Picture a British storyteller who conjures the mists of 12th-century England, where knights and abbesses unravel chilling mysteries—meet Alys Clare! Writing under the pen name of Elizabeth Harris, Clare has crafted over 20 novels, with her Hawkenlye series stealing the spotlight. Her tales of murder and intrigue, set against the backdrop of medieval life, blend historical grit with human heart, drawing readers into a world where faith and justice collide.
Clare’s unique lens comes from her deep connection to the past, rooted in her archaeological studies and the ancient landscapes of Kent and Brittany. With a knack for vivid settings and complex characters, she’s earned a loyal following among historical mystery fans. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this captivating author!
The Making of Alys Clare
Born Elizabeth Harris on April 7, 1944, in England, Clare grew up in the Kent countryside, near the very woods that inspire her Hawkenlye series. She attended Tonbridge School andbundled up to the University of Kent, where she studied archaeology—a passion that infuses her work with authentic historical detail. Her love for the past deepened as she split her time between Kent and a remote Brittany cottage, surrounded by Neolithic relics and traces of the Knights Templar. This rich tapestry of history sparked her writing career, which began in 1990 under her real name before she adopted the Alys Clare pseudonym for her medieval mysteries.
Alys Clare’s Unforgettable Stories
Clare’s Hawkenlye Mysteries, launched in 1999 with Fortune Like the Moon, center on Sir Josse d’Acquin, a French knight, and Abbess Helewise, a sharp-witted nun. Together, they solve crimes in a 12th-century abbey inspired by a spring near Clare’s Kent home, mirroring Tunbridge Wells’ Chalybeate Spring. The series, spanning 17 novels, weaves historical accuracy with gripping whodunits, exploring themes of faith, power, and morality.
Standout titles include Ashes of the Elements, where a lumberjack’s murder in Wealden Forest unveils pagan rituals, and The Song of the Nightingale, a 1211 tale of vengeance and Cathar intrigue. Beyond Hawkenlye, Clare’s Aelf Fen series follows healer Lassair in 11th-century England, while her Gabriel Taverner Mysteries shift to 17th-century Devon. Her style—rich with historical texture, layered characters, and a touch of mysticism—evokes Ellis Peters’ Cadfael series, earning her critical praise.
Why Alys Clare Matters
Clare’s novels do more than entertain; they transport readers to a time when faith shaped daily life and survival demanded cunning. Her archaeological insight breathes life into medieval settings, making the era tangible. The Hawkenlye series, with its strong female lead in Helewise, subtly champions women’s intellect in a patriarchal age, resonating with modern readers. By blending mystery with cultural and religious tensions, Clare’s work invites reflection on human nature, securing her niche in historical fiction.
About Alys Clare
- Birth Date: April 7, 1944
- Key Works: Hawkenlye Mysteries, Aelf Fen Mysteries, Gabriel Taverner Mysteries
- Pen Name For: Elizabeth Harris
- Inspiration: Kent countryside and Brittany’s ancient relics
Ready to step into medieval England? Snag Fortune Like the Moon and lose yourself in Alys Clare’s spellbinding mysteries!