July 1, 2019
In the 11th entry in this English medieval mystery series (after 2008's Vigil of Spies), Captain of the Guard Owen Archer is grieving the recent deaths of his patron and his aunt. He must decide on his next posting: spy for Prince Edward or serve as Captain of the Bailiffs closer to home. On the road to his house in York, Owen is startled to come across the mauled body of Hoban Swann, a member of a prominent family in York. Fear grows in the village; some think wolves attacked Swann. But then more Swann family members are threatened. Dame Lucie, Owen's wife and a noted apothecary, works with local healers to save the victims as Owen investigates the attacks. VERDICT Robb easily conveys the intricacies of court politics and intrigue, allowing narrative space for relationships and humorous exchanges between characters to develop. It is not necessary to have read previous books in the series to appreciate this entry, as ample historical and character background are provided. Recommended for fans of other historical writers such as C.J. Sandsome, Ellis Peters, and Sharon Kay Penman.--Catherine Lantz, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago Lib.
Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2019
Owen Archer returns in an all new medieval mystery set in York, firmly grounded in history, and shaped by intricately woven intrigue. The eleventh installment in Robb's series will be welcomed by fans of this former captain of the Royal Archers, student of apothecary, and, last but not least, master spy. Initially at loose ends after the death of his employer and benefactor, John Thoresby, Archbishop of York, it is not long before Owen is hot on the scent of solving the perplexing death of a local man seemingly ravaged by wolves. With his throat viciously torn out, it appears Hoban Swann, son of a prominent merchant, was the innocent victim of an animal attack, and panic begins to spread through the city. But Owen has other ideas, and it is not long before he concludes that Swann was indeed murdered. A multitude of new and old supporting characters, including poet Geoffrey Chaucer, Owen's wife, Dame Lucie, and apprentice healer Alisoun round out the delightful cast and contribute to the twists and turns of the compelling plot.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)