ACCLAIM for In Vain
In 2004, Barbara Geisler published the first book in this series,
Other Gods, followed shortly by Graven
Images. I devoured both, and
highly recommend them.
As In Vain opens, we meet Cecily, a young noble girl whose
father has recently died in the Crusades and whose older sister has
been ordered by King Henry to marry the man Cecily loves. Cecily has
a choice for her future: accede to the lustful king's wishes, or follow
his orders to become abbess of Shaftesbury. She rails against both,
but chooses the latter.
Most of the book takes place 21 years later,
in 1128. The Abbey has visitors: Cecily s half brother, Sir Tirel,
who has spent much of his adult life protecting the recently deceased
son of the Duke of Normandy, William Clito; Baudri de Brai, a knight
and friend of Clito; and Baudri s wife (former mistress of Clito) and
sister. When murder occurs, Cecily s half brother investigates, with
the help of Dame Averilla.
Geisler incorporates her historical research gracefully, and the sense
of period that I enjoyed earlier is evident. The author does an excellent
job of providing supporting material: a map of Shaftesbury and a plan
of the abbey, information on the nuns' daily schedule, a list of characters,
notes on the real characters and historical elements of the story,
a bibliography, a timeline, a glossary, and even a selection of Twelfth-century
recipes!
—Trudi E. Jacobson, U.S.
Reviews Editor,
Historical Novels Review
With plenty to enjoy for lovers of historical
fiction and intrigue, In Vain is a top pick, very highly recommended.
— The Midwest Book Review
Available from your favorite bookseller!