The Tavern in the Morning

Alys Clare. Minotaur Books, $23.95 (230pp) ISBN 978-0-312-26237-2

Adventurer Josse d'Acquin and the sage Abbess Helewise return in The Tavern in the Morning: A Hawkenlye Mystery, a fourth medieval historical from Alys Clare (Fortune Like the Moon), this time to investigate the mysterious poisoning (by wolf's bane) of a guest at an inn d'Acquin frequents regularly. Though the dialogue is unmistakably contemporary, Clare's rich descriptions brings the English countryside to life and the fast-talking duo make a charming pair of sleuths.

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