Alysoun: A Savernake Novel

The date is 1208 Step into the enigmatic world of Aumary Belvoir, Constable of the county of Wiltshire and the revered Warden of Savernake Forest. Amidst the lush tapestry of medieval England, Aumary finds himself entangled in a web of treachery and deceit.

As he inherits his father-in-law's majestic hunting birds, the air crackles with tension when his chief falconer is discovered lifeless in the mews. Was Roger Hawkes struck down by his own beloved creatures, or is a more sinister force at play?

The mystery deepens with the disappearance of Roger's daughter, her clandestine marriage to the local iron master casting ominous shadows over the land. And when tragedy strikes once more with the murder of Cedric, Aumary's young groom's beloved Alysoun, the plot thickens with every passing moment.

This is no ordinary time in England's history; the suffocating grip of the English Interdict looms large, locking the doors of churches and shrouding the land in darkness. In this era of forbidden rites and suppressed whispers, Aumary must navigate a labyrinth of suspects and scarce evidence to untangle the threads of these heinous crimes.

Will this be the case that pushes our valiant Constable to his limits? With so many secrets veiled in the mists of time, Aumary Belvoir must summon every ounce of his wit and courage to unravel the truth.

Alysoun is the fifteenth installment of Susanna M. Newstead's Savernake Medieval Murder Mystery Novel series, where the thirteenth-century ballad "Alysoun" sets the stage for a tale of love, betrayal, and murder.

How did the Interdict shape Aumary's challenges?

The 1208 Interdict halted church functions due to a conflict between King John and Pope Innocent III. Aumary, as a leader, had to balance loyalty to the crown with the needs of his people, navigating strict laws and growing bolder in his solutions.

What inspired Aumary Belvoir, and how has he evolved over the series?

Aumary's character is shaped by medieval social hierarchies, with loyalty to his king being crucial. He sometimes challenges authority, showing resilience despite risks. Inspired by the idea of a noble but tenacious man facing loss and striving to earn the king's trust, Aumary has developed into a compelling, layered character.

What role do hunting birds play in Alysoun?

Falconry is part of the medieval backdrop. Hunting laws are more relevant to the plot than falconry itself, highlighting the era's strict social hierarchies and penalties.

How does the ballad "Alysoun" influence the book?

The medieval poem aligns with themes of love, betrayal, and loss. The character Alysoun has been a recurring figure, representing an idealized love, and her story ties into the series' themes of vulnerability and tragedy, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare's Othello.

How do you keep each new story fresh and engaging?

Using historical poems as titles sparks new ideas, while familiar characters and new themes keep readers engaged. Each book may explore different "age-old" themes, like madness or loss, and often features backstories of minor characters, which adds depth.

What interesting historical details did you uncover for Alysoun?

Research into 13th-century coroner's reports revealed intriguing, often gruesome insights into medieval life. For example, during the Interdict, people reportedly hung their dead in churchyards, fearing their souls would be lost if not buried on hallowed ground. This eerie detail found its way into Alysoun.