The story itself was OK, but I found it historically inaccurate - particularly the language and the way the characters conversed with each other, of different classes etc it was just jarring and not correct speech for the era.

I enjoyed this as a lighthearted 17th century mystery. Some parts I found to be a bit unbelievable but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
Living in north Nottinghamshire and being familiar with Nottingham, it was more enjoyable because of the geographical references and historical references in the story to the towns and famous families of Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
There is something about reading about places in novels that you have either visited or lived in.
I would quite happily read the next in the series when it comes out.

Set in Tudor times, the story set in an English rural town has far reaching consequences, even reaching the ears of Queen Elizabeth, through a series of adventures and misadventures, omissions and commissions of both justice and injustice.

Bailiff Mountsorrel and his friend also a bailiff are sent on a wild goose chase trying to catch a poacher of deer from the local manor. Furious at being made to look a fool in the eyes of the local gentry, he is determined to get to the bottom of the story, but finds out that political aspiring of the locals is more important than catching criminals. Many things are overlooked and he is cautioned against any action.

When a local girl goes missing, followed by five other girls and his informant Ellie found with a slashed throat, he pursues his elusive scoundrel realising he is accusing the son of one of the most powerful men in the land. An encounter with Lord Essex who has the ear of the Queen, puts our Bailiff in a much stronger position than before.

All ends well, the abducted girls are returned, the Queen actually visits Nottinghamshire and Edward’s wins the heart and hand of his love.

Giving an accurate account of how politics ruled that era this is a good story for historical fiction read

As an example of historical mystery this is not too bad in essence, although there are a few caveats to this. Firstly is the fact that there is very little by way of characterisation of the two main characters. A basic difference between the two men does come out from their various interactions with each other and the other characters in the book, but one is very hard pressed to give a physical description of either, therefore a mental picture of each is impossible (unless one supplies this for ones self, which is an interesting concept). Also, the story seems to proceed at breakneck speed, as though the author had an appointment to keep whilst writing and had promised himself to finish the book before keeping it. Everything seemed to move so fast that one barely had time to assimilate one incident than the next was upon one. Nevertheless, it was a refreshingly authentic example of modern historical fiction, devoid of anachronism (barring the use of terms such as 'sexual partners' and 'sexual convenience'), and the intrusion of modern attitudes and values. The word 'piecrust' was used but though this is distinctly un-English, it was the only Americanism, therefore could be overlooked. A good book overall, but a word to the author would be 'slow down!'

Nottingham 1590. County Bailiff Edward Mountsorrel and town Bailiff Francis Barton share a house and housekeeper and often work together to flush out poachers and other miscreants in the district. Misleading information sees Edward allow several deer to be slipped through his net from the local estate, Wollaton Hall, with the result that the owner Sir Francis Willoughby bans him from the estate. This is problematic for Edward as he is courting a young woman on the estate. Coincidentally, the local butcher just happens to have a store full of fresh venison, but Edward will need to find direct evidence linking him to the crime before he can be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, prostitutes have been disappearing from a local ale house in the town after meeting a wealthy stranger. Edward and Francis must work together to find out who is taking them and why. What he discovers is quite surprising involving someone who moves in royal circles so pursuing the suspect could be very dangerous for both his life and career.

This is an enjoyable start to what is promised to be a new series of Tudor mysteries. Edward and Francis are likeable characters and work well together, also making amusing housemates, especially when their house is burned down and they must find temporary accommodation. The plot moves along at a good pace with interesting historical details about the town, inhabitants and royal court making for an intriguing tale.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for this opportunity to review “The Castle Abductions.” All opinions and comments are my own.

The Tudor historical mystery genre (read “deceitfulness and intrigue”) is well-represented in “The Castle Abductions,” a first book/new series by David Field, a veteran of the field (with medieval and Victorian mystery series). As such, he knows how to present a story that entertains as well as engages the brain.

Edward Mountsorrel, bailiff of Nottingham (along with his friend, Francis Barton, also a bailiff) is introduced in this one. And while Edward is first engaged in a poaching case, what follows on is worse – young women (okay, they are prostitutes -- “doxies”) missing from the town. Some may think that such women should be overlooked and forgotten, but Edward knows this is an affront to all, up to and including Elizabeth the Queen. But what Edward finds out, others want to forget. And the implications reach to the highest level of the court. Edward’s investigation (and it’s a good one) is persistent, especially after personal danger, and he sees it all to the end.

There will be justice, but it will be court justice. At least Edward will get his own rewards (and a special meeting, with a special someone – won’t spoil it for you).

“The Castle Abductions” is a lively tale, quick-paced and full of action. Also included is a Note to the Reader which explains a bit about the history of Nottingham, the caves and passages underneath portions of the town, and the beginning of the city’s law enforcement. The book also follows the dialog conventions and situations of the times very well. Bailiff Mountsorrel should find plenty of cases to keep him busy in Tudor-era Nottingham, if author David Field is so inclined.