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Hawkenlye Mysteries #16
A Shadowed Evil
February, 1212.
Sir Josse d'Acquin and Helewise are summoned to Southfire Hall, where Josse's elderly uncle, Hugh, lies dying, surrounded by his children. But the pair soon discovers that Hugh's ill health is not the only cause of distress in the house: for Hugh's son and heir, Herbert, has taken an unpleasant new wife, the widowed Lady Cyrille.
Josse and Helewise are distracted by the discovery of an injured young man on the road outside on the evening of their arrival, but the longer they remain in the house, the more they feel that something is very wrong. What happened to Josse's cousin Aeleis, who no one speaks of? Where is Lady Cyrille's small son? And why do they both feel as if the house itself is alive - and threatened by approaching evil?
Sir Josse d'Acquin and Helewise are summoned to Southfire Hall, where Josse's elderly uncle, Hugh, lies dying, surrounded by his children. But the pair soon discovers that Hugh's ill health is not the only cause of distress in the house: for Hugh's son and heir, Herbert, has taken an unpleasant new wife, the widowed Lady Cyrille.
Josse and Helewise are distracted by the discovery of an injured young man on the road outside on the evening of their arrival, but the longer they remain in the house, the more they feel that something is very wrong. What happened to Josse's cousin Aeleis, who no one speaks of? Where is Lady Cyrille's small son? And why do they both feel as if the house itself is alive - and threatened by approaching evil?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2015
9 people are currently reading
146 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 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 1, 2016
Another gripping mystery in Hawkenlye series. Josse and Helewise are visiting Josse's dying Uncle Hugh and family. Josse has a new, very unpleasant sister-in-law, Cyrille. She not only mistreats her son from her previous marriage, but has turned the household upside down with her selfish, manipulative, know-it-all ways and they knuckle under to her. Why is she so unkind to her son and why has one of Uncle Hugh's daughters, Aeleis, disappeared? A young man, Peter Southey, is an unexpected guest--his horse has slid on the ice and both it and Peter are injured near their home. Who is he and why has he come? Josse and Helewise unravel these mysteries. Incredible twists and turns and very well done.
July 16, 2015
I did eventually come to really enjoy this novel, however, it took a long time for it to grab my interest and I had begun to wonder if it ever would. I've read quite a few of the Hawkenlye Medieval mystery novels and this one is just plain different. I'm used to dealing with magic of several types which are practiced by those surrounding Helewise and Sir Josse D'Acquin but this was mysticism somewhat outside the bounds of what I expect from this series. It all turned out well for me from an enjoyment standpoint, but I must repeat that it took a long time to fully engage my interest.
Josse and Helewise have made the trip from the House in the Woods to Southfire Hall on a cold February day in 1212 because Josse received word that his Uncle Hugh is dying. Josse grew up visiting Southfire and has a strong bond from those youthful visits with his female cousins. Visits haven't been quite as frequent lately so he looks forward to catching up on the extended family living at Southfire and introducing them to Helewise. Not long after they arrive a traveler and his horse take a serious fall on the icy road and the man is brought inside to be nursed by the women of the family. An item found on his person as they are cleaning him up from the fall causes ripples of unease to flow through the house and join with the disquiet others are already feeling.
I must confess to enjoying this series more when the story concentrates more around the environs of Hawkenlye Abbey. This book felt as if Helewise didn't have enough to occupy her time and that made the story progress very slowly. But don't give up on it because after you have passed the half-way point the activity increases and it more closely resembles other novels from this series. This is still an enjoyable novel for fans of the series, but I would not recommend readers new to the novels begin with this book.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
Josse and Helewise have made the trip from the House in the Woods to Southfire Hall on a cold February day in 1212 because Josse received word that his Uncle Hugh is dying. Josse grew up visiting Southfire and has a strong bond from those youthful visits with his female cousins. Visits haven't been quite as frequent lately so he looks forward to catching up on the extended family living at Southfire and introducing them to Helewise. Not long after they arrive a traveler and his horse take a serious fall on the icy road and the man is brought inside to be nursed by the women of the family. An item found on his person as they are cleaning him up from the fall causes ripples of unease to flow through the house and join with the disquiet others are already feeling.
I must confess to enjoying this series more when the story concentrates more around the environs of Hawkenlye Abbey. This book felt as if Helewise didn't have enough to occupy her time and that made the story progress very slowly. But don't give up on it because after you have passed the half-way point the activity increases and it more closely resembles other novels from this series. This is still an enjoyable novel for fans of the series, but I would not recommend readers new to the novels begin with this book.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
November 22, 2015
A Shadowed Evil...by Alys Clare. 5 stars
A murder with a difference
"A Shadowed Evil" is a murder mystery with a difference, as it is set in 13th century England. From the outset Alys Clare writes with such description, detail and mysticism that it is easy for the reader to immerse oneself in English rural life of 800 years ago.
The central characters are Sir Josse d'Acquin and his wife Helewise, who begin their journey to visit Josse's poorly and elderly Uncle Hugh, plus the extended family, all living together at Southfire Hall. It soon becomes apparent that there is an extremely dark force present within the very cold walls themselves.
Soon after Josse and Helewise had settled into Southfire Hall, a rather mysterious traveller on horseback turns up, having had an accident in the serious icy conditions. The tension mounts as the plot unfolds until all is revealed at the end.
I was gripped from the outset so I awarded five stars to 'A Shadowed Evil.' I will look out for other tales in this series.
By Peggy Sutton. AKA Galadriel
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
A murder with a difference
"A Shadowed Evil" is a murder mystery with a difference, as it is set in 13th century England. From the outset Alys Clare writes with such description, detail and mysticism that it is easy for the reader to immerse oneself in English rural life of 800 years ago.
The central characters are Sir Josse d'Acquin and his wife Helewise, who begin their journey to visit Josse's poorly and elderly Uncle Hugh, plus the extended family, all living together at Southfire Hall. It soon becomes apparent that there is an extremely dark force present within the very cold walls themselves.
Soon after Josse and Helewise had settled into Southfire Hall, a rather mysterious traveller on horseback turns up, having had an accident in the serious icy conditions. The tension mounts as the plot unfolds until all is revealed at the end.
I was gripped from the outset so I awarded five stars to 'A Shadowed Evil.' I will look out for other tales in this series.
By Peggy Sutton. AKA Galadriel
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
June 21, 2022
Haven't read any others in this series but this was definitely fine as a stand alone! Set in the year 1212, a good mystery with a gothic feel. I will definitely read more in this series.
June 13, 2020
Josse is summoned to the home of his Uncle Hugh when they believe he is dying. Heloise goes with him. An evil presence has settled over the house - so different from what Josse remembers from his visits in the past. Everyone seems to cower in the presence of the wife of Herbert who is Hugh's son. Shortly after they arrive, an seriously injured man arrives. Just as it seems he is recovering, he dies. Who was he and what to make of the evil presence?
The last few books in the series I've felt as if the series was winding down and I was losing interest. Although I know this is the next to last, I enjoyed this more than the last few. Perhaps it was because it was more about Josse's family rather than something that happened in the area. It is interesting how it all comes together by the end. I got to a certain point and had to keep reading until the reveal was complete.
The last few books in the series I've felt as if the series was winding down and I was losing interest. Although I know this is the next to last, I enjoyed this more than the last few. Perhaps it was because it was more about Josse's family rather than something that happened in the area. It is interesting how it all comes together by the end. I got to a certain point and had to keep reading until the reveal was complete.
April 6, 2018
4.5 stars. Some of the books in Alys Clare's Hawkenlye series have left me cold - I'm afraid I massively dislike Joanna and the endless scenes with her and her magical people in the forest - but I enjoyed this one. I love, love, love Josse and Helewise as characters, Josse's kids not so much, so it was good to read a novel where both Josse and Helewise are both present throughout the entire novel. Shadowed Evil was quite slow to get going, but once it did I was gripped and had to keep reading till it was finished. A rich and satisfying mystery.
February 3, 2022
In 1212, Sir Josse and Helewise travel to the home of his uncle Hugh after receiving word that he is dying. They find a usually welcoming and serene household turned upside down by a new addition to the family. I good mystery and a good addition to the series. I have only one book left to read, and I shall miss this series. Highly recommended, although I would suggest they be read in order to experience the development of the characters and their relationships.
March 10, 2022
3 1/2 stars. Great isolated and creepy setting and I loved the insight into Josse's childhood and maternal family. The partnership between Josse and Helewise was a highlight as usual, and Cousin Aeleis was a delight, despite her rather brief appearance. The mysteries were a bit convoluted for me and some of the motivations seemed a little thin, resting mainly on the evilness of the perpetrator. No spoilers, but the biggest mystery was how poor clueless Herbert ever fell in love with his wife.
July 1, 2019
Ms. Clare really did a stretch with the 'paranormal' theme of these stories. She now has a house that emanates an aura of good and bad depending on what's going on with its inhabitants. The mystery was interesting and I could pretty much figure out the perpetrator, just not all of the connections among the characters.
August 6, 2021
Josse and Helewise visit Southfire Hall--his mother's home--as his Uncle Hugh is very ill. Josse had spent many summers as a boy at Southfire Hall and remembered his cousins and the house fondly. On their arrival they discover that all is not well--there is an troubling atmosphere in the house. As usual, they set about finding out why and working to remedy it.
August 7, 2020
I've been reading this penultimate book in the series slowly--to put off the inevitable end. I love these books so much, and this installment did not disappoint! So many layers to the story--and the house as a character!! Love!!!
January 24, 2023
Even though I hadn’t read the rest of the series, it was easy to understand. I really didn’t see the twist until the very end- lots of guesses and some of them were partially right but not about the major question!
January 13, 2019
These characters have come along way from the very first Hawkenlye story. And still they are as rich alive and vibrant as they were from the very first tale. I love this author.
October 17, 2019
Another great mystery where we get to meet Josse's family. Plot twists and suspense, didn't see the end coming, and love the way it all ties up neatly, if not happily.
June 21, 2020
My book club chose this book, which isn’t my usual fare. After a slow start, it began to grow on me and I ended up quite enjoying it. It probably doesn’t help to have joined the series so far in.
December 13, 2020
I love this series! I recommend starting with the first one and reading them all!
October 24, 2016
Excellent mystery - one of the best in the series.
September 30, 2015
First Sentence: He lay in his lonely little bed, curled up into the smallest shape he could contrive.
Sir Josse d’Acquin and Helewise travel to the home of Josse’s elderly uncle, a place where Josse always felt the house welcome and sheltered the family. However, his uncle Hugh appears to be dying, Hugh’s heir has married a woman who has disrupted the spirit of the house and who, in spite of the heir planning to adopt her son, she virtually ignores the boy. The unpleasant feelings only increase with the appearance of a badly injured stranger.
There is actually a wonderful prologue that perfectly describes a child’s fear, yet comfort derived by sensing the spirit of one’s surroundings. This provides a wonderful touch of mysticism to the story…or not…depending upon whether one believes that a structure can take on the energy of those who have lived there. This is followed by a very good introduction of Josse, the members of his family, and their--and his--history.
Claire is a very descriptive writer. One feels as though one is traveling with the characters, both out in the land or throughout the house. Yet, one does wish there were drawings and diagrams of the manor house. She also brings the characters to life. There are times where one may feel a bit frustrated with Helewise, but it is important to not judge her by our time, and to remember her past, which we learn, but the family never fully does. Again, this is in keeping with both the character and the time as pride and vanity would be out of her keeping.
“A Shadowed Evil” is filled with an appropriately nasty character just the right creepiness, lots of very good twists, and a satisfactory resolution.
A SHADOWED EVIL (Hist Mys/Para-Josse/Helewise-England-1212) – G+
Claire, Alys – 16th in series
Severn House – Sept 2015
Sir Josse d’Acquin and Helewise travel to the home of Josse’s elderly uncle, a place where Josse always felt the house welcome and sheltered the family. However, his uncle Hugh appears to be dying, Hugh’s heir has married a woman who has disrupted the spirit of the house and who, in spite of the heir planning to adopt her son, she virtually ignores the boy. The unpleasant feelings only increase with the appearance of a badly injured stranger.
There is actually a wonderful prologue that perfectly describes a child’s fear, yet comfort derived by sensing the spirit of one’s surroundings. This provides a wonderful touch of mysticism to the story…or not…depending upon whether one believes that a structure can take on the energy of those who have lived there. This is followed by a very good introduction of Josse, the members of his family, and their--and his--history.
Claire is a very descriptive writer. One feels as though one is traveling with the characters, both out in the land or throughout the house. Yet, one does wish there were drawings and diagrams of the manor house. She also brings the characters to life. There are times where one may feel a bit frustrated with Helewise, but it is important to not judge her by our time, and to remember her past, which we learn, but the family never fully does. Again, this is in keeping with both the character and the time as pride and vanity would be out of her keeping.
“A Shadowed Evil” is filled with an appropriately nasty character just the right creepiness, lots of very good twists, and a satisfactory resolution.
A SHADOWED EVIL (Hist Mys/Para-Josse/Helewise-England-1212) – G+
Claire, Alys – 16th in series
Severn House – Sept 2015
October 4, 2015
When Sir Josse d’Acquin and Helewise visit his beloved uncle Hugh, they are shocked to find him in ill health. In fact, he is dying. Worse yet, Hugh has married a woman who is cold and callous, especially in her treatment of a small six year old boy who will become Hugh's heir. The child is terrorized by a monster who haunts him at night. All is not well in the home. Something is amiss. The unpleasantness only worsens when a badly injured stranger is brought into the home in an effort to save his life. All these subplots are slowly weaved together to create a wonderfully creative gothic style mystery that kept me madly turning the pages.
I've never read any books by this author, but I will in the future because she has hooked me with this one. She is an adept author who knows how to keep conflict and mystery building from beginning to end. Her descriptions of characters and surroundings are vivid and easily envisioned while reading. I especially loved the complex characters because they are never what they initially appear to be. If you love great villains, one you truly become emotionally involved with, then this book will surely satisfy. This is a wonderful mystery and you don't need to read the earlier books in the series to enjoy it. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the author and publisher. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've never read any books by this author, but I will in the future because she has hooked me with this one. She is an adept author who knows how to keep conflict and mystery building from beginning to end. Her descriptions of characters and surroundings are vivid and easily envisioned while reading. I especially loved the complex characters because they are never what they initially appear to be. If you love great villains, one you truly become emotionally involved with, then this book will surely satisfy. This is a wonderful mystery and you don't need to read the earlier books in the series to enjoy it. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the author and publisher. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2016
So yeah, interesting story i don't know if i'm interested enough to actually go back and read the previous books. Perhaps when i don't have anything else on my docket to read. So if you want to read this book go ahead. You won't get lost about who the characters are even if you, like i did, picked up this book without realizing it wasn't anywhere near the first. But you'll probably be more invested in the characters if you start from the beginning. Maybe i'll come to appreciate this book more if i go back to the first book , but that won't happen for a while.
In any case i would recommend you read this book, there are touches of the fantastical in regards to the house but the majority of the mysteries have a mundane explanation. I'm glad all loose ends were wrapped up nicely; which is a bit of a plus you could read this as a standalone novel if you want even if it is a part of a series. The cover is intriguing and part of the reason i picked up the book and i stayed for the story. So read if you're looking for something to do.
In any case i would recommend you read this book, there are touches of the fantastical in regards to the house but the majority of the mysteries have a mundane explanation. I'm glad all loose ends were wrapped up nicely; which is a bit of a plus you could read this as a standalone novel if you want even if it is a part of a series. The cover is intriguing and part of the reason i picked up the book and i stayed for the story. So read if you're looking for something to do.
August 27, 2015
An evil is lurking in Southfire Hall. Josse and his wife, Helewise, return to his family home because his uncle Hugh's health is failing. They find most of the family welcoming and happy to see them. But Cyrille, wife to Josse's cousin Herbert, does not seem all that happy to meet them. When a young man who has fallen from his horse and is badly injured comes to the house mysterious happenings occur. There seems to be an evil spirit inhabiting the home. Who is the injured man who has a treasured artifact in his possession? What or who is the evil presence? Why does Cyrille act so strangely?
This is a wonderful installment in the Hawkenlye series. Full of plot twists and surprises. I thought I had things figured out, but I was incorrect in many of my theories. I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.
This is a wonderful installment in the Hawkenlye series. Full of plot twists and surprises. I thought I had things figured out, but I was incorrect in many of my theories. I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.
August 31, 2015
Interesting. I've read quite a few of the Hawkenlye books featuring Helewise and Josse d'Acquin over the years and in many ways find they defy categorisation. From the blurbs they seem to be straightforward mediaeval mysteries, but as the series has developed a strong element of mysticism/ghost/supernatural has entered. In this book Josse and Helewise travel to the home of Josse's dying uncle, a home where he spent time in his childhood. Delighted to be spending time with his relatives, Josse nevertheless senses something wrong in the house, something evil ...
I enjoyed this, and despite the otherworldly element of the house with a spirit/presence it was a more straightforward mystery than some of the others in the series.
I enjoyed this, and despite the otherworldly element of the house with a spirit/presence it was a more straightforward mystery than some of the others in the series.
September 7, 2015
"Sir Josse d’Acquin and Helewise are summoned to Southfire Hall, where Josse’s elderly uncle, Hugh, lies dying, surrounded by his children. But the pair soon discovers that Hugh’s ill health is not the only cause of distress in the house"
I have read all of the Hawkenlye books that were available to me and this one is another unique one. Recently we have begun to see a familial relationship for Josse and Helewise.
This one was chilling, fast paced and so very intriguing.So glad that it got wrapped up so nicely at the end.
Recommended for all who appreciate a really good Medieval mystery which will hold your interest.
I have read all of the Hawkenlye books that were available to me and this one is another unique one. Recently we have begun to see a familial relationship for Josse and Helewise.
This one was chilling, fast paced and so very intriguing.So glad that it got wrapped up so nicely at the end.
Recommended for all who appreciate a really good Medieval mystery which will hold your interest.
June 3, 2016
This is a new series for me.... I saw it on the Library's shelf (and I know I didn't buy it for the collection) and it looked pretty interesting...
I'm happy to say that I liked it so much I read it in 2 days!
Helewise & Josse are headed to his family home to visit his dying Uncle.... What they find is a house protected by a great benevolent spirit, a terrified little boy, a kow-towed family, an Uncles in & out of coherency, an evil daughter-in-law, and a murdered stranger.....
There was quit a bit of intrigue and I was quite happy when "just desserts" were served up....
I liked the characters and I liked the story, it held my interest.
I'm happy to say that I liked it so much I read it in 2 days!
Helewise & Josse are headed to his family home to visit his dying Uncle.... What they find is a house protected by a great benevolent spirit, a terrified little boy, a kow-towed family, an Uncles in & out of coherency, an evil daughter-in-law, and a murdered stranger.....
There was quit a bit of intrigue and I was quite happy when "just desserts" were served up....
I liked the characters and I liked the story, it held my interest.
February 24, 2016
This is an interesting series, I believe. This is the first book in this series that I have read, but I am anxious to read more. A Shadowed Evil by Alys Clare was a bit difficult for me to 'get into'. Most probably the reason for this is this is this is the first book in this series that I have read. I did not know the characters, the setting, or anything else, but I shall not know this for sure until I read another book in this series. This book did illustrate some of the suspections in the beliefs during The Middle Ages.
February 12, 2016
I have always had a soft spot for Sir Josse and Helwise. Having had luck with my reservations from the library. I picked this up with a copy of The Night Wanderer. I liked both books and was pleased to find that this one was a joy to read. It was well written and good to be introduced to Sir Josse's extended family. Helwise's love for Sir Josse is as strong as ever and she both kind and caring. The mystical elements enhance the story by allowing us to see how the Popes edict on King John has affected faith and religion in England especially marriage.
November 14, 2015
A good, solid Alys Clare novel - not one of her best, but still enjoyable. The Hawkenlye series is my favorite, but Helewise isn't nearly as exciting a character as Joanna was. The most exciting female, Meggie, makes only a brief appearance towards the end, and she doesn't do any magic. A good mystery, though, and Ms. Clare keeps you guessing til almost the end.
January 10, 2016
I didn't realize til after I'd finished reading this book, that it was the 16th!! in the series. I greatly enjoyed the mystery of the house and the story set in ancient England. I will be looking for the other books in the series.
Great book!
Great book!
May 31, 2016
Kind of an interesting time piece -- early 13th Century. Some supernatural leanings with religious overtones. Brutal in places but not for the time. The family interactions were fairly well done. Nothing that I want to read more of.
October 24, 2015
Amazing
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I really liked the book and plan on reading more!
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I really liked the book and plan on reading more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews