Buy new:
$24.58
$3.99 delivery May 8 - 13
Ships from: allnewbooks
Sold by: allnewbooks
List Price: $28.99 Details

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Save: $4.41 (15%)
$3.99 delivery May 8 - 13. Details
In stock
Usually ships within 4 to 5 days.
$$24.58 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$24.58
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
allnewbooks
Ships from
allnewbooks
Sold by
allnewbooks
Sold by
allnewbooks
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
FREE delivery May 6 - 10. Details
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 2. Details
Used: Good | Details
Sold by ThriftBooks-Phoenix
Condition: Used: Good
Comment: Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Alys Clare
Follow
Alys Clare
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

City of Pearl (An Aelf Fen Mystery, 9) Hardcover – December 3, 2019

by Alys Clare (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 111 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$24.58","priceAmount":24.58,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"24","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"58","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"NczsmSk86liyUZySnRziun0aGtPlHNEloYv7gwtWKj4UYVRGCURMKaWCE256BVjGPLAp43aiS3B3pa0VtySY0bqzSWQ9p9s1kTSoJAEMT9GsetL0lW%2Bny3FD9CxBeCsCH6tJmmy4yMQ65sWBknpRDjPUCpzp3IJWKUTBC9w%2FHi8ElGyJ3GyPHw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$10.33","priceAmount":10.33,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"10","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"33","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"NczsmSk86liyUZySnRziun0aGtPlHNElY8iHq1P5lVmeoLO%2BfTbrmQpdmgzVVSQdaUJ6fdGiZbX6pDsOFAUH2jo2jEQ1OIAGSD6NrRTUKjsLNDKWFGJvanJL0N8%2BcDqt8fsBgyjp3Z2ZRx6m%2BeDWlJp3tzHjEy4XcHu3dwmYefpK2EEQTqTX0nRflNFwBWXa","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

"Clare produces another winner … this magical adventure story, full of joy, danger, and sadness, will draw both Clare's crime-fiction fans as well as fantasy readers" Booklist

Apprentice healer Lassair uncovers the secrets of the mysterious City of Pearl in the compelling new Aelf Fen medieval mystery.

October, 1093. At her mentor's urgent request, Lassair is accompanying Gurdyman across the sea to Spain. But why is he so insistent on embarking on this difficult and dangerous journey just as winter approaches? And why does he seem so afraid? Could there be any connection to the vagrant found lying dead outside his home, a single pearl clutched in his outstretched hand?

As the pair reach the remote mountainous regions of northern Spain, Lassair will be tested as never before. Hot on her trail is Jack Chevestrier, the young lawman who loves her. But who is it who's trying to kill him ... and why?

This richly detailed medieval mystery will appeal to fans of Ellis Peters, Susanna Gregory and Simon Beaufort.
Previous page
  1. Book 9 of 10
    An Aelf Fen Mystery
  2. Print length
    208 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Severn House
  5. Publication date
    December 3, 2019
  6. Dimensions
    5.4 x 1.1 x 8.6 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0727888986
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0727888983
  9. See all details
Next page
Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Frequently bought together

City of Pearl (An Aelf Fen Mystery, 9)
$28.58
Get it May 13 - 29
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
Ships from and sold by GrandEagleRetail.
+
Lammas Wild, The (An Aelf Fen Mystery, 10)
$24.99
Temporarily out of stock.
Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your account will only be charged when we ship the item.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
One of these items ships sooner than the other.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A host of minor mysteries enliven this magical tour of mystical lands" ― Kirkus Reviews

"Clare produces another winner... this magical adventure story, full of joy, danger, and sadness, will draw both Clare's crime-fiction fans as well as fantasy readers" ― Booklist

"Eerie... those who enjoy mystical thrillers set in medieval Europe will be well rewarded" ― Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Alys Clare lives in the English countryside, where her novels are set. She went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She is also the author of the Hawkenlye, Gabriel Taverner and World's End Bureau mystery series.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Severn House; First World Publication edition (December 3, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0727888986
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0727888983
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.4 x 1.1 x 8.6 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 111 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Alys Clare

    Alys Clare

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
  2. Alys Clare

    Alys Clare

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Alys Clare writes historical murder mysteries. There are 17 titles in the now-completed Hawkenlye series, set in and around the Wealden Forest during the reigns of Richard I and John: in order they are Fortune like the Moon, Ashes of the Elements, The Tavern in the Morning, The Chatter of the Maidens, The Faithful Dead, A Dark Night Hidden, Whiter than the Lily, Girl in a Red Tunic, Heart of Ice, The Enchanter's Forest, The Paths of the Air, The Joys of my Life, The Rose of the World, The Song of the Nightingale, The Winter King, A Shadowed Evil and The Devil's Cup.

    The Aelf Fen books are set in the fenlands of East Anglia in the reign of William Rufus. The 9 titles so far are Out of the Dawn Light, Mist over the Water, Music of the Distant Stars, The Way between the Worlds, Land of the Silver Dragon, Blood of the South, The Night Wanderer, The Rufus Spy and City of Pearl.

    The Gabriel Taverner books are set in Devon in the early 1600s. Queen Elizabeth is dead and the throne of England is now occupied by the very different character of James I. The main character in the series is a former ship's physician, and there are three titles so far: A Rustle of Silk, The Angel in the Glass and The Indigo Ghosts.

    The World's End Bureau series is set in Victorian London, where a young woman called Lily Raynor is struggling to set up a private enquiry agency. The two titles to date are The Woman who Spoke to Spirits and The Outcast Girls.

    Alys has also written books under her own name, Elizabeth Harris, and these include a series of time-slip mysteries and some roughly contemporary stories. These are available in e-book form. The titles are The Herb Gatherers, The Egyptian Years, The Sun Worshippers, Time of the Wolf, The Quiet Earth, The Sacrifice Stone, The Twilight Child, A Good Man's Love, Singing in the Wilderness, The Simple Life and My Turn Now.

    Alys has been writing professionally for more than 30 years

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
111 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

biesdnas
5.0 out of 5 stars Great series!!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2022
Verified Purchase
This series is fantastic!! Another great book!
Helpful
 Report
Nancy Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars Does not apply to this survey
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2020
Verified Purchase
A yes for this book.
I would give the City of Pearl a 5. I really enjoyed it but also will miss the series.
I like Alys Claire's books very much.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
eyes.2c
4.0 out of 5 stars Medieval realism knocks on the door of medieval mysticism
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2019
A presence fills the alleys near Gurdyman's house. A vagrant is found dead with a lustrous pearl in his hand propped up against the wall outside Grurdyman's house. Gurdyman is panicked. He knows he's being called back by his past to the places of his childhood and his growth in magico-mystical knowledge.
Lassair is feeling isolated. Jack Chevestrier has sent her away and she finds no place but Gurdyman's. When Gurdyman asks her to accompany him to Spain, despite it being near to winter, she agrees. After all healer Lassair is Gurdyman's pupil and as is pointed out, 'it is a part of his duty to ensure that [she] encounter others who are so much further advanced in the arts.’ These words are those of Lassair's aunt, healer Edild. Edild is now married to Hrype, who first introduced Lassair to Gurdyman. Hrype knows what Gurdyman is and what Lassair could be. He also feels that Gurdyman is exposing Lassair to danger.
Along the road to Santiago Lassair and Gurdyman turn off. New fears and experiences become joined. Lassair has become part of what Gurdyman must do. An atonement? Lassair's journey becomes more complex. Lassair and Gurdyman have been pulled into a hidden mystic community and Lassair is being tested.
Meanwhile Jack and Hrype both meet after sensing a malicious presence in Gurdyman's vacant home. They feel the need to follow that presence towards Lassair. Their journey that will involve Lassair's grandfather Thorfinn, an "Icelander whose nickname was the Silver Dragon" who'd given Lassair "a powerful heirloom known as the shining stone."
This is a novel full of unexpected twists and turns. I must admit I'm a tad conflicted. Reading this I felt like I'd wandered into a lookalike set of Shrangrila, although located in medieval times in the Pyrenees, where esotericism is practiced in a secret valley hidden beneath and beyond the mountains.
I am also unsure of how I feel about the ending?... Lassair obviously must follow her path, even if (as I think), Gurdyman has been somewhat duplicitous in everything. Is Lassair cautious enough? She hasn't been that before. And what of Jack? How will things eventually resolve? We are left with the thought that Jack might be more than he appears. That his solidness is meaningful in some way. For a brief moment there seems to be some sort of positive, even hopeful tension between him and Lassair.
Some of the community Lassair encounters seem to think that some deaths are expendable in the big picture. I do wonder if the healer in Lassair will come into conflict with this viewpoint.
Change and growth are a pivotal point for Lassair. How she gets there is dangerous and challenging.
I must say I'm glad I read the previous novel in the series as there might've been gaps that would've annoyed me otherwise. I am also anxious to see where Clare is leading us.

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Helpful
 Report
Jeannie Zelos
5.0 out of 5 stars the main thrust of the story was fascinating, kept me guessing and engrossed, and felt so very real
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2019
City of Pearl, Alys Clare

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery and Thrillers

I've said before, this series so much reminds me of the Ariana Franklin books I enjoyed years ago, and I'm really enjoying getting to know Lassair and her world. I mistakenly came in late to the series, thinking its was an AF read, so I've yet to have the pleasure of reading the books from the beginning. One day – so many books, so little time.... ;-)

Anyway, we start in the Fens, ( a place not many miles from where I live) but the story moves on a journey to Spain. It amazes me that some folk never traveled further than the next village, which feels usual for the time, while others like Lassair, Gurdyman and his family, and a few others, embarked upon what must have been scary and perilous travails, at a time when so little was known about where they were going, and knowing the journey would be fraught with danger.

Gurdyman has always been a man of few words, Lassair has learned to curb her impatience, knowing he will tell her what she needs to know in time, but even her patience was stretched here. I'd have been climbing the walls.
Clearly the unflappable Gurdyman has been frightened, but by what? Where exactly are they going, and why? Why go now when its the worst time to travail and Gurdyman isn't in the best of health? Lassair though is feeling her losses, poor Rollo, who died in the last book, and Jack, who so curtly rejected her so she's ready for a change, and thinks maybe that's why he chosen now to travel.

Like many historical reads the book is really about the gradual progress to the end, enjoying the journey the book takes us on, rather than racing to the finish. That's good because I enjoyed that more than the actual revelations at the end.
We find the place where Gurdyman lived as a young boy, and where he furthered his education. There are more hints of some things that are a bit more Magic, than straight Healing, a trait only a few have, and of which Gurdyman has taught Lassair only the briefest history.
There's an undercurrent of danger running through the book, of mystery, of evil and maybe harm, of things unspoken but feared, and Lassair finds herself puzzling what, why, who, where are they going etc. She has so many questions but Gurdyman reveals very little. I would be so burning with curiosity, Lassair is a better person ( all round) than me.
She learns more about herself, and things about her mentor which are hard to accept, but in contrast to that harsh fact, and the trials that undoubtedly lie ahead for her, she has a moment of happiness when Jack follows her on that perilous journey to ensure she's safe. He'd only do that if he cares? Right? So thinks she, and I, and I so hope we're right ;-)

Stars: 4.5 I'm hovering between four and five here, the main thrust of the story was fascinating, kept me guessing and engrossed, and felt so very real, I felt I was there in history and I love a story that can do that. Somehow though the answers to those questions Lassair ( and I) has weren't as satisfying as I'd hoped. Though all was made clear it just didn't really feel enough for me, and there were of course bits I wasn't happy to read, disappointments in some people. That was just a fraction of the overall though so its a four and a half for me.

Arc via Netgalley
Helpful
 Report