A Parliament of Spies

Starred review from November 7, 2011
Clark expertly blends murder and Machiavellian politics in her stellar fourth 14th-century historical featuring Abbess Hildegarde (after 2011’s The Law of Angels). York archbishop Alexander Neville taps Hildegarde to accompany him on a trip to London, where she’s to serve as his spy. England is in turmoil under the tumultuous rule of Richard II, while the threat of a French invasion adds to the unrest and uncertainty. Before they set out, Neville’s saucier is found dead in a wine vat, evidently murdered, but Hildegarde has little time to use her deductive skills to ascertain the truth. The journey, plagued by further violence, leads to an enthralling climax that will determine the viability of Richard’s reign. Clark makes the most of the inherent drama of the times, without losing readers unfamiliar with the power players at work behind the scenes. Fans of strong female sleuths like Peter Tremayne’s Sister Fidelma will feel right at home.

December 1, 2011
Sister Hildegard has had many a foreign adventure, but her latest escapade in 14th-century England is more dangerous than most. Childless monarchs are always vulnerable, so it's no surprise that many schemers are plotting to remove Richard II and his wife Anne of Bohemia from the English throne. Meanwhile, Hildegard (The Law of Angels, 2011, etc.) is accompanying Alexander Neville, Bishop of York, to London, where he wants her to spy on the Parliament being assembled as they await a French invasion. Before they leave Yorkshire, a servant is found murdered, but his death is the least of their concerns. On the journey they are attacked, and at a stop in Lincoln they run into Katharine Swynford, mistress of the king's enemy the Duke of Lancaster, and her obnoxious bastard son Sir Thomas Swynford. Once in London, Hildegard is horrified to discover her husband, long thought dead, is alive and wants to claim both her and his estate. When he tries to rape her, she is rescued at the last minute by a foreign friar. Later she learns that her savior is Rivera, a spy working for the King's enemies. After he rescues her from death a second time, they become lovers. Hildegard's world is in shambles as she awaits word on her status as a nun, fights her love for Rivera and attempts to unravel the complicated plots against the king. Mystery takes a back seat to copious historical detail in Hildegard's pleasing fourth adventure.

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January 1, 2012

In her fourth outing (after The Law of Angels), the extraordinary medieval spy Abbess Hildegard meets physical and personal challenges while honoring her king's orders.

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