Thursday, April 2, 2009

Review-Hangman Blind by Cassandra Clark

HANGMAN BLIND
by Cassandra Clark,
Minotaur Books, 2008,
$24.95/C$27.95,pb,320pp,
978-0-312-53730-2






In the year 1382, England emerges from violent religious rebellion into precarious peace. It is during this time, Hildegard, recently widowed, and financially wealthy, becomes a Cistercian nun at the Abbey of Meaux. Her grief is deep and her husband’s death a mystery. It is here she discovers her life’s purpose: to set up a priory to help care for the sick, poor and homeless. Even though the countryside is unsafe, she undertakes an uncertain journey to Castle Hutton in York to ask the Abbot of Meaux for assistance. On the way she stumbles upon the gruesome sight of five hanging eviscerated corpses. Later, she discovers a slaughtered young boy and can’t help but wonder if the two incidents are connected.


Arriving at Castle Hutton, Hildegard reports her findings to Lord Roger. Murder follows her inside when during a celebration feast Lord Roger tumbles over into his plate of food. Assumed poisoned, his apparent death sets up a game of deception and intrigue to catch a killer. Hildegard the key crime investigator faces deceit, evil, lust, greed, and her own divergent feelings.


A debut author with raw nerve, Cassandra Clark places Hildegard, an independent women of means in an unheard of role during this age. This courageous nun is an anachronism I can only describe as CSI meets the 14th century. Hangman Blind, the first book in the Clark’s series, will delight historical crime fans who enjoy constant plot twists with clever subterfuge.


Wisteria Leigh

5 comments:

Literary Feline said...

Yet another book you tempt me with! This sounds like something I would really like. The time period, too, intrigues me.

Thanks for the recommendation, Wisteria!

The Bookworm said...

'CSI meets the 14th century'- this sounds like a great series! great review :)

p.s. I received the book you sent me, thank you! I knew it was from you straight away when I saw the cute decorations on the package :O)

http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

Marg said...

This sounds like an interesting read, and I love anything medieval!

Blodeuedd said...

Interesting :)I will keep a lookout for this one.

Oh and I just came across your blog, fun :)

wisteria said...

Lit Feline...You'll love it! Strong woman role.

Naida...I am anxious to see how the 2nd book is. Glad you got the book this week. :)

Marg...You'll like this one then.

Blodeuedd...Thanks for stopping. I visited your beautiful site..love the header picture. What is it like where you live?