Another novel from the TBR list I created in July. This one is The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley – and I have to tell you straight away that I loved it. Here’s the premise:
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…
Susanna Kearsley often incorporates a bit of the supernatural in her novels whether through the gift of sight or a bit of time travel. As you can see from the book description above, The King’s Messenger is no exception.
Opening chapter – the story launches quickly into the animosity between Phoebe Westaway and Andrew Logan, the King’s Messenger. When I read it, I wondered if the novel was going to be mainly romance. You know the kind: man and woman dislike each other but at the end fall in love. However, there is soon intrigue enough with a mission from King James and hints of a conspiracy.
Compelling protagonist – four POV characters carry the story. Phoebe, Andrew, Anne who is Queen of Britain, and David Moray (Murray) who was Prince Edward’s tutor and confidant. Each character fascinates. Each voice adds intrigue and important insights. Although Anne appears less frequently – and does not accompany the group on their mission – she provides a valuable perspective of King James and of her son Prince Edward.
Interesting time period – definitely. While I’ve read many novels set during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, I can’t recall any featuring King James I (of England) and King James 6 (of Scotland). The suspicious death of Prince Edward, the flawed character of King James, the King’s confidants who do his bidding while gaining influence and enriching themselves, the Queen’s virtual banishment from court – all fascinating story elements. The role of King’s Messenger dates a long way back in history. When Susanna Kearsley learned that these messengers were sometimes sent to arrest people, the character of Andrew Logan came to life.
Great pacing – we often think of page-turners as novels full of action and daring. The King’s Messenger doesn’t contain that kind of pacing, but for me, the characters and their circumstances were so interesting that I wanted to keep reading well past bedtime.
Engaging dialogue & balance between narrative and dialogue – definitely. And a great balance between action, dialogue and narrative. Beyond the four main characters, the story contains other people – although not too many – who add depth, wit, amusing circumstances, and conflict.
Meaningful themes – honour is a significant theme, family ties, love, abuse of power.
Great writing – Kearsley writes wonderful stories that immerse the reader in time and place. Her use of language adds to that sense of time and place without weighing down the narrative. Her characters quickly come to life. In The King’s Messenger Kearsley creates conflict and tension without resorting to sword fights or the 17th century equivalent of a high-speed car chase.
My conclusion? Highly recommended!
In 2017, I wrote a post based on a talk about dual-timeline novels that Susanna Kearsley gave at a conference – Weaving the Twin-Stranded Storyline.
By the way, did I mention that Susanna Kearsley is a Canadian author?
FOR MORE ON READING & WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION FOLLOW A WRITER OF HISTORY. There’s a SUBSCRIBE function on the right hand side of the page.
M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel THAT WAS THEN is a contemporary thriller. Mary’s other novels, THE ADMIRAL’S WIFE, PARIS IN RUINS, TIME AND REGRET, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook or on her website www.mktod.com.
