Minoan Footsteps: A Novel

A$29.95 A$32.95

Coleen Clare

Against the backdrop of ancient history, a modern-day mystery unfolds among the mountains, beaches and archaeological sites on the Greek island of Crete.

Four women arrive in Iraklion for a two-week tour of the island led by Eve, known for her expertise in Minoan culture, and Bethan, who manages the daily ups and downs. Lovers, Sophia and Kelly, are hoping this trip will help them settle their differences; Yasmin, from Paris, is dealing with her inner demons resulting from working with war-traumatised women; while Zoe from Devon is taking time out from caring for her sick daughter.

They are surrounded by the women who run the hotels, the kitchens, the transport and much of the island. Cretan prehistory and contemporary worlds intersect as unexpected memories and experiences burst into the present, where unknown dangers threaten to disrupt an idyllic holiday.

Life changes for the six women who set out on a journey through Crete following in Minoan footsteps. Will any of them emerge unscathed?

JUNE 2025 | ISBN 9781922964229 | Paperback | 230 pages | 152 × 228 mm

Coleen Clare

Against the backdrop of ancient history, a modern-day mystery unfolds among the mountains, beaches and archaeological sites on the Greek island of Crete.

Four women arrive in Iraklion for a two-week tour of the island led by Eve, known for her expertise in Minoan culture, and Bethan, who manages the daily ups and downs. Lovers, Sophia and Kelly, are hoping this trip will help them settle their differences; Yasmin, from Paris, is dealing with her inner demons resulting from working with war-traumatised women; while Zoe from Devon is taking time out from caring for her sick daughter.

They are surrounded by the women who run the hotels, the kitchens, the transport and much of the island. Cretan prehistory and contemporary worlds intersect as unexpected memories and experiences burst into the present, where unknown dangers threaten to disrupt an idyllic holiday.

Life changes for the six women who set out on a journey through Crete following in Minoan footsteps. Will any of them emerge unscathed?

JUNE 2025 | ISBN 9781922964229 | Paperback | 230 pages | 152 × 228 mm

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Endorsements

Coleen Clare has vividly created the world of Crete, deftly linking past and present and the matrifocal Minoan world to the dominance of patriarchy today. She has woven this backdrop into a tale where we enjoy first getting to know the characters, their relationships, the food, countryside, the moods of the sea and the hospitality of the people. Into this stalks the ever-present female fear – male violence. Read the book to see how it unfolds!
—Jennifer Cameron, author Ancient Ways for Current Days: Women, Goddess and Communities of Peace

 In Minoan Footsteps, Coleen Clare explores the complex lives of a small international group of women on a history and spiritual learning tour on Crete – Greece’s largest island, with an ancient matriarchal past. Coleen’s protagonists – all realistic and relatable – are on the trail of Minoan goddesses. But juxtaposed with misogynist males in a contemporary patriarchal society, their adventure turns upside down. Coleen describes the Greek scenery, foods and smells enticingly, and she explores the women’s personal responses and camaraderie as they navigate their challenges.
—Penny Zagarelou-Mackieson, author of Greek, Actually

Redemption is found in the love and friendship of the women as they grow through the pain and trauma and emerge with new understandings of their strength and resilience. There is nothing simple or cosy about this book; it challenges! It is true to life with some women protecting violent men and refusing to see the problem this creates. On the other side, it shows that some men can change and even others can support women when needed. Captivating indeed.
—Tricia Szirom, author, Seasons of the Goddess and co-author Gaia Emerging: Goddess in Australia

An imaginative intriguing story of how when all seems stacked against the truth, and misogyny seems to hold the cards, women loving women may prevail, with transformative possibilities for all.
— Glenys Livingstone, author of A Poiesis of the Creative Cosmos: Celebrating Her within PaGaian Sacred Ceremony