Picture a British storyteller who weaves medieval mysteries with the precision of a historian—meet Sarah Hawkswood! From her Worcestershire home, this Oxford-educated wordsmith crafts gripping tales set in the turbulent 12th century, blending authentic historical detail with intricate murder plots. Her Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation series has captivated fans of historical fiction, earning praise for its vivid characters and immersive settings.
Hawkswood’s journey from military historian to novelist is as fascinating as her stories. With a knack for bringing the past to life, she invites readers to step into medieval England, where sheriffs and serjeants unravel crimes amidst the chaos of The Anarchy. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore!
The Making of Sarah Hawkswood
Sarah Hawkswood, a pen name inspired by an 18th-century ancestor, studied Modern History at Oxford University, specializing in Military History and Theory of War. Her academic roots shine through in her meticulous research, evident in every page of her novels. Before turning to fiction, she penned a non-fiction book, From Trench and Turret, about the Royal Marines in World War I, published in 2006. A self-described ‘wordsmith,’ Hawkswood found her true calling in storytelling, driven by a passion for history and a love for crafting immersive worlds.
Now living in Worcestershire—the very setting of her novels—she draws inspiration from the region’s rich medieval heritage. Married with two grown children, Hawkswood balances family life with her writing, also exploring Regency romance under the pseudonym Sophia Holloway. Her transition to historical mysteries reflects her desire to create narratives that entertain while staying true to their historical context.
Sarah Hawkswood’s Unforgettable Stories
Hawkswood’s Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation series, starting with Servant of Death (originally The Lord Bishop’s Clerk), is her flagship achievement. Set in Worcestershire during the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud, the series follows Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote and the wily Serjeant Catchpoll as they solve murders in a chaotic 12th-century landscape. In Servant of Death, the duo investigates the brutal killing of a despised clerk in Pershore Abbey, unraveling a web of motives with sharp wit and historical flair.
Ordeal by Fire, the second book, tackles suspicious fires in Worcester, showcasing Hawkswood’s ability to weave complex mysteries with emotional depth, as Bradecote grapples with personal loss. Later entries like A Taste for Killing and Wolf at the Door introduce Underserjeant Walkelin, adding fresh dynamics to the trio’s investigations. Hawkswood’s style is marked by rich historical detail, believable characters, and a touch of humor, making her books both educational and entertaining. Her dialogue, laced with medieval cadence, immerses readers in the era without overwhelming them.
The series, published by Allison & Busby, spans over a dozen books, each standalone yet enriched by evolving character arcs. Hawkswood’s commitment to historical accuracy—never ‘dressing up’ the past—sets her apart, appealing to fans of Ellis Peters’ Brother Cadfael and Ariana Franklin’s Mistress of Death series.
Why Sarah Hawkswood Matters
Sarah Hawkswood has carved a niche in historical mystery fiction, bringing medieval Worcestershire to life with unparalleled authenticity. Her ability to blend rigorous research with compelling storytelling makes her work a gateway for readers to explore The Anarchy, a lesser-known period of English history. By centering her stories on relatable characters like the pragmatic Catchpoll and the introspective Bradecote, she humanizes the past, making it accessible and thrilling.
Her influence extends to inspiring readers to appreciate historical fiction’s power to educate and entertain. As a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and Historical Novel Society, Hawkswood continues to shape the genre, proving that even niche settings can resonate widely. Her growing fanbase eagerly awaits each new release, a testament to her enduring appeal.
- Pen Name: Inspired by an 18th-century Worcestershire ancestor.
- Key Works: Servant of Death, Ordeal by Fire, A Taste for Killing.
- Other Genre: Writes Regency romance as Sophia Holloway.
Snag Servant of Death and dive into Sarah Hawkswood’s thrilling medieval mysteries—your ticket to 12th-century intrigue awaits!