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The Arthurian Mysteries #4
The Stolen Bride
Malgwyn ap Cuneglas is counselor to Arthur, High King of the Britons. When he accompanies his liege to the West to broker a deal between warring tribes they come across a scene of utmost depravity and murder to sicken even the most battle-hardened warrior. Things don’t get any better when they finally arrive at their destination to discover that King Doged is fighting to keep his kingdom safe from both Saxons from abroad and younger nobles vying for power. Doged loses that fight when shortly after Arthur and his counselor arrive, he is murdered. His young wife, defenseless and alone, appeals to Arthur to find her husband’s killer. Arthur quickly agrees and Malgwyn is given this almost impossible task.
Why would Arthur be so interested in helping keep this small region stable and under the High King influence? Perhaps because Doged’s people had discovered caves that might contain huge veins of gold….
The Stolen Bride is the next masterpiece in Tony Hay's critically acclaimed Arthurian mystery series.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10, 2012
2 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Tony Hays
35 books50 followersA native of Madison, Tennessee, Tony spent his teenage years on a farm about 10 miles southeast of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Although he had dreamed of being a writer since childhood, it was only after a brief career as a university administrator that he began to come into his own. Initially, he was awarded an undergraduate degree in history and a MA in educational psychology from Tennessee Technological University. Later, he received his MA degree in English/Creative Writing at Texas A&M University at Commerce in December 1991. Since then, he has been constantly on the move and in print.
Tony has visited some 30 countries, living in six -- Japan, Kuwait, Poland, the Marshall Islands, Macedonia, and England. During his tenure in the Middle East, he was close to members of Hezbollah and actually attended a Spring 1997 fundraiser for the Taliban. He also served as the founding chairperson of the Overseas Security Advisory Council--Kuwait, a non-profit, State Department-sponsored consortium of representatives from the various segments of the American expatriate community, exchanging security information and working closely with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in planning for civilian evacuations. His third novel, The Trouble With Patriots, grew out of this experience.
Returning to the US, Tony entered freelance writing fulltime, publishing widely in both print and online news sources as well as national magazines. His 20-week series on drug trafficking in southwest Tennessee won the Tennessee Press Association's Public Service Award in 2000 for the Savannah/Hardin County Courier.
Always going where the story is, Tony sailed aboard the USS Tortuga (LSD-46) from Norfolk, VA to the Horn of Africa during its 2002-2003 deployment in preparation for the War with Iraq. He stood the bridge of the American warship, serving as an unofficial Arab linguist, during the ship's transits through the Straits of Gibraltar, the Suez Canal, and the Bab al Mendab Straits off the coast of Yemen. After living and working with the men and women of the Tortuga and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, he published an account of his experiences in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
His eclectic tastes are demonstrated by the diverse magazines and publications that have printed his articles and stories: Insight on the News at the Washington Times, Accuracy in Media, Cvil War Times Illustrated, Appalachian Heritage, The Christian Reader, Cats Magazine, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Buffalo Spree, and Archaeology among many others. Frequently, he has collaborated with Charles C. Thompson II, a former producer at CBS' 60 Minutes and a founding producer of ABC's 20/20. Their work on Tennessee political and law enforcement corruption has been lauded across the nation. Many of their articles have been picked up and reprinted by Free Republic and The Progressive Review. Tony's articles on the Taliban, Al-Qaida, and Saudi Arabia have been reprinted or reported on by organizations as varied as the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Spanish television.
In 2003, Tony made the decision to return to his roots, historical mysteries. His efforts have not gone unrewarded. An active member of Mystery Writers of America and the Appalachian Writer's Association, Tony is the author of three novels, two historical mysteries and a contemporary satire, The Trouble With Patriots, set in the Middle East and released in 2002 by Bridge Works Press. It has now been optioned for film. His first novel, Murder on the Twelfth Night, was nominated for the Tennessee Volunteer Book Award. A scholar as well as a novelist, he is a member of the Robert Penn Warren Circle and has published criticism on Warren's early novel Night Rider.
With the critically-acclaimed release of Tony's first Dark Ages mystery, The Killing Way, from Tor/Forge, he is now under contract for three more volumes in this series. The first, The Killing Way, set against the murky
Tony has visited some 30 countries, living in six -- Japan, Kuwait, Poland, the Marshall Islands, Macedonia, and England. During his tenure in the Middle East, he was close to members of Hezbollah and actually attended a Spring 1997 fundraiser for the Taliban. He also served as the founding chairperson of the Overseas Security Advisory Council--Kuwait, a non-profit, State Department-sponsored consortium of representatives from the various segments of the American expatriate community, exchanging security information and working closely with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in planning for civilian evacuations. His third novel, The Trouble With Patriots, grew out of this experience.
Returning to the US, Tony entered freelance writing fulltime, publishing widely in both print and online news sources as well as national magazines. His 20-week series on drug trafficking in southwest Tennessee won the Tennessee Press Association's Public Service Award in 2000 for the Savannah/Hardin County Courier.
Always going where the story is, Tony sailed aboard the USS Tortuga (LSD-46) from Norfolk, VA to the Horn of Africa during its 2002-2003 deployment in preparation for the War with Iraq. He stood the bridge of the American warship, serving as an unofficial Arab linguist, during the ship's transits through the Straits of Gibraltar, the Suez Canal, and the Bab al Mendab Straits off the coast of Yemen. After living and working with the men and women of the Tortuga and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, he published an account of his experiences in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
His eclectic tastes are demonstrated by the diverse magazines and publications that have printed his articles and stories: Insight on the News at the Washington Times, Accuracy in Media, Cvil War Times Illustrated, Appalachian Heritage, The Christian Reader, Cats Magazine, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Buffalo Spree, and Archaeology among many others. Frequently, he has collaborated with Charles C. Thompson II, a former producer at CBS' 60 Minutes and a founding producer of ABC's 20/20. Their work on Tennessee political and law enforcement corruption has been lauded across the nation. Many of their articles have been picked up and reprinted by Free Republic and The Progressive Review. Tony's articles on the Taliban, Al-Qaida, and Saudi Arabia have been reprinted or reported on by organizations as varied as the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Spanish television.
In 2003, Tony made the decision to return to his roots, historical mysteries. His efforts have not gone unrewarded. An active member of Mystery Writers of America and the Appalachian Writer's Association, Tony is the author of three novels, two historical mysteries and a contemporary satire, The Trouble With Patriots, set in the Middle East and released in 2002 by Bridge Works Press. It has now been optioned for film. His first novel, Murder on the Twelfth Night, was nominated for the Tennessee Volunteer Book Award. A scholar as well as a novelist, he is a member of the Robert Penn Warren Circle and has published criticism on Warren's early novel Night Rider.
With the critically-acclaimed release of Tony's first Dark Ages mystery, The Killing Way, from Tor/Forge, he is now under contract for three more volumes in this series. The first, The Killing Way, set against the murky
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 20, 2015
Another Arthurian mystery taking up where the last one left off although it can stand quite well on its own. If you enjoy reading about the times of Arthur and Merlin, you will enjoy this. Malgwyn, King Arthur's councilor is an unusual character that helps solve these complicated murder mysteries.
May 20, 2012
This review was first published in Historical Novel Review, where The Stolen Bride received the Editor's Choice distinction.
When Malgwyn accompanies King Arthur to help settle a dispute in Doged’s troubled lands, they arrive to find more than ambitious nobles and Saxons vying for the throne. If Arthur wants to keep Doged’s land in the fold, and the gold that might be found in its mines, then they must find some way to keep the peace. But when Doged is murdered, his young wife demands answers. Arthur turns to Malgwyn, his most trusted counselor and the man most experienced in such matters, but Malgwyn soon discovers that not only his life, but the future of the kingdom, will be lost should he not find the true murderer.
The Stolen Bride is the fourth book in Tony Hays’ Arthurian Mysteries novels. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each one. The previous three novels are fantastic, though they aren’t necessary to enjoy this fourth installment. Hays has done a tremendous amount of research to breath new life into this era where Rome has retreated and the Britons are left to fill the power vacuum and fight off the Saxon invasion. Malgwyn, for all his flaws, is brilliantly written, as are Arthur, Merlin, Bedevere, Guenevere, and all the rest. Highly recommended.
When Malgwyn accompanies King Arthur to help settle a dispute in Doged’s troubled lands, they arrive to find more than ambitious nobles and Saxons vying for the throne. If Arthur wants to keep Doged’s land in the fold, and the gold that might be found in its mines, then they must find some way to keep the peace. But when Doged is murdered, his young wife demands answers. Arthur turns to Malgwyn, his most trusted counselor and the man most experienced in such matters, but Malgwyn soon discovers that not only his life, but the future of the kingdom, will be lost should he not find the true murderer.
The Stolen Bride is the fourth book in Tony Hays’ Arthurian Mysteries novels. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each one. The previous three novels are fantastic, though they aren’t necessary to enjoy this fourth installment. Hays has done a tremendous amount of research to breath new life into this era where Rome has retreated and the Britons are left to fill the power vacuum and fight off the Saxon invasion. Malgwyn, for all his flaws, is brilliantly written, as are Arthur, Merlin, Bedevere, Guenevere, and all the rest. Highly recommended.
July 16, 2018
This series has a great premise with interesting characters but Hays just isn't a very good writer. There are numerous continuity problems such as a character not being present in a particular scene but the character has dialogue anyway. Hays has never been very adept at smoothly providing the information needed from previous stories. He constantly repeats unnecessary information. He has some interesting plots but lacks the skill to write a compelling story.
July 14, 2012
C2012. FWFTB: counsellor, crown, murdered, gold, savage.
Fortune favoured me by letting me be selected to receive this book as a giveaway.Thanks so much, Mr Hays. It was a bit slow going at first but then developed into an interesting plot. I did not find there to be much historical information imparted but a lot of back story. The language used at first seems a bit all olde Englishe and this is carried through into the synopsis eg “in a manner most savage”. . The reader is left in no doubt that the narrator is being honest. The phrase “In truth” is used.....a lot! (eg P38, P39) and to prove that fact is stranger than fiction, there were at least 2 mentions of “But then something very strange happened.”, P79 and p164. Our hero also manages to frequently “lose” himself which results in some plot changing events ie “The words rang out, and it was a moment before I had realised that it was I who had spoken.”. The back cover tells us that Mr Hays is a working journalist which has certainly helped with the pacing of the story. Good reviews are mentioned on the back cover referencing earlier works. The cover art is credited to Steve Stone who I think is known as a digital artist. If it is the same Mr Stone, he has done some wonderful covers for other historical and spec-fic novels. The cover and the synopsis do not accurately represent the story – IMHO. The chap at the bottom of the cover with the dagger in him is most certainly not the old King that is described in the story. Although the author has been compared favourably to Steven Saylor, this book put me more in mind of those written by Cassandra Clark and Alys Clare.Recommended for the readers who prefer the lighter type of historical mysteries. FCN: Malgwyn ap Cuneglas (our flawed, one-armed protagonist), King Doged, Arthur (Rigotamatus), Ysbail (the stolen bride?), Mordred.
Fortune favoured me by letting me be selected to receive this book as a giveaway.Thanks so much, Mr Hays. It was a bit slow going at first but then developed into an interesting plot. I did not find there to be much historical information imparted but a lot of back story. The language used at first seems a bit all olde Englishe and this is carried through into the synopsis eg “in a manner most savage”. . The reader is left in no doubt that the narrator is being honest. The phrase “In truth” is used.....a lot! (eg P38, P39) and to prove that fact is stranger than fiction, there were at least 2 mentions of “But then something very strange happened.”, P79 and p164. Our hero also manages to frequently “lose” himself which results in some plot changing events ie “The words rang out, and it was a moment before I had realised that it was I who had spoken.”. The back cover tells us that Mr Hays is a working journalist which has certainly helped with the pacing of the story. Good reviews are mentioned on the back cover referencing earlier works. The cover art is credited to Steve Stone who I think is known as a digital artist. If it is the same Mr Stone, he has done some wonderful covers for other historical and spec-fic novels. The cover and the synopsis do not accurately represent the story – IMHO. The chap at the bottom of the cover with the dagger in him is most certainly not the old King that is described in the story. Although the author has been compared favourably to Steven Saylor, this book put me more in mind of those written by Cassandra Clark and Alys Clare.Recommended for the readers who prefer the lighter type of historical mysteries. FCN: Malgwyn ap Cuneglas (our flawed, one-armed protagonist), King Doged, Arthur (Rigotamatus), Ysbail (the stolen bride?), Mordred.
April 10, 2012
I had a hard time finishing this book. For me it was difficult to get into and keep reading. I was bombarded with a plethora of characters and events so interwoven and complex that I couldn't keep up. I must say, that I received this book free as a first look, and was very eager to read it. I love the period and legend. I would like to read more like this and by this author to see if it was the writing style, this story, or my over-loaded brain (as a teacher around test time). I feel I will try to read the book again during the summer (when my mind is less stressed) and see if it is better to me then. I will update my review if anything changes.
November 3, 2015
Arthur is paying a visit to the southwest, to try to keep the peace between the local tribes. Unwillingly accompanying him is his counselor, Malgwyn, whose mate is expecting to give birth very shortly.
On the journey they find a village that has been attacked and destroyed — but who is responsible? One young woman, who reminds Malgwyn of his dead wife, is the sole survivor.
Upon their arrival, they find multiple factions all striving to become the heir to the elderly king — even though he has a young wife, who could provide him with a true heir. But when the king is killed, and Mordred accused, Malgwyn must use his talents to discover the truth and free an old enemy.
On the journey they find a village that has been attacked and destroyed — but who is responsible? One young woman, who reminds Malgwyn of his dead wife, is the sole survivor.
Upon their arrival, they find multiple factions all striving to become the heir to the elderly king — even though he has a young wife, who could provide him with a true heir. But when the king is killed, and Mordred accused, Malgwyn must use his talents to discover the truth and free an old enemy.
March 31, 2012
I really love the way Hays injects elements of the Arthurian legends into his stories in such a realistic way. Wonderful period feel- makes it easy to "see" his settings and action although I would have appreciated a better map to really orient myself in the story. The lone map supplied was fairly uninformative. And I could have benefited from a pronunciation guide for the many names like Ceawlin and Cilydd which I'm pretty sure are not pronounced the way they're spelled. Despite these minor quibbles, this is a series I will joyfully continue to follow.
June 9, 2012
The fourth book in this series is at least as satisfying as it's predecessors, if not more. Again Malgwyn searches for the truth while following the twist and turns of events that threaten to bring down Arthur and his alliance. He continues to fight the good fight standing up to anyone who may get in the way of him finding out the truth, making both enemies and friends along the way. He again almost looses his life, but this time he submits to a trial which may end his life because his self doubt makes him unsure of how right he had been in his actions.
October 3, 2012
Like other reviewers, I enjoy how Hays combines historical post-Roman Britain, Arthurian lore, and character-based mystery.
Hays does rely on traditional tropes of struggling romance, political betrayal, and scheming villains, but Malgwyn is an interesting protagonist. The author's depiction of Arthurian Britain has relatively few anachronisms compared with most versions from Malory onward.
I agree that some last-minute rescues seem repetitive, but the overall plot is satisfying.
Hays does rely on traditional tropes of struggling romance, political betrayal, and scheming villains, but Malgwyn is an interesting protagonist. The author's depiction of Arthurian Britain has relatively few anachronisms compared with most versions from Malory onward.
I agree that some last-minute rescues seem repetitive, but the overall plot is satisfying.
December 25, 2015
This was a great read. It is an Arthurian mystery. The author strives to make it is as real as possible so there is no magic. He also makes it as historical accurate as possible so you see a Britain that is a about 30 years after the Romans have left but you still see a lot of Roman ways. The author peppers the novel with Roman words. This is the fourth in a series I have not read the others but I didn't have any trouble following things mentioned before.
May 29, 2012
Twice, TWICE, in this book, a sort-of-innocent character is mere SECONDS away from being beheaded and then a rider gallops in with Very Important Information at the LAST MOMENT that frees one character and condemns another. Tony Hays - this is getting old hat.
June 27, 2012
Very very good. Now I have to figure out which other books he has written that I've read and read the remaining ones... He does his research but is open about the liberties he takes and doesn't let any of it get in the way of the story. I approve.
September 24, 2012
Tony Hays continues develop Malgwyn ap Cuneglas as an investigator of the mysterious deaths that occurred in the realm of Arthur, Rigotomas of the British people. This tale touches upon the birth of Arthur during the investigation of the murder of a nobleman. Interesting series.
July 12, 2012
This is a detective mystery set in time of King Arthur.
Read
June 7, 2013I just could not get into this book-- I thought it was boring
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews