Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An absolutely wonderful historical novel. Full of magic., 17 Feb 2003
When Josse d'Acquin receives a visit from Prince John and a group of his courtiers looking for a mysterious stranger named Galbertius Sidonius, he becomes suspicious. Why would the Prince go out of his way and come to Sir Josse's out-of-the-way manor, instead of visiting the nearby Hawkenlye Abbey, through which it is much more likely a mysterious visitor such as Sidonius would pass? Josse decides to visit the abbey to get his friend the Abbess Helewise's advice. Although, upon arriving he finds that she has troubles enough of her own: a decomposing body has been found in Hawkenlye Vale, and the death the man met was clearly not a natural one. Before much investigation can be carried out, Josse receives another visitor: his brother Yves, who has crossed the Channel from Acquin in Northern France to seek Josse out. A mysterious visitor has been asking after their father Geffroi, dead for several summers. Josse, Yves and the Abbess are soon thrust into a mystery whose roots lay back as far as the Second Crusade, and that has to do with a strange jewel called The Eye of Jerusalem... This is the fifth novel in Alys Clare's brilliant historical series set in and around the Weald of Kent. As in all her novels, the plot she presents if wholly original and completely refreshing. And, of course, thoroughly enjoyable. The writing is nothing short of first-class, and the further development of her characters and their relationships is excellent once again. Both the main protagonists are fully developed and wholly interesting personalities. (It is especially interesting in this book to learn more about Josse's family and its past.) My only criticism of THE FAITHFUL DEAD, and it is true of all five, is that they are not long enough! And, as for historical detail, it's all so wonderfully unobtrusive. It's full of authenticity and atmosphere, and yet not once does it feel as if the reader is being assaulted with show-off period detail. Every word is germane to the plot. In my opinion, this is the best and most thoroughly enjoyable historical series being written today. I would recommend it not just to fans of historical novels, but to fans of all crime fiction. Absolutely wonderful.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best of all of them, 2 April 2003
By A Customer
remember, please, this is fiction. It's made up, its a story. And it's a really wonderful one, too. Clare is such a great writer...her story moves so absolutely fluidly, and the writing is so clean and sharp. There isnt a word superfluous to the plot, and all the characterisations are acute, concise and sharp. The two lead characters are a joy to read about. They're fresh, likeable, interesting... everything protagonists should be. PLus, its very interesting to learn something of Josses family, which freshens the plot up even more. The setting of the mystery is great, the switching from the Middle east to England to France and into the past really serves to set the pace running! I would reccomend this fast, enoyable book to anyone who likes historical fiction, and a great story! This isn't ust my favourite historical series, but its also probably my favourite fictional series full stop... (well, it ties with Deaver's Rhyme series, i think). If youve not read these wonderfully written, wonderfully plotted novels, youre really missing out. But at least you have them still to savour!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spellbinding historical mystery. Far too short!, 7 Feb 2003
When Josse d'Acquin receives a visit from Prince John and a group of his courtiers looking for a mysterious stranger named Galbertius Sidonius, he becomes suspicious. Why would the Prince go out of his way and come to Sir Josse's out-of-the-way manor, instead of visiting the nearby Hawkenlye Abbey, through which it is much more likely a mysterious visitor such as Sidonius would pass? Josse decides to visit the abbey to get his friend the Abbess Helewise's advice. Although, upon arriving he finds that she has troubles enough of her own: a decomposing body has been found in Hawkenlye Vale, and the death the man met was clearly not a natural one. Before much investigation can be carried out, Josse receives another visitor: his brother Yves, who has crossed the Channel from Acquin in Northern France to seek Josse out. A mysterious visitor has been asking after their father Geffroi, dead for several summers. Josse, Yves and the Abbess are soon thrust into a mystery whose roots lay back as far as the Second Crusade, and that has to do with a strange jewel called The Eye of Jerusalem... This is the fifth novel in Alys Clare's brilliant historical series set in and around the Weald of Kent. As in all her novels, the plot she presents if wholly original and completely refreshing. And, of course, thoroughly enjoyable. The writing is nothing short of first-class, and the further development of her characters and their relationships is excellent once again. Both the main protagonists are fully developed and wholly interesting personalities. (It is especially interesting in this book to learn more about Josse's family and its past.) My only criticism of THE FAITHFUL DEAD, and it is true of all five, is that they are not long enough! And, as for historical detail, it's all so wonderfully unobtrusive. It's full of authenticity and atmosphere, and yet not once does it feel as if the reader is being assaulted with show-off period detail. Every word is germane to the plot. In my opinion, this is the best and most thoroughly enjoyable historical series being written today. I would recommend it not just to fans of historical novels, but to fans of all crime fiction. Absolutely wonderful.
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