My thanks to Allison & Busby for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘A Taste for Killing: a Medieval Mystery’ by Sarah Hawkswood in exchange for an honest review.

This is Book 10 in Sarah Hawkswood’s Bradecote and Catchpoll series of medieval mysteries.

While this was my first time reading one of Hawkswood’s novels enough background on characters and setting was provided so I didn’t feel lost. The publishers also state that while the books are chronological they can be read as standalones.

January, 1145. Godfrey Bowyer is Worcester’s best bow maker though not well liked. One night both he and his wife, Blanche, are taken violently ill at dinner. Godfrey dies an agonising death though Blanche survives. With poisoning suspected and only a limited number of people with access to the household, UnderSheriff Hugh Bradecote and Serjeant Catchpoll expect that it will be a short investigation. However, the situation turns out to be more complicated which leads to a wider group of suspects. No further details to avoid spoilers.

‘A Taste for Killing’ proved a satisfying medieval whodunnit. What made it stand out for me was Hawkswood’s attention to period detail that included the sights, sounds, and, of course, the smells of her 12th Century setting. Added to this was her use of language, including dialogue, that felt authentic while remaining understandable.

I was very pleased with this medieval mystery and plan on reading the series from the start.

A medieval mystery? I had to try it. The author does a good job with keeping the reader involved in the mystery while maintaining a real feel for the time period in which the book is set. A little slow going but I enjoyed the characters and was interested in the mystery. Definitely different from a lot of other historical mysteries.

In a household filled with animosity and secrets, it is hardly surprising that the head of the household is found poisoned, while its mistress suffers the consequences, though not fatally. Who in this day and age, would be brave enough to strike against their master - was it a member of his own household, some other, or another's agent? This was a period where the violent rebellion of servants against their masters (and wives against their husbands) was a serious concern, enough to warrant death by hanging (for men) and death by burning (for women). Much of the investigation centres around the household, the family and others whose interactions have brought them to the attention of our investigators. One question remains till the very end .... Who is Blanche Bowyer really?

Against this backdrop, our trio have their own concerns - Bradecote's wife is expecting their child, young Walkelin is dreading informing his mother on his choice of bride, and Catchpoll is feeling the slow creeping hand of age.

Again, much research has gone into the narrative to ensure the reader gets a good fell for the times and the long process of criminal investigations, which is at times, rudimentary, relying of quick-eyed officials and knowledgable locals, especially in a time when social connections, social and financial position, and a person or family's good name counted for much in the community, and in the assumption of guilt or innocence.

This was my first experience of Sarah Hawkswood's world of 12th Century Worcester and its intrepid Sheriff's Men. These investigators of deeds most foul are engaging and its great fun with a solid through line of historical accuracy! . The gruff but razor sharp Catchpole and the Uxorious Hugh Bradecote are easy to like as characters and the attitudes and opinions are nicely unreconstructed in a way that feels more true to the era than perhaps other historical set novels,
There's a rich smell of tallow candles and medieval humanity about the whole undertaking, My only caveat would be that I would have like to have known more about the villain, about whom I will not spoil!
If you are a fan of Cadfael, Falco or The Name of the Rose (although there are definitely more laughs here than in Umberto Eco's tale) then this might suit you admirably and I would recommend,

The greatest compliment I can give a mystery is investigating whether or not it is a series when I finish one book, and I did that here. Very cosy, good fun and a bit of real historic murk in there too,

Book review : A Taste for Killing by Sarah Hawkswood is a well- crafted historical novel of a medieval mystery.

The story is of the period January 1145, of Godfrey Bowyer , best but least likeable bow maker of Worcester. He was killed by giving poison in his meal while his wife , Blanche saved. The investigation is carried by Sergeant Catchpoll with the help of Undersherrif and Undersergeant.

The author has well reasearched the way people lived, spoke and how the means of finding the culprit without the modern means of finding the real reason of poison and keeping their public safe in such circumstances.

I appreciate the way the story takes twists and turns unfolding the secrets and letting deeper to the way of real culprit and making clear the real intentions of each person related to the corpse.

I liked reading this 10th book in series of the author, Sarah Hawkswood who has done an incredible job. This novel is stand alone so can be read in any order.

I am thankful to netgalley and Allison and Busby for giving me a chance to read this amazing book. I recommend this mysterious book to all medeival mystery lovers .
Happy Reading!

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I received this book as an ARC and did not realize this was a series, this being #10 in the series. It was such fun to read about a murder that occurs in Britain of the 1500’s. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

I like the Bradecote and Catchpoll mediaeval mystery series, now with the addition of young Walkelin. The solution of crimes wasn´t as easy then as nowadays. The tenth book in the series - though being a standalone - shows the development of the investigating characters in finding the culprit in a poisoning case. Though the story sometimes drags, there are lots of possible culprits and red herrings till the case is solved. What I didn´t find easy to read was the "dialect" with the shortened words. I liked the introduction of Roger the Healer though, as he knew much about herbs and other plants.
Thanks to Allison & Busby and Netgalley for the ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

A Taste for Killing is another engrossing instalment in Sarah Hawkswood's excellent historical mystery series featuring Under-Sheriff of Worcester Hugh Bradecote, Sergeant Catchpoll and Under-Sergeant Walkelin.

The previous two books in the series having been set in rural areas of Worcestershire, in A Taste for Killing we return to within the Worcester city walls. It's January 1145 and the midst of a cold winter, as Hugh Bradecote's pregnant wife, Christina, nears her due date at their manor. He's understandably nervous, after the death of his first wife in childbirth, and hoping that he will not be called away from Christina's side for any crime-related duties.

Godfrey Bowyer is much disliked by the other burgesses and citizens of Worcester, but is widely regarded as the town's best maker of bows. His household is thrown into turmoil when Bowyer collapses in agony and dies after eating his pottage one evening. Mistress Bowyer, the beautiful but manipulative Blanche, is also taken ill, but is saved by the timely ministrations of Roger the Healer. After attending the scene and conducting preliminary interviews with those present, Sergeant Catchpoll reports back to the Lord Sheriff, William de Beauchamp, who directs that Lord Bradecote be called to Worcester, whatever his wife's condition.

A reluctant Bradecote returns, and together with Sergeant Catchpoll and Under-Sergeant Walkelin, begins to investigate the death. From within the Bowyer household and from questioning various citizens of Worcester, they uncover tales of a stormy marriage, intra-familial antipathy, infidelity, ambitions and jealousies.

Sarah Hawkswood infuses her mystery narrative with plenty of historical detail and the use of medieval-style speech patterns, both of which add to the immersive feeling of the story. Her setting in 12th century Worcester is fascinating, as is the use of bynames, usually based on the person's work or some notable personal characteristic. I love discovering the origins of surnames that continue to exist among Franco-Anglo-Celtic people today.

The mystery storyline itself is complex, with plenty of twists and turns along the way as our investigative trio discover more details about the deceased, his reputation and the potential motives attributable to those closest to him. Despite the comparative lack of technology in medieval times, we see the early use of skills that have over intervening centuries become modern forensic science, in this case determination of cause of death and forensic toxicology.

The character arcs of the central three protagonists continue to develop, and they are supported by a well-imagined cast of returning and new characters. In A Taste for Killing, we see former apprentice, now Under-Sergeant, Walkelin's skills as an investigator continue to develop, as he faces a major step in his personal life.

I'd recommend A Taste for Killing to any reader who enjoys well-researched and realistic historical mysteries, complex plots and great characters. While this and other books in the series read well as standalones, my view is that the greatest enjoyment would be had by reading in series order, as this would give an enhanced understanding of character development.

My thanks to the author, Sarah Hawkswood, publisher Allison & Busby and NetGalley (UK) for the opportunity to read and review another book in this wonderful series. I can't wait for the next instalment!

As the tenth in a series, the author still keeps the reader engaged with a multitude of methods for crimes and techniques. She takes time to explain how the killer is apprehended and close all open doors. The law enforcers have a unique dynamic that helps reveal the plot!

A beautiful tale of Murder via Poisoning , beautiful prose & descriptions of life among the working people of Worcester from lowly maid servants to Burgesses , then add into the mix the Lord Sheriffs men who go on to investigate & solve crimes as they are committed , this was a most enjoyable read .#Goodreads,#NetGalley, #FB,#Instagram,#Amazon.co.uk , #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/358a5cecda71b11036ec19d9f7bf5c96d13e2c55" width="80" height="80" alt="100 Book Reviews" title="100 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>,#<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.

“Is this a simple domestic murder that we can deal with today, or is there more to it? I expect you will say it isn’t going to be that simple, for it so rarely is…”

A TASTE FOR KILLING
Thank you, NetGalley, Sarah Harkswood, and Alison & Busby Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. It was just released yesterday, May 12th, 2022.

A Taste For Killing by Sarah Harkswood is a medieval mystery. The year is 1145 and Godfrey Bowyer and his wife Blanche have a difficult relationship. One night, voices are raised and tensions are high. So high, in fact, that pots are smashed against the wall. But that isn’t the highlight of the night. Both Godfrey and Blanche become seriously ill. It comes on suddenly and the healer can’t save Godrey. However, Blanche survives. A poisoning case should be a quick investigation. Hugh Bradecote and Sarjeant Catchpoll are the Sheriff’s men and are confident it will be over quickly. But this case seems to be more complex than they originally hoped…

I have been on a historical mystery kick as of late. It just seems to be a genre that I cannot get enough of, so I was thrilled to get this medieval mystery ARC. This should have been intriguing. The year is 1145 and that means England is in turmoil. They are currently in the middle of a Civil War. Stephen is King, but Empress Matilda is trying to assume the throne. There should be both religious and political background to this story. But alas…this tale is limited.

I understand that this isn’t going to be CSI or Law and Order but this book is mostly dialogue. It is just talking the entire time. And on top of that, it is all repetitive. The characters are very one-dimensional. I knew their names and a little bit about their background, but that is it. There is no character development in the slightest. And not only that but the ending was so predictable. So unfortunately this book was not a win for me. I rate this book 1 star.

I am always glad to run across a new-to-me author, and I was delighted to read this book. Sarah Hawkswood is a fine writer and made this mystery very enjoyable. "A Taste For Killing" is the tenth book in a series which I am going to enjoy reading.

This is historical fiction set in Worcester in 1145. I love medieval mysteries (Jeri Westerson I am looking at you), and this one was great. Bradecote, Catchpoll and their protege Walkelin make excellent protagonists, and I didn't see the end coming.

If you are new to Hawkswood, as I was, you will have no trouble following along. This cozy mystery is a pleasure to read, and I heartily recommend it.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I’ve only read books one and two, Servant of Death and Ordeal by Fire, and this is number ten!! It can easily be read as a stand alone , but you will miss how the central characters become more rounded and experienced as they mature in their work and friendships .
Set in 1145, in Worcestershire, Godfrey Bowyer is a most unpleasant man. His hands wander over his defenceless serving maids and other mens wives. He is mean to his wife, Blanche, and has quarrelled with his brother, then, one evening he collapses after his evening meal, and dies of poisoning. Blanche is also poorly, but less so.
With so many suspects and enemies, this is an amusing Mediaeval murder mystery, it is easily guessable, but there are still some shocks and surprises along the way.
This conveys the sense of Mediaeval society, it’s rules and customs, the hardships endured, and the burgeoning justice system, the upper classes were not thought of as being suspected of crime. A herbalist is introduced, usually female, but Roger is very astute, sympathetic and very good at his job. There are some references to a Welsh background, and an understanding that the other foreign language referred to is Norman, which was still in use at this time.
A slow burner of a novel, it’s feels rather cosy, rather than threatening in tone. I really enjoyed this, and I know I have a few more books to catch up on!!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Allison and Busby, for my digital copy in return for my honest and unbiased opinion. I have rated this as a three star read.

January 1145. Godfrey Bowyer, having just finished his meal is found dying, from being poisoned. His wife Blanche recovers. Under sheriff Hugh Bradecote, with sejeants Catchpoll and Walkelin are told to investigate. Unfortunately there seems to be many suspects and motives.
A well-written, entertaining and well-plotted historical mystery, with its array of varied and likeable characters. Another good addition to this series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In this story there are the usual investigators, Lord Bradcote, Sergeant Catchpole and Under-Sergeant Walkelin. In this book, the reader learns a little more about Walkelin and his family. It was good to see him becoming more confident in himself. There is a mystery to solve and a good deal of investigations have to take place before the culprit is found. It did keep me guessing as to who it might be. There is the person’s rank to take into account when questioning certain people and this reflects the situation at this time. I was surprised that there was an English /Welsh mistrust with some people. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more set in this period. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I first came across Bradcote and Catchpoll when I read River of Sins, the seventh book in the author’s historical crime series set in 12th century Worcester. That was back in December 2020 and since then I’ve devoured both the subsequent books in the series – Blood Runs Thicker and Wolf at the Door. Fortunately, for fans of the series such as myself, Sarah Hawkswood produces fresh instalments at a rate of knots.

A Taste for Killing takes up directly from events at the end of the previous book with Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote and his wife anxiously awaiting the birth of their second child. Mindful of Bradecote’s situation, Serjeant Catchpoll initially takes on the investigation into the murder of wealthy burgess, Godfrey Bowyer, with only the assistance of recently promoted Underserjeant Walkelin. Although it appears there are only a few individuals who would have had the opportunity to administer the poison, the murdered man had no shortage of enemies in the city.

The author gives us a real taste of what it must have been like to live in 12th century Worcester, conjuring up the sights, sounds and smells, as well as a sense of the local dialect (although Bradecote being a lord of the manor speaks Norman to his peers, or ‘Foreign’ as the locals call it).

Over the course of the series, the duo of Bradecote and Catchpoll has evolved into a trio with the addition of Walkelin who has grown from eager apprentice to becoming an integral part of the team, honing his ‘serjeanting senses’ along the way. He’s observant, has a good sense of intuition and can mingle with servants and traders. Even after all this time, Catchpoll still casts a proprietorial, sometimes approving, eye over Bradecote’s interrogation techniques whilst recognising that Bradecote’s rank can open doors that would otherwise be closed to him. Not so much good cop, bad cop as toff cop, common cop. What all three share is tenacity. As Walkelin observes, ‘Oft times we are called the lord Sheriff’s law hounds, and like a hound, we cannot leave a scent uninvestigated, a warm trail to go cold without us sniffin’ at it.’

The domestic side is not ignored either. Bradcote’s concern for his wife is endearing and Catchpoll has a caring wife always ready with a cup of warmed cider or advice to wrap up warm. Walkelin’s hopes of matrimony rest on his persuasive skills but it’s surprising what a way with preparing the ever-present pottage can do to change minds.

The unravelling of the mystery is nicely managed with a few red herrings along the way and a plethora of possible motives. As is often the case, Catchpoll’s local knowledge of family relationships and past grievances, as well as his ability to have his ear to the ground for gossip, are important in solving the mystery. His reputation as ‘a wily old bastard’ helps too. But young Walkelin plays his part as well, uncovering the nugget of information that proves someone is not what they profess to be.

If you’re looking for a enjoyable mystery with a well-constructed plot, colourful characters and interesting historical detail then I can heartily recommend A Taste of Killing. Or if you really want to indulge yourself, why not go back and read the whole series from the beginning (as I hope to do one day).

It can be read as a stand-alone, but one understands that the whole character-building is missing. Medieval setting is wow, but I would like to try the first one in a series as well

Many thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “A Taste for Killing.” All opinions and comments are my own.

The master and mistress of a house, after having a big argument at dinner (a common occurrence), have separated. Not for long, however. Soon both are writhing in pain. A healer is summoned. Alas, too late for the husband; the wife survives, just. Roger the Healer pronounces the dreaded word -- poison. Serjeant Catchpoll is summoned, and Walkelin, his young assistant, comes along.

Thus begins “A Taste for Killing,” the latest in the medieval historical mystery series by Sarah Hawkswood, this one set in 1145. Catchpoll doesn’t want to involve the lord Bradecote, who’s waiting at his estate for his lady wife to have a baby. But the lord Sheriff of Worcestershire knows the deceased was a man of status, and his murder warrants someone of high rank to investigate. So, begrudgingly, the other half of our team is summoned by Catchpoll and rides to town.

Sarah Hawkswood makes sure there are plenty of suspects. This may be medieval England, but reasons for hatred and murder haven’t changed much. (Ms. Hawkswood does have a way of reminding us that we’re in a medieval world, with language and concepts that are true to the time period.) The man was detested by his fellows, and he had a roving eye. Plus, everyone knows he and his wife argued constantly. However, she was also poisoned, so who would want to get rid of both of them? The servants are the most obvious suspects, but that’s too easy, of course. Isn’t it? There's even an unhappy brother. It’s a long list, and Bradecote and Catchpoll (and readers) have a lot of work to do, to sift through stories and evidence and find a diabolical murderer. And don’t think you’re done with one murder. Oh, no.

Our investigators are their usual dogged, questioning selves, and Walkelin has his contribution to make. That second murder brings its own questions. What appears to be a fitting conclusion to everything doesn’t seem that way to milord Bradecote. Our lord Undersheriff is not convinced, and readers will need to be, too. Sarah Hawkswood lays it all out very neatly.

“Truth will make itself known,” as Roger the Healer relates. Bradecote and Catchpoll have realized what has happened, and they are coming for the killer.

A note should be made of how our author is bringing young Walkelin to the fore, growing as part of the team. Certainly, Serjeant Catchpole still reminds him of his place, but there is much made of his progress. First-rate characterization is a hallmark of this series, which hopefully will continue to entertain us for many more books.

It is 1145, not the time but the year. In the Worcester home, come workshop, come business, of Godfrey Bowyer the servants are listening to the Master and Mistress having a shouting match over dinner in the hall. As befits the master of a significant trade, he has the status of a Burgess. The noise from the hall escalates, tableware is thrown, crockery is smashed, the mistress retires upstairs and the maid clears up the mess. Shortly thereafter Godfrey dies in agony and his wife is violently ill but survives. Given his status, the local law enforcement is called, conclude that they have been poisoned and an investigation begins. But, as this is 1145, investigation means observation of the scene and the corpus and talking to people to establish a background. This initially looks fairly straightforward, but suspicions rapidly arise as to the identity of the culprit. The wife, the servants, the estranged brother, plus most of the rest of the townsfolk – for he is much disliked if not hated – are all in the frame. The story runs through a number of permutations although it is essentially quite a linear plot; meandering rather than twisting.
At heart this is a police procedural, albeit one set in a medieval environment. Criminal investigation is the provenance of the Lord Sheriff (~ Chief Constable) and is delegated to the Lord Undersheriff (~ DCI}, Serjeant (~DI) and Underserjeant (~DC). Some authenticity is lent by the interspersion of contemporary words and phrases, which is interesting but can be annoying when they then require translation. There is also a fair bit of repetition, far more than needed to keep the reader on track with the investigation. There is a similar effect with background detail. The book is the tenth in a series featuring the same set of investigators so must be doing something right, but I wasn’t impressed.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

Having caught up to this most recent title, I will say overall, I enjoyed the experience. The mysteries are quite immersive and I found myself transported back to the 1100's. I enjoy fast paced titles and I tore through these with ease.