Wolf at the Door: The spellbinding mediaeval mysteries series

A new instalment in Sarah Hawkswood's brilliant Bradecote and Catchpoll historical mystery series - Yippee! I was a latecomer to the series, but now it's one of my favourites. It's All Hallows' Eve (now more widely known by the Scottish name Hallowe'en) 1144, and winter is closing in on rural Worcestershire. Father Hildebert, the parish priest of the village of Feckenham, is disturbed by a frantic pounding on his door. It's William, son of Durand Wuduweard, the local forest warden, reporting that his father lies dead, violently attacked inside his modest cottage not far from the village. Hurried investigations by the village hierarchy reveal a macabre scene - Durand's body has apparently been ravaged by a wolf! Serjeant Catchpoll, accompanied by his apprentice-come-under-serjeant Walkelin, are dispatched to investigate by William de Beauchamp, lord Sheriff of Worcester. They're later joined, somewhat reluctantly, by under-Sheriff Hugh Bradecote, whose cherished lady wife, Christina, is shortly due to give birth to their first child together. Meanwhile, the irascible de Beauchamp gathers a hunting party to track down the wolf that's been heard howling in the area of the King's hunting lodge at Feckenham. It doesn't take long for the investigative team to determine that things aren't as simple as they might first appear - while Durand's remains show signs of a canine attack, it makes no sense that a wild animal would enter his abode. Another brutal attack and a series of raids carried out by a band of brigands lead Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin to suspect a criminal conspiracy surrounding Durand's death. Wolf at the Door builds upon the excellent characterisation of the central trio from previous books in the series, with young Walkelin increasingly showing his maturity and detecting skills. Supporting characters are also well-conceived and believable, many of their preoccupations and conflicts underlining how little has really changed beneath the surface of human experience in the past millennium. The plotting around the mystery itself is complex and intriguing, well suited to Hawkswood's setting of the spooky forest, isolated dwellings and lonely pathways. I had the impression that Hawkswood has stepped up a gear in terms of historical content and language in this ninth instalment in the series, which lent even greater authenticity to the whole. I believe Wolf at the Door would be a stimulating and enjoyable read, either as a standalone or in series order, for all readers who enjoy high quality mysteries and/or authentic mediaeval-era historical fiction. I'm curious as to whether the rights to the series have been sold for adaptation, as the books would make the basis of a fabulous television series. My thanks to the author, Sarah Hawkswood, publisher Allison & Busby and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this title.

1144 Sergeant Catchpoll and his assistant Walkelin are called out with Under-sheriff Bradecote when a body is discovered in the village of Feckenham. Initially thought to be a wolf attack. But they are not convinced. Who did murder this unlikeable man. Soon there is a raid on a nearby manor, and more deaths. An entertaining and well-written historical novel set in the time of King Stephen. Containing a cast of likeable and well-drawn characters. Another good addition to this series which can easily be read as a standalone story.