The Enchanter's Forest (Hawkenlye Mysteries) [Paperback]

Alys Clare (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2009 | Series: Hawkenlye Mysteries

It is midsummer 1195. An impoverished man claims to have discovered Merlin’s tomb and builds a hostel for pilgrims while spreading the word that his find is a place of miracles. This blasphemous intrusion is deeply resented both by the community at Hawkenlye Abbey and the pagan people of the forest. Though the finger of blame points at both communities following the man’s murder, the perennial sleuths Josse d’Acquin and Abbess Helewise soon discover that other parties also had an interest in his death. His wife does not seem distressed at his passing, possibly because she is pregnant despite having not slept with her husband for nearly six months.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for the Hawkenlye Series -- : 'This is no murder-by-numbers writer. What seems a fascinating subplot, about a forest poeople who adhere to the old pagan ways, gradually becomes central to the investigation. Clare draws utterly believable characters who have warmth and humanity ... Don't let the fact that this is the sixth in a series put you off. But I bet, like me, you'll be ordering books one to five when you've finished.' -- Derby Evening Telegraph on A DARK NIGHT HIDDEN 'A worthy heir to Ellis Peters, though grittier, materialises' -- Poison in the Pen on FORTUNE LIKE THE MOON 'Proof that a writer of medieval crime fiction can deliver something fresh' -- The Times 'engrossing' -- Kirkus Reviews 'A rich and compelling mystery' -- Tangled Web 'They are actually rather good' -- Publishers Weekly on A DARK NIGHT HIDDEN

About the Author

Alys Clare is the author of the Hawkenlye Mysteries series. She is a history enthusiast who has written many novels under a pseudonym.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton; Reprint edition (March 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340923865
• ISBN-13: 978-0340923863
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #919,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Hawkenlye Mystics, April 24, 2008

By 

H. Risinger "HR" (Palos Park, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Enchanter's Forest (Hawkenlye Mysteries) (Hardcover)

If you are looking for some mythical tale of the worshippers of Mother Earth, this is the book for you. If you want a great mystery in a medieval setting you will be disappointed, as I was. Alys Clare's Hawkenlye books take great liberties with the culture and practices of the period. Now she also takes great liberties with our imaginations as we fantasize about lost races of mythical beings inhabiting the forests of England. I probably will not read her next book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lost Races, May 3, 2008

By 

Norman R. Brown (Collinsville, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Enchanter's Forest (Hawkenlye Mysteries) (Hardcover)

The interaction and maturation of the characters in the series held me spellbound. Ms. Harris (Alys Clare) as always weaves quite a tale using English lore and religions. This time the lore was Merlin. The added aspect of the nearly lost race added greatly to the story. The historic aspects of the tale adds so much to it. I can't wait for the next one. I appreciate the author's license to expound on the history and the folklore. She has great knowledge in these areas and her ability to pass it to us through writing is exceptional. Too bad the series is set to end soon. A great read - give it a look.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lost in the mystery, May 17, 2009

By 

Ruth B. Ingram (East Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Enchanter's Forest (Hawkenlye Mysteries) (Paperback)

I bought this book hoping to get a great medieval mystery but I was greaatly disappointed. First of all I was lost in a mystery where there were references to previous novels and relationships developed in them. I don't know if this is what set me off but I never could get interested in the book and have put it down unfinished. I will try to go back to it in a few months but at this point I have lost all interest.I seldom write a bad review because I only buy books that interest and intrigue me. Therefore I am almost always happy with my books and I buy a lot of books during the year.