Pages: 352
Genre: Adult Historical Fiction
Pub. Date: March 4, 2025
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Source: Publisher for review
Other Books By Author: The Winter Sea,
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads says, "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…"
Andrew's role is an interesting one in The King's Messenger. I liked how he was assigned this mission and slowly readers learn what happened to Prince Henry, although Kearsley takes a bit of creative license in this sense. His forced proximity to Phoebe and the slow burn of their romance was enjoyable in that it was like a road trip romance as they journey to Scotland. The addition of a his second sight also gives the plot a touch of magical realist. Lastly, I did appreciate the mystery surrounding Henry's death and wanted answers as well. The Prince of Wales was meant to unify the country and his death was especially sad in that sense as he held much promise.
While I felt The King's Messenger was a bit slower than Kearsley's usual novels, I still enjoyed the the slow burn. The historical details that readers have come to love from Kearsley are present and as always, she truly brings the time period to life.
Have you read The King's Messenger? Is it on your TBR list? Are you a fan of Susanna Kearsley? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

I have never read her before but I just added this to my tbr!
ReplyDeleteStart with The Winter Sea- that one is my fave! Thanks for visiting, Michele.
DeleteI find her books to be kind of slow in general, but I do like that about them!
ReplyDeleteYes, they definitely pick up, but it's always a slow start. So true! Thanks for visiting, Angela.
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