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Abbess of Meaux #10
Murder at Whitby Abbey
Late December, 1389. Ordered to undertake a gruelling three-day journey to bleak Whitby Abbey in the far north of England in a bid to purchase the Abbey’s priceless Holy Relic – a lock of St Hild’s hair, said to be 700 years old – Hildegard of Meaux and her three companion monks arrive to find the Abbey a decidedly unwelcoming place, a place of strange customs and practices very different to their modest lifestyle at Meaux. Nor, as Hildegard discovers, is she the only visitor intent on acquiring the Relic.
Before the bidding war can begin, a body is discovered in the monastery’s apple store shed, and once again Hildegard is plunged into a baffling murder investigation where nothing is as it first appears. Something is rotten in the heart of Whitby Abbey – and it’s up to Hildegard to discover the truth.
Before the bidding war can begin, a body is discovered in the monastery’s apple store shed, and once again Hildegard is plunged into a baffling murder investigation where nothing is as it first appears. Something is rotten in the heart of Whitby Abbey – and it’s up to Hildegard to discover the truth.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2019
22 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Clark
21 books131 followersI'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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 2, 2019
A satisfying medieval mystery!
A troubled time in history. 1398, King Richard has no army of his own and amongst others he's up against Gloucester, Arundel and Lancaster, when they stop bickering, as one man so eloquently puts it.
Against this background the nun Hildegard of Meaux, of the Cistercian priory of Swyne, and her three associates from the Cistercian fold, have been sent north during the twelve days after Christmas to Whitby Abbey, part of the Benedictine order, to obtain a 700 year old relic, a lock of hair of Abbess Hild. Hildegard silently questions her Abbess' injunction, "to bring back as a prize a possibly fraudulent artefact at any price." Her escorts are a young priest, Luke, and two militant monks, Gregory and Egbert.
This mission is part of her continued penance for a grievous sin she has committed against the Abbot Hubert de Courcy and the Rule.
Not long after they arrive at Whitby a monk is found dead in the apple storage cellar. Along with this other disturbing factors are swirling around the Abbey and its inhabitants. Unfair rents and taxes, and the treatment of some of the townsfolk has the relations between the town and Abbey tinder dry. It will only takes a spark for the whole place to explode.
Hildegard and her companions are asked by the Abbot to investigate the death. This is just the beginning of a confusing and at times, harrowing sojourn.
I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere that Clark engendered, with touches of high drama, power struggles, and greed, offset by moments of compassion. Hildegard and her companions are a closely knit group that accept each other's strengths and weaknesses. This plays well into what they undertake.
There's a lot happening, including the not so implicit criticism about relics. That is a whole different thread of the story.
I haven't read any of Hildegard's previous tales. A fact I must remedy as I'm loving her wry humor, reflective thoughtfulness, fully human understandings and adventurous ways.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
A troubled time in history. 1398, King Richard has no army of his own and amongst others he's up against Gloucester, Arundel and Lancaster, when they stop bickering, as one man so eloquently puts it.
Against this background the nun Hildegard of Meaux, of the Cistercian priory of Swyne, and her three associates from the Cistercian fold, have been sent north during the twelve days after Christmas to Whitby Abbey, part of the Benedictine order, to obtain a 700 year old relic, a lock of hair of Abbess Hild. Hildegard silently questions her Abbess' injunction, "to bring back as a prize a possibly fraudulent artefact at any price." Her escorts are a young priest, Luke, and two militant monks, Gregory and Egbert.
This mission is part of her continued penance for a grievous sin she has committed against the Abbot Hubert de Courcy and the Rule.
Not long after they arrive at Whitby a monk is found dead in the apple storage cellar. Along with this other disturbing factors are swirling around the Abbey and its inhabitants. Unfair rents and taxes, and the treatment of some of the townsfolk has the relations between the town and Abbey tinder dry. It will only takes a spark for the whole place to explode.
Hildegard and her companions are asked by the Abbot to investigate the death. This is just the beginning of a confusing and at times, harrowing sojourn.
I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere that Clark engendered, with touches of high drama, power struggles, and greed, offset by moments of compassion. Hildegard and her companions are a closely knit group that accept each other's strengths and weaknesses. This plays well into what they undertake.
There's a lot happening, including the not so implicit criticism about relics. That is a whole different thread of the story.
I haven't read any of Hildegard's previous tales. A fact I must remedy as I'm loving her wry humor, reflective thoughtfulness, fully human understandings and adventurous ways.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
December 14, 2025
My thoughts
Though I had never read any of the previous books in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Here’s a few reasons why:
1. A well-plotted mystery
Clark captured my attention with an intriguing prologue that raised multiple questions. Hildegard and the others have walked into a place where they are neither wanted nor welcomed. The dangers and intrigues at Whitby are real. Various characters have conflicting agendas, and some are willing to kill to get what they want. Someone might be a friend or foe–or both.
The mystery isn’t straight-forward. The whys and whos and whens are in question, of course, but so is the how: was the monk’s death an accident or murder? If he was deliberately killed, as Hildegard and her friends suspect, how did he die? No spoilers, but it’s one of the most unusual murder methods that I’ve read!
2. Fascinating historical background
Clark deftly weaves historical fact and fiction. The young king and his conflict with the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke’s condemnation of those who shelter heretics, Wycliffe’s disciples: characters speak reference them as easily as we might reference our current batch of politicians.
3. Well-developed characters
The characters feel true-to-life for their time period and circumstances. Clark steers clear of historical anachronism in their attitudes.
Hildegard, for example, has fallen into disgrace from a brief love affair. She does not respond with rebellion or question the need for penance. She is truly disappointed in herself for breaking her vow of celibacy, hurting her abbot, and sorrowful in heart.
Luke is a fascinating character. He’s innocent and endearing. Early in the novel, Hildegard notes that it doesn’t take much to shock him in the confessional. Yet as the novel progresses, his faith in the human nature is shaken. He hasn’t been out in the secular world like the widowed Hildegard or the former crusaders Gregory and Egbert. He’s shocked by the excesses and extravagances in the Whitby Abbey monastics, and through his shock, we realize how appalling their behavior is and how far it is from what it ought to be.
He’s also shaken by his sudden sexual desire for a beautiful woman and realizes for the first time what his commitment to celibacy means. I’ve read a few other medieval monastic novels where this is an issue: the person takes a vow of lifelong celibacy either before he or she realizes what it means or when he or she is temperamentally unsuited for it. It’s sad. But he rises to the occasion beautifully.
I also enjoyed young Torold, a boy who is savvy beyond his years.
4. Compassionate characters
One final thing. I appreciated how Hildegard, Luke, and their friends act toward Sabine, a woman of dubious virtue, and Anna, a new widow with young children who has been kicked out of her house. Their compassion isn’t only words; they live it through their actions. Their intercession and help make a difference in these women’s lives. Here, the monastics take the Scriptural injunction to care for orphans and widows as seriously as they take their vows of celibacy and poverty. It is a beautiful thing to see.
Overall, this is a well-written, engaging novel. If you enjoy historical novels or mysteries set in medieval times, you’ll enjoy Murder at Whitby Abbey.
Thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for a copy of Murder at Whitby Abbey in exchange for an honest review.
(Note: This review will be posted to my blog on September 30, 2019.)
Though I had never read any of the previous books in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Here’s a few reasons why:
1. A well-plotted mystery
Clark captured my attention with an intriguing prologue that raised multiple questions. Hildegard and the others have walked into a place where they are neither wanted nor welcomed. The dangers and intrigues at Whitby are real. Various characters have conflicting agendas, and some are willing to kill to get what they want. Someone might be a friend or foe–or both.
The mystery isn’t straight-forward. The whys and whos and whens are in question, of course, but so is the how: was the monk’s death an accident or murder? If he was deliberately killed, as Hildegard and her friends suspect, how did he die? No spoilers, but it’s one of the most unusual murder methods that I’ve read!
2. Fascinating historical background
Clark deftly weaves historical fact and fiction. The young king and his conflict with the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke’s condemnation of those who shelter heretics, Wycliffe’s disciples: characters speak reference them as easily as we might reference our current batch of politicians.
3. Well-developed characters
The characters feel true-to-life for their time period and circumstances. Clark steers clear of historical anachronism in their attitudes.
Hildegard, for example, has fallen into disgrace from a brief love affair. She does not respond with rebellion or question the need for penance. She is truly disappointed in herself for breaking her vow of celibacy, hurting her abbot, and sorrowful in heart.
Luke is a fascinating character. He’s innocent and endearing. Early in the novel, Hildegard notes that it doesn’t take much to shock him in the confessional. Yet as the novel progresses, his faith in the human nature is shaken. He hasn’t been out in the secular world like the widowed Hildegard or the former crusaders Gregory and Egbert. He’s shocked by the excesses and extravagances in the Whitby Abbey monastics, and through his shock, we realize how appalling their behavior is and how far it is from what it ought to be.
He’s also shaken by his sudden sexual desire for a beautiful woman and realizes for the first time what his commitment to celibacy means. I’ve read a few other medieval monastic novels where this is an issue: the person takes a vow of lifelong celibacy either before he or she realizes what it means or when he or she is temperamentally unsuited for it. It’s sad. But he rises to the occasion beautifully.
I also enjoyed young Torold, a boy who is savvy beyond his years.
4. Compassionate characters
One final thing. I appreciated how Hildegard, Luke, and their friends act toward Sabine, a woman of dubious virtue, and Anna, a new widow with young children who has been kicked out of her house. Their compassion isn’t only words; they live it through their actions. Their intercession and help make a difference in these women’s lives. Here, the monastics take the Scriptural injunction to care for orphans and widows as seriously as they take their vows of celibacy and poverty. It is a beautiful thing to see.
Overall, this is a well-written, engaging novel. If you enjoy historical novels or mysteries set in medieval times, you’ll enjoy Murder at Whitby Abbey.
Thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for a copy of Murder at Whitby Abbey in exchange for an honest review.
(Note: This review will be posted to my blog on September 30, 2019.)
September 24, 2019
In her latest novel, Murder at Whitby Abbey, Cassandra Clark does an excellent job of describing daily life in the Abbey. She captures the hierarchy and corruption of the Catholic Church most succinctly. Her description of how her main character, a woman, is invisible and of no worth to society is aptly described.
Clark's story line follows the traditional story arc. This reviewer was disappointed by what she considered to be a major flaw in the plotline – why didn't the murdered man notice that the windows had all been covered up? Surely the chamber would have been dark and he would not have been able to find his apples?
On the other hand, Clark's, descriptions of the local area, geographical descriptions and even the steps leading up and down to the abbey are very accurate and makes one aware of how easy it is to travel in Northern Yorkshire today – except for those damn 199 steps!
Clark's story line follows the traditional story arc. This reviewer was disappointed by what she considered to be a major flaw in the plotline – why didn't the murdered man notice that the windows had all been covered up? Surely the chamber would have been dark and he would not have been able to find his apples?
On the other hand, Clark's, descriptions of the local area, geographical descriptions and even the steps leading up and down to the abbey are very accurate and makes one aware of how easy it is to travel in Northern Yorkshire today – except for those damn 199 steps!
September 27, 2019
I jumped into the Sister Hildegard series for the first time with book number 10. I definitely missed the back story that was hinted at, but it was still an engaging read. Hildegard is sent on a mission to obtain a relic from Whitby Abbey, a relic about which she is quite dubious. She and her monk companions find themselves in the midst of a town vs abbey controversy which leads to several murders and a great deal of hostility. Set in 1389, the novel is full of the history of England and the church.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 27, 2019
"Late December, 1389. Ordered to undertake a grueling three-day journey to bleak Whitby Abbey in the far north of England in a bid to purchase the Abbey’s priceless Holy Relic – a lock of St Hild’s hair, said to be 700 years old – Hildegard of Meaux and her three companion monks arrive to find the Abbey a decidedly unwelcoming place...very different to their modest lifestyle at Meaux."
I received this ARC from Netgalley and it was quite enjoyable. I read several of the early Cassandra Clark books but the last one I read was not as much fun of a read. I was happy to find that Hildegarde and her entourage were engaging as characters, as well as being happy with their lives at Meaux.
What they were NOT happy about was the atmosphere at Whitby Abbey was oppressive and very dangerous. Two deaths of men they had come to know, in the town and abbey, led Hildegard into some very precarious circumstances.
With the help from her companions, Father Luke and the monks Gregory and Egbert, they solved mysteries and made the surrounding town a safer place.
I received this ARC from Netgalley and it was quite enjoyable. I read several of the early Cassandra Clark books but the last one I read was not as much fun of a read. I was happy to find that Hildegarde and her entourage were engaging as characters, as well as being happy with their lives at Meaux.
What they were NOT happy about was the atmosphere at Whitby Abbey was oppressive and very dangerous. Two deaths of men they had come to know, in the town and abbey, led Hildegard into some very precarious circumstances.
With the help from her companions, Father Luke and the monks Gregory and Egbert, they solved mysteries and made the surrounding town a safer place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2019
My thanks to Severn House Publishers for an eARC via NetGalley of Cassandra Clark’s ‘Murder at Whitby Abbey’ in exchange for an honest review.
This is the tenth in Clark’s Hildegard of Meaux series of medieval mysteries set in the late fourteen century. While I haven’t read any of the earlier books this didn’t really cause a problem. I also visited Clark’s website that provided background on Hildegard and her world.
Over the Christmas of 1389, Hildegard is ordered to travel as an act of penance to Whitby Abbey, where she is to barter for a Holy Relic. She is accompanied by two monks and a young priest. They discover that the Whitby guesthouse is teeming with visitors all very keen on obtaining the relic. Then the body of a young monk is found and Hildegard becomes embroiled in an investigation into his murder. ...
I enjoy reading historical mysteries, especially when they are as well written as this; not only in terms of plot and characters but in the sense of being immersed in details of the period, including the daily lives of ordinary people. Religion played such an important role and Clark clearly demonstrates this in the responses of her characters.
I have already obtained the first in the series and look forward to reading more about Hildegard, her world and adventures.
This is the tenth in Clark’s Hildegard of Meaux series of medieval mysteries set in the late fourteen century. While I haven’t read any of the earlier books this didn’t really cause a problem. I also visited Clark’s website that provided background on Hildegard and her world.
Over the Christmas of 1389, Hildegard is ordered to travel as an act of penance to Whitby Abbey, where she is to barter for a Holy Relic. She is accompanied by two monks and a young priest. They discover that the Whitby guesthouse is teeming with visitors all very keen on obtaining the relic. Then the body of a young monk is found and Hildegard becomes embroiled in an investigation into his murder. ...
I enjoy reading historical mysteries, especially when they are as well written as this; not only in terms of plot and characters but in the sense of being immersed in details of the period, including the daily lives of ordinary people. Religion played such an important role and Clark clearly demonstrates this in the responses of her characters.
I have already obtained the first in the series and look forward to reading more about Hildegard, her world and adventures.
March 23, 2020
A Review...
I have not written a review of all of the books in this series so far...waited til now... First, these are all Advanced reader's copies from Amazon...have seen this before in other series bought from kindle...no editing of any note ...tylos, misspellings, articles that do not make sense, rambling nonsense at times, paragraphs in disarray...etc. The author is blamed each time...but the fault is kindle. These are definitely NOT the final versions of the books that are sold in hardcover and trade versions of they simply would not dell!!! 2nd. I love the sundry characters As much of more than the protagonists! ...but often wonder what happens or happened to them...the Dogs??? Brother Thomas??? The little girl who helped solve a murder and slept in the stables? ...when writing a series of us best to be, at the least, consistant...I am a reader who wants/needs to know the end of the story, the ends all tied up near like a bow! This Series has been a disappointment when it comes to some important 'secondary' characters and what has happened to them. 3rd. I cannot believe how Hildegard in her wisdom and experience...gets herself into the same or similar horrifying situations over and over and over again. Her experience and wisdom should make her much more careful! It actually seems repetitive and less meaningful as the series continues. More attention could be paid to the other main characters we know little about to further the stories on their way. 4th. I would like to know more about Hubert, Gregory, Egbert, the dogs! , the Prioress, etcetcetc. And their histories to explain why they do what they do? Why they are who they are! 5th. In spite of all tjis, I have enjoyed the books. Cringed with fear. Read them all in a short span of time Realized most could be stand alone novels. Want to find out more about these characters. And these characters next adventures. Want to know even more, if it is possible, about the time period all these adventures take place in. ( Me Clark covers it quite thoroughly in each book) Would love to read an edited, final edition of the next one...May but the hard cover just to see why these were sold as all kindle books are when ARCs are given to book sellers and reviewers simply to advertise upcoming titles and Not for sale to the public...they are tough drafts of the final version...I do not know how they get away with this!!! Anyway Thanks to Cassandra Clark for som e cracking good tales that certainly keep ones attention and make one want to get to the next one... I would recommend this series with a Four Star rating...the writing is good, the tales are compelling and interesting full of adventure, the stories are well crafted...the characters are mostly believable and I really love the relationships among the protagonists most of the time! It is also nice to know what the weather and atmosphere is for every moment in each story. Huzzzah!
I have not written a review of all of the books in this series so far...waited til now... First, these are all Advanced reader's copies from Amazon...have seen this before in other series bought from kindle...no editing of any note ...tylos, misspellings, articles that do not make sense, rambling nonsense at times, paragraphs in disarray...etc. The author is blamed each time...but the fault is kindle. These are definitely NOT the final versions of the books that are sold in hardcover and trade versions of they simply would not dell!!! 2nd. I love the sundry characters As much of more than the protagonists! ...but often wonder what happens or happened to them...the Dogs??? Brother Thomas??? The little girl who helped solve a murder and slept in the stables? ...when writing a series of us best to be, at the least, consistant...I am a reader who wants/needs to know the end of the story, the ends all tied up near like a bow! This Series has been a disappointment when it comes to some important 'secondary' characters and what has happened to them. 3rd. I cannot believe how Hildegard in her wisdom and experience...gets herself into the same or similar horrifying situations over and over and over again. Her experience and wisdom should make her much more careful! It actually seems repetitive and less meaningful as the series continues. More attention could be paid to the other main characters we know little about to further the stories on their way. 4th. I would like to know more about Hubert, Gregory, Egbert, the dogs! , the Prioress, etcetcetc. And their histories to explain why they do what they do? Why they are who they are! 5th. In spite of all tjis, I have enjoyed the books. Cringed with fear. Read them all in a short span of time Realized most could be stand alone novels. Want to find out more about these characters. And these characters next adventures. Want to know even more, if it is possible, about the time period all these adventures take place in. ( Me Clark covers it quite thoroughly in each book) Would love to read an edited, final edition of the next one...May but the hard cover just to see why these were sold as all kindle books are when ARCs are given to book sellers and reviewers simply to advertise upcoming titles and Not for sale to the public...they are tough drafts of the final version...I do not know how they get away with this!!! Anyway Thanks to Cassandra Clark for som e cracking good tales that certainly keep ones attention and make one want to get to the next one... I would recommend this series with a Four Star rating...the writing is good, the tales are compelling and interesting full of adventure, the stories are well crafted...the characters are mostly believable and I really love the relationships among the protagonists most of the time! It is also nice to know what the weather and atmosphere is for every moment in each story. Huzzzah!
November 14, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Murder at Whitby Abbey is the 10th book in the Hildegard of Meaux medieval mystery series by Cassandra Clark. Released 1st Oct 2019 by Severn House, it's 240 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.
I absolutely love historical mysteries. I was previously unfamiliar with this series and had no trouble keeping up with the characters or the plot. It works well as a standalone although references to plot developments from earlier books will likely affect my reading of them since there are some spoilers contained in this one.
The plotting is controlled and the story arc is interesting and immersive. The main characters are very well delineated, compassionate, and believable. I really like the setting and history, they come alive. The author has clearly done meticulous research about the daily lives and environs of people in and around religious orders of the 14th century in England. I wasn't slavish about looking up every date or historical character mentioned in the narrative, but the ones I did look up were correct and matched the known historical details. I'm not an historian (I'm a huge bio-nerd), but there were no glaring anachronisms which jumped out at me.
I really enjoyed Hildegard's practicality, intelligence, and wit. She works well with her 'team' and they complement one another's strengths. The book reminds me in a lot of ways of Brother Cadfael, although Ellis Peters' superlative series was set a couple of centuries earlier.
There is no especially graphic violence (it is a murder mystery) or rough language here. The denouement is satisfying. It's a well written period murder mystery and I will be seeking out the other books in the series.
For Kindle Unlimited subscribers; some of the earlier books in the series (about half) are available in the KU subscription to borrow and download for free. It's also worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
Five stars. I really enjoyed it.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder at Whitby Abbey is the 10th book in the Hildegard of Meaux medieval mystery series by Cassandra Clark. Released 1st Oct 2019 by Severn House, it's 240 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.
I absolutely love historical mysteries. I was previously unfamiliar with this series and had no trouble keeping up with the characters or the plot. It works well as a standalone although references to plot developments from earlier books will likely affect my reading of them since there are some spoilers contained in this one.
The plotting is controlled and the story arc is interesting and immersive. The main characters are very well delineated, compassionate, and believable. I really like the setting and history, they come alive. The author has clearly done meticulous research about the daily lives and environs of people in and around religious orders of the 14th century in England. I wasn't slavish about looking up every date or historical character mentioned in the narrative, but the ones I did look up were correct and matched the known historical details. I'm not an historian (I'm a huge bio-nerd), but there were no glaring anachronisms which jumped out at me.
I really enjoyed Hildegard's practicality, intelligence, and wit. She works well with her 'team' and they complement one another's strengths. The book reminds me in a lot of ways of Brother Cadfael, although Ellis Peters' superlative series was set a couple of centuries earlier.
There is no especially graphic violence (it is a murder mystery) or rough language here. The denouement is satisfying. It's a well written period murder mystery and I will be seeking out the other books in the series.
For Kindle Unlimited subscribers; some of the earlier books in the series (about half) are available in the KU subscription to borrow and download for free. It's also worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
Five stars. I really enjoyed it.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
June 29, 2019
This is the latest book in this enjoyable series featuring Hildegard of Meaux by this Author .
Hildregard and her three companions , young Priest Luke, and guards Gregory and Egbert , have been sent to Whitby Abbey to secure a relic of a lock of hair reputed to belong to the Abbess St Hild.
They arrive to find that the Abbot has locked himself away in his quarters and the Bursar running everything .
They are dismayed to find that the relic is also now the subject of a bidding war and after the murder of a monk in the apple house matters become much more dangerous for Hildregard and her friends .
It will take all her strength and intellect for Hildregard to succeed against such odds and find her way safely home with the relic .
This Author manages to bring the unrest of these times to life , her characterisations are brilliant and the story proceeds with pace to a stunning conclusion .
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Hildregard and her three companions , young Priest Luke, and guards Gregory and Egbert , have been sent to Whitby Abbey to secure a relic of a lock of hair reputed to belong to the Abbess St Hild.
They arrive to find that the Abbot has locked himself away in his quarters and the Bursar running everything .
They are dismayed to find that the relic is also now the subject of a bidding war and after the murder of a monk in the apple house matters become much more dangerous for Hildregard and her friends .
It will take all her strength and intellect for Hildregard to succeed against such odds and find her way safely home with the relic .
This Author manages to bring the unrest of these times to life , her characterisations are brilliant and the story proceeds with pace to a stunning conclusion .
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2019
I enjoy medieval mysteries and even if had not already enjoyed several of the Sister Hildegard books, it would be hard to resist a mystery set in Whitby Abbey.
Hildegard of Meaux is sent to Whitby Abbey to bid on a a lock of St. Hild's hair, a relic purported to be more than 600 years old. The year is 1389, and the ancient relic (if genuine) would be a prize for who ever succeeds in the bidding war.
Accompanied by Father Luke and Gregory and Egbert (militant monks who have been on the crusades), the entourage from Meaux find a very different and unpleasant atmosphere at Whitby--and that is before the body of a monk is discovered. Things get decidedly worse and dissension between the abbey and the town intensifies.
A Medieval whodunit with a strong female lead, an interesting plot, and a glimpse of the struggles to keep the Church honest.
Read in July. Blog post scheduled for ??
NetGalley/Severn House
Medieval Mystery. Oct. 1, 2019. Print length: 240 pages.
Hildegard of Meaux is sent to Whitby Abbey to bid on a a lock of St. Hild's hair, a relic purported to be more than 600 years old. The year is 1389, and the ancient relic (if genuine) would be a prize for who ever succeeds in the bidding war.
Accompanied by Father Luke and Gregory and Egbert (militant monks who have been on the crusades), the entourage from Meaux find a very different and unpleasant atmosphere at Whitby--and that is before the body of a monk is discovered. Things get decidedly worse and dissension between the abbey and the town intensifies.
A Medieval whodunit with a strong female lead, an interesting plot, and a glimpse of the struggles to keep the Church honest.
Read in July. Blog post scheduled for ??
NetGalley/Severn House
Medieval Mystery. Oct. 1, 2019. Print length: 240 pages.
July 29, 2019
I don’t realise but this is in fact the 10th book in the authors Abbess of Meaux series. It worked well as a stand alone but I definitely feel like I missed out on some context/ backstory by not reading the previous books. However I loved this and will definitely be reading the previous volumes ASAP.
In this story Hildegard is sent to Whitby Abbey to do her penance and to buy a saints relic. Very soon there is a killing and she along with her companions are at the heart of the drama. The authors descriptions of a wild and uncivilised Whitby are evocative and draw you into .the story. I won’t say too much about the plot as I don’t want to give anything away but I will say that I didn’t predict the satisfying ending.
These books are very much in the same vein as the Cadfael mysteries and just as good.
I highly recommend and am excited to read the rest in the series.
In this story Hildegard is sent to Whitby Abbey to do her penance and to buy a saints relic. Very soon there is a killing and she along with her companions are at the heart of the drama. The authors descriptions of a wild and uncivilised Whitby are evocative and draw you into .the story. I won’t say too much about the plot as I don’t want to give anything away but I will say that I didn’t predict the satisfying ending.
These books are very much in the same vein as the Cadfael mysteries and just as good.
I highly recommend and am excited to read the rest in the series.
September 28, 2019
Who killed the monk in the apple storage room- and why? Hildegard, a widow who is now a nun, is doing penance for a love affair by heading off to Whitby Abbey to retrieve a relic. Things rapidly become much more complicated in that way they do. I'd not read this series before, which I don't think was an impediment to my enjoyment of this complex mystery with lots of interesting intrigue. If you aren't familiar with the politics of 1389 (I wasn't), you'll learn something too. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fans of Clark will like this very much I'm sure (and I bet she has a lot of fans) while new readers, like me, now have a new series.
September 11, 2019
It's the first book I read in this series and won't surely be the last.
It's a well written, engrossing and gripping story that kept me hooked till the end.
I liked the well researched historical background, the fleshed out characters and the plot.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's a well written, engrossing and gripping story that kept me hooked till the end.
I liked the well researched historical background, the fleshed out characters and the plot.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
September 24, 2019
I am a huge fan of historical fiction, and have read a couple of Cassandras other books,this one is brilliant! loved all the characters ,the twists in the tale and great atmosphere.I could see all the ancient stones,smell the aromas good and not so fragrant.It is like holding a veritable stage
in your hands.i much prefer a real book with pages to turn and discover the next part.
I am looking forward to reading all her books and I could imagine a film being made.
Denise Ko
Eastbourne
in your hands.i much prefer a real book with pages to turn and discover the next part.
I am looking forward to reading all her books and I could imagine a film being made.
Denise Ko
Eastbourne
August 15, 2021
It's a priest eating books had been available on Audible and I had read them oh, I might have liked this book better. Although I doubt it. Mystery is not bad. But I found the behaviors of the characters difficult to believe given the time. I don't think a nun travels with three men and no women in that time period. In addition, I found the story to be a bit disjointed. If there were another book in the series available I don't believe I would read it.
September 26, 2023
My first experience of reading a book by Cassandra Clark. I love murder mystery stories and this one set in 1389 is no exception. Our heroine ,the Nun, Hildegard and her team arrive at Whitby Abbey in the depth of winter and become involved in two murders and a riot. Evan though she is a Nun Hildegard is attacked, and suffers a number of attempted rapes. In the end she and her team win through and achieve their goal. All done without fingerprints ,CCTV and DNA.
May 21, 2020
This book did grow on me as it went along. Between the period and the religious angle it was just not my type of book. Coming in this far along in the series is hard too. However, Hildegard is one tough nun and the brothers could be pretty funny. It was well read and I absolutely think the right person will enjoy this.
May 26, 2023
This is an amazing series and this one was a brilliant addition to the series! Full of history, mystery, murder and mayhem! Hildegard of Meaux does it again, along with her intrepid guards and friends. Many layers to this one - politics, sin, zealotry, fanaticism and who actually holds power, finally come together in the end.
September 11, 2019
This book is the best so far. It is extremely good in that I did not suspect the culprit until almost the end. Hildegard and the two monks who travelled with her are great characters. I would love to have met Hildegard. Highly recommended. I am looking forward to more books by this author.
June 17, 2019
Excellent ! Will keep you turning pages right to the end .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2019
Murder Whitby Abbey is a good mystery and It has a good storyline. Interesting characters and well written.
May 22, 2020
Pretty good, but pretty slow going as well. Kind of an Agatha Christieish feel to it, but in an abbey setting. I would recommend for a slow paced day.
December 9, 2020
I don't know why this was still sitting here. I went through my Kindle and Nook and say that it was finished. I'm hoping she will write more.
February 16, 2021
I wish my library had the whole series. This was a pretty good story. I'll look for them on ILL
February 17, 2021
Not my favourite Hildeguard book, did not seem to be drawn in to the 14th century quite the same, but an enjoyable read as always.
April 10, 2023
Very disappointing.
November 24, 2023
Not her best work.
May 27, 2025
I loved this thriller. How monks could get away with their attitudes and non religious beliefs I will never know. Yet again women are put down.
July 2, 2025
December 1389 and Hildegard of Meaux sets off to Whitby Abbey. She is accompanied by 2 monks militant and a young priest. They are going to Whitby to hopefully attain a relic.
January 26, 2020
Typical of the genre.
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