She takes a well-worn theme - woman meets man who was her true love 20 years ago - and traces the "will they, won't they get together again" story with her usual deft touch. The always-reliable Elizabeth Noble comes up with another well-written novel in The Way We Were (Michael Joseph, $39, pbk). I enjoyed it, and learnt a good deal of half-forgotten history, although a glossary of the numerous unusual terms would have been helpful. The atmosphere of suspicion is maintained throughout the story, as Hildegard struggles to understand the tangled events. The period is well-described, with much detail about political and religious upheavals and family rivalries, Clark writes vividly of the harsh life and bloodthirsty times. Her quest has many obstacles, including murder, attempted poisoning, a mystery surrounding the birth of a child and threats on her life by unknown enemies. The recently widowed Hildegard is seeking to found her own priory, in spite of the opposition of the male clergy. It is Hangman Blind (John Murray, $38.99, pbk), an engrossing read, set in 1382. This week we review, Hangman Blind, The Way We Were, Ballad of the Last Cold Pie Coduroy Mansions, The Bricklayers, and Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar.Ĭassandra Clark has written the first of what she states will be a series of Medieval Mysteries featuring her heroine, the nun Hildegard.
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