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.


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.


From Booklist
Spymaster Owen Archer returns in another medieval mystery brimming with political intrigue and personal vendettas. Prevented by circumstances from leaving Wales after completing his latest mission for the duke of Lancaster, Owen investigates the murder of a stonemason with treasonous ties to the rebel cause. A Welshman himself, Owen sympathizes with his discontented countrymen and even contemplates taking up arms with them. Meanwhile, his wife, apothecary Lucie Wilton, is left alone in York to deal with her father's death and a series of inexplicable threats against his rural manor house. As both Owen and Lucie attempt to deal with their difficulties, their lives are threatened by shadowy enemies. Another solid entry in an artfully crafted series of historical whodunits. Margaret Flanagan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description
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, Owen's wife, Lucie Wilton, is disheartened by her husband's long absence and the rumors that he has abandoned his family. Equally angered is John Thoresby, Archbishop of York, who orders Owen's 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 him-and never return home.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Candace Robb "lives up to the standard set by the master medievalist Ellis Peters" says Booklist. Here, in her new novel in the highly acclaimed series featuring the one-eyed spy Owen Archer, she once again re-creates the splendor and intrigue of fourteenth-century York and the treacherous, spy-ridden coast of southwest Wales.

St. David's, Wales, late spring, 1370. After finishing political duties and a pilgrimage to the land of his birth, the agent Owen Archer is anxious to depart for home. Yet his attempts to arrange safe passage back to York and his herbalist wife, Lucie, and their children are thwarted when a stonemason in Owen's employ is found viciously hanged. Forbidden by the Archdeacon of St. David's to depart until he has found the murderer, Owen must now extend his stay.

In York, Lucie is disheartened by her husband's long absence and troubled by malicious accusations against her apothecary. When Lucie receives further distressing news about her aunt, she must immediately journey to her family's manor outside York. A concerned friend insists that she be escorted by the valiant steward Harold Galfrey, a handsome and mysterious man whose attraction to Lucie is all too clear. Now without Owen, Lucie will face an earthly temptation, even as she confronts a chilling betrayal within her circle.

Angered by Owen's delay and aware of the rumors that the spy has abandoned his family, the Archbishop of York dispatches a messenger to order Owen's return. But Owen is now caught up in a country at war. For the English presence in Wales has engendered divided loyalties, even as the rebel cause tugs powerfully at Owen's heart. And working in the shadows, the cunning rebel leader called the Redeemer plots to have Owen Archer sign up for the ferocious fight...and never return home.

FROM THE CRITICS

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) FYI: Last year Robb launched a new medieval series with A Trust Betrayed: First Chapter of Margaret Kerr of Perth. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

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 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews