Claire Aldington is the protagonist of Isabelle Holland’s mystery series set at St. Anselm’s, a fictional Episcopal church in Manhattan. As the rector’s wife, Claire occupies a position that gives her access to the private lives of parishioners, staff, and clergy. When crimes occur in or around the church, her background in social work and her natural directness make her an effective amateur detective.
Holland’s mysteries use the church as both a setting and a source of tension. The community of St. Anselm’s is full of people with secrets, and Claire’s role puts her at the center of it all.
Reading Order#
See the complete Claire Aldington reading order for all books in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Claire Aldington?
Claire Aldington is the wife of a rector at St. Anselm’s, a fictional Episcopal church in Manhattan. With a background in social work, she has a practical approach to the crimes and secrets that surface in her church community.
What order should I read the Claire Aldington books?
Read in publication order starting with A Death at St. Anselm’s (1984). The five books follow Claire through a series of cases connected to the church and its parishioners.
How many Claire Aldington books are there?
There are 5 Claire Aldington mystery novels by Isabelle Holland, published between 1984 and 1990. The series begins with A Death at St. Anselm’s and ends with The Long Search.