ne-eyed spy Owen Archer returns in a new novel in this seventh installment in Candace Robbs highly acclaimed medieval mystery series.Late spring, 1370. Owen Archer, ex-soldier and spy, prepares to depart Wales after completing political duties for John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. But his attempts to arrange safe passage are thwarted when his stonemason is hanged. Meanwhile, in York, Owens wife, Lucie Wilton, is disheartened by her husbands long absence and the rumors that he has abandoned his family. Equally angered is John Thoresby, Archbishop of York, who orders Owens immediate return. But Owen is caught up in a country at war, and his return has engendered divided loyalties. Now he feels a powerful pull toward the rebel cause. And rebel leader Owain Lawgoch would rather have Owen fight the good fight with himand never return home.
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From Publishers Weekly
The seventh Archer mystery from medieval scholar Robb (The Nun's Tale, etc.) presents an absorbing picture of 14th-century Britain, which is rife with intrigue, rebellion and murder. As Welshmen chafe under English rule, ex-soldier Owen Archer (who won his surname from his skill with a bow) is caught between family obligations in York and his mandate to find whoever hanged Cynog, an eminent but also enigmatic stonemason, who had been working on the tomb of Mistress Archer's late father. Having lost an eye in battle, Owen is reduced to conducting religious tours and investigations for clerics and other local powerbrokers. The scenes change quickly and often between St. David's shrine in Wales and Archer's home in north England, where his impatient wife, Lucie, an apothecary, and their restless son await his return. Wife and son both question Owen's loyalty to England when he's linked to the cause of Wales's legendary redeemer, Owain Lawgoch. Rumor has it that Owain has come from France to free his homeland. Strong faith and fear of God permeate all aspects of people's lives in this dour tale of misery and deprivation. Medievalists will enjoy such raw descriptions as that of the hero's visit to the high sheriff's castle, replete with floggings, acrid smells and streams polluted by offal and waste, but others less familiar with Welsh history and place names may find themselves lost in the maze. Maps, an author's note on the historical background and a glossary provide both interest and guidance. (Apr. 25)Betrayed: First Chapter of Margaret Kerr of Perth.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
In far-off Wales, Owen Archer struggles to discover who murdered a stonemason he had hired while entertaining notions of staying in his native land. Back in England, his wife, Lucie Wilton, contends with mysterious violence at her family's manor and a steward who is both more and less than he seems. There are several interesting mysteries in the seventh tale in this pleasing medieval series, but the best part is the inner struggle of the main characters and the way they eventually reconnect.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Beyond the wonderful writing, there is amazing plot, divided loyalties, real emotions, intrigue, always unexpected twists, realistic problems filled with drama. I loved this book as much as Robb's previous 'Owen Archer' novels.
The way in which this author manages to convey the thoughts and myriad of motivations behind her characters never ceases to amaze me. Everyone is so real with their own loyalties, and their own interests. Even Owen and Lucie's relationship is made all the more special to this reader because of the true way in which the author conveys their own doubts sometimes about each other, sometimes about themselves. I am enchanted by Wales and Owen's roots there. I'm intrigued by St. David's and the Welsh history of the time.
I can't wait to read the next book. And I'm considering going back to APOTHECARY ROSE and starting all over again. These mysteries are wonderful.
Format:Paperback
I was a little disappointed in A Spy for the Redeemer. Of all the Owen Archer series, this is definitely my least favorite. In contemplating the causes, I can only say that it seemed to me that the author, Candace Robb, seemed to be trying to fit too many stories into her 300 pages. What seemed two or three short stories about her main characters were intertwined to produce one tale that became "busy" rather than clever. I also felt that she had perhaps gotten tired of her main characters and their relationships, and had tried to introduce other individuals whose stories were still in the developing mode. Following these new personalities made the whole thing seem even more chaotic. The reader had hardly gotten into a theme when the story took off in another direction. While I find Ms Robb's ability to weave more than one tale together skillfully, this seemed to have reached the outer limits of my ability or willingness to follow along with it. I almost didn't finish the book after chapter 6; chapter 7 was aptly entitled "Chaos."
The primary story seems to be that of an attack on Lucie's ancestral home, Freythorpe Hadden, by a group of thieves who seem to have an uncanny knowledge of the great hall that they had invaded. A secondary tale is Lucie's management of a lengthy list of personal problems: a husband whose absence seems to have been prolonged and whose return is in some question, the widower next door whose attentions are flattering but also unsettling to her, a local gossip who has spread tales of malpractice and infidelity, an aunt whose mental stability is constantly changing, an apprentice who is going through pubescence and mood swings, etc., etc. I got exhausted just reading about it all. And I thought my life was chaotic!
Also a major tale is Owen's visit to his homeland, Wales, and his interrupted plans for returning home to his family. The stonemason who had been commissioned to do his father-in-law's tomb is murdered, and the local archdeacon insists Owen must solve the mystery before leaving the country. A secondary tale attached to this subplot is Owen's temptation to remain in Wales to fight for its liberty. His personal torment is that while he dislikes the treatment his brother Welshmen receive at the hands of their arrogant English overlords, he loves his wife and family and has received only good treatment from the English nobility that he has himself served. Furthermore, he knows that the lack of cohesion among the factions in Welsh politics will probably prevent an effective revolt. Even should the rightful heir prevail, his dependence on French support will probably reduce him to the position of mere pawn of King Charles in his on-going wars with the English king Edward over the control of the French throne. Not a hopeful situation.
Again I enjoyed the author's small exposition on the history and sociology of the 14th century at the back of the book. I have taken to reading this before starting the main text because it clarifies the action of the story. Here too, though, the author seems to have lost her usual passion for the period. There are just a few comments on the history of England, France and Wales as it might apply to her own tale and a list of suggested readings.
If I hadn't read the book's successor the Cross-Legged Knight already, I'd have thought the author had lost interest in the period and the characters altogether.
Just okay. The lady has done much better.
Format:Hardcover
For Candace Robb's legion of Owen Archer fans, "A Spy for the Redeemer" will hold no
surprises: this seventh episode of her series featuring Owen, the former soldier and now
one-eyed spy for Archbishop Robert Thoresby of York, finds himself embroiled in another
of his 14th century intrigues. And, as with the other six, this one is absorbing and full of
interest-holding elements.
surprises: this seventh episode of her series featuring Owen, the former soldier and now
one-eyed spy for Archbishop Robert Thoresby of York, finds himself embroiled in another
of his 14th century intrigues. And, as with the other six, this one is absorbing and full of
interest-holding elements.
Once again, Owen is sent on an errand for his Archbishop, this time to Owen's home
country of Wales, where treason, murder, and more mayhem abound, and he is caught up
in the webs of deceit, Church intrigue, and local loyalties. Indeed, Owen, for a while, is
tempted to stay and fight for his native lands, certainly a treasonous act there.
And back in York, Owen's wife Lucy, a local and successful apothecary, finds her own life
even more complicated. Aside from missing her husband and trying to run her own
household, she finds she is the victim of some malicious gossip, gossip that questions her
own professional abilities, her husbands loyalty to the Crown, and her relationship with a
handsome and accommodating neighbor. These ingredients make for a very complex and
complicated life for her.
Yet, with the usual Robb finesse, both Lucy and Owen are able to overcome their
difficulties, as one would imagine. Overcoming their problems is never in doubt, of course,
but it is how they are overcome that provides the interest. Robb's ability to create
characters that are believable and interesting keeps her stories alive. "A Spy for the
Redeemer" will come as no surprise to readers already familiar with the series; for new
readers, this trip down history lane will be a pleasant experience...
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4.2 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
I have been a fan of Candace Robb's books since first available. The historical detail and the faithfulnes to the period are truly noteworthy. Read more
Published on Aug 5 2002
4.0 out of 5 stars
Owen Archer remains an interesting read
Candace Robb writes an excellent mystery ripe with historical detail. She draws interesting and sympathetic characters that really engage the reader. Read more
Published on May 3 2002 by Susan K. Hughes
4.0 out of 5 stars
Owen Archer remains an interesting read
Candace Robb writes an excellent mystery ripe with historical detail. She draws interesting and sympathetic characters that really engage the reader. Read more
Published on May 3 2002 by Susan K. Hughes
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting historical tale
In 1370 St. David's, Wales Owen Archer looks forward to returning home to his wife Lucie and their children now that his family business in his homeland is finished. Read more
Published on April 12 2002 by Harriet Klausner
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