Review: A Taste For Killing by Sarah Hawkswood

Synopsis: January, 1145. Godfrey Bowyer, the best but least likeable bow maker in Worcester, dies an agonising death by poisoning. Although similarly struck down after the same meal, his wife Blanche survives. The number of people who could have administered the poison should mean a very short investigation for the Sheriff’s men, Hugh Bradecote and Serjeant Catchpoll, but perhaps someone was pulling the strings, and that widens the net considerably. Could it be the cast-out younger brother or perhaps Orderic the Bailiff, whose wife may have had to endure Godfrey's attentions? Could it even be the wife herself?

With Bradecote eager to return to his manor and worried about his wife’s impending confinement, and Underserjeant Walkelin trying to get his mother to accept his choice of bride, there are distractions aplenty, though Serjeant Catchpoll will not let them get in the way of solving this case.

For a bit of background to the time of the narrative, please read my reviews of Wolf at the Door and River of Sins. Both amply cover off the period in English history known as The Anarchy and give a little background into the three main characters - Bradecote, Under-Sherrif; Catchpoll, his Serjeat; and the young journeyman, Wakelin. This time, we are back in the city of Worcester. During the Anarchy (1135–1153) rival factions of King Stephen and the Empress Matilda contested the kingdom and Worcestershire proved to be a key battleground. The first attack on Worcester itself occurred in late 1139 when an Angevin army from Gloucestershire assaulted the city. After an attempt to take the castle on the south side of the city, the Gloucester forces entered from the north, looting and burning. Worcester became a base for Stephen's forces for a period, before joining the Empress's faction. The King naturally retaliated.

Now to our victim - Godfrey Bowyer - a much disliked, though very capable bow maker. The skill was in great demand especially during this period of constant warfare, where professional bowyers produced thousands of bows required for that country's military. These bowyers could reportedly make an English longbow in as little as two hours.

Bowyers required specialized training to become an expert in bow making. This was usually done under the supervision of an expert in the field. Most bowyers had their own workshops in which they could store their tools and work in progress. Bowyers used different types of wood to craft bows and arrows. Amongst the most popular were yew, ash, wych elm, and hawthorn. The ideal bow should be able to store as much energy as possible when drawing it back, and then have it redirected to the arrow when releasing.

In a household filled with animosity and secrets, it is hardly surprising that the head of the household is found poisoned, while its mistress suffers the consequences, though not fatally.  Who in this day and age, would be brave enough to strike against their master - was it a member of his own household, some other, or another's agent? This was a period where the violent rebellion of servants against their masters (and wives against their husbands) was a serious concern, enough to warrant death by hanging (for men) and death by burning (for women). Much of the investigation centres around the household, the family and others whose interactions have brought them to the attention of our investigators. One question remains till the very end .... Who is Blanche Bowyer really?

Against this backdrop, our trio have their own concerns - Bradecote's wife is expecting their child, young Walkelin is dreading informing his mother on his choice of bride, and Catchpoll is feeling the slow creeping hand of age.

Again, much research has gone into the narrative to ensure the reader gets a good fell for the times and the long process of criminal investigations, which is at times, rudimentary, relying of quick-eyed officials and knowledgable locals, especially in a time when social connections, social and financial position, and a person or family's good name counted for much in the community, and in the assumption of guilt or innocence.