Books On Board

Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation Books in Order

  • 12 Books
  • 2014 – 2024 Published

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Reading order
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Recommended Reading Order

For the best experience, you should read the Bradecote and Catchpoll series in chronological order, which matches its publication order. The series follows the evolving partnership between the lordly Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote and the wily, street-smart Serjeant Catchpoll, later joined by apprentice Walkelin. Reading them in order allows you to fully appreciate their character growth and the changing political backdrop of 12th-century England.

However, each book functions perfectly well as a standalone historical mystery, so you can jump in anywhere if a specific mystery catches your eye.

Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation Books in Order

  • Servant of Death (2014) – Set in June 1143. Also published under the title The Lord Bishop's Clerk. Pershore Abbey's despised clerk is found bludgeoned.
  • Ordeal by Fire (2016) – Set in September 1143. Worcester is plagued by arsonists.
  • Marked to Die (2017) – Set in October 1143. An archer terrorizes the salt road.
  • Hostage to Fortune (2019) – A child is kidnapped from a wealthy manor.
  • Vale of Tears (2019) – A corpse is discovered in a mill pond.
  • Faithful Unto Death (2019) – The search for a missing young woman reveals dark secrets.
  • River of Sins (2020) – A body floats down the River Severn.
  • Blood Runs Thicker (2021) – The murder of a wealthy man points to his immediate family.
  • Wolf at the Door (2021) – A series of killings terrifies the local countryside.
  • A Taste for Killing (2022) – A poisoning case tests the boundaries of medieval justice.
  • Too Good to Hang (2023) – A merchant's murder raises suspicions.
  • Litany of Lies (2024) – Secrets and rumors turn deadly in a local parish.
  • Feast for the Ravens (2025) – A brutal winter murder challenges the duo.
  • A Shroud of Snow (Expected August 2026) – The next investigation in the cold midwinter.

About the Author and Spin-Offs

Sarah Hawkswood is the pen name of Sophia Holloway, who also writes highly regarded Regency romance novels like Kingscastle and The Season. Hawkswood's background in Modern History at Oxford University shines through the meticulous details of 1140s life and the ongoing civil conflict between King Stephen and Empress Maud. There are currently no direct spin-offs or co-authored books in the Bradecote and Catchpoll universe.

Frequently Asked

Where should I start reading the Bradecote and Catchpoll series?

You should start with the first book, Servant of Death (also known as The Lord Bishop's Clerk), to see how the partnership between Bradecote and Catchpoll begins.

Are the Bradecote and Catchpoll books standalones?

Yes. While there is character progression and chronological continuity, each book features a self-contained murder mystery and can be read out of order.

What is the historical setting of the series?

The series is set in 12th-century Worcestershire, starting in 1143 during The Anarchy, a civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud.

Who is the author Sarah Hawkswood?

Sarah Hawkswood is a pen name for historian Sophia Holloway, who also writes Regency romances under her own name.

What is the title of the first book?

The first book was originally published as The Lord Bishop's Clerk but is widely sold and known as Servant of Death.

Is there a new Bradecote and Catchpoll book coming out?

Yes, A Shroud of Snow is scheduled for release in August 2026.