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Hawkenlye Mysteries #15
The Winter King
All Saint’s Eve, 1211. An overweight but wealthy nobleman, desperate for an heir, dies at the celebration feast he’s thrown in his own hall. A natural death . . . or at the hands of his reluctant new wife?
Sabin de Gifford, an apothecary and healer of note, is called to examine the body, and concludes that he died of a spasm to the heart. But she is troubled, all the same, and beset by suspicions. Did the man really die of a heart attack? Or was something more sinister to blame?
There is only one person Sabin can turn to for help: fellow healer Meggie, daughter of Sir Josse d’Acquin. But what she requires of her is dangerous indeed . . .
Sabin de Gifford, an apothecary and healer of note, is called to examine the body, and concludes that he died of a spasm to the heart. But she is troubled, all the same, and beset by suspicions. Did the man really die of a heart attack? Or was something more sinister to blame?
There is only one person Sabin can turn to for help: fellow healer Meggie, daughter of Sir Josse d’Acquin. But what she requires of her is dangerous indeed . . .
Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
18 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Alys Clare
46 books220 followersAlys 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 6, 2014
In the autumn of 1211, wealthy lords and barons around Tonbridge are plotting and planning ways to overthrow England's King John. Some are more than willing to even use an old woman who has begun to see visions of the future of the king to stir up resentment against John personally and especially his struggles for power with Pope Innocent. While in a trance Lila speaks of John as being The Winter King. In working for King John, Benedict de Vitre has been brutal and unrelenting in his collection of taxes for the king, making himself wealthy in the process. Could he be skimming money for himself from the taxes he has collected? When de Vitre is found dead at his own feast many people take it for granted he died because of his excessive love of food and wine. After all, he had been warned that his heart might not be able to stand much more of his high living. At least one person, though, is definitely worried. Sabin de Gifford, the wife of the sheriff of Tonbridge, is the apothecary for the town and also a healer, but she will have to have the help of someone with more knowledge to understand what might have actually happened to cause the death of Lord Benedict de Vitre.
If you are already a follower of this series of historical mysteries, you will be glad to see all the characters together again. Josse d'Acquin and Helewise, the former abbess of Hawkenlye Abbey, and their entire extended family are at the House in the Woods. Josse is glad to have his daughter Meggie back close at hand. These characters have all played their parts in previous novels and are by now well developed by the author. I liked how the descriptions of the living conditions felt so correct for the period and yet were not so over-emphasized that they overwhelmed the story line. The plotting was tight and the motivations of the characters was easy to understand and be convinced of. This story takes place over a short period of time with the result of multiple deaths and yet those deaths do go toward explaining the actions of several characters. There is an atmosphere of the supernatural connected with Meggie which is quite interesting to find in a mystery novel, but it is kept firmly rooted in her heritage and fits well into the beliefs of this time period.
I enjoyed this novel very much because of the excellent writing done by Alys Clare. If you haven't read any other novels by this author, this book is a really good place to start. Even though it is part of a series it is very easy to start here and understand the relationships of all those involved in the story. Of course there is some backstory involved, but the author has done a very good job of integrating the information new readers will need to feel comfortable with their first experience with this set of characters while not causing returning fans to be frustrated by repetition. This novel is definitely recommended if you enjoy historical mysteries of this time period.
I received an ARC of this novel through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
If you are already a follower of this series of historical mysteries, you will be glad to see all the characters together again. Josse d'Acquin and Helewise, the former abbess of Hawkenlye Abbey, and their entire extended family are at the House in the Woods. Josse is glad to have his daughter Meggie back close at hand. These characters have all played their parts in previous novels and are by now well developed by the author. I liked how the descriptions of the living conditions felt so correct for the period and yet were not so over-emphasized that they overwhelmed the story line. The plotting was tight and the motivations of the characters was easy to understand and be convinced of. This story takes place over a short period of time with the result of multiple deaths and yet those deaths do go toward explaining the actions of several characters. There is an atmosphere of the supernatural connected with Meggie which is quite interesting to find in a mystery novel, but it is kept firmly rooted in her heritage and fits well into the beliefs of this time period.
I enjoyed this novel very much because of the excellent writing done by Alys Clare. If you haven't read any other novels by this author, this book is a really good place to start. Even though it is part of a series it is very easy to start here and understand the relationships of all those involved in the story. Of course there is some backstory involved, but the author has done a very good job of integrating the information new readers will need to feel comfortable with their first experience with this set of characters while not causing returning fans to be frustrated by repetition. This novel is definitely recommended if you enjoy historical mysteries of this time period.
I received an ARC of this novel through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 26, 2017
Picked it up because it sounded interesting. Learning from previous experience, read some of the prologue before deciding to sign it out of the library. However, it turned out to be slow, character relationships and motivations were confusing, and I gave up on page 98. Skipped to the last chapter or two and skimmed, and was glad I didn't spend time reading the whole book.
July 28, 2017
Very confusing to read. One character had two names, which were used interchangebly (sp) and it was very hard to keep track of. The dialogue was often not clear who was speaking (....she said. Well more than one female was in the conversation....which she spoke?)
August 25, 2025
Gave it an hour and dnf'd. (I haven't read this author before/any of the books in this series, but glancing at the first couple listed on here, it looks like she has some sexism and graphic sexual assault issues too.)
I had two main issues: 1) The writing. There is lots of exposition and the introduction of nameless characters sitting in different settings who don't need to be introduced (yet?) because nothing is actually happening (which also makes those introductions confusing and immemorable). E.g. there is a scene of someone from a secret organization just arbitrarily deciding to draw their symbol down on parchment, reflect on the symbol's rationale, and then throw it in the fire, and that is the entire scene - this is very contrived on the writer's part just to give us some info. 2) Blatant fatphobia right from the beginning. The villain introduced in the first few pages as abusive is described many times as fat while no one else is, and it isn't a neutral use of the word - someone at one point describes him as having extra bulk because they are trying to avoid insulting him with "fat". Most books that I don't think are worth reading and don't recommend I give two stars to, but because of this, I'm giving one - writers: PLEASE don't use fatness to show how repulsive your villain is, or have the villain be the only fat one in the book! Super not okay.
Not recommended.
I had two main issues: 1) The writing. There is lots of exposition and the introduction of nameless characters sitting in different settings who don't need to be introduced (yet?) because nothing is actually happening (which also makes those introductions confusing and immemorable). E.g. there is a scene of someone from a secret organization just arbitrarily deciding to draw their symbol down on parchment, reflect on the symbol's rationale, and then throw it in the fire, and that is the entire scene - this is very contrived on the writer's part just to give us some info. 2) Blatant fatphobia right from the beginning. The villain introduced in the first few pages as abusive is described many times as fat while no one else is, and it isn't a neutral use of the word - someone at one point describes him as having extra bulk because they are trying to avoid insulting him with "fat". Most books that I don't think are worth reading and don't recommend I give two stars to, but because of this, I'm giving one - writers: PLEASE don't use fatness to show how repulsive your villain is, or have the villain be the only fat one in the book! Super not okay.
Not recommended.
June 19, 2019
The story began with a secret and kept on with a lot of secrets. There were no hints of where this story was going; who the characters were; and what part the main characters were playing. I realize this was fiction, but it bordered on fantasy-hard to believe it could have ever happened. I was also disappointed in the parts our main characters were playing. Almost caught up with publishers so will continue until I do.
November 9, 2018
Wasn't as exciting as I had hoped. I was expecting it to have me on the edge of my seat, mystery wise.
The writing is good just didn't have any "oomph" for me. At times it was confusing trying to keep track of everyone's names and remember who they were in relation to the story and main characters, too.
Not a horrible read, just fell flat for me.
The writing is good just didn't have any "oomph" for me. At times it was confusing trying to keep track of everyone's names and remember who they were in relation to the story and main characters, too.
Not a horrible read, just fell flat for me.
July 28, 2021
England is in dire crisis as King John demands new taxes and the Pope has not lifted his interdiction.
Josse d'Acquin's daughter Meggie is falsely accused of murdering on of King John's loyal tax collectors. Josse and Helewise are determined to prove her innocence in the midst of this difficult time.
Josse d'Acquin's daughter Meggie is falsely accused of murdering on of King John's loyal tax collectors. Josse and Helewise are determined to prove her innocence in the midst of this difficult time.
November 8, 2021
Great story. Looking forward to the next installment.
October 9, 2022
I do like Hawkenlye series, but have clearly missed a lot of books in between as the day to day life of the main characters has changed quite a bit!
March 26, 2014
The Winter King is one of my favourite historical books of the season. When I began reading this book, there was a little confusion for me since I came into it in the midst of a series, which I had not originally realised, but soon, the book made perfect sense without having to have read the previous.
There are so many things to love about this novel and the characters in it. First of all, the author stays true to the dialogue and speech patterns of her characters from the beginning to the end. Reading this is like getting the juicy secrets of an age gone by directly from the source.
Alys Clare is a pro at creating tense situations for her characters and making the reader do their own investigating and contemplating to figure out the mysteries at hand. She doesn't reveal too much at once, ensuring that the excitement stays at the forefront of her reader's mind.
I liked the way she portrayed the villains in this book as much as the way she made you trust and have faith in the heroes. Unlikely heroes are always my favourite anyway.
This book started out with some excitement and ended the same way.
If I had to choose one thing that I didn't love as much about this novel, it would be the way that a lot of the action is recounted through the speech of the narrator and the various characters rather than being experienced first hand. This gave a somewhat blunted view of the happenings, in my opinion.
Still, I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to hearing the thoughts of others who read it. Recommended.
This review is based in a complimentary digital copy from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.
There are so many things to love about this novel and the characters in it. First of all, the author stays true to the dialogue and speech patterns of her characters from the beginning to the end. Reading this is like getting the juicy secrets of an age gone by directly from the source.
Alys Clare is a pro at creating tense situations for her characters and making the reader do their own investigating and contemplating to figure out the mysteries at hand. She doesn't reveal too much at once, ensuring that the excitement stays at the forefront of her reader's mind.
I liked the way she portrayed the villains in this book as much as the way she made you trust and have faith in the heroes. Unlikely heroes are always my favourite anyway.
This book started out with some excitement and ended the same way.
If I had to choose one thing that I didn't love as much about this novel, it would be the way that a lot of the action is recounted through the speech of the narrator and the various characters rather than being experienced first hand. This gave a somewhat blunted view of the happenings, in my opinion.
Still, I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to hearing the thoughts of others who read it. Recommended.
This review is based in a complimentary digital copy from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.
January 27, 2014
The Winter King is number 15 in the Hawkenlye Mystery series by Alys Clare,and still going strong. King John is the Winter King which may allude to his life span, as Lilas of Hammhurt prophecies. Lilas flees to the Tunbridge Kent location in fear for her life and we find her in Hawkenlye Abbey.
Alys Clare's books have taken us from Queen Eleanor serving as regent for King Richard to King John who has a complicated tie to Helewise and Sir Josse. Helewise and Josse have a complex relationship made more intricate by their children's lives being entangled, but you must read all that for yourself! Suffice to say that there are layers of mystery in every book, which grow more convoluted, as good mysteries should.
Helewise, Sir Josse and his Meggie are instrumental in saving King John's life, for the time being. Lilas and Meggie's combined visionary skills seem to pinpoint the date and time of John's demise but without sharing this knowledge with the reader.
Recommended as a solid historical series with suitably complicated subplots for mystery and historical novel fans alike. I received it from NetGalley for review purposes.
Alys Clare's books have taken us from Queen Eleanor serving as regent for King Richard to King John who has a complicated tie to Helewise and Sir Josse. Helewise and Josse have a complex relationship made more intricate by their children's lives being entangled, but you must read all that for yourself! Suffice to say that there are layers of mystery in every book, which grow more convoluted, as good mysteries should.
Helewise, Sir Josse and his Meggie are instrumental in saving King John's life, for the time being. Lilas and Meggie's combined visionary skills seem to pinpoint the date and time of John's demise but without sharing this knowledge with the reader.
Recommended as a solid historical series with suitably complicated subplots for mystery and historical novel fans alike. I received it from NetGalley for review purposes.
June 13, 2016
I found the three/four story lines confusing, they finally did tie in...
Josse's daughter Meggie is a "Forest Person" and when the disgusting husband of an abused timid young wife dies during a feast, Meggie is called in by the local Herbal-woman (wife of the sheriff) to give her "opinion"....
The man was not poisoned (as feared) but victim of a barely discernible stab wound. His wife had been giving him an herbal to keep him impotent as well as taking one to keep her from becoming pregnant, which of course she obtained from the Sheriff's wife..... In order to not have blame placed on either of them, they both accuse Meggie of poisoning the husband, then stabbing him afterwards in order to mask the true cause of death....
Meanwhile, two people are having rantings predicting the death of the "Winter King" and are being used to instill fear in the people.
Two cousins are found; 1 murdered, the other barely conscious raving about a great secret adventure that they plan on joining in.... When the 2nd dies of his wounds, a friend who has followed behind is also found dead....
Somehow all of these seemingly different stories come together and Meggie is (of course) vindicated
Josse's daughter Meggie is a "Forest Person" and when the disgusting husband of an abused timid young wife dies during a feast, Meggie is called in by the local Herbal-woman (wife of the sheriff) to give her "opinion"....
The man was not poisoned (as feared) but victim of a barely discernible stab wound. His wife had been giving him an herbal to keep him impotent as well as taking one to keep her from becoming pregnant, which of course she obtained from the Sheriff's wife..... In order to not have blame placed on either of them, they both accuse Meggie of poisoning the husband, then stabbing him afterwards in order to mask the true cause of death....
Meanwhile, two people are having rantings predicting the death of the "Winter King" and are being used to instill fear in the people.
Two cousins are found; 1 murdered, the other barely conscious raving about a great secret adventure that they plan on joining in.... When the 2nd dies of his wounds, a friend who has followed behind is also found dead....
Somehow all of these seemingly different stories come together and Meggie is (of course) vindicated
April 25, 2014
Excellent entry in this series of 13th century England during the rule of King John.
I have become quite fond of the members of Sir Josse D'Aquin's family and, despite the danger that dogs the steps of all people at this treacherous period in history I was happy to find them all hale and safe at the conclusion of this tale.
An old woman and a simple lay brother are heard to preach visions of the end of the "Winter King", King John, who has closed many abbeys and churches, taxed barons and the populace unfairly, and rules with an iron hand. Differing factions of nobles either plot his downfall or feather their nests as they toady to King John and his rule. It is not safe to voice opposition, but the naive visionists are in great danger of being used by some of these men to further their own ends.
Josse and his family become engaged in the tasks of protecting one of these simple country folk as well as finding the true killer of one of the king's favorite tax collectors.
Recommended for those readers who delight in historical mysteries.
I have become quite fond of the members of Sir Josse D'Aquin's family and, despite the danger that dogs the steps of all people at this treacherous period in history I was happy to find them all hale and safe at the conclusion of this tale.
An old woman and a simple lay brother are heard to preach visions of the end of the "Winter King", King John, who has closed many abbeys and churches, taxed barons and the populace unfairly, and rules with an iron hand. Differing factions of nobles either plot his downfall or feather their nests as they toady to King John and his rule. It is not safe to voice opposition, but the naive visionists are in great danger of being used by some of these men to further their own ends.
Josse and his family become engaged in the tasks of protecting one of these simple country folk as well as finding the true killer of one of the king's favorite tax collectors.
Recommended for those readers who delight in historical mysteries.
November 25, 2020
Sabin de Gifford seeks out Meggie to get her opinion on a case Sabin had been called to. What Meggie notices frightens her. Heloise hears someone calling for help while she’s at her hut and the young man she finds dies from his wounds soon after, but not before indicating he’d been traveling with Symon. Symon’s body is found the next day. Closer to the Abbey, a group is going around stirring up the people with traitorous comments about King John. Are any of these incidents related and can Josse find out?
A lot going on in this one with seemingly little connection. I miss the aspect of the series of developing the recurring characters. Not one of my favorites.
A lot going on in this one with seemingly little connection. I miss the aspect of the series of developing the recurring characters. Not one of my favorites.
October 29, 2014
I like the Medieval mysteries that Alys Clare writes and have read a couple of her other books. I enjoy escaping into Clare's world of knights and political subterfuge--just for a few hours. The "winter king" in this novel is John, son of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Someone has killed one of his knights, and Meggie, a healer and daughter of Sir Josse, is the primary suspect. Of course, she is innocent; but both the murdered knight's widow and Meggie's friend Sabin, who knows the truth, refuse to support Meggie's alibi.
June 10, 2014
I've read all of Alys Clare's books, enjoyed them all, some better than others. This one was a good rather than a great read, with the first third of the book moving along rapidly, second third slows down, and then a mad dash to the end of the book. I miss the Joanna character, Meggie's mom and the love of Josse's life, and keep hoping that Ms. Clare finds a way to bring her back.
December 18, 2014
Loved it - one of my favorite Hawkenlye's! Did anyone notice that the dates in the family tree at the beginning are off? Ninian was introduced (as a child of about seven or eight) in book 3 ("The Tavern in the Morning") which was set in 1191, but the family tree in the front of "The Winter King" says he was born in 1195. That probably should have been 1185?
March 15, 2014
3.5 stars -- to be reviewed in the May issue of Historical Novel Society Review. A well-constructed murder mystery with good attention to historical detail; the supernatural element felt a bit out of place, but I'm sure that's because I'm a newcomer to the series. A very entertaining story.
August 26, 2014
Maggie is in trouble
Maggie is in trouble
Lays Clare has lost none of her story telling abilities. This 13th story in the Hawkenlye series is just as good as the previous ones.
Maggie is in trouble
Lays Clare has lost none of her story telling abilities. This 13th story in the Hawkenlye series is just as good as the previous ones.
April 2, 2014
Good read but think I would have enjoyed it more if I knew all the links between the characters. Another series to read!
August 6, 2014
An okay story but a bit slow at the beginning. The plot was basically a good one but tended to drag in places.
January 11, 2015
Wonderful medieval mystery . I need to read more in this series.
June 21, 2014
Awesome, as always.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews