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berlinbibliophile's review
3.0
I did like this book. I was occasionally a little annoyed at the lack of follow-through on the part of Lucie and Owen, but ultimately I still enjoyed reading this book. Now that most of the principal characters and relationships are established the author is able to focus more on the mysteries and how they affect these people than the basics, which I personally like.
git_r_read's review
4.0
I am hoping this is just a hiccup in what is normally a very good series. I did finish it, so it was reasonably good and I like the main characters, Owen and Lucie, and I like the premise of Owen being an investigator, past archer for the kingdom, and apprentice apothecary to his wife Lucie. Add in the fact that it's a historical mystery and it shows a time that I knew little to nothing about.
This one had so many twists and turns and a character that had me wanting to smack her upside the cranium she was so horrid and spoiled.
The political machinations were exhausting and the plot a bit convoluted but I kept reading because I have faith in the author. I will keep reading the series as I find the books.
This one had so many twists and turns and a character that had me wanting to smack her upside the cranium she was so horrid and spoiled.
The political machinations were exhausting and the plot a bit convoluted but I kept reading because I have faith in the author. I will keep reading the series as I find the books.
jenaly's review against another edition
4.0
I really like this series. There were quite a few characters in this story to keep straight, but it is a clever mix of history and story. I love the story line of Lucie and Owen!
lisaebetz's review against another edition
4.0
Once again, Owen archer gets himself involved in a simple mystery that turns into a not-so-simple mystery with political overtones. And, much to his annoyance, his wife gets involved as well.
This story turned out to be a more bloodthirsty tale than I was expecting, but I still am happy to root for Captain Archer and his friends.
This story turned out to be a more bloodthirsty tale than I was expecting, but I still am happy to root for Captain Archer and his friends.
vesper1931's review against another edition
4.0
1365. A nun Joanna Calverley dies of a fever in Beverley and is therefore buried quickly. But it is a year later when Archbishop Thoresby learns of a female in York claiming to be the resurrected nun.
He sends Owen Archer to investigate.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery story
He sends Owen Archer to investigate.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery story
laurion's review against another edition
4.0
A reread.
Sometimes, as with the previous book, the politics or mystery gets a bit too labyrinthine. And a few too many 'fade to blacks' between the main couple for me, such that it became a refrain rather than a relationship definition element.
Sometimes, as with the previous book, the politics or mystery gets a bit too labyrinthine. And a few too many 'fade to blacks' between the main couple for me, such that it became a refrain rather than a relationship definition element.
lauraellis's review against another edition
4.0
This is a wonderful example of good historical mystery—the way it should be, as opposed to the way it often is. This author knows her stuff, is an expert in literature of the period, but doesn’t bang the reader over the head with period detail, the way Anne Perry and others do.
This is set in Edward III’s reign, while the Black Prince is an adult, but alive and healthy. The detective is Owen Archer, a spy for the Archbishop of York, aided by his wife Lucie Wilton, an apothecary. And the plot itself is very complex—you don’t find out what really happened until the very end.
And of course the title is an allusion/salute to Chaucer.
This is set in Edward III’s reign, while the Black Prince is an adult, but alive and healthy. The detective is Owen Archer, a spy for the Archbishop of York, aided by his wife Lucie Wilton, an apothecary. And the plot itself is very complex—you don’t find out what really happened until the very end.
And of course the title is an allusion/salute to Chaucer.
nick_borrelli's review against another edition
5.0
This one was quite a bit darker than the first two. The good news is I like dark. Candace Robb still amazes me with the way she can write scenes that make you feel like you are actually in 14th century York. Wonderful stuff, perfect for a long plane or train ride.
emilyren's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
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