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The Song of the Nightingale

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About this listen

Winter, 1211. Former abbess Helewise moves back to her cell near Hawkenlye Abbey to help the needy, putting a strain on her relationship with Sir Josse D’Acquin, who is called to examine the bodies of three men, one of whom bears a complicated symbol carved into his chest: a symbol that signifies vengeance. Meanwhile, far from home, Sir Josse’s son, Ninian, has become involved in the cause of the doomed Cathar people, soon to be swept up in a fight that they cannot hope to win.

©2015 Alys Clare (P)2015 Oakhill Publishing Historical Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction

Critic reviews

"Clare skilfully ties together a number of seemingly disparate plot threads, weaving a mystical, adventure-filled tale that's part love story, part murder mystery, and part historical saga." (Booklist)
"Clare has never been better at showing how the common folk struggled to survive under the oppressive reign of King John." (Publishers Weekly)
"Like other entries in this pleasing series this one is much stronger on history than mystery." (Kirkus Reviews)
All stars
Most relevant
I wish I had bought more of these audio books by Alys Clare. I've got all the books and really enjoyed reading them all. That being said this one is rather sad, especially Ninian's part of the story. And Helewise's decision to move back to her cell at the abbey obviously puts a strain on her relationship with Josse, which I also found sad. These two have waited so long to get to where they are (relationship wise) that I feel she now takes it somewhat for granted, though her commitment to her old way of life is surely to be admired. There is quite a lot to this story and it moves everything and everyone forward.

A great listen

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Rather too saccharine for my taste and the backstory needed to be known to make sense of this book. Too many fortuitous encounters and other-worldly maternal revelations and guidance.

Lightweight

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