Candace Robb

A unique take on a medieval murder mystery. Plenty of intrigue and suspicion, but the plot focuses on the why rather than the who, which is never really in doubt.

The writing style is good, solid, and the switches in character keep the story flowing. Due to the character shifts however, there are fewer mysteries, as the suspicious characters clear themselves through their own thoughts.

There is a particular character that stands out as very intriguing/well written, as he is disliked and distrusted by almost all but the lead character. This was another unique device that I enjoyed. His presence did speed the plot along, but I felt his ending was a bit abrupt.

Would recommend as worth a read, but not up to the standards of some other authors I have read in this genre.… (more)

This book is focused on Magda Digby, the Riverwoman the plot has numerous twists and turns involving her daughter and great-grandson, her neighbours, clients and, of course, Owen Archer and his wife Lucie, local merchants, churchmen and the poor. It all comes together but I did have trouble keeping all the lines and people straight. Magda didn’t, she continued to treat her expectant mothers, discover a murder, hid from people who wanted to see her dead and deal with the broken relationships with her relations.

Magda Digby has appeared in every Owen Archer book with an increased presence until now she has her own book. She has developed the persona of an older, wise woman with a mystical aura, a healer and midwife.

Robb started writing this book in 2020 as COVID-19 was making its presence known. In [The Riverwoman’s Dragon] the Black Plague was reappearing and she questioned having it do so under her writing circumstances but it’s presence had already worked it’s way into the plot so she noted the similarities in peoples behaviour and carried on. It wasn’t know until I read the Author’s Note that I learned this and it isn’t obvious in the book unless the reader looks at characters’ behaviour.

October 31, 2022

I read books quickly and when I finished this I realized I had lost a twist of the plot here or the background of a not-so-minor character there. I decided to reread it at a slower pace and I enjoyed Robb’s use of English, her descriptions of the woodlands anew. I followed each of the characters from the young River Boys who guarded Magda’s abode to the guards Owen used in the city. The ending made sense with all, well mostly all of the plot’s twists and turns. Something has to be left for another book.

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Reviewed 2022-10-31… (more)

A testing time for our Owen!

Power is changing in the English Court. It’s 1376. Prince Edward is dead. The Percy and Neville families are curious about Owen Archer. Princess Joan wants to retain Archer to serve her son, the young Prince Richard. The Prince’s uncles are circling, including the Duke of Lancaster.
A naked body has been discovered in a field owned by Sheriff Ralph Hastings, lying near a cart full of stone. The carter fled when attacked. The other men had curiously disappeared. Is the body one of the carter’s men?
At the same time William of Wykeham, the Bishop of Winchester and the Chancellor of England has unexpectedly turned up escorting two of sisters from Wherwell Abbey. He’s come, against advice, in part to see how his waning power might be curtailed.
It appears there could be links between the Bishop, the stone being carted, and the dead body.
In this tale Owen’s family comes under siege. There’s discord between Archer’s son Jasper and his soon to be betrothed Alisoun, a young healer learning with Dame Magda.
Gwen, Owen’s daughter has been distraught over Jasper’s treatment of her and her actions put her in danger.
On the home front there’s drama and political intrigue for “bird-eye” (Magda’s name for the one-eyed Archer) and the past will pay a terrifying visit. Archer reflects on that past and how that’s impacted the present, whilst trying to prevent his position from being undercut. An enemy is doing all he can to belittle Owen. There’s danger on all sides. Wisdom and astuteness will be needed.
I’m a huge fan of Owen Archer and love seeing the man he has become, his standing in the community, the way he deals with his family members, and the solid respect and love he shows for his wife Lucie Wilton. This tale adds more depth and breadth to the man, as he reflects on what was and confronts the now. A man as strong as the English bow he carries.

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.… (more)