December 1, 2008
Set in 1199, Clare's compelling 12th mystery to feature Sir Josse d'Acquin (after 2008's The Paths of the Air
) takes the knight and his friend, Helewise, the abbess of Hawkenlye Abbey, to France, to confer with Eleanor of Aquitaine, mother of the recently deceased Richard the Lionhearted, about a memorial chapel to be built at the abbey. The queen draws Josse aside with an additional assignment—to investigate rumors that her son participated in obscene satanic rituals in which young boys were savagely butchered. To the knight's chagrin, he soon uncovers credible evidence that Richard was involved and must keep his word to Eleanor to suppress it. Meanwhile, members of the shadowy organization behind the killings, the Knights of Arcturus, come to England in an effort to keep their secrets. Lean, evocative prose; characters readers can relate to; and a high-stakes puzzle make this a superior medieval historical.
November 1, 2008
A summons from Eleanor of Aquitaine changes the lives of Abbess Helewise of Hawkenlye and Sir Josse d 'Acquin.
The English queen 's letter informs the abbess that a chapel will be built at Hawkenlye in memory of Eleanor 's recently deceased son, King Richard the Lionheart. In addition, Eleanor wishes to see Sir Josse, though her reasons are a closely guarded secret. When the weary travelers arrive on an island off the French coast, Eleanor orders Helewise to Chartres, where she can engage stonemasons and carpenters to build the new chapel. Josse, meanwhile, is ordered to find out the truth about rumors linking Richard with a group of knights purported to be devil-worshipers who sacrifice young boys and practice unspeakable sexual acts. He sets out in search of the knights ' leader Philippe de Loup, who, along with his men, is guarding a secret passed on for generations. The trail of corpses left by Philippe leads to Chartres, where Josse meets his lover Joanna. A powerful force among the worshippers of the old religion, she has come to guard the seat of ancient power that will be covered by the new cathedral. Inevitably, all but Joanna are led back to Hawkenlye, where, in a time of great danger and personal upheaval, Josse will seek the truth and Helewise will make weighty decisions about the new chapel.
Another winner in Clare 's medieval series (The Paths of the Air, 2008, etc.), thanks to a canny brew of mysticism, romance and adventure.
(COPYRIGHT (2008) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)
Starred review from November 15, 2008
Clares latest offering in her Hawkenlye series is an enthralling blend of medieval mystery, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, and adventure that will appeal to a wide range of fans. Following the tragic and untimely death of King Richard in 1199, his mother, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, summons Abbess Helewise of Hawkenlye and Sir Josse dAcquin to France. Eleanor wishes to build a commemorative chapel on the grounds of Hawkenlye and asks the abbessto oversee its construction. But the task she sets for Sir Josse is much more difficult. The queen has heard reports that her now-dead son was involved with the Knights of Arcturus, a group of evil men who carry out unspeakable deeds. She naturally hopes her son, the king, is innocent, and she commands Sir Josse to discover the truth. His task will be dangerousthe Knights are some of the wealthiest, most influential men in France, and one misstep by Josse could be disastrous. Meanwhile, Josses lover, Joanna, is caught up in her own dangerous mission. This is a skilfully plotted, delightfully written genre-bender with appealing characters, bold adventure, and dark intrigue. Top-notch!(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)
November 1, 2008
A summons from Eleanor of Aquitaine changes the lives of Abbess Helewise of Hawkenlye and Sir Josse d ' Acquin.
The English queen's letter informs the abbess that a chapel will be built at Hawkenlye in memory of Eleanor's recently deceased son, King Richard the Lionheart. In addition, Eleanor wishes to see Sir Josse, though her reasons are a closely guarded secret. When the weary travelers arrive on an island off the French coast, Eleanor orders Helewise to Chartres, where she can engage stonemasons and carpenters to build the new chapel. Josse, meanwhile, is ordered to find out the truth about rumors linking Richard with a group of knights purported to be devil-worshipers who sacrifice young boys and practice unspeakable sexual acts. He sets out in search of the knights ' leader Philippe de Loup, who, along with his men, is guarding a secret passed on for generations. The trail of corpses left by Philippe leads to Chartres, where Josse meets his lover Joanna. A powerful force among the worshippers of the old religion, she has come to guard the seat of ancient power that will be covered by the new cathedral. Inevitably, all but Joanna are led back to Hawkenlye, where, in a time of great danger and personal upheaval, Josse will seek the truth and Helewise will make weighty decisions about the new chapel.
Another winner in Clare's medieval series (The Paths of the Air, 2008, etc.), thanks to a canny brew of mysticism, romance and adventure.
(COPYRIGHT (2008) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)