A Gift of Sanctuary (Owen Archer Mystery) [Import] [Hardcover]

Candace Robb (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd (November 5, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 043488202X
• ISBN-13: 978-0434882021
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Simple List of Characters Would Help, August 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Gift of Sanctuary: The Sixth Owen Archer Mystery (Owen Archer Mysteries) (Paperback)

A dramatis personae would go a long way toward making this book easier to follow. I'm sure there's a historical or literary reason for many of the character names, but for a modern reader, especially one like me who is interrupted frequently by small children, simple names would be better. An editor could have helped Robb more than the Mediev-L listserv. Examples of confusion: Dafydd, Dyfrig and St. David's all introduced in one paragraph on page 23. (I had forgotten that Dafydd had been mysteriously introduced in the prologue because I'd read it on the previous day - oh, the life of a mom). Dafydd surely must be Welsh for David anyway. So what's the point? Then we have Nest & Cadwy, Dafydd's 2 dogs (who didn't need to be named at all) and Madog & Cadwal, Dafydd's 2 servants. I thought Madog & Cadwal were the dogs through the entire book. Well, you get my point about the names. By the way, I did thoroughly enjoy her earlier mysteries.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Candace Robb does wonders as always, February 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Gift of Sanctuary: An Owen Archer Mystery (Hardcover)

I have yet to be disappointed by one of Robb's books. She knows her subject perfectly, and uses her knowledge so that the story has just the right amount of the historical in it, along with the rest. Owen Archer is as "real" as ever, though I was a bit sorry not to see more of his life with Lucie and children. I also find the details referring to herbs, the apothecary etc, interesting and was sorry not to have more. Let's hope that Owen stays home in the next one!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating 14th Century Wales and a contrast between poets, February 5, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Gift of Sanctuary: An Owen Archer Mystery (Hardcover)

Although I missed Lucie and the apothecary motif, Owen's excursion into Wales was extremely interesting, particularly since it allowed Robb to give us the lovely contrast between the traditional Welsh bard and the courtly poet (Chaucer). As usual, Robb does her research and gives a source or two for those interested in delving into the actual history. The mystery itself in satisfyingly complex, and the soul-searching that Owen must do enriches an already sympathetic character. Highly recommended.