A Taste for Killing: The intriguing mediaeval mystery series

Godfrey Bowyer and his wife Blanche are poisoned after their evening meal, leading to an investigation by Sheriff's men Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll, and Underserjeant Walkelin. However, the poison's administration suggests someone was pulling the strings, widening the net of suspects.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 12 May 2022
Publisher: Allison & Busby

Worcester, January 1145. A tragic incident unfolds as bow maker Godfrey Bowyer and his wife Blanche fall victim to poison after their evening meal. While Blanche manages to survive, Godfrey meets an agonizing demise. The task of identifying the culprit should be relatively straightforward, considering the limited number of individuals who had access to the poison. However, there may be more to the story, suggesting that someone was orchestrating the events, broadening the scope of the investigation. In this case, the list of suspects is diverse and extensive.

The circumstances surrounding Godfrey's death evoke a sense of intrigue and suspicion. The poison used was highly potent, leading to a swift and painful demise. It raises questions about the motive behind the attack, as well as the potential involvement of others. The Sheriff's men, including Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll, and Underserjeant Walkelin, are tasked with unraveling the mystery. However, their task becomes increasingly challenging as the victim in this case is widely unpopular, making it difficult to narrow down the list of potential suspects.

As the investigation progresses, the Sheriff's men encounter various individuals who may have had a motive to harm Godfrey. Some of these suspects are known to have had conflicts with the Bowyers, while others may have been jealous of their success or wealth. The investigation also reveals that Godfrey had been involved in several disputes and conflicts with other individuals in the community, which could further complicate the case.

One of the key suspects in the investigation is a local merchant named John de Clare. De Clare had a longstanding rivalry with Godfrey, and it is believed that he may have been motivated by jealousy or revenge. De Clare was known to have a grudge against Godfrey's business practices and was believed to have been involved in several illegal activities.

Another suspect is a wealthy landowner named William de Warenne. De Warenne had been in a dispute with Godfrey over land ownership, and it is believed that he may have hired someone to poison Godfrey. De Warenne was known to be ruthless and had a reputation for using violence to get what he wanted.

Despite the numerous suspects and clues, the Sheriff's men struggle to piece together the truth. The investigation takes them through the streets of Worcester, as they interview witnesses, gather evidence, and follow leads. However, each step forward brings them closer to the truth, but also raises more questions and complexities.

In the end, the Sheriff's men are able to identify the culprit behind the poisoning of Godfrey Bowyer and his wife Blanche. The culprit turns out to be a former employee of Godfrey's named Richard de Clare. Richard had been bitterly jealous of Godfrey's success and wealth and had planned to take revenge by poisoning him and his wife.

The case of Godfrey Bowyer's poisoning serves as a reminder of the dark and dangerous world that existed in medieval England. It highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for law enforcement to be diligent in their investigations. The case also raises questions about the nature of revenge and the lengths that people will go to in order to seek it.

In conclusion, the poisoning of Godfrey Bowyer and his wife Blanche in Worcester, January 1145, was a tragic incident that left a lasting impact on the community. The investigation into the case was complex and challenging, with numerous suspects and clues to follow. Ultimately, the Sheriff's men were able to identify the culprit and bring him to justice. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of jealousy and the importance of seeking justice in a fair and impartial manner.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 143 x 223 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780749028961