Hawks of Delamere: An action-packed medieval mystery from the bestselling author

The Earl of Chester is enraged when his hawk is killed by an arrow in the Forest of Delamere. He orders the immediate execution of two poachers caught nearby. Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret arrive in Cheshire to settle land disputes and find a body in the forest, shot by an arrow. They are determined to unmask the killer before they can take deadly aim again.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Allison & Busby

The Earl of Chester is incensed when his prized hawk is felled by an arrow in the Forest of Delamere. In his fury, he orders the immediate execution of two poachers who are caught in the vicinity. Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret arrive in Cheshire to settle a series of land disputes that have arisen as a result of the compilation of the Domesday book. However, their arrival is met with a new challenge when a body is discovered in the forest, shot by an arrow. It becomes evident that the earl may have acted hastily in dispensing justice, and Delchard and Bret are determined to uncover the killer before they can strike again.

The Forest of Delamere, a sprawling wilderness known for its treacherous terrain and dense foliage, is the setting for a tragic event that unfolds. The Earl of Chester, a nobleman renowned for his hunting prowess and love for birds of prey, is devastated when his hawk, a magnificent creature named Gryphon, is killed by an arrow. The earl's anger is palpable, and he orders the immediate execution of the poachers who were caught in the vicinity of the forest.

Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret, two skilled lawyers from London, arrive in Cheshire to settle a series of land disputes that have arisen as a result of the compilation of the Domesday book. The duo is tasked with resolving these disputes in a fair and impartial manner, ensuring that the rights of both parties are protected. However, their arrival is met with a new challenge when a body is discovered in the forest, shot by an arrow.

The authorities are quick to assume that the earl's swift action was justified, as the poachers were known to be a threat to the local wildlife and the safety of the inhabitants. However, Delchard and Bret are not convinced. They believe that there is more to the story than meets the eye, and they are determined to uncover the truth behind the killing.

As they begin their investigation, Delchard and Bret encounter a variety of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. They meet the local villagers, who are fearful of the earl's wrath and are reluctant to provide any information. They also encounter the poachers themselves, who are desperate to avoid the gallows and claim that they were set up by someone else.

Through their tireless efforts, Delchard and Bret begin to piece together the clues that will lead them to the killer. They follow the arrow's path, which leads them deep into the forest, where they encounter a group of bandits who are known to prey on travelers. The bandits claim that they have no knowledge of the killing, but Delchard and Bret are not convinced.

As they continue their search, Delchard and Bret come across a mysterious woman named Lady Eleanor, who is known to have a penchant for hunting and a deep connection to the forest. Lady Eleanor is initially reluctant to assist them, but she eventually agrees to help after Delchard and Bret promise to protect her from the earl's wrath.

Together, Delchard and Bret follow Lady Eleanor's lead, and they eventually discover the truth behind the killing. The earl had dispatched the poachers to the forest in order to eliminate a rival nobleman who had been encroaching on his land. The poachers had been caught in the crossfire, and Lady Eleanor had been the intended target.

In a dramatic climax, Delchard and Bret confront the earl and expose his treachery. The earl is arrested, and Lady Eleanor is freed from his grasp. The forest of Delamere is once again peaceful, and the true culprit behind the killing is brought to justice.

Delchard and Bret's investigation not only solved a crime but also brought to light the darker side of the noble class. They exposed the corruption and greed that existed within the aristocracy, and their actions inspired a wave of reform and change throughout the kingdom.

In the end, the Forest of Delamere serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and the dangers of corruption. It is a story that will be retold for generations to come, a testament to the power of truth and the courage of those who seek it.

Weight: 226g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780749026301