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Ceristen #3
The Claw
A disfigured corpse.
The young man who found it.
And the lawman resolved to clear up the matter at all costs.
Mordred Kenhelm's survivalist existence has acquired a measure of stability—even peace. He is ready to put down roots . . . until warnings from the past start rearing ugly heads, that is. He sets out to extinguish old ghosts, but a simple trip downriver threatens to unearth far more than it conceals. Alone with his secrets, he faces a trial of conflict, honor, and humiliation.
Inspector Wilhelm Dickson has never given up on a mission. A zealous search for truth and reparation leads him into a net of affairs much bigger than himself, and one he might not escape with both life and reputation intact. After all, it helps to at least know what you're chasing. Worst of all, the arrogant young man who happens to be the key to everything is more closemouthed than a clam at low tide.
The Claw, third in the Ceristen Series, weaves a tense narrative with the flavor of old detective novels and a touch of English Gothic. Under it all, the quiet question prevails: is there a lasting good at all? And if so, is it meant for us?
The young man who found it.
And the lawman resolved to clear up the matter at all costs.
Mordred Kenhelm's survivalist existence has acquired a measure of stability—even peace. He is ready to put down roots . . . until warnings from the past start rearing ugly heads, that is. He sets out to extinguish old ghosts, but a simple trip downriver threatens to unearth far more than it conceals. Alone with his secrets, he faces a trial of conflict, honor, and humiliation.
Inspector Wilhelm Dickson has never given up on a mission. A zealous search for truth and reparation leads him into a net of affairs much bigger than himself, and one he might not escape with both life and reputation intact. After all, it helps to at least know what you're chasing. Worst of all, the arrogant young man who happens to be the key to everything is more closemouthed than a clam at low tide.
The Claw, third in the Ceristen Series, weaves a tense narrative with the flavor of old detective novels and a touch of English Gothic. Under it all, the quiet question prevails: is there a lasting good at all? And if so, is it meant for us?
312 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2022
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Verity A. Buchanan
5 books61 followersVerity A. Buchanan grew up drinking in the glacier-formed ridges, jewel-blue lakes, and sprawling orchards of Northern Michigan. Enthralled by love of the land, she lives in search of fresh sights and settings, so as to ground her stories as far as possible in the honesty of experience.
When not scribbling down snippets of dialogue or staring hopelessly at a blinking cursor, Verity is probably browsing Lord of the Rings, pouring out emotions on the piano, or undertaking amateur photography and audio mixing. Her enthusiasm for people finds an outlet in teaching piano, working customer service at her local farm market, and forging connections with readers and colleagues across the globe.
When not scribbling down snippets of dialogue or staring hopelessly at a blinking cursor, Verity is probably browsing Lord of the Rings, pouring out emotions on the piano, or undertaking amateur photography and audio mixing. Her enthusiasm for people finds an outlet in teaching piano, working customer service at her local farm market, and forging connections with readers and colleagues across the globe.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 22, 2022
Every time I think I've figured out which book can possibly be my favorite in the Ceristen series, Verity writes another beautiful and quietly epic story.
The Claw is in essence what may have happened if you'd crossed J.R.R.Tolkien and Agatha Christie. The sweeping prose of more classical writers, yet with the depth of humanity and the twisted nature of well-written villains. To say nothing of the characters themselves.
MORDRED is, well, MORDRED. With some new characters thrown in such as chipper Murcod, crocus-loving Inspector Dickson, endearingly named ID by those who know him (that is, us readers), sweet young Selwyn, and a certain edgy character with the name Runiz, which brings to mind something from Tolkien's narratives.
This book is about the innocence or lack thereof regarding humanity, a tale in which darkness and light fight for dominance. And yet, maybe we will indeed discover that "the light is there, beyond our pain. Even when we do not see it. It will always be there. Is that not a thing to hold to?"
Well done, Verity. Can't wait for book 4!
The Claw is in essence what may have happened if you'd crossed J.R.R.Tolkien and Agatha Christie. The sweeping prose of more classical writers, yet with the depth of humanity and the twisted nature of well-written villains. To say nothing of the characters themselves.
MORDRED is, well, MORDRED. With some new characters thrown in such as chipper Murcod, crocus-loving Inspector Dickson, endearingly named ID by those who know him (that is, us readers), sweet young Selwyn, and a certain edgy character with the name Runiz, which brings to mind something from Tolkien's narratives.
This book is about the innocence or lack thereof regarding humanity, a tale in which darkness and light fight for dominance. And yet, maybe we will indeed discover that "the light is there, beyond our pain. Even when we do not see it. It will always be there. Is that not a thing to hold to?"
Well done, Verity. Can't wait for book 4!
October 25, 2025
This book. This book!
It took me on a roller coaster ride.
Or…more aptly put, I was on a roller coaster ride of emotions regarding Inspector Dickson. But above all that, I loved seeing familiar characters from his point of view. The mystery was compelling, and it went in a direction I did not expect!
Mordred. Why must this poor boy go through so much? But at the same time, I’m absolutely here for his character arc! I have a feeling he’s going to be put through even more in the next book…
(Ok, that one moment with him and Fenris. My heart almost couldn’t take it.😭)
And dear, wholesome Fred. Rarely have I met a character who is almost too perfect, yet still so likable. While he might not have been in the spotlight as often as Mordred. The Claw wouldn’t have felt quite the same if he weren’t a part of it.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just be over here waiting for book four…
It took me on a roller coaster ride.
Or…more aptly put, I was on a roller coaster ride of emotions regarding Inspector Dickson. But above all that, I loved seeing familiar characters from his point of view. The mystery was compelling, and it went in a direction I did not expect!
Mordred. Why must this poor boy go through so much? But at the same time, I’m absolutely here for his character arc! I have a feeling he’s going to be put through even more in the next book…
(Ok, that one moment with him and Fenris. My heart almost couldn’t take it.😭)
And dear, wholesome Fred. Rarely have I met a character who is almost too perfect, yet still so likable. While he might not have been in the spotlight as often as Mordred. The Claw wouldn’t have felt quite the same if he weren’t a part of it.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just be over here waiting for book four…
August 1, 2022
This book is a masterclass in plotting, but more importantly (to me), this is the book I love.
Read
May 14, 2025May 13, 2025:
Entering the home stretch for this book yayyyyy
When I first finished this I had NO idea how much work it still needed. My love for the heart of the story I'd captured blinded me a little to its weaker areas. Every other time I sat down to edit it, my gut knew there was more I could do, and I relinquished it so reluctantly because of not only the sheer joy it brought me to work with my manuscript, but the sense that I could keep going.
Like The Journey and The Village, having a chance to come back was really a gift. I loved working on this book as much as ever but I no longer feel the tug to come back. I think it is done. And it is as much a work of art as I can ever hope to make.
From the preface:
"In this, book 3, readership will find the protagonist of a very different sort from either previous installment, and the tone and style colored by his brisk character. Some will undoubtedly find the macabre subject matter of a murder case off-puting and not what the tamer nature of books 1 and 2 allowed them to expect.
"And yet, I would like to suggest, this book is still about the things of home. It is still about the small, ordinary people. It is still about hope, though in great hopelessness. And most of all it is certainly about how humanity and dignity reside within all sorts of people, even those that seem least deserving.
"With that, I tender my book to your hands."
Entering the home stretch for this book yayyyyy
When I first finished this I had NO idea how much work it still needed. My love for the heart of the story I'd captured blinded me a little to its weaker areas. Every other time I sat down to edit it, my gut knew there was more I could do, and I relinquished it so reluctantly because of not only the sheer joy it brought me to work with my manuscript, but the sense that I could keep going.
Like The Journey and The Village, having a chance to come back was really a gift. I loved working on this book as much as ever but I no longer feel the tug to come back. I think it is done. And it is as much a work of art as I can ever hope to make.
From the preface:
"In this, book 3, readership will find the protagonist of a very different sort from either previous installment, and the tone and style colored by his brisk character. Some will undoubtedly find the macabre subject matter of a murder case off-puting and not what the tamer nature of books 1 and 2 allowed them to expect.
"And yet, I would like to suggest, this book is still about the things of home. It is still about the small, ordinary people. It is still about hope, though in great hopelessness. And most of all it is certainly about how humanity and dignity reside within all sorts of people, even those that seem least deserving.
"With that, I tender my book to your hands."
June 20, 2025
Where to begin with this book? Buchanan hit me with twists I did not see coming, but looking back she'd seeded all these little clues, which I love finding in hindsight. Combined with her trademark classic language, intriguing worldbuilding, an epic climax, and the return of new and old favorite characters, I was turning pages! She pulls a classic Agatha Christie move (but I won't say anything more for spoilers sake) that still fooled me completely.
I love how the plot tied back to the previous stories, sometimes in surprising ways, and gives some hints of what's to come that I am definitely excited for. We get to see old characters plus some interesting new ones. Selwyn and Jared were my favorites! I particularly loved Jared's growth arc. It was so relatable and really powerfully done, to show what it's like to grow up and how that changes your relationships with your family or how you see them, and what it really means to become an adult.
I can't wait to see where the next installment takes us!
I love how the plot tied back to the previous stories, sometimes in surprising ways, and gives some hints of what's to come that I am definitely excited for. We get to see old characters plus some interesting new ones. Selwyn and Jared were my favorites! I particularly loved Jared's growth arc. It was so relatable and really powerfully done, to show what it's like to grow up and how that changes your relationships with your family or how you see them, and what it really means to become an adult.
I can't wait to see where the next installment takes us!
April 12, 2024
As I've mentioned before with this series, it is impossible to completely unbiased about a book written by my niece. I will always be honest in my reviews, but just knowing who wrote it changes the way I read it, and that's especially true for this specific book.
The beginning of this book dragged for me. Some the characters I enjoyed most in previous books were either not present or getting very minimal screen time. I expected to really like Mordred as a kind of dark and angsty character, but (one of the constant risks of loving YA as an adult) he just kind of came across to me as young and 'will probably be perfectly nice once he gets older and less dumb'.
There's a risk I would have DNF'd if this had been written by some random person I wouldn't ever meet.
DNFing would have been a mistake, however.
Partway there through there's a bit of worldbuilding that really intrigued me and made the plot take a turn, and I quite enjoyed the story after that. Plus, there's a bit more screen time for both an old favorite character, and a new intriguing character after that point in the plot, which just made it all even more fun.
Recommended for those who would enjoy the juxtaposition of a murder mystery with a fictional world, and a cozy, character-focused tone, with a high stakes plot.
While the descriptions don't get anywhere near graphic, there is a whole lot of adventure/mystery story type violence going on here: blood and injuries, kidnapping, death, torture and so on. Very sensitive readers should perhaps beware, but overall I'd recommend this for even younger readers who enjoy adventure stories and can handle the high emotional tensions as well.
The beginning of this book dragged for me. Some the characters I enjoyed most in previous books were either not present or getting very minimal screen time. I expected to really like Mordred as a kind of dark and angsty character, but (one of the constant risks of loving YA as an adult) he just kind of came across to me as young and 'will probably be perfectly nice once he gets older and less dumb'.
There's a risk I would have DNF'd if this had been written by some random person I wouldn't ever meet.
DNFing would have been a mistake, however.
Partway there through there's a bit of worldbuilding that really intrigued me and made the plot take a turn, and I quite enjoyed the story after that. Plus, there's a bit more screen time for both an old favorite character, and a new intriguing character after that point in the plot, which just made it all even more fun.
Recommended for those who would enjoy the juxtaposition of a murder mystery with a fictional world, and a cozy, character-focused tone, with a high stakes plot.
While the descriptions don't get anywhere near graphic, there is a whole lot of adventure/mystery story type violence going on here: blood and injuries, kidnapping, death, torture and so on. Very sensitive readers should perhaps beware, but overall I'd recommend this for even younger readers who enjoy adventure stories and can handle the high emotional tensions as well.
May 26, 2025
If Agatha Christie and Tolkien collaborated on a book, you’d get something like The Claw! I’d never read a fantasy murder mystery before, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one… even if I did stay up past midnight finishing it. It had me hooked!
This third book the in the Ceristen Series is very different plot-wise than the first two. While The Journey and the Village are more relaxed, The Claw is action driven and will have you on the edge of your seat. The plot kept me guessing, and I wasn't often right.
That being said, Buchanan’s classical writing style really ties the series together and makes them feel cohesive. And as with the previous books, the characters really shine. Alongside the suspense is a lot of introspection and reflection on human nature.
My favourite character is… Fred. It’s always Fred. He’s the best. I grew to like Mordred a lot more in this book, and really enjoyed Inspector Dickson’s POV. Even if I did want to strangle him a few times. The characters will have you invested in the story, and cheering for them. The villains were very sinister and hate-able. They definitely had an imposing presence!
Overall, I highly recommend this series. If you like classical fantasy and historical feeling prose, you’ll enjoy it!
This third book the in the Ceristen Series is very different plot-wise than the first two. While The Journey and the Village are more relaxed, The Claw is action driven and will have you on the edge of your seat. The plot kept me guessing, and I wasn't often right.
That being said, Buchanan’s classical writing style really ties the series together and makes them feel cohesive. And as with the previous books, the characters really shine. Alongside the suspense is a lot of introspection and reflection on human nature.
My favourite character is… Fred. It’s always Fred. He’s the best. I grew to like Mordred a lot more in this book, and really enjoyed Inspector Dickson’s POV. Even if I did want to strangle him a few times. The characters will have you invested in the story, and cheering for them. The villains were very sinister and hate-able. They definitely had an imposing presence!
Overall, I highly recommend this series. If you like classical fantasy and historical feeling prose, you’ll enjoy it!
September 24, 2022
I love this book for so many reasons. The writing is sublime, the characters are fascinating, and the storyline kept me turning pages. I couldn't get enough! Being a mystery lover, this is easily my favorite book in the series. But in addition to that, it has me wanting more!
October 3, 2025
Excellently written! So far my favorite one in the Ceristen series! Verity created the freakiest villain in this story and now I have an absolute fear of this thing.
January 27, 2025
I had a more difficult time with this book compared to the first and second books in the series, which I did enjoy. The writing style definitely changed, which might have been what threw me off.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews