The Dragon of Handale

Abbess of Meaux #5

by Cassandra Clark

In the fifth in this stellar series Hildegard returns from pilgrimage to Compostela only to be sent by her Prioress to the remote and sinister Handale Priory. Used as a house of correction for sinning nuns, it lies in the north of the county in the middle of a vast wood and is run by the ambiguous Abbess Basilda and her close group of hard-faced acolytes. Hildegard discovers the corpse of a young man in the morgue and is told that the dragon of Handale has killed him. But Hildegard does not believe in dragons. Warned against walking in the woods she refuses to be penned in like a prisoner and discovers a secret tower, locked and barred, with armed men on guard. What is so valuable that it needs a guard? Has it anything to do with the mystery of the young man's death? And why have assassins been pursuing the King's courier across the savage moorland only to murder him at a lonely wayside tavern? Hildegard risks all dangers to seek out the truth.

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

352 pages, Hardcover

First published May 30, 2013

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

[Althea Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Cassandra Clark, and I had a bit of trepidation seeing that it was fifth in a series. However, I was in the mood for a medieval mystery...

I needn't have worried. Clark introduces the characters and their backgrounds with smooth grace, 'catching up' the reader without ever giving you that 'info-dump' feeling. Well done. And then, the drama starts...

Hildegard of York is a former nun, clearly used to being in a position of authority, who's currently ambivalent about whether she should re-enter a convent or continue on in secular life. Her former prioress suggests that she stay a while at remote Handale Priory while she makes her decision.

However, once ensconced at Handale, Hildegard begins to wonder if there was a hidden agenda involved in sending her there. Handale is a place for penitents - in practice, a kind of prison for sinning nuns. Life there is harsh.

Everywhere she looks, Hildegard's sharp and inquiring mind sees suspicious activity. There's a strange rumor of a vicious 'dragon' outside the priory walls. Without question, a mason, one of a group hired to do work for the abbey, has been brutally murdered. The woman in charge seems venal and cruel. Young novices are desperate to escape. And what is a wealthy merchant doing within the walls?

Hildegard realizes that there could be a reasonable explanation for all the strange incidents she's encountering... but she feels like it's her job to get to the bottom of what's going on at Handale. Her investigation will range from small and personal injustices right up to high affairs of state and the politics of the realm.

Well-crafted and highly entertaining. I'd recommend this to all fans of the medieval mystery genre.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinion is solely my own.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author appears to be self-publishing this series now. There are a few errors that ought to have been caught in editing, but not as many as usually plague self-published books. Also, I could swear one character's name changes toward the end. And long term readers will notice that the series is now labeled "Hildegard of Meaux" and not "Abbess of Meaux", for what that's worth.

Anyway, Hildegard of Meaux is once again not at Meaux. Sadly, for me, this means the Abbot of Meaux is absent. Where Hildegard is is the north of England, in very unsettled times. There are really two stories going on, the strange happenings within Handale Priory and the political situation in 1386. They intersect in somewhat muddled ways - there are a lot of people working toward different ends in this story...

This book never quite pulled together for me. I can't say for sure whether it's just that the series is turning in a direction I don't really enjoy or some further editing to tighten up the plot was required.

[Sallee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read medieval mysteries and this was quite of good one. Hildegarde, the main character, was once a nun of a Cistereian order who had left to go on a pilgrimage. Returning, she does not know if she wishes to rejoin the order or not. The Prioress suggests that she go to the Handale Priory to visit. This Priory is a place for nuns who have sinned and have been sent there for repentance and punnishment. Hildegarde goes there as a gentlewoman. What she sees there shocks her and when the priest is murdered, she needs to get to the bottom of what is going on. A mysterious tower in the forest, a tale of a dragon killing and mauling in the woods, and young women disappearing are all part of the happenings. Two things caught my eye: a nun named Tiffany and the mention of a treadmill. Was Tiffany a medieval name and was there a type of treadmill in that time? The only treadmill I could come up with was when they used dogs on a treadmill type contraption to turn a spit. Other than these two anomalies, I found this a fast paced delightful read.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story seemed to move a bit slowly and I really had to keep focusing to keep the plot straight in my head. But I did finish it and felt it probably was accurate with people and their ways of managing in those days with smuggling and being flexible with which side in the kingdom you were going to support.

[Barbara Bristow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, the editor isn't doing their job. I don't ever remember running across the name Tiffany in all my reading of medieval history. It's annoying and messes with my suspension of disbelief.

[Patricia Bergman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting historical mystery featuring an Abbess Hildegard. The details of the 14th century were an added aspect of the story. Although this is the 5th book in the series, Cassandra Clark was good about relating past events to clarify the position of Hildegard. I can highly recommend this to fans of the historical novel. The research is excellent.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was an interesting read. I like mysteries, which this was, but it didn't always keep my attention. It's probably just a preference thing rather than it being a good book or not. A woman recently widowed is trying to decide if she wants to continue being a nun. Staying at an isolated priory while trying to decide she gets caught up in a mystery of morality. If you like mysterious and Medieval settings you might enjoy this. I noticed this edition had a few typos.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An improvement on the previous book in the series which was way out of line from the first 3. I will read the next!

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I’ll admit to being somewhat ambivalent about The Dragon of Handale, I’m also willing to admit that it’s a fun read. Hildegard, a former nun recently returned from a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, is visiting the isolated Handale Priory, hoping to decide whether to return to the religious life or to begin a secular existence. This novel is one in a series, so I had to do a bit of careful reading for back-story, but the back-story is there—and Cassandra Clark doesn’t bludgeon the reader with it the way a less apt writer might.

Hildegard finds little opportunity for reflection as she tackles a number of related mysteries: the murder of a stone mason working on a project at the priory; the death (or murder?) of a priest; the disappearances of novices; a tower likely full of smuggles goods; masochistic penitents; sadistic nuns; pending civil war in England; and the existence of dragon that may or may not be responsible for the deaths.

The novel doesn’t paint a particularly rich picture of the political situation in England at that time, but readers can enjoy following Hildegard as she puzzles things out. In several spots, the author uses an excluding-the-reader device—letting readers know that Hildegard has made discoveries, but not revealing what those discoveries are. This occasionally leaves the readers feeling oddly separated from the protagonist, but as I said above, The Dragon of Handale is a fun read.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a mystery. It is when I read a book that describes medieval times so well that I wonder,"Do I really wish to live back then?" It truly was a violent and cruel time, but looking at the world today, it is violent and cruel also. When I stop to think sometimes, it is not surprising that 'times' have not changed very much - certainly not for the better. We know more now, but do we treat people any better. I wonder?! Back to the book - the author gives an excellent picture of the Medieval Era - superstition, cruelness, ambitiousness, desire for power and money - it does not sound that different from today. The characters are well-defined. The plot is quite involved, but it all fits into the time of the story, and I definitely like "Mistress York."

[Sarah Hearn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The story is strong if a little too modern in Hildegarde’s ability to function in her society. I think she exhibits too much freedom of action. Her struggles with whether her vocation is still strong enough to stay at Swyne Priory are real enough. She is sent to Handale, which is a house for sinful and penitentiary Benedictine nuns, ostensibly to sort out her feelings. There she hears stories of a dragon in the surrounding woods, a dead mason killed in a very gory way by said dragon, and a merchant called Fulke, who is clearly up to no good. Add to this terrible weather, increasingly unsettling rumours about the nobles rising up against King Richard II, penitent and not-so- penitent nuns, a hugely fat prioress who is suspicious of Hildegarde, and a novice who has been inserted into the priory whether she wants to be or not, and you have the plot of this book.

My rating does not reflect the storyline or the writing, both of which are fine, but that I was not enthralled with the book and I kept putting it down to read something else. Overall, it really ought to have 4 stars.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) This is the 5th book in the series. Hildegard has returned from her pilgrimage and is now being sent by her prioress to the Handale priority to help her to figure out whether or not she wants to return to the order. She suspects that her prioress may have an ulterior motive for sending her. What she finds is a prioress who lives in luxury while her nuns live in sparse conditions and suffer severe punishments for failing to follow the rules. Hildegard also finds a dead body in the morgue of a young man who was part of the mason crew working on a commission for the Abbey. The claim is that he has been murdered by the dragon in the woods, but Hildegard suspicions are aroused. As she can read and write, she offers her services to help sort out the records and accounts and uses her time to also investigate some of the mysteries surrounding the abbey which include a locked tower in the woods and a history of novices who disappear. With help from her dear friend Ulf, she begins to sort out a complex conspiracy, one that may threaten the stability of the entire country.

[Sarah Hearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a follow-up to A Parliament of Spies, Hildegarde is back from her pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and still unsure of whether she should return to her Cistercian priory of Swyne so her Prioress sends her to the Benedictines at Handale deep in Yorkshire. There she finds a priory for penitents, filled with strange and sinister nuns, a supposed dragon roaming the woods, and dark doings at a windowless tower. With the help of some masons, hired to build a fine new house for the prioress, and her old friend and would-be lover, Ulf, Hildegarde sorta through the mysteries and arrives at a solution.

I really enjoyed this story, even the dragon, although TBH, I pretty much figured a lot of it out as it was going on. Nonetheless, I look forward to the next Hildegard’s mystery.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 5th in a series and some here seem to feel that it was fine as a stand alone. This was my first foray into this series, and I regularly felt at a loss with numerous references to prior events. Additionally, the author seemed to presume the reader would have a fair grounding in British history, i.e. understanding the forces/cliques arrayed for and against King Richard. Alas, I do not have that background and so I felt even further disconnected from the story. In some ways, it was interesting and fairly well written, but there was much to strain my credulity -- a nun named Tiffany!?! Overall, just not my cup of tea and I shan't be seeking out any other books in this series.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nun questioning, her vocation after leaving her order and going on a long pilgrimage, is sent to the Handale Priory ostensibly to make a decision on her future as a religious. Instead of a serene atmosphere in which to consider her future, she finds herself in a facility dedicated to the correction of sinning nuns in which a body, said to have been killed and mutilated by a dragon, has recently been found. Add to this a secret tower, assassins and political intrigue and it soon becomes clear that her real mission is entirely different from what she first supposed.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

5th book in this series find Hildegard wondering what her vocation will be. She is no longer a member of the Cistercian order of nuns after her pilgrimage to Spain. Hildegard is unsure of what she is to do and the Prioress suggests a visit to Handale Prior might help her to decide. This prior of isolated in the country and strange things go on there. Hildegard does not believe the story of a dragon terrorizing people and when a body is discovered with slashes on the neck decides to investigate.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and somewhat dark mystery set in the north of England during the turbulent period of the War of the Roses in England. Hildegard has returned from a pilgrimage to Spain and is sent to a small convent in the north to determine her true vocation. However, she soon realizes there is more than one mystery occurring at Handale.
From the screaming dragon outside the walls of the convent to the smuggling occurring, Hildegard has several mysteries to solve. It takes all of her courage and wit to figure out what is happening.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The winter woods hide a dark malevolence straight out of the Bible. A young man found mauled by a fabled creature lies at the heart of inner machinations unfolding at Handale. At a time of uncertain support for the King of England, treachery is winding it's way everywhere and even the most pious are hiding deadly secrets. Medieval games are afoot and no one is safe.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was another Clearance Sale pick up. I had no clue it was a series and only the book jacket to help me out. It's totally a book that is in my vein: Historical fiction murder mystery during the Middle Ages. It's sadly a bore. I'm not sure I missed anything from the previous books. You can mostly put together Hildegarde's background based on her asides. You just don't have the specifics of the past relationships. She's quite bold, of course, for a sort-of nun in 1390ish England. Very close Adelia from Mistress of the Art of Death. However, I wouldn't count Hildegarde as a sleuth. She basically stumbles into the events.

[pamela titterington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

The more I read these wonderful tales, the more I want to keep reading, Hildegard is a rally strong character, and not too saintly ,which I think is wondefull,very human in fact, looking forward to the next one

[Diana Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank goodness. This was much better than the last one. There were so many typos and instances of missing/misplaced punctuation, though. Terrible editing. I'm off to read the next installment now.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weaker than previous books in the series.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story just didn't work for me. There were too many things going on and somehow they weren't incorporated in such a way that the flow was natural.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Now I'll have to read all of Cassandra's books.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect for when you need something light that holds your attention. I needed something to keep me on the couch whilst I was ill, and this fit the bill perfectly.

[Jill Dahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs serious editing,

otherwise an enjoyable read. The book looks like someone fell asleep at the wheel while proofreading. This person should be ashamed.

[Marilyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disgusting, we didn’t need a sex scene, obviously the authoress has no talent left and is now resorting to pornographic penny dreadfuls

[Dagmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting episode in Hildegard's story! More mystery and fewer political intrigue, although that's not entirely gone. Enjoyable!

[Heather Whitaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a little dissapointed with this book - seems as poor one of Cassandra’s as all her other’s in this series have been fantastic.

[Mahala Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book in Clark’s Hildegard series is another dramatic look at 14th Century England, where nuns are sent for their sins to Handale Priory, a house of horrors purporting to be a house of spiritual correction. Hildegard, returning from a pilgrimage in Spain is sent to the isolated castle of sorts hidden in the north of England. Abbes Basilda runs the tightly held environment in the firm belief that she deserves all the good things life has to offer and her charges deserve none of them. She oversees an iron-fisted legion of acolytes, most of whom enjoy giving and receiving penance for their committed sins and any others they consider doing. This book offers an insight into hardships of the medieval period that exceeds ruthlessness, yet is so beautifully written, it keeps you reading, hoping someone will save these poor women.

This intense thriller moves from one dramatic moment to another, constantly leaving you on alert to determine who or what is haunting the priory, the grounds, and its people, clawing them to death so violently and how to help the battered nuns escape. Clark is not frivolous or weak-kneed in explaining the living conditions and the harshness of the environment - physical and emotional. And what is the strange tower Hildegard discovers in the woods, a secret tower that is locked tight and guarded by armed men? She befriends the troupe of builders, living and working close by and soon becomes suspect of their good will. Ulf, a former love interest, comes to her aid.

How is she supposed to make decisions about her future in the cold and violent environment with Ulf marching about? Good, clean writing with excellent character and plot development that keeps the tension taut and the possible criminals in a long list. I plan to read more about the enticing Hildegard.