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THE OUTCAST GIRLS a gripping British Victorian historical mystery
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2026
About the author
Alys Clare
52 books231 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 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 9, 2026
★★★★★ A wonderfully atmospheric mystery with characters you’ll want to spend time with.
★★★★★ A wonderfully atmospheric mystery with characters you’ll want to spend time with.
I have just finished the second book in the World’s End Bureau series, and I can honestly say I am thoroughly enjoying it. The mysteries are cleverly plotted, with clues that are there all along without ever feeling obvious, making the ending both surprising and completely satisfying.
What really sets these books apart, however, are Lily and Felix. Their friendship is warm, believable and refreshingly free of unnecessary drama. They feel like real people, and I find myself looking forward to their conversations just as much as the mystery itself.
The Victorian setting is beautifully evoked, particularly for anyone familiar with the South Coast. As someone who lives in Hampshire, I have loved recognising places such as Portsmouth and Havant and imagining them as they would have been over a century ago.
There is also a wonderfully comforting quality to these books. There are plenty of cups of tea, thoughtful conversations and moments of quiet observation alongside the investigation. The stories prove that a crime novel doesn’t have to rely on relentless violence or graphic detail to keep you completely absorbed.
If you enjoy historical mysteries with engaging characters, a strong sense of place and plots that reward careful reading, I would wholeheartedly recommend this series. I’m already looking forward to the next book.
★★★★★ A wonderfully atmospheric mystery with characters you’ll want to spend time with.
I have just finished the second book in the World’s End Bureau series, and I can honestly say I am thoroughly enjoying it. The mysteries are cleverly plotted, with clues that are there all along without ever feeling obvious, making the ending both surprising and completely satisfying.
What really sets these books apart, however, are Lily and Felix. Their friendship is warm, believable and refreshingly free of unnecessary drama. They feel like real people, and I find myself looking forward to their conversations just as much as the mystery itself.
The Victorian setting is beautifully evoked, particularly for anyone familiar with the South Coast. As someone who lives in Hampshire, I have loved recognising places such as Portsmouth and Havant and imagining them as they would have been over a century ago.
There is also a wonderfully comforting quality to these books. There are plenty of cups of tea, thoughtful conversations and moments of quiet observation alongside the investigation. The stories prove that a crime novel doesn’t have to rely on relentless violence or graphic detail to keep you completely absorbed.
If you enjoy historical mysteries with engaging characters, a strong sense of place and plots that reward careful reading, I would wholeheartedly recommend this series. I’m already looking forward to the next book.
June 20, 2026
Didn’t disappoint. Eager to start #3 now.
Good follow up to the first in the series with solid character development of the main protagonists and the supporting cast.
Interesting to see how relationships are evolving and I particularly like how the author weaves her plots around the social issues and the personalities of the day.
Now about to start the third in the series and explore more by Alys Clare.
Good follow up to the first in the series with solid character development of the main protagonists and the supporting cast.
Interesting to see how relationships are evolving and I particularly like how the author weaves her plots around the social issues and the personalities of the day.
Now about to start the third in the series and explore more by Alys Clare.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews