A Vigil of Spies

I am very comfortable with this series now and the main characters are like old friends. The decline and death of Archbishop Thoresby was well handled. It did have a feeling of finality about it, even though the author says in her end note that she has not yet finished with Owen Archer.

This is the tenth in the Owen Archer series, set in and around York in the 14th century. The Archbishop of York, John Thoresby, whom Owen serves as captain of the guard, is near death at his home, Bishopthorpe; he receives as guests in his household a royal visitor and representatives of several powerful families and churchmen who are jostling for position and influence after his death. A couple of deaths occur which appear suspicious, and Owen tries to investigate, while seeking to preserve the peace and quiet his lord needs as he prepares for his death. Among this 'vigil of spies' is Geoffrey Chaucer, who appears in several books in this series as a slightly ambiguous minor character.

The concentration of the action almost entirely at show more Bishopthorpe Palace gives this particular story the feel of a Agatha Christie-style country-house mystery. Confined to the Palace until the situation is resolved, Owen is unable to visit his wife Lucie and family in nearby York. These have featured much more largely in previous books in the series, and their enforced separation, together with the uncertainty about their future when Owen's employer eventually dies, add further sources of tension to the plot, alongside the political and religious tensions surrounding the death of a senior ecclesiastical figure.

Another enjoyable read in this fairly undemanding series with sympathetic leading characters and (unobtrusive) well-researched background. I look forward to reading what happens to Owen and Lucie next. 4 stars. show less

1373. Archbishop Thoresby of York is dying, but who will succeed him in this important post. While waiting for a decision Joan, the Princess of Wales, and wife to the Black Prince, heir to the throne is due to visit.
Even before she arrives there has been a death in her entourage, Owen Archer Thoresby’s captain of the guard expects more trouble, unfortunately he is correct.
An enjoyable and well written historical mystery

Den tionde boken om Owen Archer liknar en roman av Agatha Christie, men tyvärr överger Robb sin säregna stil för att skapa detta "country-house mystery". Resultatet är inte lika lyckat som de tidigare romanerna, men ges i alla fall en förklaring i efterordet.