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Brother Chandler #1
The Hour of the Fox Lib/E
Introducing reluctant spy and friar-sleuth Brother Rodric Chandler in the first of a brand-new medieval mystery series.
London. July, 1399. As rumours spread that his ambitious cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, has returned from exile in France, King Richard's grip on the English throne grows ever more precarious. Meanwhile, the body of a young woman is discovered at Dowgate sluice. When it's established that the dead woman was a novice from nearby Barking Abbey, the coroner calls in his friend, Brother Chandler, to investigate.
Who would cut the throat of a young nun and throw her remains in the river? And what was she doing outside the confines of the priory in the first place? Secretly acting as a spy for Henry Bolingbroke, Chandler is torn by conflicting loyalties and agonising self-doubt. As the king's cousin marches towards Wales and England teeters on the brink of civil war, Chandler's investigations will draw him into affairs of state - and endanger not only himself but all those around him.
London. July, 1399. As rumours spread that his ambitious cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, has returned from exile in France, King Richard's grip on the English throne grows ever more precarious. Meanwhile, the body of a young woman is discovered at Dowgate sluice. When it's established that the dead woman was a novice from nearby Barking Abbey, the coroner calls in his friend, Brother Chandler, to investigate.
Who would cut the throat of a young nun and throw her remains in the river? And what was she doing outside the confines of the priory in the first place? Secretly acting as a spy for Henry Bolingbroke, Chandler is torn by conflicting loyalties and agonising self-doubt. As the king's cousin marches towards Wales and England teeters on the brink of civil war, Chandler's investigations will draw him into affairs of state - and endanger not only himself but all those around him.
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First published April 1, 2020
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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 37 reviews
October 30, 2021
Medieval mystery intrigues!
Politics and power in 1399 medieval England as seen through the eyes of a a reluctant spy / investigator, friar Brother Rodric Chandler These are the times of Richard II, Henry Bolingbroke and the Duke of Lancaster. Chandler is in the employ of Bolingbroke, although he does appear conflicted about his role, not that this stops him.
He's a regular visitor to the Tower to question prisonersChandler is astute, an expert in herbs' has a "practical knowledge of poisons", and is well versed in languages.
A turning point for Chandler is when a dead novice is found naked and seemingly drowned. Chandler has been called by his friend Sir Arnold Archer to help him with his investigations. Eventually Chandler finds he cannot let the mysterious death go, even though he has instructions to the contrary. The novice's death is a small flashpoint marking the turning of the political future.
Chaucer plays a part, although I'm still unsure about what his game is.
Chandler's household is a strange one. I found his servant Beata troubling. Their relationship has unresolved sexual undertones.
His friend Archer, one of the City coroners, is a seeker of the mysteries of alchemy along with a group of "fellow Lollard alchemists." Chandler worries for his friend being in the company of Wycliffe's followers. Lollards were aligned with Richard, increasingly a dangerous relationship.
In Matilda Nijmegen a maid of a household whom Chaucer helped, who has become part of Chaucer's household, we see the making of a spy. Chaucer encourages her in this. Fascinating! As is the relationship developing between Mattie and Chandler.
Chandler is gradually opening up before our eyes. I am sure there are further depths and secrets to explore. Something I look forward to.
I'd forgotten that the nursery rhyme "The Grand Old Duke of York" was a satirical comment of this time. It was a clever and whimsical touch by Clark to make that segue, adding color to this already colorful mystery.
The last we see of Chandler, he leaves Windsor in Thomas Swynford’s entourage heading North. Who rides in as Chandler rides out it is cloaked by Swynford's departure--another question!
This period is a fascinating vehicle for the novel. Ripe with death, greed, and the pursuit of power, including questions of freedom of worship and the divine right of kings. An intriguing read!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
Politics and power in 1399 medieval England as seen through the eyes of a a reluctant spy / investigator, friar Brother Rodric Chandler These are the times of Richard II, Henry Bolingbroke and the Duke of Lancaster. Chandler is in the employ of Bolingbroke, although he does appear conflicted about his role, not that this stops him.
He's a regular visitor to the Tower to question prisonersChandler is astute, an expert in herbs' has a "practical knowledge of poisons", and is well versed in languages.
A turning point for Chandler is when a dead novice is found naked and seemingly drowned. Chandler has been called by his friend Sir Arnold Archer to help him with his investigations. Eventually Chandler finds he cannot let the mysterious death go, even though he has instructions to the contrary. The novice's death is a small flashpoint marking the turning of the political future.
Chaucer plays a part, although I'm still unsure about what his game is.
Chandler's household is a strange one. I found his servant Beata troubling. Their relationship has unresolved sexual undertones.
His friend Archer, one of the City coroners, is a seeker of the mysteries of alchemy along with a group of "fellow Lollard alchemists." Chandler worries for his friend being in the company of Wycliffe's followers. Lollards were aligned with Richard, increasingly a dangerous relationship.
In Matilda Nijmegen a maid of a household whom Chaucer helped, who has become part of Chaucer's household, we see the making of a spy. Chaucer encourages her in this. Fascinating! As is the relationship developing between Mattie and Chandler.
Chandler is gradually opening up before our eyes. I am sure there are further depths and secrets to explore. Something I look forward to.
I'd forgotten that the nursery rhyme "The Grand Old Duke of York" was a satirical comment of this time. It was a clever and whimsical touch by Clark to make that segue, adding color to this already colorful mystery.
The last we see of Chandler, he leaves Windsor in Thomas Swynford’s entourage heading North. Who rides in as Chandler rides out it is cloaked by Swynford's departure--another question!
This period is a fascinating vehicle for the novel. Ripe with death, greed, and the pursuit of power, including questions of freedom of worship and the divine right of kings. An intriguing read!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
April 9, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Cassandra Clark. Although I know she has a successful series, with the Abbess Hildegard books, this is the start of a new series and so I thought I would give it a try.
It is set in the hot summer of 1399, during the end of the trouble reign of King Richard II. Amongst the turmoil surrounding the throne, we meet Brother Chandler, who is called to investigate the death of a young novice. There is also the story of a wine merchant, taken to the Tower, and of how the family deal with his arrest. Much of this story is told through the eyes of a young servant, which does give another view of events.
Although this was an interesting setting and I enjoyed the character of Chandler and his conversations with his neighbour, Chaucer, who has a nice cameo role, this was slightly disconcerting in places. Although a first novel in a series, it seemed to jump directly into the plot, without introducing the reader to the roles of those involved. Sometimes this works, but it was handled a little clumsily, I felt. Possibly, the author, used to a long running series, wish to avoid the laboured feel of an opening novel, but I am not sure she quite pulled it off.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review. Rated 3.5.
It is set in the hot summer of 1399, during the end of the trouble reign of King Richard II. Amongst the turmoil surrounding the throne, we meet Brother Chandler, who is called to investigate the death of a young novice. There is also the story of a wine merchant, taken to the Tower, and of how the family deal with his arrest. Much of this story is told through the eyes of a young servant, which does give another view of events.
Although this was an interesting setting and I enjoyed the character of Chandler and his conversations with his neighbour, Chaucer, who has a nice cameo role, this was slightly disconcerting in places. Although a first novel in a series, it seemed to jump directly into the plot, without introducing the reader to the roles of those involved. Sometimes this works, but it was handled a little clumsily, I felt. Possibly, the author, used to a long running series, wish to avoid the laboured feel of an opening novel, but I am not sure she quite pulled it off.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review. Rated 3.5.
May 2, 2020
I read a LOT of historical mysteries, and Cassandra Clark's The Hour of the Fox stands out from the usual fare. To give a brief overview: This novel is set during the War of the Roses at the time of Henry Bolingbroke's triumph over Richard II. Everyone is plotting on behalf of one side or the other—sometimes both. A young nun has been found murdered and Brother Chandler and his friend Arnold Archer, the London Coroner, attempt to solve the puzzle of her death, which, it becomes increasingly clear, has been ordered by someone high up among the nobility.
The central mystery works well, but it's other aspects of the novel that really make it stand out.
• Chandler isn't a heroic figure—he's in the midst of the plotting like everyone else.
• Chandler and Arthur's relationship has genuine points of strain; their disagreements are significant and not just plot devices.
• Some chapters, the only ones written in first person, are in the voice of a maid working in a household near Chandler. Seeing him through her eyes makes his character even more complicated and interesting.
• Chaucer lives across the street!
• With no heavy-handedness, Clark very aptly depicts the danger Henry's rise to power presented for the Lollards.
Given all this, I am very much hoping this book will be the start of a series. I've read volumes in some of Clark's other series and have found them enjoyable, but The Hour of the Fox takes things up several notches in terms of characterization and effective ambiguity.
I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Severn House via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
The central mystery works well, but it's other aspects of the novel that really make it stand out.
• Chandler isn't a heroic figure—he's in the midst of the plotting like everyone else.
• Chandler and Arthur's relationship has genuine points of strain; their disagreements are significant and not just plot devices.
• Some chapters, the only ones written in first person, are in the voice of a maid working in a household near Chandler. Seeing him through her eyes makes his character even more complicated and interesting.
• Chaucer lives across the street!
• With no heavy-handedness, Clark very aptly depicts the danger Henry's rise to power presented for the Lollards.
Given all this, I am very much hoping this book will be the start of a series. I've read volumes in some of Clark's other series and have found them enjoyable, but The Hour of the Fox takes things up several notches in terms of characterization and effective ambiguity.
I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Severn House via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
July 14, 2020
Meh. Didn't really like any of the characters. The mystery got lost in the "intrigue" of the court. Not miserable but just sort of okay.
June 3, 2020
I have read and enjoyed the Abbess of Meaux series by this Author so was looking forward to this new main character set in Medieval England , during the War of the Roses in 1399.
The Author is very good at bringing the times . sights and smells of the era to light , enriching the whole reading experience .
A young woman is found dead , a novice nun from the nearby Convent .
Friar , Brother Rodric Chandler a regular visitor to the Tower to question prisoners , is tasked by his friend Sir Arnold Archer , a city Coroner , to help him with his investigations .
Who can be trusted , why was the young novice killed , can Brother Rodric solve the mystery ?
The plotting and politics of the times are central to the story , even our main character is not immune … he does not always agree with his patron's views often disagreeing over differing points of view .
Relationships are tested , truths come to light but still ambiguity remains .
As always the Author has produced yet another complex , character driven book of a high standard
I was given an arc of this book by NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
The Author is very good at bringing the times . sights and smells of the era to light , enriching the whole reading experience .
A young woman is found dead , a novice nun from the nearby Convent .
Friar , Brother Rodric Chandler a regular visitor to the Tower to question prisoners , is tasked by his friend Sir Arnold Archer , a city Coroner , to help him with his investigations .
Who can be trusted , why was the young novice killed , can Brother Rodric solve the mystery ?
The plotting and politics of the times are central to the story , even our main character is not immune … he does not always agree with his patron's views often disagreeing over differing points of view .
Relationships are tested , truths come to light but still ambiguity remains .
As always the Author has produced yet another complex , character driven book of a high standard
I was given an arc of this book by NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
February 18, 2020
#TheHouroftheFox #NetGalley
"Introducing reluctant spy and friar-sleuth Brother Rodric Chandler in the first of a brand-new medieval mystery series."
I didn't know much about Richard II, and although i'm sure the period detail was quite accurate, not sure I still do.
New series are always more difficult as characters need introduction and development. Chandler and his friends were no exception.
Publisher says this:"Secretly acting as a spy for Henry Bolingbroke, Chandler is torn by conflicting loyalties and agonising self-doubt. As the king's cousin marches towards Wales and England teeters on the brink of civil war,
Chandler's investigations will draw him into affairs of state – and endanger not only himself but all those around him.."
He seemed to remained conflicted until the end of the book, although the chaos of King Richard's being deposed would definitely lend itself to confusion and danger..I enjoyed his interactions with peers and ladies- and of course with Chaucer whose character is always defined.
"Introducing reluctant spy and friar-sleuth Brother Rodric Chandler in the first of a brand-new medieval mystery series."
I didn't know much about Richard II, and although i'm sure the period detail was quite accurate, not sure I still do.
New series are always more difficult as characters need introduction and development. Chandler and his friends were no exception.
Publisher says this:"Secretly acting as a spy for Henry Bolingbroke, Chandler is torn by conflicting loyalties and agonising self-doubt. As the king's cousin marches towards Wales and England teeters on the brink of civil war,
Chandler's investigations will draw him into affairs of state – and endanger not only himself but all those around him.."
He seemed to remained conflicted until the end of the book, although the chaos of King Richard's being deposed would definitely lend itself to confusion and danger..I enjoyed his interactions with peers and ladies- and of course with Chaucer whose character is always defined.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2020
Brother Chandler is a spy for Henry Bolingbroke cousin to King Richard in 1399. Investigating the death of a young nun with his friend the coroner Chandler will come to question his loyalty and becomes obsessed with this mysterious death. There is much hysteria in London at this time of the War of the Roses this story catches the atmosphere of spies upon spies everywhere you doubt that your even on the right side. This is very much a politics driven plot that gives you a glimpse into the changes of the time.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2020
Lots of good chewy historical detail for those who like 14th century mysteries in medieval England, especially with conflicts between King Richard II, of the house of York, and his enemy, Henry of Bolingbroke, who wants the crown for himself and the house of Lancaster. You don't have to be an expert on the War of the Roses to read this as Brother Chandler, a spy and handler for Bolingbroke, will lead you through the warring factions' maneuvers even as he struggles with his ambivalent feelings about torture, politics, and his own lost faith. They both become involved in the murder of a young novice for their own reasons and serves to plunge them both into more danger and intrigue.
April 17, 2024
a very good medieval murder mystery , set against plot and counter plot , that could bring down a king.
February 28, 2020
I received this pre-publication e-book from Severn House via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (Review posted on NetGalley, Goodreads and Amazon.)
This book is the first in a new medieval mystery series by Cassandra Clark, introducing the ‘reluctant friar-sleuth’ Brother Rodric Chandler. The book is set in London during the hot summer of 1399, at a time when the tyranny of Richard II of England was reaching its zenith. Brother Chandler is called to investigate the violent death of a novice nun, and is drawn into a wider plot with implications for the realm.
On balance I enjoyed the book, although only just. It was well written, and the descriptive passages were evocative and immersive; I did feel I got a good sense of medieval London, and the local colour provided by market traders, pub landlords and other NPCs was nicely done.
This is not a period of history I know much about, and I was looking forward to learning more about it. The book deals with Henry of Bolingbroke’s rebellion and Richard II’s forced abdication, but in fact I had to look up a lot of this information in order to make sense of what I was reading in the book. The narrative contained too much indirect disquisition – there was plenty of historical detail and description of political machinations, but the majority of this was told second-hand. For the most part the main characters were not themselves directly involved; in fact, at least in the first half of the book, quite a lot of the info-dumping is done via characters discussing vague and often contradictory rumours overheard or half-believed, which only left me confused.
This confusion was not helped by the divided beliefs and loyalties of the main protagonist, Brother Chandler, who sometimes seemed to be dragged in so many directions he was not sure which way was up. I recognise that a certain degree of this was intentional on the author’s part, as a reflection of the confusing political times, and Chandler has definite potential as a developing character in an ongoing series, but I feel his loyalties need to be ironed out a little to make his motives clearer and help readers to identify with him. (FWIW, I’m also not entirely sure what purpose Chaucer served as a main character; I can only assume he also reappears in sequels.)
Having said that, the plotting did pick up in the second half of the book, and I finished it having enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The ending was about as wide open as it could have been; Brother Chandler clearly still has work to do, and I will look out for the sequel (if only to clear up some of the confusion in this book).
This book is the first in a new medieval mystery series by Cassandra Clark, introducing the ‘reluctant friar-sleuth’ Brother Rodric Chandler. The book is set in London during the hot summer of 1399, at a time when the tyranny of Richard II of England was reaching its zenith. Brother Chandler is called to investigate the violent death of a novice nun, and is drawn into a wider plot with implications for the realm.
On balance I enjoyed the book, although only just. It was well written, and the descriptive passages were evocative and immersive; I did feel I got a good sense of medieval London, and the local colour provided by market traders, pub landlords and other NPCs was nicely done.
This is not a period of history I know much about, and I was looking forward to learning more about it. The book deals with Henry of Bolingbroke’s rebellion and Richard II’s forced abdication, but in fact I had to look up a lot of this information in order to make sense of what I was reading in the book. The narrative contained too much indirect disquisition – there was plenty of historical detail and description of political machinations, but the majority of this was told second-hand. For the most part the main characters were not themselves directly involved; in fact, at least in the first half of the book, quite a lot of the info-dumping is done via characters discussing vague and often contradictory rumours overheard or half-believed, which only left me confused.
This confusion was not helped by the divided beliefs and loyalties of the main protagonist, Brother Chandler, who sometimes seemed to be dragged in so many directions he was not sure which way was up. I recognise that a certain degree of this was intentional on the author’s part, as a reflection of the confusing political times, and Chandler has definite potential as a developing character in an ongoing series, but I feel his loyalties need to be ironed out a little to make his motives clearer and help readers to identify with him. (FWIW, I’m also not entirely sure what purpose Chaucer served as a main character; I can only assume he also reappears in sequels.)
Having said that, the plotting did pick up in the second half of the book, and I finished it having enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The ending was about as wide open as it could have been; Brother Chandler clearly still has work to do, and I will look out for the sequel (if only to clear up some of the confusion in this book).
November 29, 2021
The Hour of the Fox is a gripping historical drama built around the idea of solving a crime. It's the first novel I have read by Cassandra Clark, prolific and much admired author of ‘historical whodunits’ or ‘medieval mysteries’. Her books have mainly been about a crime-solving medieval abbess called Hildegard of Meaux, but here the central character is Brother Chandler, a different kind of hero - the first of a series about him. Brother Chandler, a friar of dubious morality, is a sort of James Bond of the Cloister, deft with a sword and with an eye for the ladies!
It took me a while to get the hang of it, because I expected a simple crime story. Then I understood, and fell into Cassandra Clark's intricate weaving of affairs of state in 1399 with a vivid and convincing portrayal of daily life in London at that time, as well as a step-by-step medieval 'procedural' as Chandler investigates a murder.
While trying to discover who killed a young novice nun from Barking Abbey and dumped her body in the Dow Brook (presumably one of London’s lost rivers) he is really trying to unravel a larger offence taking place with which the girl’s murder in linked – the taking of the Crown of England from King Richard II by the usurper Henry Bolingbroke. This real historical setting turns out to be just as as important and just as intriguing as the fictional story.
It took me a while to get the hang of it, because I expected a simple crime story. Then I understood, and fell into Cassandra Clark's intricate weaving of affairs of state in 1399 with a vivid and convincing portrayal of daily life in London at that time, as well as a step-by-step medieval 'procedural' as Chandler investigates a murder.
While trying to discover who killed a young novice nun from Barking Abbey and dumped her body in the Dow Brook (presumably one of London’s lost rivers) he is really trying to unravel a larger offence taking place with which the girl’s murder in linked – the taking of the Crown of England from King Richard II by the usurper Henry Bolingbroke. This real historical setting turns out to be just as as important and just as intriguing as the fictional story.
April 20, 2020
Our tale picks up the pace in the last third or so, and the pieces are moved around the chessboard and Chandler slowly begins to put things together. All in all, this was a decent historical novel, with the promise of much more to follow.
However, there were some things that I found myself questioning, and this was mainly the character of the servant girl Mattie. Her role is never really clearly defined except to introduce us to Chaucer and as a possible "man on the street" type observer. I failed to really see what either character contributed to the story. Are we to see more of both Chaucer and Mattie in further novels - if not, then why were they included in the first place - they are both surplus to requirement. I also could not understand why the Mattie narrative was in the first person and Chandler's was in the third person. The use of separate chapters (as was done) to direct the storyline would have worked just as effective. In fact, the character that I was most interested in was the crafty Knollys - now there is a character with a story to tell!
I do look forward more in this proposed new series.
fuller review here @ Melisende's Library
However, there were some things that I found myself questioning, and this was mainly the character of the servant girl Mattie. Her role is never really clearly defined except to introduce us to Chaucer and as a possible "man on the street" type observer. I failed to really see what either character contributed to the story. Are we to see more of both Chaucer and Mattie in further novels - if not, then why were they included in the first place - they are both surplus to requirement. I also could not understand why the Mattie narrative was in the first person and Chandler's was in the third person. The use of separate chapters (as was done) to direct the storyline would have worked just as effective. In fact, the character that I was most interested in was the crafty Knollys - now there is a character with a story to tell!
I do look forward more in this proposed new series.
fuller review here @ Melisende's Library
March 8, 2020
This is a new book and character from the author of the Hildegard of Meaux series, which I love. I therefore bought this to see if the Friar sleuth, Rodric Chandler, was as good. I was not disappointed and found it hard to put down once I had started it. For me it evoked the period of RICHARD II and Bolingbroke. The characters were believable and interesting. The character of Brother Chandler illustrated well the position that it was possible to find yourself in; trusted by few people, avoided by many and unsure whose side you were really on.
It is important to note that you are reading a novel and not an academic history book. With this in mind, I found it a most enjoyable read and I am hoping that there will be more in this series. I think it was well researched and would have no hesitation in recommending this book to people who like the Hildegard series as this new character has a lot of potential.
It is important to note that you are reading a novel and not an academic history book. With this in mind, I found it a most enjoyable read and I am hoping that there will be more in this series. I think it was well researched and would have no hesitation in recommending this book to people who like the Hildegard series as this new character has a lot of potential.
December 20, 2020
As rumours abound that Henry Bolingbroke is about to break the terms of his exile and return to England to challenge King Richard II – for his inheritance? for the throne itself? – Brother Rodric Chandler is called to investigate the murder of a young nun. Her death may not be unconnected to the rumours about Bolingbroke…
The Hour of the Fox is the first in what appears to be a new series of medieval mysteries from author Cassandra Clark. This is the first time I’ve read Clark but it was a pretty much no brainer to pick this up. I love this time in history, I love Richard II and I love mystery novels.
For me, this was a disappointing read. The beginning is very, very engaging – I felt drawn into the world, I was connecting with the characters, I was intrigued by the mystery. It felt like a tight, sophisticated mystery novel that – even if I had some issues with the handling of historical personages – I was thoroughly enjoying reading it. And then as we reached the climax of events, everything started to feel rushed.
I think the main problem is that the book is trying to do too much, to the point where the political machinations of Bolingbroke and Richard II’s deposition begin to overtake the characters and the mystery of the nun’s death. The narrative is too busy documenting everything that happens in the political arena – often at break-neck speed with the characters hearing or recounting the latest events and rumours – that the central mystery and the characters themselves get lost in the rush of information. We have two point-of-view characters: Mattie, a maidservant, whose sections are written in first person, and Brother Chandler, whose sections are written in third-person. But because there’s so much information being recounted, their voices begin to blend in each other and I began to scan each chapter to check if there was an “I” present to see whose eyes we were seeing through. The nun’s death is eventually solved but it feels like an afterthought to all the political drama.
The ending leaves loose threads hanging – what happens to Beata? how will justice be done with Bolingbroke on the throne? – but I suspect this is deliberate as this is but the first in the series. The book ends, for instance, before the Epiphany Rising and the death of Richard, which I assume will be dealt with in later volumes.
As I said, I have some issues with the handling of historical personages. Namely, I don’t think Richard II was a perfect baby angel and the House of Lancaster, typified by John of Gaunt and Henry Bolingbroke, were all big, nasty bullies. Don’t get me wrong: I love Richard II! I think he has been badly served by history and by his contemporaries. I really appreciated that Clark actually depicted how traumatising the Appellant Crisis would have been for him instead of just brushing over it as “it was the right thing” as too many historical fiction authors do (THEY PURGED HIS HOUSEHOLD AND KILLED HIS FRIENDS.). I have no actual complaints about the depiction of Richard as a character. But then we have the big, bad, bullying House of Lancaster. And – look, I don’t actually like Henry IV or John of Gaunt that much but I find it hard to believe that they were as evil and as corrupt as Clark depicts.
This is very well researched but I did catch a couple of errors – the Duke of Gloucester is called “Edmund of Woodstock” (and once “Edward of Woodstock”) in this but his name was “Thomas of Woodstock”. Perhaps Clark changed his name to avoid confusing with Thomas Mowbray? Or perhaps she mixed him up with his brother, Edmund of Langley, Duke of York who is also mentioned (but not named)? The lone “Edward of Woodstock” suggests she also briefly confused him with the Black Prince. Louis, Duke of Orleans is said to be a schemer like Gaunt/Bolingbroke but is prevented from acting on his schemes by having too many brothers. Um, no. Orleans had one brother – the king, Charles VI of France – so I must assume Clark thought he was one of Charles VI’s uncles. Again, how “evil” Orleans was usually depends on how much Burgundian propaganda justifying their brutal murder of Orleans in the streets of Paris you want to swallow, though I suspect what sounds the death-nell for Clark is not Burgundian propaganda but “he was friendly with Bolingbroke” – even though Orleans immediately unfriended Bolingbroke and publicly denounced him after he usurped Richard II.
All up, I enjoyed this mystery for itself. I loved the world and characters and I would gladly read other entries in the series and perhaps check out Clark’s other novels. I’m always in the mood for good medieval crime.
The Hour of the Fox is the first in what appears to be a new series of medieval mysteries from author Cassandra Clark. This is the first time I’ve read Clark but it was a pretty much no brainer to pick this up. I love this time in history, I love Richard II and I love mystery novels.
For me, this was a disappointing read. The beginning is very, very engaging – I felt drawn into the world, I was connecting with the characters, I was intrigued by the mystery. It felt like a tight, sophisticated mystery novel that – even if I had some issues with the handling of historical personages – I was thoroughly enjoying reading it. And then as we reached the climax of events, everything started to feel rushed.
I think the main problem is that the book is trying to do too much, to the point where the political machinations of Bolingbroke and Richard II’s deposition begin to overtake the characters and the mystery of the nun’s death. The narrative is too busy documenting everything that happens in the political arena – often at break-neck speed with the characters hearing or recounting the latest events and rumours – that the central mystery and the characters themselves get lost in the rush of information. We have two point-of-view characters: Mattie, a maidservant, whose sections are written in first person, and Brother Chandler, whose sections are written in third-person. But because there’s so much information being recounted, their voices begin to blend in each other and I began to scan each chapter to check if there was an “I” present to see whose eyes we were seeing through. The nun’s death is eventually solved but it feels like an afterthought to all the political drama.
The ending leaves loose threads hanging – what happens to Beata? how will justice be done with Bolingbroke on the throne? – but I suspect this is deliberate as this is but the first in the series. The book ends, for instance, before the Epiphany Rising and the death of Richard, which I assume will be dealt with in later volumes.
As I said, I have some issues with the handling of historical personages. Namely, I don’t think Richard II was a perfect baby angel and the House of Lancaster, typified by John of Gaunt and Henry Bolingbroke, were all big, nasty bullies. Don’t get me wrong: I love Richard II! I think he has been badly served by history and by his contemporaries. I really appreciated that Clark actually depicted how traumatising the Appellant Crisis would have been for him instead of just brushing over it as “it was the right thing” as too many historical fiction authors do (THEY PURGED HIS HOUSEHOLD AND KILLED HIS FRIENDS.). I have no actual complaints about the depiction of Richard as a character. But then we have the big, bad, bullying House of Lancaster. And – look, I don’t actually like Henry IV or John of Gaunt that much but I find it hard to believe that they were as evil and as corrupt as Clark depicts.
This is very well researched but I did catch a couple of errors – the Duke of Gloucester is called “Edmund of Woodstock” (and once “Edward of Woodstock”) in this but his name was “Thomas of Woodstock”. Perhaps Clark changed his name to avoid confusing with Thomas Mowbray? Or perhaps she mixed him up with his brother, Edmund of Langley, Duke of York who is also mentioned (but not named)? The lone “Edward of Woodstock” suggests she also briefly confused him with the Black Prince. Louis, Duke of Orleans is said to be a schemer like Gaunt/Bolingbroke but is prevented from acting on his schemes by having too many brothers. Um, no. Orleans had one brother – the king, Charles VI of France – so I must assume Clark thought he was one of Charles VI’s uncles. Again, how “evil” Orleans was usually depends on how much Burgundian propaganda justifying their brutal murder of Orleans in the streets of Paris you want to swallow, though I suspect what sounds the death-nell for Clark is not Burgundian propaganda but “he was friendly with Bolingbroke” – even though Orleans immediately unfriended Bolingbroke and publicly denounced him after he usurped Richard II.
All up, I enjoyed this mystery for itself. I loved the world and characters and I would gladly read other entries in the series and perhaps check out Clark’s other novels. I’m always in the mood for good medieval crime.
March 6, 2022
I hated just about everything about the book. I read a lot of medieval mysteries and have a pretty good knowledge of many of the characters and I still got confused. A list of the real characters would have been helpful. Chandler, while she tried to make him conflicted, was just boring. Matilda was silly, as was Beata. And the murder? It was the least important part of the book. Usually I don't finish books that I hate but finish it I did. What a waste of time. It just went on and on. Don't waste your time.
November 7, 2021
Hour of the fox.
Most confusing book I ever read. It flitted from him to her to master to this housekeeper to that housekeeper to chandler and I struggled to work out who was who.
I might try book two. Only might.
Most confusing book I ever read. It flitted from him to her to master to this housekeeper to that housekeeper to chandler and I struggled to work out who was who.
I might try book two. Only might.
August 18, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Hour of the Fox is the debut novel in a new medieval mystery series by Cassandra Clark. Released 2nd June 2020 by Severn House, it's 314 pages (ebook) and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a cleverly plotted and well written but densely historical novel set during the very late years of the 14th century. Titular protagonist Brother Chandler is a clever spy/cleric reluctantly in the employ of Henry Bolingbroke (later Henry IV), one of the major players in the jockeying for the English crown. He and his friend, Sir Arnold Archer, a city coroner, investigate the murder of a novice who belonged to a neighboring religious order and try not to get arrested or murdered themselves.
This is definitely a promising start to a series for lovers of medieval mysteries. The historical background is meticulously presented and lovers of the history and intrigue of the English crown will find much to enjoy here. For readers less engaged in the background story and larger picture, I fear much of the story will be lost in the minutiae of who was doing what to whom and who was allied with who (and they're nearly all related: fathers and sons, brothers and uncles, all trying to kill or discredit one another). I enjoyed it immensely and found myself drawn along with the mystery and intrigue. This is one which will be gobbled up by fans of Candace Robb's Owen Archer series (set 30some years earlier), and it rang the same bell for me as many of the Brother Cadfael books or even Graves' prodigious epic I, Claudius (completely different time periods of course, but the rigorous background history is the same). Fans of the author's other series will also likely enjoy this one very much.
Well written and plotted, and the dialogue rang true for me. There's a weird/intriguing cameo from Chaucer (yes, that Chaucer) and his household with foreshadowing for future installments. I'm definitely interested in following this one up. It's a cerebral and complex mystery set against a backdrop of complex political upheaval. It's not particularly easy or fluffy reading.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Hour of the Fox is the debut novel in a new medieval mystery series by Cassandra Clark. Released 2nd June 2020 by Severn House, it's 314 pages (ebook) and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a cleverly plotted and well written but densely historical novel set during the very late years of the 14th century. Titular protagonist Brother Chandler is a clever spy/cleric reluctantly in the employ of Henry Bolingbroke (later Henry IV), one of the major players in the jockeying for the English crown. He and his friend, Sir Arnold Archer, a city coroner, investigate the murder of a novice who belonged to a neighboring religious order and try not to get arrested or murdered themselves.
This is definitely a promising start to a series for lovers of medieval mysteries. The historical background is meticulously presented and lovers of the history and intrigue of the English crown will find much to enjoy here. For readers less engaged in the background story and larger picture, I fear much of the story will be lost in the minutiae of who was doing what to whom and who was allied with who (and they're nearly all related: fathers and sons, brothers and uncles, all trying to kill or discredit one another). I enjoyed it immensely and found myself drawn along with the mystery and intrigue. This is one which will be gobbled up by fans of Candace Robb's Owen Archer series (set 30some years earlier), and it rang the same bell for me as many of the Brother Cadfael books or even Graves' prodigious epic I, Claudius (completely different time periods of course, but the rigorous background history is the same). Fans of the author's other series will also likely enjoy this one very much.
Well written and plotted, and the dialogue rang true for me. There's a weird/intriguing cameo from Chaucer (yes, that Chaucer) and his household with foreshadowing for future installments. I'm definitely interested in following this one up. It's a cerebral and complex mystery set against a backdrop of complex political upheaval. It's not particularly easy or fluffy reading.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 10, 2020
London 1399 and the city is full of rumours that the exiled Henry Bolingbroke is returning to England to claim his birth-right whilst his cousin the King is in Ireland. Rodric Chandler, friar of the Order of St Serapion, manages to fulfil his holy calling whilst acting as a spy. He is alerted when the body of a young nun is found in the river and attempts to investigate her death are blocked. His neighbour, the poet Chaucer, has taken in a young Flemish girl whose original master has fled. When news of Bolingbroke reaches London it is even more shocking, he has deposed the King and Richard is now his prisoner.
Clark is a superb writer of medieval tales focused on a central character of the cloth, here Chandler is set to become an anti-hero, the Friar who is not so devout. The attention to the detail of medieval life is drawn finely and the plot sits neatly into a turbulent period of history. I actually liked the fact that the death of the nun was so incidental to the main movements of the plot, making this less of a historical murder mystery and more of historical thriller.
Clark is a superb writer of medieval tales focused on a central character of the cloth, here Chandler is set to become an anti-hero, the Friar who is not so devout. The attention to the detail of medieval life is drawn finely and the plot sits neatly into a turbulent period of history. I actually liked the fact that the death of the nun was so incidental to the main movements of the plot, making this less of a historical murder mystery and more of historical thriller.
October 7, 2021
Mediocre. The characters were flat, I didn't feel that we really got to know anything about them. The 'hero' Rodric Chandler is boring to be honest, compared to othe medieval sleuths like Matthew Bartholomew, Shardlake, Cadfael, Owen Archer etc, he had absolutely no personality whatsoever, and there was no showing of his conflict about his allegiance to Henry of Bolingbroke, we were told he was conflicted, and that was that
The mystery of the nuns death was a pure MacGuffin, the plot was actually a rather dry retelling of the usurpation of Richard II by Henry IV.
The redeeming factors, well, reading about the period was interesting, I usually skip the Richard II to Henry V era, so it was interesting to read something set in this period. Will give the Abbess of Meaux series a go, but I can't say I'm enthralled by the authors writing style, which is a shame as these books have real potential
The mystery of the nuns death was a pure MacGuffin, the plot was actually a rather dry retelling of the usurpation of Richard II by Henry IV.
The redeeming factors, well, reading about the period was interesting, I usually skip the Richard II to Henry V era, so it was interesting to read something set in this period. Will give the Abbess of Meaux series a go, but I can't say I'm enthralled by the authors writing style, which is a shame as these books have real potential
March 23, 2025
For fans of the Brother Cadfael series and the Matthew Shardlake series. I do love my historical mystery/espionage fiction, and this series takes place right at the end of Richard II’s reign and the beginning of his usurper Henry IV’s reign. There is a lot of potential here, especially with all the solid, meaty historical detail Clark threads into the story. But the delivery brings my review down to three stars. The cadence is weird and sometimes disjointed, without substantial transitions, especially at the beginning of the book. It jumps right into the plot immediately with little to no introductions of the characters, and amidst all that the narrative jumps back and forth between first-person and third-person, leaving the reader a little adrift. For all that I will still enjoy continuing the series (for my historical mystery addiction), as well as taking on her previous series, Abbess Hildegard, which actually take place earlier in King Richard’s reign.
December 31, 2020
I found this to be a very engaging, entertaining book. Chandler, the main character, is an appealing if rather ambiguous person. He is a friar attached to an obscure saint's chantry. He is also an unwilling spy for the Lancaster family - first John of Gaunt and now his son Henry. It is a critical time in England with King Richard II losing his crown to Henry - and Chandler's sympathies (and the book's) are all with Richard. It was a bit jarring for me at first because my opinion of these events have been shaped by Shakespeare's plays and other historical fiction that put a much more positive light on Henry's actions. There is a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end that has me looking forward to the series' continuation.
May 7, 2020
July 1399 To the background of the turmoil times between Richard II and his cousin Henry Bolingbrook, a body of a female novice from Barking Abbey is discovered, naked, murdered, at Dowgate. Sir Arnold Archer, London Coroner, and Brother Rodric Chandler, (spy for Bolingbrook) investigate.
An enjoyable well-written historical (fictional) mystery, the writer easily makes the characters come alive in your mind as you read the story. A good solid start to a new series.
A NetGalley Book
An enjoyable well-written historical (fictional) mystery, the writer easily makes the characters come alive in your mind as you read the story. A good solid start to a new series.
A NetGalley Book
July 3, 2023
The story is interesting in recounting certain events of this short period when King Richard was deposed, but the book ponders unnecessarily too long on Chandler's foibles and indecisiveness. The books read like a first chapter of a very very boring big tome, especially when it contains certain parts told in the first person by Matilda, without much significance on this way of telling parts of the tale.
February 11, 2025
A brilliant beginning to a new series
Having come straight from back to back readings of the Hildegard of Meaux, I wasn't ready to leave the medieval world. So I was delighted to begin this new series featuring mendicant friar and spy, Rodric Chandler.
Set in the turbulent England of Richard III and his usurper cousin Bollingbrook, we are introduced to a great series of characters, all of whom promise to be interesting and mysterious. I can't wait for book 2.
Having come straight from back to back readings of the Hildegard of Meaux, I wasn't ready to leave the medieval world. So I was delighted to begin this new series featuring mendicant friar and spy, Rodric Chandler.
Set in the turbulent England of Richard III and his usurper cousin Bollingbrook, we are introduced to a great series of characters, all of whom promise to be interesting and mysterious. I can't wait for book 2.
June 13, 2020
When a young novice is found drowned, Brother Chandler suspects foul play. Determined to find the truth he is soon neck deep in political intrigue. Set against the backdrop of the struggle for the English throne between Henry III and Richard II this novel is awash in secrets, betrayals and three-dimensional characters.
September 20, 2020
Brother Chandler was definitely an interesting character. He isn’t a stand out hero and doesn’t always have pure motives, but he was an enjoyable character. I liked the different points of views as well, the author did a good job transitioning between them. I will read the 2nd.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily chose to review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily chose to review.
October 22, 2024
Great start. Interesting. But then it just all of a sudden ended. I also didn’t understand the romance between the friar and the maid that seemed to come up out of no then also went no where. Then the book just sort of ended. I thought I somehow missed a chapter. But no. It just ended without any climax or denouement. Left confused.
May 13, 2020
This book was tough for me to get through. I found it confusing. I'm still not sure who murdered the poor victim or why. I'm sure it's just my thought processing that has made things unclear to me.
May 28, 2020
Even if it's well written I couldn't related to the MC and the story fell flat.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opiniions are mine.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opiniions are mine.
July 1, 2020
A little slow and detailed, but I found myself looking up the history of Richard II and other details from this book...maybe the next book will pick up the pace a bit.
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