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After Clare
Will the remains of a soldier be the key that unlocks the secrets of Leysmorton Manor . . . ?
1922. Lady Emily Fitzallan has returned to the country house where she spent her childhood for a family wedding. Leysmorton Manor brings back many memories, especially of her elder sister Clare, who vanished one day after going for a walk, never to return. But the disturbing discovery of a soldier's skeleton at the base of an ancient Yew tree brings the past shockingly into the present. Could the man's untimely death have its roots in Clare's disappearance, which occurred almost half a century ago . . .
1922. Lady Emily Fitzallan has returned to the country house where she spent her childhood for a family wedding. Leysmorton Manor brings back many memories, especially of her elder sister Clare, who vanished one day after going for a walk, never to return. But the disturbing discovery of a soldier's skeleton at the base of an ancient Yew tree brings the past shockingly into the present. Could the man's untimely death have its roots in Clare's disappearance, which occurred almost half a century ago . . .
336 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Marjorie Eccles
53 books45 followersAka Judith Bordill, Jennifer Hyde
Marjorie Eccles has written several romantic and crime novels, which have been published both in the UK and in the US. Many of her book shave been translated and serialised around the world. She has one grown up son and now lives in Hertfordshire
Marjorie Eccles has written several romantic and crime novels, which have been published both in the UK and in the US. Many of her book shave been translated and serialised around the world. She has one grown up son and now lives in Hertfordshire
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 20, 2013
Somewhat banal story; unimpressive. The plot deals eith a skeleton that is found under a pile of yard detritus within the grounds of a manor house in itne English countryside; on goes the investigation. There is also the storyline of the sister of the manor owner(Emily) who disappeared shortly after Emily's marriage. Are the two connected, is the skeleton that of the missing sister? I found the story superficial. The characters really had no real depth although some of their past was explored. It wasn't a particularly long story so I did finish, but it was one of the few historical fiction novels that I didn't really enjoy.
April 18, 2016
I have read four of Marjorie Eccles' novels, so I can't speak for all of them, but the four I have read follow a suspenseful pattern. The stories take place over a long period of time and across centuries...often from the late 1800s into the early 1900s. They take place largely in England before and after World War I. Pay attention to the Prologue because a key element is introduced there which may be insignificant as you read it. The four stories I've read move back and forth in time, building mystery and suspense. This is a popular story process, I've noticed from many other authors that I've read. I like it because it's more interesting.
July 26, 2016
3 ½ stars
This one was a bit difficult to rate. I very much liked the author’s writing style; the story itself not as much.
The characters were so thinly drawn that it made it hard to relate to any of them, nor care what happened to them. I never seemed to get a clear picture of them in in my mind. However, even though I ultimately felt the novel to be underdeveloped, I still enjoyed it immensely while I was reading it.
The ending was a bit ho-hum… until I got to the Epilogue. I’m giving this book the extra ½ star for the very last page!
This one was a bit difficult to rate. I very much liked the author’s writing style; the story itself not as much.
The characters were so thinly drawn that it made it hard to relate to any of them, nor care what happened to them. I never seemed to get a clear picture of them in in my mind. However, even though I ultimately felt the novel to be underdeveloped, I still enjoyed it immensely while I was reading it.
The ending was a bit ho-hum… until I got to the Epilogue. I’m giving this book the extra ½ star for the very last page!
May 28, 2013
Decently absorbing read without being spectacular. I liked the pace of story telling - slowly unfolding post WWI Britain story, smooth prose.
October 2, 2025
This book feels so long, which for a book under 300 pages is fairly impressive. This entire story read like a very dry diary entry more than anything else, parts that should have been exciting just didnt hit the way they should. The characters were a huge problem in this book. You didnt really get to know them much, you got a bunch of backstory (too much for short book) and yet it never made me feel invested in these characters. Overall I think this was a nice idea but it really fell flat in the execution.
January 9, 2017
If you like mysteries in a manor house you'll enjoy this. A tad confusing in the first part bc it flips between years. The ending was very surprising and keeps you guessing.
June 3, 2020
Perfect winter reading
October 18, 2022
Less a mystery than just a good story. Well-written.
September 30, 2016
I am giving this a 3 because I liked the ending, but I thought the back stories were very involved and I never all the relationships straight.
My main thought from this family's story: "If more people would tell the truth, a lot of unhappiness and pain could be avoided".
My main thought from this family's story: "If more people would tell the truth, a lot of unhappiness and pain could be avoided".
August 31, 2012
‘After Clare’ by Marjorie Eccles
Published by Severn House, July 2012. ISBN: 978-0-7278-8197-7
After nearly five decades Emily Fitzallan, nee Vavasour has returned to her childhood home Leysmorton Manor. During her time abroad Leysmorton Manor had been used as a convalescence home during the war years and was now, in 1922, back in the hands of the family, whilst although the house belonged to Emily, it was her cousin Dirk who lived there. But not everything had changed, for still the neighbouring house Steadings is inhabited by the Markhams, and it had brought back many memories seeing again her old friend Hugh Markham. But the most poignant of memories is that of her elder sister Clare, who had gone for a walk one day and never returned.
The discovery of a soldier’s skeleton at the base of the old Yew tree propels the past into the present with shocking revelations. Could the death be connected to Clare’s disappearance.
As with previous novels by Marjorie Eccles much of the power of the book lies in the interaction between the characters. Although the book is set in 1922, the England to which Emily returns is much changed from the England she had left decades before. The war has wrought many social changes. The younger members of Emily’s extended family Valentine and Poppy, contrast sharply with the older generation. Emily is conscious that she has decisions to make. Could she live in England again? And if she should decide to do so, how will it be to live with Dirk and his sister, as it is unthinkable to ask them to leave. But as Emily ponders her dilemma, the investigation into the identity of the dead soldier begins to break down the fabric of life at Leysmorton Manor to reveal a second mystery.
Cleverly plotted, the solution to this complex family mystery is skilfully revealed after some surprising twists. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes
Marjorie Eccles wrote sixteen books in the Gil Mayo police procedural series before tuning to historical suspense. Books are: The Shape of Sand, Shadows and Lies, Last Nocturne and Broken Music.
Published by Severn House, July 2012. ISBN: 978-0-7278-8197-7
After nearly five decades Emily Fitzallan, nee Vavasour has returned to her childhood home Leysmorton Manor. During her time abroad Leysmorton Manor had been used as a convalescence home during the war years and was now, in 1922, back in the hands of the family, whilst although the house belonged to Emily, it was her cousin Dirk who lived there. But not everything had changed, for still the neighbouring house Steadings is inhabited by the Markhams, and it had brought back many memories seeing again her old friend Hugh Markham. But the most poignant of memories is that of her elder sister Clare, who had gone for a walk one day and never returned.
The discovery of a soldier’s skeleton at the base of the old Yew tree propels the past into the present with shocking revelations. Could the death be connected to Clare’s disappearance.
As with previous novels by Marjorie Eccles much of the power of the book lies in the interaction between the characters. Although the book is set in 1922, the England to which Emily returns is much changed from the England she had left decades before. The war has wrought many social changes. The younger members of Emily’s extended family Valentine and Poppy, contrast sharply with the older generation. Emily is conscious that she has decisions to make. Could she live in England again? And if she should decide to do so, how will it be to live with Dirk and his sister, as it is unthinkable to ask them to leave. But as Emily ponders her dilemma, the investigation into the identity of the dead soldier begins to break down the fabric of life at Leysmorton Manor to reveal a second mystery.
Cleverly plotted, the solution to this complex family mystery is skilfully revealed after some surprising twists. Highly recommended.
-----
Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes
Marjorie Eccles wrote sixteen books in the Gil Mayo police procedural series before tuning to historical suspense. Books are: The Shape of Sand, Shadows and Lies, Last Nocturne and Broken Music.
August 12, 2013
Liked this book. Set in the late 1910 and early 1920's, it is a mystery, but not really a 'murder' mystery. The main characters are not the police, but an old woman who goes back to her childhood home after years away. Her sister had disappeared about 40 years before, and the discovery of a new (but not recent) skeleton leads her to added memories about her missing sister, whom she has never forgotten. It takes some doing for the story to unfold, but it kept me interested the entire book. I'll be checking for more by this author.
January 7, 2013
Marjorie Eccles is the queen of twisty plots; I always enjoy her books, but some are better than others. This one moved a bit slowly and the characters were not tremendously engaging. But the ending made up for a lot. Wow!
November 1, 2013
Very much a character driven mystery, enjoyable if not exciting. Can't say the final twist was a surprise. Will try others. I realized why this felt so men, there is no urgency to solve the mystery.
September 20, 2016
Set post-WW2, a body is found of a local soldier who was thought to be killed in the war. His body rakes up a whole host of the village's secrets (of course), and a few unexpected twists and turns occur on the way to finding the killer
November 12, 2012
Another good one from an always dependable-for-a-good-read author
November 15, 2012
A decently complex story, but somehow moved very very slowly.
January 7, 2013
This book was slow going, although enjoyable, for about 2/3 of a book, then POW! it really took off! I'm curious to read more of this authors. Any recommendations?
March 18, 2013
Another good read by Eccles full of twists and exciting to read.
May 24, 2013
A little slow at the start but really enjoyed the story.
May 24, 2013
Interesting post WWI setting, tightly plotted, but the pacing was a bit slow and a few times I had to stop and figure out which character was which.
August 11, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written mystery although I found the introduction a bit weak and confusing.
December 21, 2013
I like this author. Book concerns long ago disappearance of sister Claire
August 30, 2014
Haunting and engaging.
September 16, 2014
Boring, couldn't get into it at all gave up
August 22, 2015
Haunting and thoughtful .
July 24, 2016
English country estate murder and other generational mysteries are resolved in this elegantly crafted tale.
January 1, 2013
I don't recommend this. Ugh.
March 10, 2013
Convoluted storyline- kept waiting for it to improve - didn't happen
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews