The Song of the Nightingale

Hawkenlye Mysteries #14

by Alys Clare

In the latest Hawkenlye mystery, desperate men commit terrible crimes, but vengeance is on its way . . .

Winter, 1211. Former abbess Helewise moves back to her cell near Hawkenlye Abbey to help the needy, putting a strain on her relationship with Sir Josse D'Acquin, who is called to examine the bodies of three men, one of whom bears a complicated symbol carved into his a symbol that signifies vengeance.

Meanwhile, far from home, Sir Josse's son Ninian has become involved in the cause of the doomed Cathar people; soon to be swept up in a fight that they cannot hope to win

Genres: Mystery, Medieval, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Historical Mystery

240 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Alys Clare is the pen name used by Elizabeth Harris for the Hawkenlye series of historical mysteries.

Alys Clare is the pseudonym of a novelist with some 20 published works to her name. Brought up in the countryside close to where the Hawkenlye Novels are set, she went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She lives for part of the year in Brittany, in a remote cottage deep in an ancient landscape where many past inhabitants have left their mark; on her doorstep are relics that date from the stone circles and dolmens of the Neolithic to the commanderies, chapels and ancient tracks of those infamous warrior monks, the Knights Templar. In England, Alys's study overlooks a stretch of parkland which includes a valley with a little spring. The waters of this spring are similar in colour and taste to Tunbridge Wells's famous Chalybeat Spring, and it was this that prompted Alys's setting of her fictional Hawkenlye Abbey in the very spot where her own house now stands.

Reviews

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual with this series, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Only three more to go...

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better Hawkenlye mysteries; I couldn't put this one down. Three men commit a dastardly crime and their bodies later are found, one with a complicated design carved into his chest; it is interpreted as a series of three runes signifying vengeance-Eye for an eye revenge. Then two more men are punished in the same form in which they had inflicted evil on others--a tax extortioner, by flogging and a sometime deputy of the sheriff, death in water; since he had stood by doing nothing while a family had drowned in a raging river before his eyes. The investigation of Josse and Helewise try to find the innocence of someone accused of the crimes. Ninian, who has been with the Cathars in France is led to Chartres, as well as Josse and Helewise. Who is the "Brown Man"? Has he anything to do with the deaths? Helewise decides to change the direction of her life henceforth. I wonder what direction the mysteries will take now.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clare is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. This is her newest Hawkenlye Mysteries, with Ex Abbesss, Helwise solving yet another murder. She also writes the Aelf Fen series which takes place in the reign of Alfred the Great, also a mystery series. Excellent sense of time and place.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable medieval mystery with a lot of good plots and subplots....Josse is an older man, a father, in love with Heloise, a former abbess. His adopted son has run away to France, partly to escape a false murdering charge and partly to help out a village by delivering a precious good. What he does not know is that his "lady," Heloise's namesake and grandaughter needs him to come back to her. Meggie, his half sister, is blessed with unusual powers accepted as fact back then and draws upon them to try to help her family. Added to that is a background of intense depression and poverty, complete with marauders and a woodsman sworn to vengeance. Enjoyable!

[Heather McCloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story--new characters--revisiting of old characters! And the goddess/madonna!! So much to love!!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all Alys Clare's books, and this was no exception. her characters are well-drawn and the story moves along at a rapid pace.

[Jane Flynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had been really looking forward to reading this ever since I learned that Alys Clare is a pen name of one of my favourite authors, Elizabeth Harris. However I have to admit I struggled with it somewhat. It’s beautifully written, and I enjoyed the beginning and ending of the book, but I found the bulk of the story confusing. To be fair to the author, this may have been down to the fact that the book is the latest in a series and there were elements of the story that clearly continued from earlier novels. There were several scenes where characters were introduced that the reader was expected to already know.
The main premise of the book, a medieval murder mystery is well written and suspenseful, and I enjoyed the atmospheric location descriptions of a forest in the south of England, the south west of France, and Chartres Cathedral. There is also a mystical, almost spiritual element to the book, particularly towards the end which I found thought-provoking.
I’d recommend this writer, but would suggest readers start at the beginning of the series rather than part way through like I did. I’d probably have given the book a higher rating if I’d had a better understanding of the background to the story.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruffians have been terrorizing the weak on the fringes of the forest - attacking, raping and stealing. Then three bodies are found all killed the same way - a clean stab in the heart. Are these the ones who had been terrorizing and if so, who killed them? Josse takes up the investigation in spite of word from Gervase that he should leave it for King John's men. Heloise determines to move back to the cell by the Abbey about this time, believing it is her place to help people. Little Heloise arrives at the House in the Woods, not looking well and Meggie reaches out to her. The entire family misses Ninian still far away and wants him to come home.
Although there is the mystery of the killings, this is more about the members of the family and what is going on in their lives. I can see the series winding down - I know only 3 titles remain. It will be interesting to see how story lines are carried out.

[Ma'lis Wendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The winter of 1211 is a very hard one in England. King John's arguments with the Pope means that England is under interdiction with no church services or sacraments. King John's taxes mean everyone is hungry and cold. Sir Josse is out and about trying to find out who is killing ruffians in revenge. Maybe the mysterious Brown Man? Former Abbess Helewise, her granddaughter Little Helewise and Josse's daughter Meggy return to Hawkenlye Abbey to give whatever support they can to the poor and ill. Meanwhile Josse's son Ninian is in Brittany with the Cathars, training young men for the coming fight with the French. Lots of mystery and action with everyone finally ending in Chartres. I haven't read Alys Clare for a number of years, but thoroughly enjoyed this one.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite historical mystery series! Thought for sure this was going to be the last in the series, as the plots around each of the six main characters has such a happy ending. That said, there is much drama involved with each person. so, the stories move swiftly and several are rather dark and violent, in keeping with the times. While trying to survive the harsh winter under King John, Helewise, Josse and family undertake several missions, which eventually with reunite them, at the Chartres cathedral.

[Jerilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is more to this novel than the genre mystery might imply. Part historic fiction, part fantasy, with a touch of mystery describes it better. Themes of atypical family structure, strong female characters who strain societal expectations of their time and place, faith in one true God vs. pagan beliefs, and both natural and supernatural powers for healing mind, body and soul. Yeah, that's a lot. I haven't read other books in this series, just jumped in, and I enjoyed it very much.

[Lynne Tull · Rating 4 out of 5]

At least, Ms. Clare keeps the story(ies) moving. There are several stories going at the same time so I bounced back and forth between Europe and Britain several times. My main frustration is having to read a recap of all the stories at the end before we get to the 'good' part. My mother always read the end first so she could enjoy the story. Not me, I want to enjoy the story and then get to an ending. I do not want a recap before I get there.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This addition to the series relies heavily on familiarity with the previous books in the series. I have read most of them, but not the one just before this one, and felt like I had jumped into the middle of something. The mystical/religious/spiritual element is stronger in this book than in the beginning of the series. It is not clear how much of this is the author's invention or how much is consistent with what might have existed.

[Bonsai · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, giving it just 3 seems unfair as it's a charming little book to spend some hours with.

I wouldn't call it much of a mystery, there are some murders but they appear more like a plot device to move the rest of the story along.

My problem with the series when it gets to deeply into the mystical stuff.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. Tales of LONG AGO. 1211.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced, very engaging tale.

[Lori Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like medieval historical mysteries with a romantic subplot, you'll love love this book. I don't, so I really didn't. I read it because I've been on a Chartres Cathedral kick ever since we visited it last spring and [arts of this book are set there at the time it was being rebuilt. Also it features the Cathars who have always interested me.

[MaureenAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book in Alys Clare's Hawkenlye series and hope to read several more in the series. It was an easy read and I liked the monastic setting, somewhat reminiscent of Ellis Peters and Cadfael and also the different locations in both England and France.

[Trudy Pomerantz · Rating 1 out of 5]

The novel was set in medieval times - yet the characters seemed so modern. This was the second book to suffer from my resolution to not finish books that I am not enjoying - and when I keep picking up any book but this one I realized it was time to return it to the library and move on.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great tale. Alys Clare's Hawkenlye series should be read in sequence

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy these books. It is a treat to think that the series will go on with the succeeding generations!

[Marilyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had read another in this series. The print in the book is terrible - the font is clearly second rate.

The story is stilted and I read more than 40 pages. BUt oh slow going. Quit .

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather a strange series (1211) and the history of life

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short enjoyable read that closes many of the plot threads that opened in the last novel. Great characters with a great plot that develops slowly and clearly. Well written.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit too much new age mysticism

[Peter Ryan]

Very enjoyable and captures the period beauthifully

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good entry in the series!