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Stephen Attebrook Mysteries #17
The Abbot's Last Supper
At the onset of winter, the people of medieval Ludlow are looking forward to Saint Laurence's Fair, postponed from a tumultuous summer of war between King Henry and rebellious barons. Now the war is over, the barons scattered and their leader, Simon de Montfort, killed in battle, and everyone hopes that life will settle back into its peaceful routines.
But the fair is marred by the sudden death of a local abbot who apparently ate something that did not agree with him at the Broken Shield Inn.
Ludlow’s coroner, Stephen Attebrook, investigates but the evidence for the cause is thin, and at the inquest, the jurors find the abbot died of natural causes.
But the Shield’s chief competitor keeps the rumor alive that the abbot died from eating bad food at the Shield, hoping to tarnish the reputations and the business of Gilbert and Edith Wistwode, the Shield’s proprietors. To quiet the rumors, Stephen delves deeper and it becomes clear that the death was murder. Yet there are no obvious suspects.
Then the town’s physician and his housekeeper are found murdered by home invaders, who leave no trace nor a single clue as to their identity.
With the dead stacking up left and right, Stephen struggles to find the killers before they strike again — a search that leads him deep into the English countryside where deadly ambitions lurk undetected by those who do not look closely.
But the fair is marred by the sudden death of a local abbot who apparently ate something that did not agree with him at the Broken Shield Inn.
Ludlow’s coroner, Stephen Attebrook, investigates but the evidence for the cause is thin, and at the inquest, the jurors find the abbot died of natural causes.
But the Shield’s chief competitor keeps the rumor alive that the abbot died from eating bad food at the Shield, hoping to tarnish the reputations and the business of Gilbert and Edith Wistwode, the Shield’s proprietors. To quiet the rumors, Stephen delves deeper and it becomes clear that the death was murder. Yet there are no obvious suspects.
Then the town’s physician and his housekeeper are found murdered by home invaders, who leave no trace nor a single clue as to their identity.
With the dead stacking up left and right, Stephen struggles to find the killers before they strike again — a search that leads him deep into the English countryside where deadly ambitions lurk undetected by those who do not look closely.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2025
68 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 3, 2025
4.5 stars? Oh well, why not 5? I love this series. It was wonderful to enter into the life of Stephen Attebrook once again and there is plenty of action to keep up a good tempo that won't allow for interruption of reading. One must get to the finish line in one swoop!
I purchased a copy for my older sister as I know she has also enjoyed the series. I am only sorry I could not share it with my daughter who passed away this year as she and I loved discussing the plotting and action of this series of books.
One really must start at the beginning I think, but it's forgivable if you want to just try this most recent book of the series. You must relish 13th Century life to enjoy this wonderful series.
only $2.99 from Amazon
I purchased a copy for my older sister as I know she has also enjoyed the series. I am only sorry I could not share it with my daughter who passed away this year as she and I loved discussing the plotting and action of this series of books.
One really must start at the beginning I think, but it's forgivable if you want to just try this most recent book of the series. You must relish 13th Century life to enjoy this wonderful series.
only $2.99 from Amazon
December 27, 2025
1275 Gilbert Wistwood co-owner of the Broken Shield inn on losing a wager has to provide every year a meal of quail for Abbott Gerald Fulker. But this year he dies, and is it food poisoning and therefore murder. Stephen Attebrook investigates.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
March 17, 2026
#17 in the Sir Stephen Atterbrook mystery series. November-December, 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.
With Stephen's help Prince Edward, now king, escaped from captivity and rallied supporters thus able to finally defeat Simon de Montfort, who was killed in battle, and his supporters to bring an end to the long lasting civil war. Edward rewards Stephen for his help by giving him several near by manors and estates thus elevating Stephen's social position along with providing him more financial support.
With the end to hostilities, Ludlow's residents are looking forward to Saint Laurence's Fair. but things are upset by the sudden death of a local abbot who apparently ate something that did not agree with him at the Broken Shield Inn which is run by Stephen's close friends. The death is ruled due to natural causes, but a rival inn keeper keeps stirring up that it was the inn's bad food. Then 2 more people are found murdered so it appears there is more to the abbot's death then is known. Stephen's efforts to solve it all leads him deep into the English countryside where deadly ambitions lurk undetected by those who do not look closely.
With Stephen's help Prince Edward, now king, escaped from captivity and rallied supporters thus able to finally defeat Simon de Montfort, who was killed in battle, and his supporters to bring an end to the long lasting civil war. Edward rewards Stephen for his help by giving him several near by manors and estates thus elevating Stephen's social position along with providing him more financial support.
With the end to hostilities, Ludlow's residents are looking forward to Saint Laurence's Fair. but things are upset by the sudden death of a local abbot who apparently ate something that did not agree with him at the Broken Shield Inn which is run by Stephen's close friends. The death is ruled due to natural causes, but a rival inn keeper keeps stirring up that it was the inn's bad food. Then 2 more people are found murdered so it appears there is more to the abbot's death then is known. Stephen's efforts to solve it all leads him deep into the English countryside where deadly ambitions lurk undetected by those who do not look closely.
August 3, 2025
I was delighted when I saw that a new book of Jason Vail's Stephen Attebrook series had been released. I had wondered what direction it would go as in the last onePrince Edward's Ride, had seen the resolution of the Second Barron's War led by Simon de Montfort, with Henry III now firmly in place yet again. With Stephen's crucial assistance, in this rebellion he had gained favor and lands, so he is no longer clawing tooth and nail for survival.
Things do start to look precarious for his friends though as both Gilbert and Harry are placed in difficult situations.
An inventive poison leads to the death of an abbot at Gilbert's Inn. .
Fans of medieval mysteries will enjoy this, but should start with the first The Wayward Apprentice.
Things do start to look precarious for his friends though as both Gilbert and Harry are placed in difficult situations.
An inventive poison leads to the death of an abbot at Gilbert's Inn. .
Fans of medieval mysteries will enjoy this, but should start with the first The Wayward Apprentice.
August 12, 2025
I was in a bit of a reading slump, picking up a book and reading with frequent pauses and low enthusiasm ... Nothing was really holding my attention. Nothing, that is, until I picked up the latest Stephen Attebrook mystery. This story kept me turning the pages to find out whodunnit. Plenty of twists and turns, an unusual method of murder, and a good number of red herrings to keep me guessing.
As always, I loved the characters. Sir Steve manages to be loyal to his friends while maintaining his honor, even when the outcome could be dire for all concerned. Sir Stephen even adds another skill to his resume as he navigates the local politics of his time. I especially liked a scene where Sir Steve takes a moment in a graveyard to commune with his ancestors, characters I have met and loved in other books. And as always, I look forward to the next book.
As always, I loved the characters. Sir Steve manages to be loyal to his friends while maintaining his honor, even when the outcome could be dire for all concerned. Sir Stephen even adds another skill to his resume as he navigates the local politics of his time. I especially liked a scene where Sir Steve takes a moment in a graveyard to commune with his ancestors, characters I have met and loved in other books. And as always, I look forward to the next book.
August 14, 2025
A satisfying outing for Sir Stephen & Gilbert!
I received an email that Sir Stephen & Gilbert had another case! I wasn’t expecting this, but quickly purchased! Then, I greedily dove in, becoming immersed in the tale. I love the characters, the attention to detail (of the period), & Mr. Vail’s writing style. These ghastly murders demand justice. As always, Sir Stephen & Gilbert stay committed, like a dog with a bone! In the end all is resolved, including Sir Stephen’s petition for a new guild for Harry! Spoiler alert, the villain turns out to be the most unlikable character! I was thrilled with the outcome! An extremely satisfying literary feast, unlike that of the abbot!
I received an email that Sir Stephen & Gilbert had another case! I wasn’t expecting this, but quickly purchased! Then, I greedily dove in, becoming immersed in the tale. I love the characters, the attention to detail (of the period), & Mr. Vail’s writing style. These ghastly murders demand justice. As always, Sir Stephen & Gilbert stay committed, like a dog with a bone! In the end all is resolved, including Sir Stephen’s petition for a new guild for Harry! Spoiler alert, the villain turns out to be the most unlikable character! I was thrilled with the outcome! An extremely satisfying literary feast, unlike that of the abbot!
August 26, 2025
It’s a great story and mystery like always but I missed the banter and insults between Stephen, Harry and Gilbert.
This story felt more like it was being told to me rather than swept up into it and living it. Most of it was in Stephen’s head. Ida gives birth but that’s kept pretty minimal in the story. I was hoping for more connections between characters.
This highlight made me realize what I was missing most :)
“They’re jealous of my talent,” Harry said. “That’s why they’ve tried to keep me out of the guild.”
“You think everyone’s jealous of you about everything except your height,” Stephen said.
“Well, it’s true.”
“Only in your dreams. (Stephen replies)
This story felt more like it was being told to me rather than swept up into it and living it. Most of it was in Stephen’s head. Ida gives birth but that’s kept pretty minimal in the story. I was hoping for more connections between characters.
This highlight made me realize what I was missing most :)
“They’re jealous of my talent,” Harry said. “That’s why they’ve tried to keep me out of the guild.”
“You think everyone’s jealous of you about everything except your height,” Stephen said.
“Well, it’s true.”
“Only in your dreams. (Stephen replies)
August 5, 2025
A Stephen Attebrook Medieval Mystery is always a great read.
Jason Vale is a great story teller. I've read all of his Stephen Attebrook series. Lots of twists and turns with an unexpected ending The story is made even better by the wonderful characters who are included. Lots of super description of their Medieval world.
Jason Vale is a great story teller. I've read all of his Stephen Attebrook series. Lots of twists and turns with an unexpected ending The story is made even better by the wonderful characters who are included. Lots of super description of their Medieval world.
October 10, 2025
Stephen Attebrook is at home in Ludlow on a rainy night when as coroner he is called to investigate the death of Abbot Fulker who has just eaten at his friend Gilbert's inn. At first the death looks like a case of poisoning from the quail that the Abbot had just eaten--but as with most of the deaths Attebrook investigates, things as never as they first seem.
August 13, 2025
Fascinating laws in olde England
Another cleverly plotted tale of the resourceful ‘detective’ Stephen Attebrook.
Jason Vail interweaves a number of fascinating laws of the time into his story.
Another cleverly plotted tale of the resourceful ‘detective’ Stephen Attebrook.
Jason Vail interweaves a number of fascinating laws of the time into his story.
August 18, 2025
A poisonous concoction
Not as action filled as some of Mr Vails other books , but still an enjoyable read. I also managed to learn a bit more about a certain poisonous plant , that I myself have had the occasion to tell .other people about, through teaching bushcraft
Not as action filled as some of Mr Vails other books , but still an enjoyable read. I also managed to learn a bit more about a certain poisonous plant , that I myself have had the occasion to tell .other people about, through teaching bushcraft
October 26, 2025
Good stuff
Even if there was not anotherbook in this series it came to a good conclusive ending, but there were a couple of hints dropped that could continue the storyline. Hope it will continue, i love Stephen and his puzzlepiece family.
Even if there was not anotherbook in this series it came to a good conclusive ending, but there were a couple of hints dropped that could continue the storyline. Hope it will continue, i love Stephen and his puzzlepiece family.
December 30, 2025
Wonderful story
Stephen Attebrook is perplex why a Abbot died in what looked at first as food poisoning, but the investigation is starting to look as murder. And why was the popular physician murdered. Who is doing this and what is behind the motives make for a compelling story.
Stephen Attebrook is perplex why a Abbot died in what looked at first as food poisoning, but the investigation is starting to look as murder. And why was the popular physician murdered. Who is doing this and what is behind the motives make for a compelling story.
February 28, 2026
Thrilling tale
Very exciting story continuing the adventures of Stephen Attebrook. As the murders pile up, it's surprising to find out how they are all connected with an unexpected twist at the end. Looking forward to many more stories to come.
Very exciting story continuing the adventures of Stephen Attebrook. As the murders pile up, it's surprising to find out how they are all connected with an unexpected twist at the end. Looking forward to many more stories to come.
August 31, 2025
Jason Vail is a brilliant author. His historical facts are always correct. He presents an accurate picture of medieval Britan.
September 2, 2025
Excellent
Another good read in the Stephen attebrook series. Hopefully book 18 is well in hand. A very enjoyable read from an excellent author.
Another good read in the Stephen attebrook series. Hopefully book 18 is well in hand. A very enjoyable read from an excellent author.
September 3, 2025
Weakest book in the series but still enjoyable.
September 17, 2025
as good as ever
Really enjoyed the book. More depth and realism to the Attebrook mysteries than usual, even though these were great. Hope they continue in the same manner.
Really enjoyed the book. More depth and realism to the Attebrook mysteries than usual, even though these were great. Hope they continue in the same manner.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews