What do you think?
Rate this book
Stephen Attebrook Mysteries #15
There was a Crooked Man
The corpse of one of medieval Ludlow’s tavern keepers, popular Red John Griffin, is found by the beggar One-eye Dick one morning at the foot of the stairway leading down to his establishment. His neck is broken.
It first appears to be accidental, the result of an unfortunate tumble down the stairs. On close examination, Stephen Attebrook, Ludlow’s coroner and deputy sheriff, concludes it was murder.
But other concerns loom larger than the death of a mere tavern keeper. Law and order have collapsed in England. The roads are plagued by robbers and highway men, for the country is in turmoil brought on by the civil war between King Henry and his brother-in-law, Earl Simon de Montfort. Despite the king’s capture at the Battle of Lewes the preceding year, there is no peace. And one robber gang stands out in the spring of 1265 — it kills all its victims and leaves many mutilated. One victim, in fact, is Red John’s brother, William, the lord of Fox Hall Manor.
The sheriff of Shropshire lacks the resources to ferret out the gang. Then he hits on the idea of turning Shropshire’s best finder, Attebrook, loose to locate the gang. So he orders Attebrook to drop everything and make this matter his first priority.
Yet there must be some justice for poor Red John. So the inquiry into his death falls to an unlikely investigator — Stephen’s young wife, Lady Ida — while Stephen struggles to find the gang before it can strike again.
It first appears to be accidental, the result of an unfortunate tumble down the stairs. On close examination, Stephen Attebrook, Ludlow’s coroner and deputy sheriff, concludes it was murder.
But other concerns loom larger than the death of a mere tavern keeper. Law and order have collapsed in England. The roads are plagued by robbers and highway men, for the country is in turmoil brought on by the civil war between King Henry and his brother-in-law, Earl Simon de Montfort. Despite the king’s capture at the Battle of Lewes the preceding year, there is no peace. And one robber gang stands out in the spring of 1265 — it kills all its victims and leaves many mutilated. One victim, in fact, is Red John’s brother, William, the lord of Fox Hall Manor.
The sheriff of Shropshire lacks the resources to ferret out the gang. Then he hits on the idea of turning Shropshire’s best finder, Attebrook, loose to locate the gang. So he orders Attebrook to drop everything and make this matter his first priority.
Yet there must be some justice for poor Red John. So the inquiry into his death falls to an unlikely investigator — Stephen’s young wife, Lady Ida — while Stephen struggles to find the gang before it can strike again.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 22, 2024
This latest in the Stephen Attebrook series has our hero at risk as he pursues "the bad guys" in his usual daring, fearless feats in the pursuit of justice. Fortunately he is "superman" and manages to survive many close calls. I am a fan of this medieval series even though this book did cause me to cringe frequently. I thought I had read all 15 of these books, but maybe not. Will have to circle back. I do enjoy the cast of well developed characters.
February 15, 2025
4.5 especially that ending! Not a cliff hanger, just a grim reminder of why Stephen does what he does.
The cover art is confusing, since Stephen is described as black haired. But the author keeps coming up with interesting tales and witty banter, so I keep reading. Red John is murdered, Stephen is called away and stumbles on more murder and mayhem and Ida steps in to help investigate!
Highlights & Spoilers:
"Red John was one of those unusual people who was robustly charitable, which was one of the reasons he had failed at every business he had tried so far."
Commentary about Stephen:
Stephen couldn’t believe any of this.
But Gilbert said, “Yes, quite right. I’ve known mastiffs with a friendlier gaze.”
“Sometimes, anyway,” Godric hastened to add at Stephen’s scowl; perhaps he had gone a bit too far. “Only when you’re worked up about something.”
“Everyone who really knows me, regards me as a most amiable fellow,” Stephen said.
“Oh, yessir,” Godric said. “I’ve said that myself many a time.”
Wymar covered his mouth as if to restrain something uncomplimentary.
With Gilbert:
“Don’t tell anyone that I suggested it.”
“Well, I shall at least have to tell Harry.” Telling Harry anything meant that within moments the entire town of Ludlow would know.
“If you do, I will break all your quills and spill all your ink,” Stephen said.
“You are a cruel man.”
“As one must be in order not to be taken advantage of. Here, I’ve done nothing more than offer sound advice and what do you do? Threaten to blacken my reputation.”
“Well,” Gilbert muttered, “you do enough of that by yourself. You don’t need my help.”
Sadly, this was true and Stephen did not respond any further.
Loved this bit ha ha:
Stephen turned his head to see what had panicked Hob. Two men had emerged from the wood. One carried a longbow, the other a crossbow. Both men wore masks.
Stephen pushed Gilbert from the saddle. The little round man cried out in protest and landed with a pronounced thud.
And lets not forget Harry and Joan:
“Well, Stumpy,” she said. “What are you doing here?”
“Don’t call him Stumpy,” Joan said sharply.
“Who’s this?” the broad-bottomed woman asked, not fazed by the rebuke.
“My wife, Joan,” Harry said. “I don’t believe you’ve met. And you better watch yourself around her, Abby. She may appear small and harmless, but she’s mean as hell.”
“Thank you, Harry,” Joan said.
The cover art is confusing, since Stephen is described as black haired. But the author keeps coming up with interesting tales and witty banter, so I keep reading. Red John is murdered, Stephen is called away and stumbles on more murder and mayhem and Ida steps in to help investigate!
Highlights & Spoilers:
"Red John was one of those unusual people who was robustly charitable, which was one of the reasons he had failed at every business he had tried so far."
Commentary about Stephen:
Stephen couldn’t believe any of this.
But Gilbert said, “Yes, quite right. I’ve known mastiffs with a friendlier gaze.”
“Sometimes, anyway,” Godric hastened to add at Stephen’s scowl; perhaps he had gone a bit too far. “Only when you’re worked up about something.”
“Everyone who really knows me, regards me as a most amiable fellow,” Stephen said.
“Oh, yessir,” Godric said. “I’ve said that myself many a time.”
Wymar covered his mouth as if to restrain something uncomplimentary.
With Gilbert:
“Don’t tell anyone that I suggested it.”
“Well, I shall at least have to tell Harry.” Telling Harry anything meant that within moments the entire town of Ludlow would know.
“If you do, I will break all your quills and spill all your ink,” Stephen said.
“You are a cruel man.”
“As one must be in order not to be taken advantage of. Here, I’ve done nothing more than offer sound advice and what do you do? Threaten to blacken my reputation.”
“Well,” Gilbert muttered, “you do enough of that by yourself. You don’t need my help.”
Sadly, this was true and Stephen did not respond any further.
Loved this bit ha ha:
Stephen turned his head to see what had panicked Hob. Two men had emerged from the wood. One carried a longbow, the other a crossbow. Both men wore masks.
Stephen pushed Gilbert from the saddle. The little round man cried out in protest and landed with a pronounced thud.
And lets not forget Harry and Joan:
“Well, Stumpy,” she said. “What are you doing here?”
“Don’t call him Stumpy,” Joan said sharply.
“Who’s this?” the broad-bottomed woman asked, not fazed by the rebuke.
“My wife, Joan,” Harry said. “I don’t believe you’ve met. And you better watch yourself around her, Abby. She may appear small and harmless, but she’s mean as hell.”
“Thank you, Harry,” Joan said.
March 22, 2024
There are a few series which I will read the new book as soon as it is released and Jason Vail's Stephen Attebrook is one of those. I know I can count on them for an interesting medieval setting, great characters and much excitement and adventure. The newest, There was a Crooked Man, at number 15 in the series continues that trend.
At the start we find Stephen Attebrook, the coroner at home where he wants to be with his wife, Ida expecting her first child. We know that he will be called away shortly and of course there is a murder. Along with the murder the sheriff request that Stephen find out who is behind a series of thefts and murders in the nearby county.
If you read these you know the drill, poor Gilbert is enlisted to ride along with Stephen.
If you haven't read any but are interested, I suggest you start with the first, The Wayward Apprentice.
At the start we find Stephen Attebrook, the coroner at home where he wants to be with his wife, Ida expecting her first child. We know that he will be called away shortly and of course there is a murder. Along with the murder the sheriff request that Stephen find out who is behind a series of thefts and murders in the nearby county.
If you read these you know the drill, poor Gilbert is enlisted to ride along with Stephen.
If you haven't read any but are interested, I suggest you start with the first, The Wayward Apprentice.
July 30, 2025
#15 in the Sir Stephen Atterbrook mystery series. March, 1265 3 months after the previous mystery. Stephen is a knight was down on his luck and slowly regaining to regain his fortune and birthright while constantly being caught between the sides in the ongoing civil war to over throw the king. He has worked as a coroner aided by Gilbert an innkeeper and former monk and has now returned to his former coroner position. This is the continuing saga of Stephen's effort to regarding his family's estates and position.
The corpse of one of medieval Ludlow’s tavern keepers, popular Red John Griffin, is found one morning at the foot of the stairway leading down to his establishment. His neck is broken. It first appears to be accidental, the result of an unfortunate tumble down the stairs. On closer examination, Stephen, who is both coroner and deputy sheriff, concludes it was murder.
However, other concerns loom larger than the death of a tavern keeper. Law and order have collapsed due to the continuing civil war between King Henry and his brother-in-law, Earl Simon de Montfort and the roads are plagued by robbers and highway men with one robber gang standing out in that is killing members of the upper class leaving their bodies mutilated. Stephen's superior, the sheriff of Shropshire. lacks the resources to ferret out the gang so orders Stephen to locate the gang. Thus, Stephen must leave Ludlow to investigate laving Red John's murder investigation hanging. So Stephen’s pregnant wife, Lady Ida takes up that investigation on her own.
The corpse of one of medieval Ludlow’s tavern keepers, popular Red John Griffin, is found one morning at the foot of the stairway leading down to his establishment. His neck is broken. It first appears to be accidental, the result of an unfortunate tumble down the stairs. On closer examination, Stephen, who is both coroner and deputy sheriff, concludes it was murder.
However, other concerns loom larger than the death of a tavern keeper. Law and order have collapsed due to the continuing civil war between King Henry and his brother-in-law, Earl Simon de Montfort and the roads are plagued by robbers and highway men with one robber gang standing out in that is killing members of the upper class leaving their bodies mutilated. Stephen's superior, the sheriff of Shropshire. lacks the resources to ferret out the gang so orders Stephen to locate the gang. Thus, Stephen must leave Ludlow to investigate laving Red John's murder investigation hanging. So Stephen’s pregnant wife, Lady Ida takes up that investigation on her own.
March 16, 2024
Another home run!
I was so pleased to see that Mr. Vail had released another Attebrook mystery! I love the characters in the series-so well-drawn. This story opens with the murder of a friendly innkeeper, Red John. It’s a puzzle that this well liked man should be killed. From there Sir Stephen & Gilbert are drawn into finding the culprit & obtaining justice. As well, they must ferret out a gang of robbers for the sheriff. Nothing is as it seems on the surface! Sir Stephen must use his wits to solve the murder, satisfy the sheriff, & avoid ending up as dead as Red John! Loved the plot & the historical details! Transports the reader to the 13th century.
I was so pleased to see that Mr. Vail had released another Attebrook mystery! I love the characters in the series-so well-drawn. This story opens with the murder of a friendly innkeeper, Red John. It’s a puzzle that this well liked man should be killed. From there Sir Stephen & Gilbert are drawn into finding the culprit & obtaining justice. As well, they must ferret out a gang of robbers for the sheriff. Nothing is as it seems on the surface! Sir Stephen must use his wits to solve the murder, satisfy the sheriff, & avoid ending up as dead as Red John! Loved the plot & the historical details! Transports the reader to the 13th century.
April 9, 2024
Stephen Attebrook, coroner and deputy sheriff in Ludlow, is hoping for a quiet spring, until his friend Harry comes with news of another dead man--the tavern owner Red John. At the same time he receives orders from the Sheriff Alditheley to travel to a more distant part of Shropshire and Staffordshire to investigate a series of violent robberies. While Stephen is off finding the robbers, his wife Ida investigates the murder of Red John. A very satisfying read.
April 9, 2024
Sir Stephen is suffering from the curse of excellence. So good is Sir Steve at being a finder, he is unable to concentrate on rebuilding his own manor because he is in such hot demand to solve murders. Similarly, Jason Vail is so good at crafting page-turner medieval mysteries with witty dialog and compelling characters that he will need to write at least a hundred more Stephen Attebrook Mysteries to satisfy his fans. Here's hoping he's already started on the next book.
July 15, 2024
Excellent series
The Attebrook series is an enthralling historical novels. I've read them all as well as those about his grandparents (?). The only occasional fault is some rather 1,dimebsional figures who are irredeemably evil but I'm glad that the Earl (and his ancestors) have finally left. A worthy read for lovers of historical crime.
The Attebrook series is an enthralling historical novels. I've read them all as well as those about his grandparents (?). The only occasional fault is some rather 1,dimebsional figures who are irredeemably evil but I'm glad that the Earl (and his ancestors) have finally left. A worthy read for lovers of historical crime.
December 27, 2025
Great story
There is a gang of thieves murdering travelers in the area and Stephen Attebrook is tasked in finding them, while at home there is also a murder to solve. Are all these murders connected? Or is something or someone else involved in these gruesome deaths. Wonderful storytelling.
There is a gang of thieves murdering travelers in the area and Stephen Attebrook is tasked in finding them, while at home there is also a murder to solve. Are all these murders connected? Or is something or someone else involved in these gruesome deaths. Wonderful storytelling.
March 22, 2024
Another good book. Could be a bit longer though.
As always well written. Could do with being longer. No sooner enjoying the detail and mistry solved. Looking forward to the next one.
As always well written. Could do with being longer. No sooner enjoying the detail and mistry solved. Looking forward to the next one.
April 1, 2024
Death Looms
Once again we find Stephen bruised a d battered. Why be accused of trying to woo another when he already has a capable soul mate in Ida. Stephen is a man set apart from his sex.
Once again we find Stephen bruised a d battered. Why be accused of trying to woo another when he already has a capable soul mate in Ida. Stephen is a man set apart from his sex.
May 4, 2024
Thrilling tale
Another great adventure for Stephen Attebrook and his friends and family. Two separate murders that end up being connected, as well as a gang of robbers make for a story of nonstop action.
Another great adventure for Stephen Attebrook and his friends and family. Two separate murders that end up being connected, as well as a gang of robbers make for a story of nonstop action.
July 17, 2024
Best yet
This is the 15th volume in this series, and the best of a good series to date. I find great attraction to the characters and really like the plot line a lot. Hate the fact that it will be about a year before the next in the series will be made available.
This is the 15th volume in this series, and the best of a good series to date. I find great attraction to the characters and really like the plot line a lot. Hate the fact that it will be about a year before the next in the series will be made available.
October 22, 2024
1365 Ludlow. Inn owner Red John Griffin has been discovered dead. Information comes to Coroner and deputy sheriff Stephen Attebrook that William Griffin, Lord of Fox Hall Manor, and older brother to John has also been murdered by a gang. Attebrook is ordered to find this gang that has terrorized the region.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters
October 21, 2024
Enjoyment
I always enjoy the saga of Stephen Attebrook. In addition to the story, I especially enjoy learning about how society was organized, and the glimpses of every day life. What fun!
I always enjoy the saga of Stephen Attebrook. In addition to the story, I especially enjoy learning about how society was organized, and the glimpses of every day life. What fun!
March 27, 2024
excellent read.
The story was great mystery with twist and turns to keep you guessing. The characters were believable. Very good book.
The story was great mystery with twist and turns to keep you guessing. The characters were believable. Very good book.
May 29, 2024
I'm ready for the next book.
Each time you finish one, you want to move on to the next. You get to know the characters and miss them after you finish the book.
Each time you finish one, you want to move on to the next. You get to know the characters and miss them after you finish the book.
October 31, 2024
Devious
Another great read. Inn keeper dead. Brigands running amok. Imitators, absconders, .., what will Stephen do to solve these riddles?
Another great read. Inn keeper dead. Brigands running amok. Imitators, absconders, .., what will Stephen do to solve these riddles?
September 28, 2025
sobering read - abuse takes so many forms
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews