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Stephen Attebrook Mysteries #16
Prince Edward's Ride
Stephen Attebrook, coroner and finder extraordinaire of the small town of Ludlow in the Welsh Marches, hopes for a peaceful spring after years of turmoil and loss. But the conflict between King Henry III and the rebellious barons led by his brother-in-law Simon de Montfort is reaching its final crisis.
It begins when Montfort marches a small army to Hereford in the Welsh Marches, with King Henry and Prince Edward as prisoners in tow, in order to coerce one of his powerful supporters back into the barons’ fold.
In Hereford, Prince Edward’s chamberlain is found dead in very peculiar circumstances — apparently drowned in a trough outside a house of ill-repute in Grope Lane, a shady part of town. The verdict is accidental death, but Edward thinks otherwise.
However, Edward has other things on his mind than the death of a close servant. He is scheming to escape his imprisonment and to foment a rising against Montfort’s rule by the Marcher barons still loyal to the king.
He needs an agent to help bring about that rising, and he summons Stephen to be that man on the pretext of conducting an independent investigation into the chamberlain’s death.
This summons launches Stephen into life-threatening secret work. And if he fails, Edward’s plan to restore the king to power will fail.
Yet the compulsion to find justice for those who cannot find it for themselves could ruin Edward’s carefully crafted plans.
It begins when Montfort marches a small army to Hereford in the Welsh Marches, with King Henry and Prince Edward as prisoners in tow, in order to coerce one of his powerful supporters back into the barons’ fold.
In Hereford, Prince Edward’s chamberlain is found dead in very peculiar circumstances — apparently drowned in a trough outside a house of ill-repute in Grope Lane, a shady part of town. The verdict is accidental death, but Edward thinks otherwise.
However, Edward has other things on his mind than the death of a close servant. He is scheming to escape his imprisonment and to foment a rising against Montfort’s rule by the Marcher barons still loyal to the king.
He needs an agent to help bring about that rising, and he summons Stephen to be that man on the pretext of conducting an independent investigation into the chamberlain’s death.
This summons launches Stephen into life-threatening secret work. And if he fails, Edward’s plan to restore the king to power will fail.
Yet the compulsion to find justice for those who cannot find it for themselves could ruin Edward’s carefully crafted plans.
- GenresMystery
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 17, 2025
4 stars- this one had me on tenterhooks until the last 5% which frankly felt a little rushed and anti-climactic. I am so used to Stephen being clever, so that was nothing new here (still clever), as well as the long rides through the countryside after sneaking out and avoiding being tailed.
One highlight, pretty much sums him up:
Stephen swung his legs over the windowsill, hung by his hands for a moment, and let himself fall. The impact hurt his bad foot and he lay on his back for a moment while the pain subsided.
The woman watched from the window. She shook her head. “You’re mad,” she said.
“You’re not the first person to say so,” Stephen said as he climbed to his feet. He jogged across the rear garden, vaulted the fence and entered the orchard.
Stephen cleverly helps the Prince escape so the storyline finally moves forward, but alas Stephen did not plan for his own escape. And it kind of lands on a cliffhanger IMHO since I really, really hope we can find a happy (rich and peaceful) ending for Stephen and Ida!
One highlight, pretty much sums him up:
Stephen swung his legs over the windowsill, hung by his hands for a moment, and let himself fall. The impact hurt his bad foot and he lay on his back for a moment while the pain subsided.
The woman watched from the window. She shook her head. “You’re mad,” she said.
“You’re not the first person to say so,” Stephen said as he climbed to his feet. He jogged across the rear garden, vaulted the fence and entered the orchard.
Stephen cleverly helps the Prince escape so the storyline finally moves forward, but alas Stephen did not plan for his own escape. And it kind of lands on a cliffhanger IMHO since I really, really hope we can find a happy (rich and peaceful) ending for Stephen and Ida!
October 14, 2024
Jason Vail's Stephen Attebrook series is one of those series which I try to read as soon as they first come out, so I was delighted when his latest Prince Edward's Rideat number 16 came out.
Stephen is the coroner for the town of Ludlow and he is quite good at solving mysteries. 1265 is a time of rebellion and Attebrook is the king's man.
Both King Henry III and Prince Edward are under house arrest in Hereford by the Rebel Baron Simon de Montfort. When Prince Edward's friend and chamberlain, Richard de Tourney is found dead, Edward insists that Attebrook is brought to Hereford to assist in the investigation.
There are some big surprises in store in this one and I have to say I am quite anxious to read the next installment whenever it is released.
Stephen is the coroner for the town of Ludlow and he is quite good at solving mysteries. 1265 is a time of rebellion and Attebrook is the king's man.
Both King Henry III and Prince Edward are under house arrest in Hereford by the Rebel Baron Simon de Montfort. When Prince Edward's friend and chamberlain, Richard de Tourney is found dead, Edward insists that Attebrook is brought to Hereford to assist in the investigation.
There are some big surprises in store in this one and I have to say I am quite anxious to read the next installment whenever it is released.
January 18, 2026
#16 in the Sir Stephen Atterbrook mystery series. May-August, 1265. 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.
Stephen Attebrook is hoping for a peaceful spring after years of turmoil and loss. But the conflict between King Henry III and the rebellious barons led by his brother-in-law Simon de Montfort is reaching its final crisis with the king and his son captives of de Montfort
Montfort has arrived in Hereford with King Henry and Prince Edward as prisoners in order to coerce one of his powerful supporters back into the barons’ fold. However Prince Edward’s chamberlain is found dead in very peculiar circumstances, apparently drowned and the verdict is accidental death, but Edward thinks otherwise.
However, Edward is also scheming to escape to start an uprising against Montfort’s rule by the Marcher barons still loyal to the king.
He needs an agent to help bring about that rising, and he summons Stephen to be that man on the pretext of conducting an independent investigation into the chamberlain’s death putting an end to Stephen's hope for a peaceful spring sending Stephen into life-threatening secret work. And if he fails, Edward’s plan to restore the king to power will fail.
Stephen Attebrook is hoping for a peaceful spring after years of turmoil and loss. But the conflict between King Henry III and the rebellious barons led by his brother-in-law Simon de Montfort is reaching its final crisis with the king and his son captives of de Montfort
Montfort has arrived in Hereford with King Henry and Prince Edward as prisoners in order to coerce one of his powerful supporters back into the barons’ fold. However Prince Edward’s chamberlain is found dead in very peculiar circumstances, apparently drowned and the verdict is accidental death, but Edward thinks otherwise.
However, Edward is also scheming to escape to start an uprising against Montfort’s rule by the Marcher barons still loyal to the king.
He needs an agent to help bring about that rising, and he summons Stephen to be that man on the pretext of conducting an independent investigation into the chamberlain’s death putting an end to Stephen's hope for a peaceful spring sending Stephen into life-threatening secret work. And if he fails, Edward’s plan to restore the king to power will fail.
October 28, 2024
Justice
I was so pleased to see another book featuring Stephen Attebrook! Doubly pleased that this tale covered the imprisonment of Prince Edward (by Simon de Montfort. It opens with a puzzling death in a tawdry part of town. A friend & retainer of Price Edward has been murdered. Stephen, Gilbert, & Wydmer are tasked to investigate this death. It is very dangerous time to be a Royalist in England since De Montfort controls the government & King Henry! So many subplots & twists! Can Stephen & his crew stay alive long enough to solve the murder & help Edward escape? Only then can De Montfort’s stranglehold be broken & justice be achieved.0
I was so pleased to see another book featuring Stephen Attebrook! Doubly pleased that this tale covered the imprisonment of Prince Edward (by Simon de Montfort. It opens with a puzzling death in a tawdry part of town. A friend & retainer of Price Edward has been murdered. Stephen, Gilbert, & Wydmer are tasked to investigate this death. It is very dangerous time to be a Royalist in England since De Montfort controls the government & King Henry! So many subplots & twists! Can Stephen & his crew stay alive long enough to solve the murder & help Edward escape? Only then can De Montfort’s stranglehold be broken & justice be achieved.0
October 23, 2024
Sir Steve should rue the day he became Prince Edward's man. Instead, he stoically endures his fate, providing support through dangerous covert operations aimed at restoring the monarchy after rebellious barons make a puppet of the king. We find our hero a little worse for wear by the conclusion of the story, but the reader is left satisfied, yet craving more. Looking forward to the next Stephen Attebrook Mystery.
October 8, 2024
I am a fan of this series featuring the life of Stephen Attebrook. Edward attaches Stephen to uncover plots and protect at great peril ending in a miserable imprisonment. No action during this tale takes place in the usual home front of Ludlow. Lots of action including some horse maneuvers that please.
Now it's morning and I have had little sleep. Worth the price!
Now it's morning and I have had little sleep. Worth the price!
January 9, 2025
Prince Edward's chamberlain, Richard Tourney, is found drowned in a public trough in Hereford. Edward and his father Henry III are captives of Earl Simon de Montfort--but Edward is plotting an escape. He asks Stephen Attebrook, coroner of Ludlow, to come to Hereford to investigate this death. Stephen is soon drawn into Edward's secret plans. A very exciting mystery.
October 22, 2024
More to come I hope.
I always eagerly await a new Stephens
Attebrook book and never disappointed. It's always well written, brilliant characters and good humour. Edward Longshanks is my favourite Monarch. I look forward to a continuation.
I always eagerly await a new Stephens
Attebrook book and never disappointed. It's always well written, brilliant characters and good humour. Edward Longshanks is my favourite Monarch. I look forward to a continuation.
February 13, 2025
Well done Stephen
Stephen as a reliable messenger. Unfortunately missing the war. What will become of Halton Priors? Did Fitzsimmons survive to be a thorn still? Will Edward remember the invaluable service? All to be answered in the next installment.
Stephen as a reliable messenger. Unfortunately missing the war. What will become of Halton Priors? Did Fitzsimmons survive to be a thorn still? Will Edward remember the invaluable service? All to be answered in the next installment.
December 30, 2025
Great
A riveting fictional story of a historical event is a must for any history buff. Stephen Attebrook is task by Prince Edward to get him away from his enemy so he can wage war for win back the kingdom for his father.
A riveting fictional story of a historical event is a must for any history buff. Stephen Attebrook is task by Prince Edward to get him away from his enemy so he can wage war for win back the kingdom for his father.
October 17, 2024
another great attebrook tale
Jason Vail’s latest and most welcome tale of the brave Sir Stephen is as good as the preceding books of the series.
Jason Vail’s latest and most welcome tale of the brave Sir Stephen is as good as the preceding books of the series.
October 29, 2024
Ata boy Attebrook
Something of a different vibe to this book, but still thourghly enjoyable. This series has definitely prompted me to find out more about the 2nd barons war
Something of a different vibe to this book, but still thourghly enjoyable. This series has definitely prompted me to find out more about the 2nd barons war
November 7, 2024
Honey Bun
Murder? Causally look into that but be my ear and messenger. Escape, continuation of war, POW and victory! Will there be a continuation and dispute with old enemies?
Murder? Causally look into that but be my ear and messenger. Escape, continuation of war, POW and victory! Will there be a continuation and dispute with old enemies?
November 20, 2024
I have loved this series...though i found the last chapter or two left me a bit disapointed as I was expecting more action.
Hopefully there are many more books in the series.
Hopefully there are many more books in the series.
December 7, 2024
Thrilling tale
Another great adventure for Stephen Attebrook. Lots of action and drama with the opportunity for more stories in the future.
Another great adventure for Stephen Attebrook. Lots of action and drama with the opportunity for more stories in the future.
December 28, 2024
Kind of a strange ending. The last sentence pretty much wraps up everything as it explains the culture of the time. Just not used to Stephen not prevailing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
Please, more
I want some more, just like this one. I can't believe this is number 16. They flew by so fast! When is the next one? Hurry up, please!
I want some more, just like this one. I can't believe this is number 16. They flew by so fast! When is the next one? Hurry up, please!
February 26, 2025
1265. Prisoner of Simon de Montfort Lord Edward has need of Sir Stephen Attebrook. Officially to find the killer of his friend and chamberlain Richard de Tourney, but really to carry messages to what he hopes are his allies in his planned uprising.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews