A Spy for the Redeemer: An Owen Archer Mystery (Owen Archer Mysteries) [Hardcover]

Candace Robb (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2002 | Series: Owen Archer Mysteries

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Mysterious Press (May 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892967625
• ISBN-13: 978-0892967629
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,364,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome! Bravo! I can't say enough ..., September 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: A Spy for the Redeemer (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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The lady has done much better., May 17, 2003

By 

Atheen M. Wilson "Atheen" (Mpls, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Spy for the Redeemer (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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, August 5, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Spy for the Redeemer: An Owen Archer Mystery (Owen Archer Mysteries) (Hardcover)

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. I also applaud her refusal to bow to political correctness and ascribe contemporary values and qualities to 14th century people. This book was a bit disjointed, but other than that, excellent