• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What Happens When You Mix Fascinating History & Mystery? Great Books!

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

If you love historical mysteries set in England, The Harwood Mysteries by Antony Barone Kolenc might be exactly what you're looking for. via @chautonahavig

Everyone knows I love a good mystery, so when I discovered that Antony Barone Kolenc had written a youth adventure and mystery series, the Harwood Mysteries, I knew I had to learn more about them.

In this episode, we chat about his inspiration for the 12th-century series, the themes of the books, and the many (MANY) awards they’ve won!

Antony Barone Kolenc

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

What Happens When You Mix Fascinating History & Mystery? Great Books!

When I discovered that Antony Barone Kolenc wrote mysteries and what they were about, I knew this would be a great episode. Antony writes about 12th century England in what he calls “Harry Potter meets Brother Cadfael” but without the magic. There are supernatural-feeling elements that he describes as Scooby Do-esque.  All the appearance of the inexplicable… right up until the story explains them.

Full of history, adventure, friendship, and faith, the Harwood Mysteries have everything I love about mystery. No, I haven’t read them yet, but thanks to a generous publisher in Loyola, I have an entire set sitting here just taunting me to put them next on my reading list.

The first book is also sitting on my Audible account, just waiting for me to listen. The narrator… wonderful so far. It opens with a bang, and I love the writing style.  Oh, and speaking of audio… it’s that time when families start taking long car trips. What a great way to pass the time, listening to a good mystery.

So far, Antony has three books available, but the fourth is coming out soon!  I’m so excited about this because he says he has as many as nine in his head.  NINE! SQUEE!

Something about the series reminds me of my Wynnewood series.

CAVEAT:  I have not read these books yet, but I have listened to some of the audio. The opening of the book describes a bandit raid which includes fire, a mace-wielding bandit and his victim, etc. I wouldn’t play this for younger children without listening first to be certain it fits your family’s comfort levels.

Antony Barone Kolenc also has a podcast!

For families looking for uplifting content, Antony does some of the legwork for you on Shepherd’s Pie. As the website says, “The Shepherd’s Pie is an uplifting, ecumenical show that airs weekly on radio and podcast channels. With engaging conversations and fun entertainment reviews, we offer positive insights and media resources for families and youth leaders, while we discuss issues that impact young people at home, in school, and in the world today.”

Shadow in the Dark Antony Barone KolencShadow in the Dark by Antony Barone Kolenc

An attack by bandits in the middle of the night leaves a young boy with no memory of who he is or where he is from. Nursed back to health by the devoted monks in a Benedictine abbey, he takes the name Alexander, or Xan for short. Aided by the kindly Brother Andrew, Xan commits himself to finding out who he really is.

Does he have a family? Are they still alive?

And who–or what–is the shadowy figure creeping around the abbey in the dead of night?

Illumination Book Awards, Gold Medal: Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction (2021)
 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, Gold Medal: Young Adult Fiction – Mystery (2020)
International Book Awards, 1st Place: Religious Fiction (2021)
Independent Publisher Book Awards, Bronze Medal: Religious Fiction (2021)
Catholic Media Association Book Awards, 3rd Place: Escapism (2021)
ACP Excellence in Publishing Awards, 3rd Place: Young Readers (2021)

You can find out more about Antony Barone Kolenc on his WEBSITE and more about the Harwood Mysteries (and the short stories he’s written about Lucy) at the Harwood Mysteries WEBSITE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: Because Fiction Podcast

Previous Post: « I’m Thrilled to Share this Historical Mystery and Its Brilliant Author
Next Post: A Surprisingly Delightful Book Perfect for Teaching Children about Food »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
byChautona Havig

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
March 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Is More Terrifying than an Author with a Sharp Tent Peg?
  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https: Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/512143
A curse.
A killer.
A chill in the air.
Temps are dropping and time is running…
These beauties just arrived. Eeep! #AmReading #c These beauties just arrived.  Eeep!
#AmReading 
#christiansuspense 
#ChristFic 
@lisaphillipsbks
This is what book sorting and cataloging and culli This is what book sorting and cataloging and culling looks like. The molding is still not finished,  a huge shelf sits empty, the above windows shelves are untouched (and therefore,  dusty)... but it's getting there...
#libraryprogress
#gottadoitbeforethekidcomeshome
#notquitebookstageam
Reading this right now. Just started last night, Reading this right now.  Just started last night, and I am already engrossed. 

Reposted from @lianaygeorge Get to know Perfectly Placed! Book 2 in the Hopeful Heart Series, it continues Nicki’s adventures in China and has her falling in love in ways she never imagined!

•
•
•

books book tropes convincing you to read perfectly placed hopeful hearts series contemporary christian fiction women's fiction ebook paperback
Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the n Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the next Bookstrings giveaway (this fall).

Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Link to these designs are in my bio!!!
#resbubbleartist 
#ilovestickers 
#artwork
How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... before time? Not often in my experience, but Jill Eileen Smith's Daughter of Eden takes a bold step to imagine the creation of the angels... of even Michael the Archangel!  Listen in while we chat about Eden, Eve, her children, and the war between those banished from heaven and those who remained to protect those made in God's image.
@revellfiction
@Jilleileensmith
#BecauseFiction
#ChristFic
#BiblicalFiction
#DaughterofEden
#BookishPodcasts
Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and h Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and he's still worn out. Plus, he misses @lornarose9 si we thought we'd say hi.
#NevilleLongBarkem 
#TheShediffice
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!