Candace Robb

Medieval detective Owen Archer must investigate a fatal medicine administered to the English Lord Chancellor by the Master Apothecary and resist loving a prime suspect, the apothecary's wife

An Owen Archer Mystery

The Apothecary Rose

Investigating the murder of a wool merchant during the summer Feast of Corpus Christi in 1363, Owen Archer learns that a second murder has taken place and must call on his wife's apothecary skills to unveil a web of treachery. Reprint.

Devilish Deception And Unholy Murder Put Owen Archer On A Bloody Trail Through The Cloisters.

The Lady Chapel

In 1366 England, the frustrating case of a young woman who claims to be the resurrected Joanna Calverley, a nun who had died some months before, is given to Owen Archer, but rather than investigate, Owen must protect his wife and unborn child from Dame Joanna. Reprint. PW.

The Nun's Tale

Geoffery Chaucer joins one-eyed spy Owen Archer on a journey to the Welsh cathedral of St. David's. Trouble precedes the party to St. David's: At the gateway to the city, a man is found stabbed to death, his shoes filled with pale sand. Another murder and the disappearance of the steward's wife cause Owen to take action--and to question his own loyalties. Martin's Press.

The Sixth Owen Archer Mystery

A Gift of Sanctuary

La donna del fiume

As the fourteenth century comes to a close, York seethes on the brink of civil war--and young widow Kate Clifford, struggling to keep her businesses afloat, realizes that her mother is harboring a dangerous secret...

A Kate Clifford Novel

A Twisted Vengeance

La nemica del re

Expertly recreating the social and political upheavals of late medieval Europe and the increasing power of the wealthy merchant class, acclaimed author Candace Robb introduces a new series starring Kate Clifford, a woman forged on the warring northern marches of fourteenth century England. Political unrest permeates York at the cusp of the fifteenth century, as warring factions take sides on who should be the rightful king--Richard II or his estranged, powerful cousin in exile, Henry Bolingbroke. Independent minded twenty-year-old Kate Clifford is struggling to dig out from beneath the debt left by her late husband. Determined to find a way to be secure in her own wealth and establish her independence in a male dominated society, Kate turns one of her properties near the minster into a guest house and sets up a business. In a dance of power, she also quietly rents the discreet bedchambers to the wealthy, powerful merchants of York for nights with their mistresses. But the brutal murder of a mysterious guest and the disappearance of his companion for the evening threatens all that Kate has built. Before others in town hear word of a looming scandal, she must call upon all of her hard-won survival skills to save herself from ruin.

The Service of the Dead

Owen Archer returns in a mesmerizing short story about the danger of false miracles and the treachery of true believers. Magda the Riverwoman has called Owen Archer to her island hut in the middle of the River Ouse with a special favor—to guard a jar of human bones. No one in York is greedier than the relic dealers, the insatiable charlatans who sell flesh and bone as miracle cures, but Magda will not sell the remains at any price. Instead, she asks Owen to protect the jar and keep one eye out for the dark figure that has been watching the island, waiting patiently for the right moment to strike... THE BONE JAR is sure to delight long-time fans of Candace Robb’s Owen Archer series and provide first-time readers with a gripping introduction to her beautifully rendered world of treachery and intrigue, set in medieval England.

An Owen Archer Short Story

The Bone Jar

An act of kindness or unforgivable treason? Owen Archer investigates a murder in Wales with links to a controversial offer of refuge. Wales, 1369. Owen Archer is travelling to Wales on a mission for the Duke of Lancaster, recruiting archers in anticipation of King Charles of France's invasion of England. Joining him are Brother Michaelo, Geoffrey Chaucer and his father-in-law, Sir Robert D'Arby, who is on pilgrimage to the shrine of St David. A JOURNEY DEEP IN THE FOREST ENDS WITH A TERRIBLE DISCOVERY. When the body of John de Reine, one of the Duke of Lancaster's men, is found at the gate of St David's, the bishop asks Owen to return the corpse to John's father, Sir John Lascelles. TREACHERY. PASSION. MURDER. Could John's death be linked to his father's decision to grant sanctuary to a man accused of harbouring a French spy and the wounding of a mysterious pilgrim? As Owen investigates, he uncovers betrayal, treason, acts of passion and dark secrets . . . THE OWEN ARCHER MYSTERIES 1. The Apothecary Rose 2. The Lady Chapel 3. The Nun's Tale 4. The King's Bishop 5. The Riddle of St. Leonard's 6. The Gift of Sanctuary 7. A Spy for the Redeemer 8. The Cross-Legged Knight 9. The Guilt of Innocents 10. A Vigil of Spies 11. A Conspiracy of Wolves 12. A Choir of Crows 13. The Riverwoman's Dragon 14. A Fox in the Fold

Many lies. But only one truth... Winter 1372, York: A man has drowned in the River Ouse. It soon becomes clear that his death was not an accident. But why would anyone want to kill a humble river pilot? As the crowds around the murdered man thicken, one-eyed spy Owen Archer is quickly brought to the scene by his adoptive son, Jasper. Renowned for solving many crimes, Owen is immediately drawn into the case. But right from the start he realises that it isn't a simple question of one victim, one suspect.And when a valuable cross goes missing and a woman is badly burnt in mysterious circumstances, the web of deceit widens. Then another body is found in the river. And as Owen and Jasper get closer to the truth, they find their own lives in danger...

(The Owen Archer Mysteries: book IX): a captivating Medieval mystery guaranteed to have you hooked...

The Guilt of Innocents

“Gripping and believable . . . You can almost smell the streets of 14th-century York as you delve deeper into an engrossing plot” (Prima). In the year of our Lord 1369, the much-loved Queen Phillippa lies dying in Windsor Castle, the harvest has failed, and the pestilence has returned. In York, the atmosphere of fear and superstition is heightened by a series of thefts and violent deaths at St. Leonard’s Hospital—as well as rumors that these crimes are connected to the hospital’s dwindling funds. The Master of St. Leonard’s, Sir Richard de Ravenser, hurries north from the queen’s deathbed to summon Owen Archer, the soldier-spy, to investigate the scandal before it ruins him. Now, while Owen’s wife, Lucie, faces the plague-panicked townsfolk at the apothecary, he encounters a seemingly random series of clues: a riddle posed by one of the victims at the hospital, a lay sister with a scandalous past, the kidnapping of a child from the hospital orphanage, and a case of arson. The answer to the riddle of St. Leonard’s lies in the past, and as Owen’s family is caught up in the sweep of pestilence, he must abandon them to race across the countryside to save the next victim, in this “well-crafted and interesting” tale of suspense (Chicago Tribune). “An engrossing historical mystery.” —The Seattle Times

The Riddle of St. Leonard's

With meticulous attention to detail, thirteenth-century Edinburgh is brought to life in this engrossing and enthralling Medieval mystery from much-loved author Candace Robb. Intrigue coupled with vivid characterisation and expert plotting all serve to make this a perfect read for fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell. 'Thirteenth-century Edinburgh comes off the page cold and convincing - most enjoyable' -- The List 'Brilliant -- Robb presents a feisty new heroine who proves to be no fool' -- Woman & Home 'This is history as it should be told!' -- GoodBook Guide 'History and mystery at their best' -- Northern Echo *********************************************************************************** WHEN TRYING TO UNTANGLE A VICIOUS WEB OF SECRETS, WHO CAN YOU TRUST? 1297: Young wife Margaret Kerr is desperately afraid. Her merchant husband Roger has been missing since Martinmas. Has he been caught up in the swelling rebellion against the English? Is he even alive? Jack Sinclair, her husband's cousin, has pledged to try to locate Roger in the city. When he is found stabbed to death, Margaret resolves she must ride to Edinburgh herself to uncover the truth. But Scotland is a country at war, Edinburgh an occupied city: it is no place for a woman alone. Margaret's mission is frowned upon, her arrival at her uncle's tavern unwelcome. And when she starts to ask questions, she finds a city rife with closely guarded secrets and dangerous loyalties. Soon violence erupts outside the tavern and there is murder on their doorstep. Margaret discovers how little she had known either of Roger or Jack...

(The Margaret Kerr Trilogy: I): a captivating blend of history and mystery set in medieval Scotland from much-loved author Candace Robb

A Trust Betrayed

England still in tumult at the start of the fifteenth century, as Kate Clifford finds herself working to prove the innocence of her longtime confidante. It is deep winter in York, 1400, the ground frozen, the short days dimmed with the smoke from countless fires, the sun, when it shines, low in the sky. It is rumored that the Epiphany Uprising, meant to relieve the realm of the Henry the usurper and return King Richard to the throne has, instead, spelled his doom. As long as Richard lives, he is a threat to Henry. So, too, the nobles behind the plot. The ringleaders have been caught, some slaughtered as they fled west by folk loyal to Henry, and the king’s men now search the towns for survivors. A perilous time, made worse for Kate Clifford by the disappearance of Berend, her cook and confidante, shortly after Christmas. Her niece saw his departure in a dream—he said he was honor bound to leave. Honor bound—to a former lord? One of the nobles who led the uprising? Is he alive? She is hardly consoled when Berend reappears, wounded, secretive, denying any connection to the uprising, but refusing to explain himself. When he is accused of brutally murdering a spice seller in the city, Kate discovers a chest of jewels in his possession. Some of the jewels belong to her old friend Lady Margery, wanted by the king for her husband’s part in the uprising. For the sake of their long friendship, and the love she and her wards bear for him, Kate wants to believe his innocence. So, too, does Sir Elric. And he has the powerful backing of the Earl of Westmoreland. All she need do is confide in him. If only she trusted her heart.

A Murdered Peace: A Kate Clifford Novel

Owen Archer suspects an old adversary is on his tail as he seeks to solve the mystery surrounding a dead body found on the road to York. "A standout . . . Robb reinforces her place among the top writers of medieval historicals" - Publishers Weekly Starred Review October, 1376. Owen Archer is summoned by sheriff Sir Ralph Hastings regarding a stripped and bloodied body discovered on the road north to York. Could it be connected to an attack on a carter and his labourers who were transporting stone destined for St Clement's Priory? The carter fled, but his men stayed to fight and are now missing. Is the victim one of them? At first Owen believes the catalyst for murder and menace in York is the arrival of the political pariah William Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester. But he soon suspects that a formidable and skillful adversary from his past has arrived in the city, thrusting him and his family into grave danger, and his investigation becomes a race to uncover the truth before his old nemesis destroys all he holds dear.

A Fox in the Fold

Medieval York is brought to life by Candace Robb in this suspense laden and spellbinding murder mystery. If you like Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell, you will love this! 'A superb medieval mystery, thoroughly grounded in historical fact' -- Booklist 'A vivid portrait of 14th-century England which gives us a hero who is cunning and capable, whether navigating the Court of the open moors' -- Time Out 'A complex and ambiguous tale... Robb continues to adeptly blend politics with period detail and three-dimensional characterisation' -- Publishers Weekly 'An exceptional historical medieval murder mystery' -- ***** Reader review 'A good yarn, well crafted and suitably complex' -- ***** Reader review 'Candace Robb thorough research shows in this really gripping tale. I think Owen Archer is the best thing since sliced bread. Gorgeous!!!' -- ***** Reader review 'The complexity of the characters in this book has me hooked. I am so invested in Owen's process. I love the setting, the historic aspect, the religious aspect...it's great. I'm definitely invested.' -- ***** Reader review **************************************************************************** WHO CAN YOU REALLY TRUST? March 1367: King Edward is impatient. He wants William of Wykeham confirmed as Bishop of Winchester, but Pope Urban V is stalling, deterred by the man's wealth and political ambition. Thus Owen Archer finds himself heading a deputation from York to Fountains Abbey, to win support for Wykeham from the powerful Cistercian abbots. Ignoring advice, he places his old comrade Ned Townley in charge of the fellow company to Rievaulx, hoping to dispel rumours of Ned's involvement in a mysterious death. But just days out of York trouble erupts: a friar and Ned both vanish, following news of murder at Windsor. Owen asks John Thoresby, at Court in his role as Lord Chancellor, for help, little knowing it will involve him with the King's mistress, Alice Perrers, ever a dangerous enemy... Can Archer extricate himself from a web of deceit and mystery in order to reveal the truth?

(The Owen Archer Mysteries: book IV): get transported to medieval times in this mesmerising murder mystery that will keep you hooked

King's Bishop

“Intrigue abounds.... Robb’s captivating blend of history and mystery vividly evokes medieval Scotland.” —BOOKLIST By acclaimed author Candace Robb, the Margaret Kerr series chronicles one woman’s search for the truth amidst the Scottish struggle for independence against the tyranny of the English crown. In A TRUST BETRAYED, Margaret searches for her missing husband after his disappearance in Edinburgh, but finds that the simmering rebellion has turned the ruined city into a web of lies and hidden motives that threaten anyone who digs too deep for the truth. In THE FIRE IN THE FLINT, Margaret and her family become the target of a series of violent raids, but what the raiders are looking for remains a mystery. As Margaret becomes more deeply involved in the rebellion, attention turns to her mother, a seer who has had visions of the “true king of Scotland.” In A CRUEL COURTSHIP, Margaret heads to Stirling Castle on a mission to discover the fate of a young spy for the rebellion. As her travels bring her closer to the castle, however, she begins to have dreams—or are they visions?—of impending danger. The historic battle of Stirling Bridge is nearing, and the fate of Scotland rides on the outcome... Together, these stories offer a richly detailed and beautifully written account of medieval Scotland and a young woman’s awakening.

Omnibus Edition

The Margaret Kerr Series

The acclaimed author of the Owen Archer Series “lovingly re-creates medieval Edinburgh” in a novel that introduces Scottish sleuth Margaret Kerr (Publishers Weekly). In the spring of 1297, the English army controls lowland Scotland and Margaret Kerr’s husband Roger Sinclair is missing. He had gone to Dundee in autumn, writing to Margaret with a promise to be home for Christmas, but it’s past Easter. He could be caught up in the swelling rebellion against the English—if he’s even alive. When his cousin is murdered on the streets of Edinburgh, Roger’s last known location, Margaret coerces her brother, a priest, to escort her to the city. She finds Edinburgh scarred by war—houses burnt, walls stained with blood, shops shuttered—and the townsfolk simmering with resentment, harboring secrets. Even her uncle, innkeeper Murdoch Kerr, meets her questions with silence. Desperate, Margaret makes alliances that risk both her own life and that of her brother in her search for answers. She learns that war twists love and loyalties, and that, until tested, we cannot know our own hearts, much less those of our loved ones. “Robb’s writing is so rich and historically true that this is a must for all lovers of historical mysteries.” —Historical Novel Society “Thirteenth-century Edinburgh comes off the page cold and convincing, from the smoke and noise of the tavern kitchen to Holyrood Abbey under a treacherous abbot. Most enjoyable.” —The List (Edinburgh)

Edinburgh, 1297. Margaret Kerr, fiercely loyal to the deposed king John Balliol, has come in search of her absent husband Roger - a man in the service of Balliol's enemy Robert the Bruce. But terrifying raids and a brutal murder bring the wrath of the English to Margaret's door. Roger's sudden disappearance enables Margaret to escape from the city, but she soon suspects that his new-found concern is nothing more than a charade. And then her father returns from Bruges, bringing trouble and discord in his wake. What was it the raiders sought from Margaret's property? And what of her mother's visions, which all sides are keen to interpret? Who can Margaret really trust in these troubled times...?

Candace Robb

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