A Parliament of Spies

Abbess of Meaux #4

by Cassandra Clark

All the danger and intrigue of 14th-century England spring to life in this "compelling" (Publishers Weekly) series about the brave, incorruptible Abbess of Meaux.

Abbess Hildegard may consider herself just a nun with no useful skills or connections, yet her loyalty and intelligence have brought her to the attention of King Richard II himself - not the safest place to be, when the king has enemies on all sides. As Hildegard wrestles with her role as a spy in the parliament that is hastily gathering at Westminster, Cassandra Clark's A Parliament of Spies shows us the human side of history, giving readers new reason to follow Publishers Weeklys rallying cry: Medievalists rejoice!

 

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Medieval, Historical, Crime, Fiction

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 12, 2012

About the author

I'm mad about the middle ages and love writing this series of medieval whodunits featuring nun sleuth Hildegard of Meaux. When I started with Hangman Blind I thought Hildegard would become an abbess but then she joined the Cistercians who only allowed women to be prioresses so she's had to put up with that. It surprises me that I'm writing historical novels at all, especially ones involving crime, as before this I wrote contemporary plays and romance. I'm doubtful about putting too much violence in the stories as there is already so much in the world and I don't like the idea of adding to it, even if only in the imagination, but then, it's part of that world too so it cannot be avoided. I would love to write a book shadowing every year of Richard II's reign with a different, multi-layered mystery for Hildegard to solve. She's about 32 now, with two children living in different households as was the custom then, so by the time poor Richard is murdered, she's going to be quite old. I wonder if she and Hubert will ever be together? Who knows? It's a question readers often ask me but we'll have to wait and see.

Reviews

[Judith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Usually, it's easier to write an unfavorable review than it is to write a favorable one. This was bad on so many levels that I don't know where to start. In the previous books, the characters weren't believable, but the historical aspects were interesting enough to make them worth reading. And, from an historical perspective, this one should have been the most interesting. Instead, the main character behaved so bizarrely, that I couldn't get past it. She has been keeping a man who has loved her since childhood dangling on a thread, she's supposed to be deeply in love with an abbot, and she has an affair with a friar whom she's known for 10 minutes. Not exactly typical behaviour for a nun. This will be the last of these I read.

[Gale · Rating 1 out of 5]

The actions of the heroine were so out of character that I kept wondering if I had somehow missed a book or two which might account for her complete change in behavior. Absolutely mind blowing, and not in a good way. What happened to this series? I can't remember an author losing me as a reader so quickly since Anne McCaffery put in the forward to "Pegasus in Space" a brief thanks to the friend who reminded her 'who the characters were and what their relationships were' or words to that effect. If you don't remember who they are, stop writing about them, IMHO. This novel is worse..she seems to remember all of her characters except the heroine, who completely goes off the rails in terms of prior characterization. An upsetting read for Hildegard fans.

[Barb Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though the medieval setting seemed authentic, neither the plot nor Hildegard's character and actions felt authentic to me. I was puzzled that almost all the male characters were in love with Hildegard--there didn't seem to be any set-up for all these attachments. I read a later book in the series first, then went back to read this, but I won't bother with any more.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The 4th book in the Abbess of Meaux series. Hildegard has been asked to go to London with the Archbishop to discretely spy on the possible enemies of the King. Tensions are high, with a possible invasion from France, and the loud rumblings of a rebellion. Prior to their journey, a young man is found drowned in a vat under mysterious circumstances. More odd events occur along the way, and Hildegard tries to puzzle out the connections. Key items and persons from her past appear, including the holy relic that she brought back from Italy, and an unwelcome visitation from a person she thought she would never see again.

While the historical details and the actual mystery were interesting, I was quite disappointed in this one as the main character, Hildegard behaves so differently from the prior books. Before she was a strong, thoughtful woman with deep convictions and while having deep feelings, her intellect and religious vocation reigned over her heart. Instead, here she appears weak and throws herself into a bizarre relationship with someone she barely knows. I wanted the "old" Hildegard back, along with her friends. This was a very sad way to end what was an intriguing series.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may have reached the jumped-the-shark point in this series. The ending was muddy and unclear, but even worse is the tendency for every male character to either fall in love with or sexually assault the heroine. (After a while, it begins to feel a bit . . . Mary Sue-ish.) And the author isn't as comfortable as some at portraying the religious life believably (I rank Ellis Peters at the top, for the delightful Brother Cadfael books.) Hildegard doesn't seem to have any clear religious vocation, and while it's credible that she chose the path in order to have more personal freedom, there's no sense of the order her vows would impose on her life. This is the fourth in the series. While it had its good points, I'm very glad I got this one from the library.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first Abbess of Meaux mystery I have read and it will likely be my last. So much action is stuffed into the book that it is difficult to keep all of the characters straight. There are at least 3 murders, political conspiracy,and at least two love interests. I hoped that it would all be drawn together at the end, but I was still confused.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting story; especially the rat scene.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like this book as much as I wanted to. While the dialog & descriptions are as well written as the earlier books, I did not particularly enjoy the story.

The story involves most of the recurring characters going to London to attend Parliament. They travel in multiple groups & are housed all over London. There's a lot of politicking going on, with nearly as many sides to the argument as there are characters. Keeping track of what's going on is complicated. (Maybe I should have read the book earlier in the day instead of before going to bed...)

A bigger problem, however, is that I did not like or understand the way Hildegard behaved once she reached London, especially not the way she treated the Abbot of Meaux.

[Nancy Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has lots of intricate historical detail driving the plot. The politics & treachery of the middle ages adds to the drama of the central mystery of a murder. My only complaint was that a majority of the male characters seem to desire Hildegard. But after thinking on this, I realize that this fact merely reinforces the low "chattel" status of women during this time period. A beautiful woman would have been seen primarily as a potential bed partner.

Hildegard has many dimensions & roles...mother, widow, religious sister, investigator, confidant...all of which make each installment fresh & interesting.

[Oonagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as a couple of the books at the start of this series, the author seems to have changed her narrative style and the result (for me at least) was confusion. The period of history the book centres on is quite turbulent but the jumpy narrative style made it all the harder to follow the plot.

In terms of a murder mystery I have read other books where that takes centre stage and even though the narrative might twist & turn the basic murder mystery premise never looses it's way. I felt that didn't happen in this book at all.

I would probably be slow to read another book should the series continue further, as I was disappointed with The Law of Angels as well.

[Donald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was kind of a weird one, yes there was a murder in the very first pages, but it's kind of put on the back burner until there's another attempted one, which again, due to the long journey to London is left up in the air.
This felt much more like scene setting for the series than a self contained mystery.
The King is on precarious ground, plots abound, and for someone as shrewd as Hildegard it really is completely out of character for her to completely miss a huge plot point until everything's safely wrapped up and she's miles away on Pilgrimage . . .

[R.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The female version of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael?

A Parliament of Spies has a more convoluted plot, a lot more sex, but a less likeable protagonist. Hildegard is both flawed and fallible, but sometimes she does ridiculous things just to further the plot. The book also feels a little rushed in places but should have a 3.5 rating instead of a straight 3.

[Rae · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the first in the series that I've read and it will definitely be the last.
The history aspect should have been interesting but was overshadowed by an unbelievable main character, too many characters and an overly complicated plot line that wasn't resolved at the end. Don't bother reading.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good medieval mystery! I enjoyed Clark's writing style and her characters are quite real and believeable. Abbess Hildegard is a bit hard to get used to and seems to have so many ardent admirers. And to be so involved with the spy games of the times but then who would suspect a nun?

[Barbara Bristow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the author's editor has fallen down on the job. Obviously we don't know for sure how medieval people spoke in everyday conversation, but somehow I don't think they used phrases like "kid brother."

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hildegard has a lot to deal with in this book. Investigating murders, dealing with an unexpected reappearance and getting muddled up in some seriously high-level intrigue. It's a lot to keep track of (and it's been a while since I read the first book in the series, so I can't remember if we were actually told much about her life prior to becoming a nun).

In this case, the unexpected reappearance has potential legal implications as she can't be both married to an earthly husband and to the church at the same time. It leaves Hildegard both questioning her obligation to her Order - and making use of the convenient temporary apparent freedom from holy vows to further her investigation in ways that would scandalise her colleagues in the convent. One aspect that did seem a little odd was that the series appears to be teasing a possible relationship of some sort between Hildegard and Hubert, but in this book, she seems not to care too much about him while she's spending time with Rivera. Given how serious she normally seems about such things, it struck me as a bit out of character for her to apparently not have given any consideration to Hubert. Although by the end of the book, she's having second thoughts about a lot of things.

I like the fact that Hildegard has doubts throughout the book - and the series. It reflects the fact that a religious life is not something to be entered into lightly. Any religious person is bound to question their faith at times. It makes her seem more relatable - and it is especially understandable given the turbulent era that she's living through.

An interesting read - and it will be intriguing to see where the series goes from here.

[Bethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although most people like to poke holes into a an historical fiction layered with characters and plots of scheming and deceit I believed that it was easier to believe than some of the romanced versions we hear about in films and TV programmes today.

I felt energised and on the edge of my seat to find out what happened next and with the main protege being a nun with a respected reputation it was easy to imagine fitting her in with every day modern Engeoland.

Hildegard of Meux is sent from York to London, accompanying the Archbishop of York on his travels to be present for the opening or parliament. From the very beginning there was intrigue, murder and secrets made steadily worse the closer they go to London.
King Richard seems to be embroiled in the plans with those who would stand against him secretly, giving them hope of taking his crown, his kingdom and quite possibly.. His life.

This was an amazing story filled with drama and outrage. I only wished it was longer. Fantastic read!

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in the series -- Hangman Blind. It was well written and gave a good look of what life might have been like in the time period. I really liked the main character. I realize that I have missed two of the books in the series and this is the latest. I was disappointed with this one. I found the plot very confusing. I couldn't keep up with the political intrigues and I felt the murder got lost and was only remembered at the very last. I was also disturbed by Hildegard's sudden passionate affair. What happened to the vows she took? She seemed to forget them when her dead husband turns out to be alive? Isn't her faith and vows stronger than that? And I have to agree with one reviewer who got a little tired of every man she encounters falling in love with her or wanting to assault her. I might try reading the two that I missed, but I am not sure.

[Charlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy historical crime drama and had high hopes for this medieval-set story but it turned out to be a soggy, confused and confusing mess of too many characters, too many plots, a disappointingly drippy protagonist, bad action writing, bizarre jump cuts, lazy head-hopping, and very unconvincing romance. Two stars is generous.

[biscuit · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't often write negative reviews and I am sorry for it, but this was not a good read. The characters were clunky and unbelievable, the pacing was not right, and most of all the language / speech of the characters did not match at all with the time period. It was quite a perplexing book to try and read.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best of the Abbess of Meaux novels so far. Clark had some problems with continuity in the first three books but her writing is better all around in this installment. Good plot. Fast paced.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the setting (coming towards the end of Richard II's reign), but having loved the earlier books felt this one had lost it's grip. I will read more, but hope the next one I read will be on firmer ground, as I would be disappointed to leave the series.

[Dagmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I live Hildegard and the complexity of her character, but at points I struggled to follow this story. I'm sure that's due to my lack of understanding of the intricacies of the politics of the time, but it was frustrating.

[Rita]

Stayed to the end but found it confusing. Too many characters, plots and sub-plots.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read about 100 pages of this, and it wasn't bad, but if you don't have me by 100 pages...

[Heather Corbishley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abandoned it

[geoff Bridgman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking story

I am well and truly hooked another amazing story ,can't wait to read the other stories in the series. Excellent read.

[rachel dearagon · Rating 4 out of 5]

History is on point and

The characters are well depicted and developed.
If you like mysteries And you like histories You will like this book.

[Lise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bad, incredibly bad. Believe all the negative reviews, especially as concerns confusion.

[VeronikaBilkova · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like historical mysteries but this book has been a huge disappointment.

First of all, the book is really badly written.
It is boring, with a lot of dull dialogues. When something happens, you mostly do not notice it. Then you realise something is changed and have to go back to see what it is that actually happened. And even then you might have difficulties to find out.
There are too many persons/motives that just appear, stay for a couple of pages and then disappear forever. This is confusing and annoying. One example - why to bring in the Archbishop Neville and the cross when they both disappear from the story once the party gets to London and reappear just for a short moment at the end of the book? There is not much of the connection between the “trip to London” and “stay in London” part of the book and between various events that took place throughout the book. I kind of suspect the author that she was writing the book with long intervals, forgetting in the meantime who/what was in the previous part.

Secondly, the book is NOT a historical mystery. The author does not manage to capture the atmosphere of the late 14th century (most persons would probably feel more comfortable in the 20th or at least 19th century). And though some murders happen at the beginning of the book, they get soon forgotten. In fact, they would probably never get solved, unless the murderers themselves got so desperate no one is interested in them any longer, that they suddenly appear out of the blue, confess and die. It is ridiculous as is the explanation of the murders – fortunately, by this time, most readers do not care about the murders any longer… So, the book is not a historical mystery. It is more of a romance with the main heroin, Hildegard, spending much more time thinking about this or that man than doing anything meaningful to solve the murders.

That brings me to Hildegard, who I disliked and pitied at the same time. The author simply asks too much from her. You know, it is not easy to be a wife, a mother, a passionate femme fatale, a nun, a cunning spy, a great cross bow shooter and many other things simultaneously. Some of these roles tend to exclude each other and the result is that Hildegard does not assume any of them properly.
I wrote the book is not a mystery. Yet, there is one mystery after all – and that is why everyone believes that Hildegard is intelligent and cunning. She surely does nothing to make people (and readers) suspect here of something like this. In fact all she does in the book, apart from thinking about men, is running completely unnecessary risks so that those men she thinks about would have to come to her rescue, and passing messages from one person to another. She has no role in discovering the murderers. She has no important role in the book at all… And she is also surprisingly ignorant about facts that must have been common knowledge in the 14the century (for instance that one cannot be excommunicated for an act done in mistake, that friars are not allowed to have wives and children, etc.).

Finally, the story itself is – to put it gently – incoherent, not very credible and with a lot of things remaining unexplained. Just a couple of examples: Why does the archbishop take Hildegard to London in the first place when he has nothing for her to do there (they do not almost meet once in London)? Why do those having killed Hugh nail parts of his bodies all over London thus drawing attention to their act and risking to make it appear as a political message? Why does the mob agree to trade Hildegard for Rivera and does not simply kill both of them? Why is Rivera decapitated (the decapitation was reserved for certain social classes in the Middle Ages)?

All in all, A Parliament of Spies is certainly not a "goodread" and I am quite surprised it could get published at all.