A Taste for Killing: The intriguing medieval mystery series

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. 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. 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. A reluctant Bradecote returns to Worcester when summoned, 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. I'd recommend A Taste for Killing to any reader who enjoys well-researched and realistic historical mysteries, complex plots and great characters. 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!

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.