Allison & Busby acquires 10th Hawkswood historical mystery

Allison & Busby has signed the 10th instalment in the Bradecote and Catchpoll historical mystery series by Sarah Hawkswood.

Set in Worcestershire during the 1140s, A Taste for Killing follows the investigations of Hugh Bradecote, a vassal lord to the local Sheriff William de Beauchamp, and the Sheriff’s Sargeant Catchpoll. 

Publishing manager Lesley Crooks acquired world rights in the novel, which will be published in hardback, e-book and audio in May 2022.

Crooks said: “From the first pages I read of Bradecote and Catchpoll’s adventures six years ago, I knew it had great potential for Allison & Busby’s list. Along with fans of the series, I have so enjoyed puzzling out the clues, soaking up the scrupulous historical detail and watching the characters grow and develop. I’m delighted with how they have found their audience and thrilled that we have a fresh instalment for 2022.”

Hawkswood, who read modern history at Oxford and wrote non-fiction about the First World War before turning to historical mysteries, added: “As a crime writer, and these are very much ‘mediaeval police procedurals’, I am proud to be one of Allison & Busby’s authors, since they have such a strong reputation in the genre, and at the same time do not lose the personal touch. Bradecote and Catchpoll are very dear to my heart and seeing them go from strength to strength with A&B is wonderful.”