usual concerns murder most foul as they say so sit back and enjoy the ride back to medieval worcester(no spoilers sorry). So just go out and buy this book you will really enjoy it.
June 8, 2023
another great book
Another great book in an excellent series! Sarah Hawkswood is an author who has a great understanding of what life was like in medieval times. I’ve loved the characters since the first book and love seeing how she develops a story as their lives change over time.
Another great book in an excellent series! Sarah Hawkswood is an author who has a great understanding of what life was like in medieval times. I’ve loved the characters since the first book and love seeing how she develops a story as their lives change over time.
August 12, 2024
The 11th story about the adventures of Serjeant Catchpoll, Underserjeant Walkelin and Undersheriff Bradecote. This time the ploughman of Ripple has been summarily hanged for the killing of a priest because he was caught at the scene of the crime. His sister goes to Worcester to seek justice for him and so our intrepid lawmen go to find the truth of what happened.
December 6, 2023
The series offers the reader books that are good, better, and best. This is one of the best of the series. The creative idea takes carries an emotional touch different from the others in the series. If a reader wished to sample the series, this one would be a great choice.
February 2, 2024
Great series
Read n book one by mistake but then read all the rest one after the other.great characters brought o life so well.shame there is not more, read all the books and watch the great characters come alive
Brilliant reading
Read n book one by mistake but then read all the rest one after the other.great characters brought o life so well.shame there is not more, read all the books and watch the great characters come alive
Brilliant reading
June 15, 2023
Wonderful series!!!!
I have so enjoyed this entire series! Wonderful characters, good mystery and excellent writing! Good editing as well, always a bonus!!! More please !!!!
I have so enjoyed this entire series! Wonderful characters, good mystery and excellent writing! Good editing as well, always a bonus!!! More please !!!!
June 24, 2023
Following the tradition of the past novels this series has kept me entertained.
August 12, 2023
A Good Read
Well conceived and written. Hawkswood is always good, but this may be her best. I hope there are more to come!
Well conceived and written. Hawkswood is always good, but this may be her best. I hope there are more to come!
September 8, 2023
What a harsh time in which to live. But our heroes are making it better, one investigation at a time. Love the series and the charcters.
September 9, 2023
I love the time period fir this series and the characters. The books and the characters are so well written that I wish the series could go on and on.
May 18, 2023
I have not read all the books in this series but did not feel this hindered me in any way as it is all about the mystery here. The plot held my interest through out with lots of suspects and reasons. There were interesting and compelling characters and the dialogue wasn't difficult to understand. All in all a great series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2023
A new Bradecote and Catchpoll (and Wakelin) medieval mystery is always a true delight, and Too Good To Hang is a fabulous addition to the series.
This time, our trio are called upon to determine the true culprit when an overzealous village has already hanged a man they deem to be responsible for the murder of the priest without trial or even, any real proof, other than the man's unfortunate appearance at the side of the dead man.
What transpires, with careful investigation from Bradecote, Catchpoll and Wakelin, is that there is much more going on in the small settlement than first meets the eye. One of the village priests might well be dead, but there is a good reason for that and an even better reason to suspect almost everyone else within the settlement as well. And there's not just the matter of the dead priest and the hanged man; there are also rumours of old treasure buried close by.
As ever, I love the way the mystery slowly resolves itself. Bradecote is lordly, Catchpoll is more world, and Wakelin is slowly becoming his own man. Added to this, there is a fine cast of strong women ruled by weak men, and the author highlights this in their interactions.
An absolute joy.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
This time, our trio are called upon to determine the true culprit when an overzealous village has already hanged a man they deem to be responsible for the murder of the priest without trial or even, any real proof, other than the man's unfortunate appearance at the side of the dead man.
What transpires, with careful investigation from Bradecote, Catchpoll and Wakelin, is that there is much more going on in the small settlement than first meets the eye. One of the village priests might well be dead, but there is a good reason for that and an even better reason to suspect almost everyone else within the settlement as well. And there's not just the matter of the dead priest and the hanged man; there are also rumours of old treasure buried close by.
As ever, I love the way the mystery slowly resolves itself. Bradecote is lordly, Catchpoll is more world, and Wakelin is slowly becoming his own man. Added to this, there is a fine cast of strong women ruled by weak men, and the author highlights this in their interactions.
An absolute joy.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
March 27, 2023
I really enjoy this mystery series! This new book has been a real pleasure to read. For some, the plot might appear a bit slow, but to me it really illustrates the pace of an investigation in those very old days. I can relate to all three main characters, and their language vivid with dialect enabled me to be fully immersed in the 12th century ! I can't wait for the next book!
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
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