The Owen Archer Mysteries: Book IX

The Guilt of Innocents

The compelling new novel in the highly acclaimed Owen Archer series

Candace Robb has read and researched medieval history for many years, having studied for a Ph.D in Medieval and Anglo-Saxon Literature. She is also the author of eight previous Owen Archer novels and three Margaret Kerr Mysteries. She lives in Seattle.

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 Margaret Kerr Trilogy: III

A Cruel Courtship

THE GRIPPING THIRD NOVEL IN THE MARGARET KERR MYSTERY SERIES FROM THE AUTHOR OF A TRUST BETRAYED AND THE FIRE IN THE FLINT

Fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell will love this enthralling and engrossing medieval mystery from much-loved author Candace Robb. Bringing the sights and sounds of thirteenth-century Scotland to life, this will have you hooked from page one! 
 
'This is history as it should be told!' -- Good Book Guide 
'Candace Robb Brings history to life' -- Aberdeen Press &amp; Journal 
'A superb historical novel from a most interesting and unknown period' -- ***** Reader review 
'History and mystery at their best' -- Northern Echo 
 
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1297: Passionate, brave and fiercely loyal, Margaret Kerr - a young woman estranged from her husband - is determined to play her part in saving Scotland from the hammer of Edward Longshanks - King of England and would-be King of the Scots. And so she travels to Stirling to discover why the informer upon whom the Scottish rebels depend has become unreliable. 
 
It is an important and difficult mission, for he who holds Stirling Castle holds Scotland, and with fresh English recruits marching forth, a bloody battle for the castle is imminent. 
 
As the Scots prepare to cast off the English yoke once and for all, Margaret soon realises she can trust no one, not even her closest friends. Is she prepared to give her life for her country?

Thirteenth-century Edinburgh comes off the page cold and convincing - most enjoyable

Brilliant - Robb presents a felsty new heroine who proves to be no fool

Candace Robb Brings history to life and this is a satisfying read, full of interesting detail about the life and times in Scotland in the 13th Century

Intrigue abounds... Robb's captivating blend of history and mystery vividly evokes medieval Scotland

With meticulous attention to historical details... the author lovingly recreates medieval Edinburgh

Candace Robb has read and researched medieval history for many years, having studied for a Ph. D in Medieval and Anglo-Saxon Literature. She is the author of nine Owen Archer novels and three Margaret Kerr Mysteries.

Fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell will love this enthralling and engrossing medieval mystery from much-loved author Candace Robb. Bringing the sights and sounds of thirteenth-century Scotland to life, this will have you hooked from page one! 
 
'This is history as it should be told!' -- Good Book Guide 
'Candace Robb Brings history to life' -- Aberdeen Press &amp; Journal 
'A superb historical novel from a most interesting and unknown period' -- ***** Reader review 
'History and mystery at their best' -- Northern Echo 
 
***************************************************************************** 
1297: Passionate, brave and fiercely loyal, Margaret Kerr - a young woman estranged from her husband - is determined to play her part in saving Scotland from the hammer of Edward Longshanks - King of England and would-be King of the Scots. And so she travels to Stirling to discover why the informer upon whom the Scottish rebels depend has become unreliable. 
 
 It is an important and difficult mission, for he who holds Stirling Castle holds Scotland, and with fresh English recruits marching forth, a bloody battle for the castle is imminent. 
 
As the Scots prepare to cast off the English yoke once and for all, Margaret soon realises she can trust no one, not even her closest friends. Is she prepared to give her life for her country?

The Fire In The Flint

THE GRIPPING MEDIEVAL SCOTTISH MYSTERY FROM THE LEADING WRITER OF THE GENRE

Let much-loved author Candace Robb sweep you back in time to thirteenth-century Edinburgh in this captivating and compelling Medieval mystery. Perfect 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 &amp; Home 
'A superb historical novel from a most interesting and unknown period' -- ***** Reader review 
 
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IN UNSETTLING AND TURBULENT TIMES, THE TRUTH IS HARD TO FIND... 
 
1297: Margaret Kerr, fiercely loyal to the deposed king John Balliol, has come to Edinburgh 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 has read and researched medieval history for many years, having studied for a Ph.D in Medieval and Anglo-Saxon Literature. She is the author of nine Owen Archer novels and three Margaret Kerr Mysteries.

Let much-loved author Candace Robb sweep you back in time to thirteenth-century Edinburgh in this captivating and compelling Medieval mystery. Perfect 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 &amp; Home 
'A superb historical novel from a most interesting and unknown period' -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************************************************* 
IN UNSETTLING AND TURBULENT TIMES, THE TRUTH IS HARD TO FIND... 
 
1297: Margaret Kerr, fiercely loyal to the deposed king John Balliol, has come to Edinburgh 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...?

The Owen Archer Mysteries: Book VIII

The Cross Legged Knight

The eighth novel in the highly acclaimed series of medieval mysteries featuring the one-eyed spy Owen Archer

Much-loved author Candace Robb has penned another compelling and captivating medieval mystery that magically brings 14th Century York to life and pushes the reader relentlessly onwards to uncover the truth. Fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell will not be disappointed. 
 
'Hugely, but subtly, detailed... complex, ambiguous and gripping. The solution had me guessing almost to the very end' -- Historical Novels Review 
'A gripping whodunnit full of colour and atmosphere' -- Time Out 
'Meticulously researched, authentic and gripping' -- Yorkshire Evening Post 
'Story-telling of a top-notch quality' -- ***** Reader review 
'Thoroughly enjoyable' -- ***** Reader review 
'Spellbinding' -- ***** Reader review 
'I stayed up most of the night to finish the book and could not put it down' -- ***** Reader review 
 
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ANOTHER QUEST TO FIND THE TRUTH AMIDST SECRETS AND SUSPICION - AND THIS TIME IT'S PERSONAL... 
 
1371: a solemn convoy wends its way into York. William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, is bringing home the remains of local magnate Sir Ranulf Pagnell, who has died in France. The family hold the bishop responsible for Sir Ranulf's death, and ill feeling surrounds his arrival - mysteriously, an accident in the grounds of York Minster nearly kills him. 
 
Then, only a few days after, his townhouse is found ablaze. When the body of a young woman is discovered in the undercroft of the house, scandal threatens to destroy Wykeham. The Archbishop of York, John Thoresby, asks Owen Archer for his help. 
 
The spy is troubled. Was the fire an accident or arson? Was the woman trapped or the fire started to conceal a corpse? Stationing guards in front of the smouldering remains, he starts to ask questions... 
 
When it appears the dead woman was a midwife known to many of the city's women, including Lucie, Owen's wife, his quest for answers becomes even more pressing...

Robb paints a vivid canvas of a time when courage and chivalry combined

Ellis Peters has a cohort of pretenders snapping at her heels ... most impressive of the bunch is Candace Robb. A definite tip for tomorrow

The Margaret Kerr Trilogy: I

A Trust Betrayed

The first in a new series of mystery novels set in Scotland in the 14th Century - the time of Braveheart and Robert the Bruce

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 &amp; 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...

Candace Robb has read and researched medieval history for many years, having studied for a Ph. D in Medieval and Anglo-Saxon Literature. She is also the author of nine Owen Archer novels and tthree Margaret Kerr Mysteries.

The Owen Archer Mysteries: Book V

The Riddle Of St Leonard's

The fifth novel in the acclaimed Owen Archer Series

Let Candace Robb take you back in time to Medieval York in this enthralling, authentic and gripping mystery, full of incident and intrigue. Fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell will love this! 
 
'Gripping and believable... you can almost smell the streets of fourteenth-century York as you delve into an engrossing plot' -- Prima 
'Robb is uncommonly good at period atmosphere, immersing the reader in the everyday horrors of the plague... she distinguishes herself by putting together an engrossing puzzle' -- Publishers Weekly 
'Hugely, but subtly, detailed... complex, ambiguous and gripping' - Historical Novels Review 
'An excellent and enjoyable read' -- ***** Reader review 
'A ripping good yarn!' -- ***** Reader review 
'A most addictive read' -- ***** Reader review 
'A fascinating, realistic and vivid read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************************* 
AN UNEXPLAINED SPATE OF DEATHS CAUSES SUSPICION...ARE THEY ACCIDENTAL OR METICULOUSLY PLANNED? 
 
1369: The much loved Queen Philippa lies dying at Windsor, and the plague has returned to the city of York. In an atmosphere of fear and superstition, rumours spread that a spate of deaths at St Leonard's Hospital in York is no accident. The hospital is in debt and has suffered thefts: Sir Richard de Ravenser, Master of the Hospital, returns from Winchester painfully aware that scandal could ruin his own career. Anxious to avert a crisis, he requests the services of Owen Archer, spy for the Archbishop. 
 
With plague rife and the city's inhabitants besieging his wife, the Apothecary, for new cures, Owen Archer is unwilling to become involved. There is too little to link the victims to each other: the riddle seems unsolvable. 
 
But careful enquiries reveal a further riddle, connected to one of the victims. Is this where the truth lies?

Let Candace Robb take you back in time to Medieval York in this enthralling, authentic and gripping mystery, full of incident and intrigue. Fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell will love this! 
 
'Gripping and believable... you can almost smell the streets of fourteenth-century York as you delve into an engrossing plot' -- Prima 
'Robb is uncommonly good at period atmosphere, immersing the reader in the everyday horrors of the plague... she distinguishes herself by putting together an engrossing puzzle' -- Publishers Weekly 
'Hugely, but subtly, detailed... complex, ambiguous and gripping' - Historical Novels Review 
'An excellent and enjoyable read' -- ***** Reader review 
'A ripping good yarn!' -- ***** Reader review 
'A most addictive read' -- ***** Reader review 
'A fascinating, realistic and vivid read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************************* 
AN UNEXPLAINED SPATE OF DEATHS CAUSES SUSPICION...ARE THEY ACCIDENTAL OR METICULOUSLY PLANNED? 
 
1369: The much loved Queen Philippa lies dying at Windsor, and the plague has returned to the city of York. In an atmosphere of fear and superstition, rumours spread that a spate of deaths at St Leonard's Hospital in York is no accident. The hospital is in debt and has suffered thefts: Sir Richard de Ravenser, Master of the Hospital, returns from Winchester painfully aware that scandal could ruin his own career. Anxious to avert a crisis, he requests the services of Owen Archer, spy for the Archbishop. 
 
 With plague rife and the city's inhabitants besieging his wife, the Apothecary, for new cures, Owen Archer is unwilling to become involved. There is too little to link the victims to each other: the riddle seems unsolvable. 
 
But careful enquiries reveal a further riddle, connected to one of the victims. Is this where the truth lies?

The Owen Archer Mysteries: Book VII

A Spy For The Redeemer

The seventh novel in the acclaimed Owen Archer Series

Fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell will love this compelling historical mystery by much loved author Candace Robb with its vivid portrayal of 14th Century Britain and its captivating plot, which is full of tension, twists and turns... 
 
'A vivid portrait of 14th-century England which gives us a hero who is cunning and capable' -- Time Out 
'As full of intrigue as a Deighton or a Le Carré' -- Guardian; 
'Enthralling and evocative ... Candace Robb recreates medieval York with ease' -- Yorkshire Evening Press; 
'Meticulously researched, authentic and gripping' -- Yorkshire Evening Post 
'Robb paints a vivid canvas of a time when courage and chivalry combined' -- Choice 
'Top-notch' -- ***** Reader review 
'Keeps the reader fascinated from start to finish' -- ***** Reader 
'Entertainment at its best' -- ***** Reader review 
'I could not put it down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Absorbing' -- ***** Reader review 
*********************************************************************************** 
 
IN UNSETTLED TIMES, WHO CAN YOU TRUST? 
 
1370: Owen Archer, ex-soldier and spy, is preparing to leave Wales, his work for John of Gaunt completed. Angered by Owen's prolonged absence, John Thoresby, Archbishop of York, orders his return. 
 
Meanwhile in York, Lucie Wilton is disheartened by her husband's long absence and concerned by allegations against her apothecary. Then Brother Michaelo brings upsetting news, forcing her to journey to her father's manor outside the city. Increasingly desperate, she accepts the company of a stranger... 
 
But Owen's stay in the land of his birth has created divided loyalties in him. And those who serve the Welsh rebel leader would have Owen sign up to fight and never go home... 
 
Where will his loyalties lie?

Fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell will love this compelling historical mystery by much loved author Candace Robb with its vivid portrayal of 14th Century Britain and its captivating plot, which is full of tension, twists and turns... 
 
'A vivid portrait of 14th-century England which gives us a hero who is cunning and capable' -- Time Out 
'As full of intrigue as a Deighton or a Le Carré' -- Guardian; 
'Enthralling and evocative ... Candace Robb recreates medieval York with ease' -- Yorkshire Evening Press; 
'Meticulously researched, authentic and gripping' -- Yorkshire Evening Post 
'Robb paints a vivid canvas of a time when courage and chivalry combined' -- Choice 
'Top-notch' -- ***** Reader review 
'Keeps the reader fascinated from start to finish' -- ***** Reader 
'Entertainment at its best' -- ***** Reader review 
'I could not put it down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Absorbing' -- ***** Reader review 
*********************************************************************************** 
 
IN UNSETTLED TIMES, WHO CAN YOU TRUST? 
 
1370: Owen Archer, ex-soldier and spy, is preparing to leave Wales, his work for John of Gaunt completed. Angered by Owen's prolonged absence, John Thoresby, Archbishop of York, orders his return. 
 
Meanwhile in York, Lucie Wilton is disheartened by her husband's long absence and concerned by allegations against her apothecary. Then Brother Michaelo brings upsetting news, forcing her to journey to her father's manor outside the city. Increasingly desperate, she accepts the company of a stranger... 
 
 But Owen's stay in the land of his birth has created divided loyalties in him. And those who serve the Welsh rebel leader would have Owen sign up to fight and never go home... 
 
Where will his loyalties lie?

The Owen Archer Mysteries: Book VI

A Gift Of Sanctuary

The sixth novel in the compelling Owen Archer Series

Political skullduggery, passion and ambition clash in this intriguing, evocative and compelling novel by much loved author Candace Robb. Vividly conjuring up the medieval world, it's the perfect treat for fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell. 
 
'Robb deftly interweaves a complex story of love, passion and murder into the troubled and tangled fabric of Welsh history, fashioning a rich and satisfying novel' -- Publishers Weekly 
'This compelling historical mystery lives up to the standard set by the master medievalist Ellis Peters' -- Booklist 
'Entertaining and informative' -- ***** Reader review 
'A must-read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Very exciting and captivating' -- ***** Reader review 
'Superb' -- ***** Reader review 
 
*********************************************************************************** 
POLITICS, PASSION AND AMBITION COMBINE WITH MURDEROUS RESULTS... 
 
1369: a pilgrimage wends its way to the sacred city of St David's. Owen Archer, ex-soldier and sometime spy, accompanies the party to recruit archers for the Duke of Lancaster, who prepares to fight the French. But he and Geoffrey Chaucer have another, covert, mission: to ascertain whether the Duke's steward at Cydweli is betraying him to Welsh rebels. 
 
Trouble precedes them: a body in the Duke's livery is left at the city gates. And when Owen rides on to Cydweli he finds the household of the steward and his beautiful young wife rocked by the theft of money from the exchequer and riven by tension, culminating in another violent attack. 
 
He must work fast to investigate charges of treachery, infidelity and murder if he is to prevent further deaths.

Robb deftly interweaves a complex story of love, passion and murder into the troubled and tangled fabric of Welsh history, fashioning a rich and satisfying novel

This compelling historical mystery lives up to the standard set by the master medievalist Ellis Peters

CANDACE ROBB has read and researched medieval history for many years, having studied for a Ph.D in Medieval and Anglo-Saxon Literature. She is also the author of the Margaret Kerr Mysteries.

Political skullduggery, passion and ambition clash in this intriguing, evocative and compelling novel by much loved author Candace Robb. Vividly conjuring up the medieval world, it's the perfect treat for fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell. 
 
'Robb deftly interweaves a complex story of love, passion and murder into the troubled and tangled fabric of Welsh history, fashioning a rich and satisfying novel' -- Publishers Weekly 
'This compelling historical mystery lives up to the standard set by the master medievalist Ellis Peters' -- Booklist 
'Entertaining and informative' -- ***** Reader review 
'A must-read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Very exciting and captivating' -- ***** Reader review 
'Superb' -- ***** Reader review 
 
*********************************************************************************** 
POLITICS, PASSION AND AMBITION COMBINE WITH MURDEROUS RESULTS... 
 
1369: a pilgrimage wends its way to the sacred city of St David's. Owen Archer, ex-soldier and sometime spy, accompanies the party to recruit archers for the Duke of Lancaster, who prepares to fight the French. But he and Geoffrey Chaucer have another, covert, mission: to ascertain whether the Duke's steward at Cydweli is betraying him to Welsh rebels. 
 
Trouble precedes them: a body in the Duke's livery is left at the city gates. And when Owen rides on to Cydweli he finds the household of the steward and his beautiful young wife rocked by the theft of money from the exchequer and riven by tension, culminating in another violent attack. 
 
He must work fast to investigate charges of treachery, infidelity and murder if he is to prevent further deaths.

The Owen Archer Mysteries: Book IV

King's Bishop

The fourth Owen Archer Mystery - a gripping read

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 
 
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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?

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 
 
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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 III

The Nun's Tale

The third novel in the compelling Owen Archer Series

Full of intrigue and twists and turns, this is a compelling and captivating murder mystery written by Candace Robb - expertly skilled at weaving suspense with a real sense of history. Fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell will not be disappointed! 
 
'Meticulously researched, authentic and gripping' -- Yorkshire Evening Post 
'As full of intrigue as a Deighton or a le Carré' -- Guardian 
'Keeps you turning the pages in anticipation!' -- ***** Reader review 
'I love The Owen Archer Series and I intend to read everyone of them. I am hooked!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story with lots of twists and turns' -- ***** Reader review 
'An excellent story, well written and keep you in suspense' -- ***** Reader review 
'My lack of sleep over the past few days has had more to do with wanting to stay glued to the story than insomnia' -- ***** Reader review 
 
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ONE FAKED DEATH; ONE MURDER; ONE MYSTERIOUS YEAR... 
 
When a young nun, Joanna Calverley, dies of fever in the town of Beverley, they waste no time in burying her, fearing the plague. 
 
But nine months later a woman turns up claiming to be Joanna, saying she faked her own death. 
 
When murder follows close on her heels, John Thoresby, Archbishop of York, knows he must enlist the help of his favourite detective, Owen Archer. While Owen sets off for Leeds and Scarborough to speak with the Percy family and Geoffrey Chaucer, who is spying for the King, his wife Lucie tries to discover from Joanna the events of her missing year. 
 
Soldiers fleeing to France, relic-trading and incest are just a few of the secrets which emerge. 
 
Can Archer unravel the mystery surrounding this nun?

(The Owen Archer Mysteries: book II)

The Lady Chapel

The second novel in the acclaimed Owen Archer Series

Fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell will not be disappointed by Candace Robb's enthralling and evocative murder mystery - full of intrigue and bolstered by a wealth of authentic historical detail. You won't want to put it down! 
 
'Candace Robb recreates medieval York with ease'-Yorkshire Evening Press 
'As full of intrigue as a Deighton or a le Carré' -- Guardian 
'This book was so good I couldn't put it down' -- ***** Reader review 
'A well researched and gripping novel' -- ***** Reader review 
'Plenty of twists and turns to keep one turning the pages' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story with engaging characters' -- ***** Reader review 
********************************************************** 
 
COMPLEX WEBS OF RIVALRIES; MISSING SUSPECTS; A MURDERER ON THE LOOSE... 
 
York 1365: While the city celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi, a man is murdered in the shadow of the Minster, his right hand severed. All the evidence points to a wool merchant last seen quarrelling with the dead man. 
 
Owen Archer finds himself once again called upon by Archbishop Thoresby to exercise his skills as detective. 
 
Yet, he is unsure where to turn first. His only witness is a young boy, his only suspect a mysterious hooded woman - and neither can be found. 
 
Owen is under intense pressure to solve the case, but he soon finds himself ensnared in a plot devised by very powerful masters...

The Owen Archer Mysteries: Book I

The Apothecary Rose

The compelling first novel in the acclaimed Owen Archer Series

Fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell will love Candace Robb's gripping and compelling murder mystery - full of suspense and tension and with a real sense of medieval York. Perfect to settle down with! 
 
'Enthralling and evocative...Candace Robb recreates medieval York with ease'-Yorkshire Evening Press 
'This book was so good I couldn't put it down' -- ***** Reader review 
'A well researched and gripping novel' -- ***** Reader review 
'Plenty of twists and turns to keep one turning the pages' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story with engaging characters' -- ***** Reader review 
 
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A REMEDY DESIGNED TO HEAL BECOMES A LETHAL MURDER WEAPON... 
 
York: 1363: people are dying in mysterious circumstances...however, there seems to be a common thread - the herbal remedies dispensed by Nicholas Wilton, Master Apothecary. The first victim is an anonymous pilgrim, but when a highborn nobleman dies after taking the same potion the authorities finally decide to act. 
 
Dispatched to York, in disguise, to unravel the mystery, Owen Archer, former Captain of Archers, apprentices himself to the Apothecary. Yet it is from Wilton's beautiful wife Lucie that he must learn the arcane secrets of the trade. 
 
Slowly but surely Owen begins to uncover the truth. And when the deaths continue he realises to his horror he must count Lucie among the suspects...

Ellis Peters has a cohort of pretenders snapping at her heels ... most impressive of the bunch is Candace Robb

Enthralling and evocative ... Candace Robb recreates medieval York with ease

Authentic characters, and a credible plot...Essential for historical fans

A wonderful new voice...Suspenseful, historically accurate...with a wonderful cast of characters

Charles de Lint, author of 'Dreams under Foot'

Candace Robb

Meticulously researched, authentic and gripping

It's ... the Machiavellian intrigue that makes this such an enjoyable read. When the iron curtain came down people said the spy-thriller genre was dead. They were wrong. This is as full of intrigue as a Deighton or a Le Carré'

The Owen Archer Mysteries: Book X

As we've come to expect from much-loved author Candace Robb, her story-telling here is of a top-notch quality - everything comes vividly to life within this magnificent medieval mystery. Perfect for fans of Ellis Peters, S J Parris, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell. 
 
'Meticulously researched, authentic and gripping' -- Yorkshire Evening Post 
'This is as full of intrigue as a Deighton or a Le Carré' --The Guardian 
'The most accomplished Owen Archer mystery yet' -- ***** Reader review 
'Unable to put this tale down' -- ***** Reader review 
'I put off reading this last one for quite a while, postponing the time when there would be no more to look forward to' -- ***** Reader review 
'Another enthralling Owen Archer book I found difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'A joy to read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Captivating' -- ***** Reader review 
 
********************************************************* 
A CALLOUS MURDER. A DEVASTATING SECRET. A CRIME OF PASSION. 
 
1373: John Thoresby, the Archbishop of York, lies dying. Owen Archer, Thoresby's master of the guards, is determined to ensure that his lord's last days are as peaceful as possible, but his plans are thrown into disarray when Thoresby agrees to a visit from Joan, Princess of Wales, wife of the Black Prince and mother of the young heir to the throne of England. 
 
Owen resolves to do his duty, but within minutes of Joan's arrival things go disastrously wrong when a member of the royal party is murdered. 
 
Then, only days later, a messenger carrying urgent letters for Thoresby is found hanging in the woods. 
 
As Owen races against time to find the murderer, he starts to realise that not only has one of his own men been compromised, but all their lives are now in danger...

Candace Robb

Praise for A Vigil of Spies

Meticulously researched, authentic and gripping

It's ... the Machiavellian intrigue that makes this such an enjoyable read. When the iron curtain came down people said the spy-thriller genre was dead. They were wrong. This is as full of intrigue as a Deighton or ...

Books by Candace Robb

Series by Candace Robb

Margaret Kerr Trilogy

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