A Taste for Killing

A Taste for Killing by Sarah Hawkswood transports readers to January, 1145. Godfrey Bowyer, renowned as the best yet least likeable bow maker in Worcester, suffers an agonising death by poisoning. Although his wife Blanche succumbs to a similar malady after the same meal, she manages to survive.

The number of potential poisoners should suggest a brief investigation for the Sheriff's men, Hugh Bradecote and Serjeant Catchpoll. However, the possibility of someone orchestrating the event from the shadows complicates matters significantly. Could the culprit be the disinherited younger brother, or perhaps Orderic the Bailiff, whose wife might have had to endure Godfrey’s unwanted attentions? Could the guilty party, in fact, be Blanche herself?

Bradecote, keen to return to his manor and preoccupied with his wife’s impending confinement, faces numerous distractions. Meanwhile, Underserjeant Walkelin is dealing with his own issues, trying to convince his mother to accept his chosen bride. Despite the distractions, Serjeant Catchpoll remains steadfast, determined not to let anything interfere with solving the case.