The Keeper by Charles Martin

In this fourth book in the Murphy Shepherd series, Murphy knows Bones didn't hesitate to give his life to stop the evil perpetuated by his brother, but there's still work to be done. Though Frank is gone, his organization is not, and almost even before Bones's funeral in Arlington is complete, Murph receives a call that the three daughters of presidential hopeful Aaron Ashley have been taken and there are no leads.

The girls' lives on the line and time is of the essence. But Murphy has never done this without Bones. How can he grieve his friend and mentor, figure out who he is without Bones, and navigate a new role for himself with team . . . all while putting total focus into finding these daughters?

When his daughters are finally rescued, Ashley steps back from the presidential race. But Murph knows something about the timing is a little too convenient for the senator who steps in to take his place. The far-reaching tendrils of Frank's organization are entangled even here, and Murph and his team will stop at nothing to root them out.

Audiobook, 14 hours, 51 minutes

Publication date - April 1, 2025

by Harper Collins

4.5/5 stars

Tell me what you know about sheep...they are lost without their Shepherd

The 4th book in the Murphy Shepherd series was yet again another emotional read. Following the death of Bones, Murphy is at loose ends. Bones wasn’t just his best friend, he was his teacher and mentor.

Even though in the previous book the head of a human trafficking ring was killed. That doesn’t mean the end of this barbaric group. What follows here in The Keeper is a prime example of how powerful it is. This was a gripping story that is slightly repetitive in that it goes over things from the previous books which would work for those that have not read them or those who have not binge read this series like myself. However, I feel for this series  you really do need to start with book 1 to really feel the emotional impact as each story continues.

Again, this was a telling story that does come with some action. There are the great characters that I have come to love, including Gunnar the dog who is part of the gang. A twisty story that took this reader on a ride that felt a little bit more predictable than his previous books. 

Will there be a sequel to this one? I’m not sure. But for now I will dive into Charles Martin's backlist, though I wish Jonathan K. Riggs was the narrator of some of those because he did an awesome job with this series.

My only criticism about the series is that the endorsements state two well known authors that combined is what the series is made of. To me that is off-putting as one of the authors is one I do not read anymore, and I feel that could be a deterrent for possible readers.

My thanks to Harper Collins for the e-audio (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

The Record Keeper by Charles Martin

With gripping action and heart-wrenching emotion, Charles Martin continues to explore the true power of sacrificial love.

Murphy Shepherd's last rescue mission very nearly cost him his life. He'd like nothing more than to stay close to his wife and daughters for a while. But Bones's brother must be stopped, and there are so many who need to know that they are worth rescuing.

As the cat-and-mouse game moves into the open, Murphy is tested at every turn—both physically and mentally. And then the unthinkable happens: his beloved mentor and friend is taken. Without a trace.

Murphy lives by the mantra that love shows up. But how can he do that when he has no leads? With heart-stopping clarity, The Record Keeper explores the true cost of leaving the ninety-nine to find the one.

Audible Audio, 10 hours, 6 minutes

Published July 5, 2022 

by Thomas Nelson

5/5 stars

Book 3 in A Murphy Shepherd Series was another audio read for me. Jonathan K Riggs is the reader and again he does a stellar job.

Continuing shortly after book 2, The Letter Keeper, The Record Keeper begins. This was such a gripping novel that I listened to it in record time. And even though the first half of the book is very much a tell story, the action in the last half kept me on the edge of my seat with an ending that was both shocking and heartbreaking.

Again, Charles Martin’s weaved a story that goes back in time to the history of both Bones and Murphy Shepherd. Though most of it does centre around Bones and his upbringing. I won’t say too much more just that he was a man who saw good even in evil. The one who always asked, tell me what you know about sheep, which has become a trademark in the series.

The Record Keeper is another emotional read into the world of human trafficking along with the power and search for love and freedom. This is book 3 and I highly recommend, to get the full enjoyment and impact, you need to start at the beginning of the series. At present there are three books but come April 1 book 4 entitled The Keeper will be released. I am listening to it right now

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan fiction audio for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland

The lies are bigger and the plots more treacherous when your favourite backstabbers return in the mind-blowing sequel to instant Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller Mai Corland's epic adventure fantasy Five Broken Blades

The King of Yusan may be the greatest liar of them all.

His sister's ring is in his sights, and he will do anything to get what he wants. Even manipulating the five blades to steal it...

Bonded by deceit, the blades must rely on their skills to pull off King Joon's pursuit or risk his legendary wrath.

A foreign rule of law stands between them and Quilimar, the Queen of Khitan. Now they have one month to steal the powerful Golden Ring of the Dragon Lord. But that impossible task might be easier than trusting one another, even though their lives, their families, and the realms depend on it.

They can all agree on one thing: the king can't win. But can they beat him at his own game?

Because for the blades, this time it's not just personal, it's revenge. Lies may have torn them apart, but now vengeance will bring them together.

The lies have only just begun...

Hardcover, 432 pages

Published January 7, 2025

 by Entangled: Red Tower Books

4/5 stars

Book 2 in the Broken Blade Series continues right where Five Broken Blades leaves off.

Secrets have been revealed, lives have been drastically changed and the story continues as each of these unique characters have not only confronted what happened but now seek answers. I am being careful with what I say, don't want to be giving spoilers from the previous book.  Suffice to say this is an intriguing series, with unique characters and motivation along with a storyline that keeps me on my toes.

Book 3,  Three Shattered Souls - see a trend there, releases this summer.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge and is #5

The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin

Combining heart-wrenching emotion with edge-of-your-seat tension, Charles Martin explores the true power of sacrificial love.

He shows up when all hope is lost.

Murphy Shepherd has made a career of finding those no one else could—survivors of human trafficking. His life’s mission is helping others find freedom.

But then the nightmare strikes too close to home .

When his new wife, her daughter, and two other teenage girls are stolen, Murphy is left questioning all he has thought to be true. With more dead ends than leads, he has no idea how to find those he loves.

After everything is stripped away, love is what remains.

Hope feels lost, but Murphy is willing to expend his last breath trying to bring them home.

Audiobook, 9 hours, 49 minutes

Published June 8, 2021

 by Thomas Nelson

5/5 stars

This is booked 2 in Charles Martin’s Murphy Shepherd Series. The Letter Keeper pretty well continues where The Water Keeper ended. This is definitely a series that you need to read in order.

This is only my second Charles Martin book, but already I know that he writes emotional stories with heartbreaking subject matter. His writing again tackles the subject of human trafficking, but done with respect and compassion, while at the same time tells it like it is.

No longer on the Florida coast Murphy has returned to Freetown with those he rescued in The Water Keeper, there is hope for these women in Freetown, however evil is still crowding in on him. Here we get more backstory into his relationship with Bones and his first wife Marie. I have found that his stories tend to have a tell verse show to them which works perfectly fine here. Especially since I was given the audiobook from the publisher, it's like Murph is telling me his story.

Not to say too much about The Letter Keeper, because honestly, I am still reeling from the next book in series (review coming soon)..

I highly recommend the audiobook which is read by Jonathan K Riggs, who did another amazing job.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio for the audiobook 

in exchange for a honest review.

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry

The New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea returns with a novel spanning three generations of women about a famous lost book, a famous lost mother, and an artist searching for both.

In 1927, in Bluffton, South Carolina, a famous American—former child prodigy author Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham—disappears, abandoning her eight-year-old daughter and husband. She leaves behind a sequel to her children’s fantasy blockbuster about a young girl named Emjie who is caught between worlds. But the sequel is written in the author’s secret and untranslatable created language.

Now in 1952, Bronwyn’s lost words have been discovered in a private library in England by a man called Charlie Jameson. Bronwyn’s daughter, Clara Harrington, a children’s book illustrator and divorced mother of one, goes on a quest to England to retrieve the lost words of her mother, words she believes will translate the sequel and help her discover what happened and why her mother abandoned her. Clara takes along her own eight-year-old daughter, Winnie, who is precocious, funny, and wise, and who has an imaginary friend, also called Emjie, after her lost grandmother’s novel.

But when Clara and Wynnie sail to England, they arrive during one of London’s greatest natural disasters—the Great Smog. Wynnie is a fragile child with asthma and the air is deadly. Charlie Jameson helps them escape London and make their way to his family’s country home in the Lake District, where the tale unfolds in the wild and glorious landscape of Esthwaite Water and the land of Beatrix Potter. It is there that the tangled roots that tie Charlie and Clara together will be revealed, and the fate—not only of Emjie, but of Bronwyn herself—will come to light.

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication March 18, 2025

 by Simon & Schuster 

5/5 

Patti Callahan Henry is an auto-read author for me. This, her latest book, releases in less than a week.

Clara is only eight years old when her mother disappears. No one hears from her again. Not only has she abandoned her child and husband, but the sequel to a novel she wrote is left with no closure, oh and she was 12 years old when she wrote this best seller.  Jump ahead to 1952, Clara has her own eight-year-old daughter when her mother's last words are found in a private library in England. What choice does Clara have but to take her daughter and sail to England for some answers and hopefully closure.

I was completely enraptured with this book. It is atmospheric with its vivid details and though some might find it a bit overwhelming I loved it with it poetic and fairy tale vibes. I fell in love with England, Clara, her daughter Winnie, and the landscape.  As Clara arrives in England so does The Great Smog along with other historical nuances that take place in that time.

The Story She Left Behind is an emotional story of longing and loss with some adventure and mystery.  A mother‘s love for her child along with some great characters had this well written story pulling at my heartstrings. The secret of the lost words are slowly revealed to a great conclusion.

My thanks to Simon and Schuster CA for a print arc in exchange for a honest review.

A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner

1956, Malibu, Something is not right on Paradise Circle.

With her name on the Hollywood blacklist and her life on hold, starlet Melanie Cole has little choice in company. There is her next-door neighbor, Elwood, but the screenwriter’s agoraphobia allows for just short chats through open windows. He’s her sole confidante, though, as she and her housekeeper, Eva, an immigrant from war-torn Europe, rarely make conversation.

Then one early morning Melanie and Eva spot Elwood’s sister-in-law and caretaker, June, digging in his beloved rose garden. After that they don’t see Elwood at all anymore. Where could a man who never leaves the house possibly have gone?

As they try to find out if something has happened to him, unexpected secrets are revealed among all three women, leading to an alliance that seems the only way for any of them to hold on to what they can still call their own. But it’s a fragile pact and one little spark could send it all up in smoke…

Kindle Edition, 347 pages

Expected publication

March 18, 2025 by Berkley

3.5/5 stars

Susan Meissner is an auto read author for me and I was excited to get a advanced copy of A Map to Paradise which releases next week. Even though it has a trope that I am not really a fan of, being the Hollywood scene, I couldn’t not read one of her books.

Taking place in the 1950s it is more than just a story of Hollywood but of actress Melanie Cole, who was recently blacklisted because of ties to a possible Soviet sympathizer. While in seclusion she is with her maid Eva and the next-door neighbour June. Each of these women comes with assorted pasts, which includes some secrets that if got out in the open could have grave repercussions.

A Map to Paradise is the story of an unlikely friendship taking place during a time in history that had people looking over their shoulders. It was a well written story that had many layers with a few twists. For me it was a bit on the quiet side that wasn’t as addicting as her previous novels have been. But still it was entertaining.  I did love the time period, it seems to be trending lately with it strong female characters and historical setting.

My thanks to Berkley for a digital arc in exchange for honest review.

How to Survive a Bear Attack: A Memoir by Claire Cameron

In this debut memoir from the bestselling author of The Bear and The Last Neanderthal, Claire Cameron confronts the rare genetic mutation that gave her cancer by investigating an equally rare and terrifying event—a predatory bear attack.

When Claire Cameron was nine years old, her father, a professor of Old English, told her he was dying. In the years after he was gone, she found a way to overcome her grief among the rivers and lakes of Algonquin Park, a vast Canadian wilderness area.

 Around that same time, in 1991, a couple was killed by a black bear in a rare predatory attack in the park. Claire was shocked and, never fully sure of what happened, the attack haunted her.

Now older, with children of her own, Cameron was diagnosed with the same kind of deadly skin cancer as her father. Caught in a second wave of grief, she was told by her doctor, “the ideal exposure to UV light is none.” No longer able to venture into the wilderness as she once had, with long scars on her back, she became obsessed with the bear attack in Algonquin Park again.

 How could terror rip through such a beautiful place? Could she separate truth from fiction? She headed north to investigate.

Claire seamlessly weaves together nature writing with true crime investigation in this unflinching account of recovery. How to Survive a Bear Attack is at once an intimate portrait of an extraordinary animal, a bracing chronicle of pain, obsession, and love, and a profoundly moving exploration of how we can understand and survive the wildness that lives inside us.

Audiobook, 7 hours, 44 minutes

Expected publication March 25, 2025 

by Penguin Random House Audio

4.5/5 stars

I remember distinctly October 1991 when the tragic incident with the bear happened in Algonquin Park. I remember it because it was the same weekend my family was going on a canoe trip and their destination was somewhere within that park, but at the last minute they changed their mind. So reading this book brought back memories of family adventures in the great outdoors.

This was an audio read for me with the author being the reader, she did a great job and kept me captivated with her stories.  It was a blend of her life, information about bears, their wanderings and the park.

Relatively a fast listen I had a hard time putting it down, a lot of the area was familiar to me.  In fact on my first canoe trip we were visited in the wee hours of the night by a bear. This was an educational, personal and enlightening glimpse into her life, her motivation into why she investigated this tragedy.

I highly recommend the audiobook.

My thanks to Penguin Random House for the audio in exchange for a honest review.

The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo

From master storyteller Kate DiCamillo comes an original fairy tale—with enchanting illustrations by Julie Morstad—in which five puppets confront circumstances beyond their control with patience, cunning, and high spirits.

Shut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends—a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl—bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark. Individually, they dream of song and light, freedom and flight, purpose and glory, but they all agree they are part of a larger story, bound each to each by chance, bonded by the heart’s mysteries. When at last their shared fate arrives, landing them on a mantel in a blue room in the home of two little girls, the truth is more astonishing than any of them could have imagined. A beloved author of modern classics draws on her most moving themes with humor, heart, and wisdom in the first of the Norendy Tales, a projected trio of novellas linked by place and mood, each illustrated in black and white by a different virtuoso illustrator. A magical and beautifully packaged gift volume designed to be read aloud and shared, The Puppets of Spelhorst is a tale that soothes and strengthens us on our journey, leading us through whatever dark forest we find ourselves in.

Hardcover, 149 pages

Published October 10, 2023

 by Candlewick Press

4/5 stars

As I slowly making my way through Kate DiCamillo's backlist, I came across this one, the start of a series. I am glad I had a print copy because the illustrations, thanks to Julie Morstad, were a wonderful addition.

This is a middle grade story however I think it would also be enjoyed by those of a younger age. As you can see from the cover, there are five puppets.  Each tell their story which begins after being released from an old sea captain’s trunk.

These five characters are sold off and land in the home with two young girls. This is a book that had a lot of heart as each puppet had ambitions and unique personalities. They go on adventures while learning a lot of about themselves.  It's a story of friendship, imagination and hope.

This is the first book in a trilogy with book 3 being released this fall.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge and is book #13

The Blackened Heart by Alison Weir

The Blackened Heart by foremost and beloved historian Alison Weir is an e-short and companion piece that bridges the first two novels in the Six Tudor Queens series, Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. Fans of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick will delight in this mysterious tale, drawn together from fragments of history - and a good dose of speculation. Or is it...?

Margery Otwell, a self-made gentleman's young daughter, gets her first taste of courtly life when she takes up a position as chamberer to Lady Peche of Lullingstone Castle. Dances, music, feasting - and a seduction - follow, and Margery learns the rules of courtly love the hard way.

Saved from disgrace by the kindly Sir John Peche, Margery finds herself at court waiting on Queen Katherine. Little does Margery know that she is already a pawn in a game of power, irrevocably bound to the fall of the lady she will come to love as her mistress, Queen and friend.

Kindle Edition, 45 pages

Published March 9, 2017 

by Review

3.5/5 stars

As I continue my reading through Alison Weir's Six Tudor Queen Series, I have been reading some of her short stories that are scattered throughout this series.  Available only through Amazon UK, a pity since I would like to read them all.

This is book 1.5, during the time of Katherine of Aragon, wife #1.  Coming in at 45 pages it was a relatively quick read.  As a teen Margery Otwell enters into service for the queen and is a life long companion through all the drama.  A story of mystery, drama and romance.

My copy through kindle - it pays to take kindle while traveling, in addition to reading but also to grab through editions not available in my location.

The Defence by Steve Cavanagh

The truth has no place in a courtroom. The truth doesn't matter in a trial.

The only thing that matters is what the prosecution can prove.

Eddie Flynn used to be a con artist. Then he became a lawyer. Turned out the two weren't that different.

It's been over a year since Eddie vowed never to set foot in a courtroom again. But now he doesn't have a choice. Olek Volchek, the infamous head of the Russian mafia in New York, has strapped a bomb to Eddie's back and kidnapped his ten-year-old daughter Amy.

Eddie only has 48 hours to defend Volchek in an impossible murder trial - and win - if wants to save his daughter.

Under the scrutiny of the media and the FBI, Eddie must use his razor-sharp wit and every con-artist trick in the book to defend his 'client' and ensure Amy's safety. With the timer on his back ticking away, can Eddie convince the jury of the impossible?

Lose this case and he loses everything.

Kindle Edition, 321 pages

Published September 1, 2023

 by Headline

3.5/5 stars

This is the first book in the Eddie Flynn series. A few months ago I read Witness 8, which is book 8, and while it was fine on its own. But I was intrigued with all the characters and how a con artist turned into a lawyer came to make that transition, so alas here I am having read The Defence.

I’ll be very honest here and say that I struggled for the first part of this book, there seemed to be a lot of suspending of belief and I just wasn’t enamored as I was with Witness 8. However I persevered and then read the last third in a day.

The Defence is a story of a father‘s love for his daughter and the lengths he will go to protect her. It is a story of the Russian mafia and the control it had on New York. And it is a story of a murder trial that Eddie needs to win to save his daughter. All in all, a fast paced story with many layers, characters and has what I have come to expect in Eddie Flynn, he has a lot of cards up his sleeves and you never know what his next move will be, he keeps those thoughts to himself until he shows his hand.

I will continue the series because I have had book 4, Thirteen on my shelf for a while and it sounds very intriguing.

My copy was obtained through my Kindle library, you can find this book in Canada for 4.99 via Kindle or Kobo, unfortunately I was never able to find it as an e-book through my library.

The Water Keeper by Charles Martin

A riveting new story of heroism, heartache, and the power of love to heal all wounds.

Murphy Shepherd is a man with many secrets. He lives alone on an island, tending the grounds of a church with no parishioners, and he’s dedicated his life to rescuing those in peril. But as he mourns the loss of his mentor and friend, Murph himself may be more lost than he realizes.

When he pulls a beautiful woman named Summer out of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, Murph’s mission to lay his mentor to rest at the end of the world takes a dangerous turn. Drawn to Summer, and desperate to find her missing daughter, Murph is pulled deeper and deeper into the dark and dangerous world of modern-day slavery.

With help from some unexpected new friends, including a faithful Labrador he plucks from the ocean and an ex-convict named Clay, Murph must race against the clock to locate the girl before he is consumed by the secrets of his past—and the ghosts who tried to bury them.

With Charles Martin’s trademark lyricism and poignant prose, The Water Keeper is at once a tender love story and a heartrending search for freedom.

Audiobook, 11 hours, 35 minutes

Published May 5, 2020 

by Thomas Nelson

4/5 stars

This is my first time reading a Charles Martin book, this was an audio read for me.

I didn’t know what to expect and honestly I didn't even read the blurb. Charles Martin is an author I have been debating about reading and I jumped at the chance to grab this audio from NetGalley . It is book 1 with book 4 coming out April 1, and yes, I have the series loaded and waiting for me.

Beginning with a scene that grabbed my attention. I was captivated with this audio. It is the story of Murphy Shepherd, a man of many secrets. His life is dedicated to rescuing those that are taken no matter how dangerous the situation is.

The Water Keeper is a fitting start as people are introduced, a bit of their past is shown, and the author has made me like all of them, not just Murph, but Clay, Ellie, Summer, and of course, to round everything up there is a dog named Gunner. Having cruised on the intercoastal waterways in Florida it wasn’t hard to feel the setting, envision things and get a real sense of what was taking place.

The Water Keeper is a heartbreaking story, it was emotional given that what takes place is so relevant these days. It is a story of love, danger and new beginnings. There is a cliffhanger ending which had me opening up book 2, The Letter Keeper right away.

If you haven’t started the series, I highly recommend the audio, Jonathan K Riggs was the narrator who brought the story to life.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audiobook in exchange for a honest review.

The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez

Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.

Kindle Edition, 82 pages 

Expected publication March 1, 2025 

by Amazon Original Stories

4/5 stars

The thing with any Abby Jimenez short story is that, though they are short and sweet, I would love this to be a full length novel.  But given that she has a new release next month this is a great teaser.  Not that the new book involves the same characters, its her writing and unique/fun stories that we get.

The Fall Risk actually does start with a bang or at least things that go bump in the night (or early morning).  What followed were 2 characters with trust/love issues that are forced to spend time together and develop a nice little friendship.  Kinda weird how it happened, but whatever this was a fun rom/com with great banter, strong subject matter and a couple zany friends that added that extra spark.

As with typical Jimenez fashion there is always a critter that tries to steal the show, in this case its Swim Shady.

I received a digital copy free via the Amazon First Reads program in exchange for a honest review.

The Champagne Letters by Kate Macintosh

Perfect for fans of bubbly wine and Kristin Harmel, this historical fiction novel follows Mme. Clicquot as she builds her legacy, and the modern divorcee who looks to her letters for inspiration.

Reims, France, 1805: Barbe-Nicole Clicquot has just lost her beloved husband but is determined to pursue their dream of creating the premier champagne house in France, now named for her new identity as a Veuve Clicquot. With the Russians poised to invade, competitors fighting for her customers, and the Napoleonic court politics complicating matters she must set herself apart quickly and permanently if she, and her business, are to survive. 

In present day Chicago, broken from her divorce, Natalie Taylor runs away to Paris. In a book stall by the Seine, Natalie finds a collection of the Widow Clicquot’s published letters and uses them as inspiration to step out of her comfort zone and create a new, empowered life for herself. But when her Parisian escape takes a shocking and unexpected turn, she’s forced to make a choice. Should she accept her losses and return home, or fight for the future she’s only dreamed about? What would the widow do?

Audiobook, 9 hours, 36 minutes

Published December 10, 2024 

by Blackstone Pub

3.5/5 stars

The Champagne Letters is a dual time period story taking place in France.

For Natalie Taylor, a recent divorcee, she takes an impulsive trip to Paris that sets her on a journey of self discovery. But it is a journey that isn’t easy with many bumps along the way. It is at a book stall that she discovers a collection of letters published by Barbe-Nicole Clicquot written in 1805. 

This was an audio read for me with the narrator being Cassandra Campbell and Jackie Sanders. Both are ones I’ve listened to before and have enjoyed. Again they brought the story to life with the required accents to make it as authentic as possible.

The Champagne Letters is a story or rather a journey for two women on their own and the decisions they make that will form their future. I’m glad I went the audio route, it was easy listening with emphasis on the wine market or rather champagne house in France.  I liked both characters and both storylines the same and like how they parallel each other.

Released just this past December it is readily available in all formats and I recommend for those that like their historical fiction with travel and relevant subject matter. Oh and yes I loved the fact that Clicquot was a real historical figure - yes I googled her.

I was able to obtain the audiobook via my library through CloudLibrary

The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley

1613: King James – sixth of Scotland, first of England, son of Mary, Queen of Scots - has unified both countries under one crown. But the death of his eldest son, Henry, has plunged the nation into mourning, as the rumours rise the prince was poisoned.

Andrew Logan’s heard the rumours, but he’s paid them little heed. As one of the King’s Messengers he has enough secrets to guard, including his own. In these perilous times, when the merest suggestion of witchcraft can see someone tortured and hanged, men like Andrew must hide well the fact they were born with the Sight.

He’ll need all his gifts, though, when the king sends Andrew north to find and arrest Sir David Murray, once Prince Henry’s trusted courtier, and bring him a prisoner to London to stand trial before the dreaded Star Chamber.

A story of treachery, betrayal and love…

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication March 4, 2025

 by Simon & Schuster CA

3.5/5 stars

It has been a while since I ventured into historical fiction from the 1600's. I was glad to be reacquainted with that era by Susanna Kearsley‘s new book The King’s Messenger.

It is evident that the author knows the time period, I knew this from past experience. With an authentic story that takes place during the time of King James 1 of England/James IV of Scotland, who inherited the English throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth. He is the son of Mary Queen of Scots. Here we are a decade later when James‘s son Henry has died under mysterious circumstances.  Andrew Logan, a King‘s Messenger is tasked with travelling to find and arrest David Murray, a person of interest in his death. We get a clear picture of what a Messenger's job entails.

Told through a number of different points of view, first and foremost was Andrew Logan who takes his job very seriously and is very good at it. He also has a second sight and can sometimes see things others can’t, which added a nice twist to the story. There is also a scribe and his daughter, along with a wee lad Hector, who was an endearing fella.

The King’s Messenger is a slow paced story that was atmospheric with attention to historical facts. There was a touch of romance, adventure and some magical realism.

My thanks to Simon & Schuster CA for a print arc in exchange for a honest review