It is the summer of 1144. A few miles north of the City of Worcester the manor reeve of Bevere, Heribert, has been alerted by a young boy, who had brought his swine to the water’s edge to drink, that there is something amiss on Bevere island in the river Severn. What he finds there is so shocking that it compels him to ride immediately to Worcester and seek out the lord sheriff, William de Beauchamp.

The lord sheriff is away from the castle on other matters but he is seen by the undersheriff, Lord Bradecote and his assistant Serjeant Catchpoll, who, having listened to his report, accompany the reeve back to Bevere Island where they discover a badly mutilated corpse. The corpse has been subject to what must have been a frenzied attack to such an extent that it is barely possible to tell whether it is a man or a woman and has been disfigured beyond recognition. Catchpoll, however, senses that he may have identified the victim.

Back in Worcester they are able to confirm that, as Catchpoll suspects, the victim is a woman who goes by the name of Ricolde. She is well known in the city, notorious even, as “The Whore of Worcester”. In twelfth-century Worcester there were, no doubt, a great many women forced into prostitution simply to survive and they were widely reviled for the dangerous and precarious lives they led. But Ricolde, it seems was different. She was an astute businesswoman who knew her own worth and had built a prosperous, if outcast, life for herself by understanding, and providing for, the particular needs of her prosperous clients.

The initial investigations in the city of Worcester throw up a number of possible suspects but interrogation of these men produces no break-through in the case. It becomes clear that the immediate problem that Bradecote and Catchpoll, enthusiastically assisted by Catchpoll’s apprentice Walkelin, have to solve is what is it that connects the relatively affluent “Whore of Worcester” to the site of the murder and what it is about that connection that led to the intense violence of her killing.
It is the river Severn that lies at the heart of this story and Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin have to travel its course between Worcester and Bevere Island to question everyone they can find in the hamlets and villages on its banks in order to unravel Ricolde’s story and the events that led to her death. But just as they begin to feel that they are beginning to understand what lies behind her murder a second killing, of a poor street whore in Worcester, throws their theories into disarray.

A great many twists and turns lie in store for the reader of this pleasingly complex historical crime novel before the dogged and diligent inquiries of Bradecote and his men lead them to the identity of the murderer. We also see in this novel how, as they work together, the respect Bradecote, Catchpoll and Walkelin have for each other grows in spite of the rigid social constraints of the times they live in.

The author creates a real sense of what life was like in this period of history for people of all walks of life and positions in society, high or low. The characters are all well drawn and believable and display attitudes and behaviours that both reflect the harshness of the times and yet suggest that people were still capable of compassion and concern for their fellows.

This novel has clearly been written by someone with a deep knowledge and understanding of the period who is capable of using that knowledge to create a convincing impression of England at that time against which to present this very enjoyable medieval mystery. Highly recommended.

I would like to express my thanks to Net Galley and Allison and Busby for making a free download of this book available to me.

The story is set in 12th century England. The "finest whore in Worcester" has been brutally murdered and we follow in the footsteps of the Undersheriff and his sergeant, Bradecote and Catchpoll, as they unravel the mystery. This is book 7. I was captivated by the elegant and vintage feel of the cover and the enigmatic title of the book.
The investigators did not want for suspects and the investigation was quite long-winded and thorough. Although other aspects of 12th century life felt authentic, the poverty, hardships and squalor was not vividly depicted but this did not detract from the story itself. And, although the story was about prostitutes the desperation of their lot was also not a main part of the story. Instead, the main victim is one who has managed to rise above all that... Again, it did not effect the story itself and I just accepted it as the author's choice to stay away from the harsh realities of the time.
However, the whole plot was marred by the fact that the killer's background was disclosed in the very first chapter! So, as the reader, I already knew of his connection to the victim and the identity of the victim as well, so much of the book lacked suspense. The only mystery was that we did not know his name. It was a slow read as I waited for the two protagonists to catch up with what I already knew... If only that first chapter had been edited differently, this would have been an intricate murder mystery.
Thank you to the publishers and to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

4.5 stars
I did enjoy this story very much. The author really captured the feel of what it was like to live in this period, from the various merchants to the peasants working in their lord’s fields. It also made the reader aware of the different stations in society and how they viewed each other and the fact that few people ventured further than their immediate surroundings. This all comes into play in this story. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Lord Bradecote, the under sheriff and Serjeant Catchpole. This certainly had me wondering who could be the culprit and I didn’t guess who it was, so it kept my interest to the end. I will look out for more of these stories. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It would have probably made more sense to read the previous books, because I am sure it would have made my reading experience even better if I was already familiar with the characters. Nontheless, I have a new series of books to read now, all thanks to me mistakingly being lured by this one.
I love a good crime novel. Especially a historical one. Rivers of Sin was such a pleasant read, I am so sad not to have read any of the previous books already. The setting in more or less rural England was perfect for the story. The writing was fresh and exciting and I loved the characters. I can't wait for another book and I'll definitely read this one again once I've finished the previous ones.

River of Sins by Sarah Hawkswood is another amusing medieval detective novel featuring undersheriff Lord Bradecote and Worchester Serjeant Catchpoll. This is a particularly grisly murder of a woman, Ricolde, who was known as the Whore of Worcester. She was the highest paid, most beautiful whore in all of the city. Why would someone hack her to death, down the river from her home. It was not robbery as her home was intact, including a substantial sum of coin. Catchpoll knew everyone and he new her. She was friendly and she had treated him with respect. He was sad, even more so when they visited the local church and found out more about her. Their investigation was nothing if not methodical. They contacted some of her clients and discovered that often she had been sought out for comfort, as a friendly ear, and warm bed; less for what happened in that bed, which was often just sleep. She donated to the church and to those less fortunate. She was a conundrum, as were her feet, which appeared to have been burnt sometime in the past, making it difficult for her to walk. And, her hands had been tied behind her. She had been abducted before she was killed.

Lord Bradecote had been in town to have a new pair of boots made so Catchpoll hadn't had to send for him.
Catchpoll and his apprentice, Walkelin, were the day-to day law in Worcester. They walked the streets, bringing to justice minor criminals. The undersheriff got involved only with major crimes, such as murder. Catchpoll is a middle aged, happily married, good-natured sort of man, except when he was riled. What riled him was injustice and those who were bullies and picked on those weaker. He did not step outside of the law, but her often daydreamed about how he would like to handle some of the people he came across. Walkelin was young, but eager, and bright. He learned at every turn. Bradecote was a good man, a happy man. His estate was doing well. He had a beautiful wife, whom he loved, and a lively small son. All he needed was a new pair of boots. Alas, he got so much more. I love this series. Hawkswood makes them entertaining as well as giving the reader a good mystery, as she describes it: a smashed pitcher with the shards to piece it together appearing one by one. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of River of Sins by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #riverofsins

1144 Reeve Heribert of Bevere discovers a body on Bevere Island in the River Severn. He travels to Worcester to inform Under sheriff the Lord Bradecote and Serjeant Catchpole. It would seem that the body is of Ricolde, known as The Whore of Worcester. But why was she killed and by whom needs to be discovered.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with a group of likeable characters. A good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.

What a wonderful discovery River of Sins was! I hadn't previously come across Sarah Hawkswood's Bradecote and Catchpoll series, but now intend catching up on the earlier instalments. That said, if River of Sins is any indication, the books would read well as standalones in any case.
As a big fan of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series, which are set with the same tumultuous decade (the 1140's and 50's) and only a few miles further up the Severn at Shrewsbury, I was immediately intrigued by Sarah Hawkswood's more recent series of medieval mysteries. And I was impressed!
Hugh Bradecote, Lord Undersheriff of Worcester, Serjeant Catchpoll and Serjeant's Apprentice Walkelin are alerted to the discovery of a violently murdered woman on Bevere island, about 5 miles upriver from Worcester. Although the remains are badly disfigured, the men quickly identify the deceased as Ricolde, widely regarded as "the finest whore in Worcester". She was no common street prostitute however, but an astute businesswoman, who built independent wealth, could choose her clients and contributed generously, albeit discretely, to charitable causes in her local parish.
The three protagonists energetically investigate the crime within the walled city of Worcester and in the surrounding area, uncovering plenty of scorn and disapproval for the murdered woman, but also many who held great respect and affection for her. Violent marriages, crooked businessmen and the deceased's own murky personal history throw up plenty of suspects, but this proves a very perplexing case indeed. The stakes are further raised when a second prostitute is found murdered in an alleyway within the town.
I found the plot of River of Sins engrossing, with its deft intertwining of a police procedural with immersive historical detail. While, unlike the author, I'm no qualified historian, I have always had an interest in the medieval period, and reading River of Sins prompted me to go down a rabbit hole of Google images and maps of historical Worcester. I also found the material contained within the author's own website related to the series fascinating.
The character development is also solid, particularly of the central trio and the victim. I'm conscious that I'm missing a lot of backstory around the developing rapport between Bradecote and Catchpoll, given I haven't yet read the earlier novels.
"A year working together had changed antipathy and resentment, through grudging respect, to a relationship where each knew the strengths, and weaknesses, of the other, and both knew they made a team." (loc.2445/3422)
There's a varied cast of supporting characters and suspects, some inevitably more three-dimensional than others. I was impressed by the way the author portrayed the (main) victim with such sensitivity, in light of her profession. Right up to modern times, sex workers are frequently not accorded the respect they deserve when the victims of crime, either in real life or fiction. Hawskwood explores many intriguing themes around social mobility, the role of women in the family and in society, and the importance of family networks in medieval times.
An entertaining and stimulating read. Highly recommended to those who enjoy well-crafted mysteries, well-researched historical fiction or (like me) both! Trigger warnings for domestic violence and references to child sexual abuse.
My thanks to the author, Sarah Hawkswood, publisher Allison & Busby and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title in advance of its publication on 19 November 2020.

I really liked this as it was nice to see a crime novel set in the middle ages compared to the large quantity set in much later periods. The plot was good and it was good twist to start with the audience knowing who the murderer was but the law enforcement didn't. I would read more in this series as both the undersheriff and assistant were well-written and intriguing characters and even those on the fringes of the story were fleshed out well.

Appreciate NetGalley for the advance copy. Truthfully, I asked for the book because of the time period it covered. Christianity has taken the place of paganism. Medicine and healing are primitive but surprisingly current in some methods. Law enforcement and solving of crimes is fundamental work. The story of the Whore of Worchester and where she placed in the society there was unique. Intriguing and thrilling--even without 21st century CGI (likely because of that).

I have enjoyed this story as well as its main characters very much. The plot was enthralling with many twists and turns! I could guess who the culprit was only at the very end! This is my first book by the author and definitely not my last one!
Thank you, Sarah for letting me read your book for free on NetGalley!

Set in 1144 in Worcester, this is the sixth book in the series, but the first one I have read. In this book, the Under-Sheriff, Bradecote and the sergeant, Catchpoll, must join forces to try and apprehend the killer of the most famous whore in the city.
I found the book very light and easy to read. unfortunately there wasn't a great deal of depth to the story or the characters and the outcome was predictable from early on in the story. Overall, it was rather lightweight but reasonably enjoyable.

A medieval mystery of the killing of the Whore of Worcester butchered by an axe. This is the murder that comes to the attention of Undersheriff Bradecote and his Sergeant Catchpoll. They will delve into her past to see the sorrow that taints the present. Due to human error more killings will occur upon their hunt. This is a fast paced complex mystery that takes you into historical Worcester and it’s surrounding hamlets.
Characters you can follow with ease. A story for all that you will have no trouble delving into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#RiverofSins #NetGalley #Allison& Busby#Sarah Hawkswood.. Many thanks to these people for this enthralling ARC.
"July 1144. Ricolde, ‘the finest whore in Worcester’, is found butchered on an island a few miles up the River Severn. How did she get there, who killed her, and why? Uncovering details of her life and her past reveal a woman with hidden depths and hidden miseries which are fundamental to the answers, but time has cast a thick veil over the killer’s identity. "

The mystery was so very complex with many twists and turns and not-quite-dead-ends. Characterization is superb and grows even better with every outing, I've read and reviewed all 7.

Sergeant Catchpoll and the Undersheriff, minor Lord Hugh Bradcote have learned to respect and trust each other's judgement and instincts. The Lord Sheriff himself, in this outing defended his men to the Castellan, who tries to insert himself in everything that he can.

Both Bradcote and their Sergeant-in-training Walkelin make a misstep or two that endangers them. This allowed at least one more murder to be committed, personally impacting the young Walkelin. Each time they were able to protect each other and come together as a team.

Christina Bradcote makes an appearance with a secret and other promising minor characters have evolved. I am so looking forward to more in this series.A medieval mystery at it's finest, my favorite genre! Pre-order yours now!!

I'm always so relieved when I come upon a new historical mystery series to enjoy, especially one that's well underway, so I won't immediately start having to wait a year of more before each new volume. River of Sins is the seventh volume in Sarah Hawkswood's Bradecote and Catchpoll series. The two central characters—Bradecote and Catchpoll, of course—are an interesting mix. As Undersheriff and a member of the minor nobility Bradecote has higher social standing than Catchpoll. Catchpoll, however, has had much more experience investigating criminal cases, and Bradecote can comfortably follow Catchpoll's lead when appropriate, without issues of hierarchy arising. Their relationship is one of the things that has me wanting to go back and read the first six volumes in the series. Clearly they weren't always this much at ease with one another, and I want to see how they reached this standing in one another's eyes.

The main characters' respect for one another also extends, in an uneven but marked way, to their treatment of others. This mystery revolves around the murder of Ricolde, a woman who was known as "the finest whore in Worcester." While many, including Bradecote at the beginning, treat her as relatively expendable, Catchpoll sees her as a woman who has succeeded on her own terms in one of the few professions open to her gender. The local priest has similar respect for Ricolde, who never attended service, but regularly went to confession and helped provide funds for religious dowaries, allowing young women alone in the world to become nuns if they preferred that life to prostitution. Would this kind of respect among disparate characters have actually existed in the 12th Century? I have no idea—but in the book it works well and gives one lots of interesting questions to think about, regarding both that times and our own.

If you like historical mysteries and haven't encountered this series, you have much to look forward to. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

A good time period mystery that is an easy read. Not a page turner, but a solid story that moves along - more a good view on how folks lived in the 1400's and how they likely interacted and reacted. The mystery of the murders kind of takes second to the interactions and dealings of the characters and the author did a good job of submersing the story in the time period - I guess more of a "group character study", which definitely makes for good reading.