A Vigil of Spies

Owen Archer #10

by Candace Robb

A CALLOUS MURDER. A DEVASTATING SECRET. A CRIME OF PASSION.York, 1373: John Thoresby, the Archbishop of York, lies dying. Owen Archer, Thoresby's master of the guards, is determined to ensure that his lord's last days are as peaceful as possible, but his plans are thrown into disarray when Thoresby agrees to a visit from Joan, Princess of Wales, wife of the Black Prince and mother of the young heir to the throne of England. Owen resolves to do his duty, but within minutes of Joan's arrival things go disastrously wrong when a member of the royal party is murdered. Then, only days later, a messenger carrying urgent letters for Thoresby is found hanging in the woods. As Owen races against time to find the murderer, he starts to realise that not only has one of his own men been compromised, but all their lives are now in danger...

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Medieval, Fiction, Historical, British Literature

394 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Storyteller, mythweaver, author of the Owen Archer, Kate Clifford, & Margaret Kerr mysteries. Primary residence, medieval York.

I blog about writing, medieval history, writing women's stories, and feature new scholarship in my field at candacerobbbooks.com, and share loads of medieval news, folklore, and whimsy on my facebook page, Candace Robb

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very thrilling medieval mystery is already the 10th volume of the fantastic "Owen Archer" series, from the US author, Candace Robb.

Story-telling is of a top-notch quality, all characters, whether they are real historical or great fictional, are very believable and lifelike, and they all come vividly to life within this magnificent medieval mystery, while also the human conditions and hostile atmosphere in and around Bishopthorpe Palace come splendidly off the pages.

At the beginning of the book you'll find two well-drawn maps, one of England, and one of Bishopthorpe, York and direct surroundings, and all of these places will play a significant part in this great story of murder and mayhem, while there's also a page with two epigraphs, one from Geoffrey Chaucer and one from Sir Walter Scott.

At the back of the book you'll notice a wonderful Author's Note, where the historical details concerning this fabulous mystery are superbly explained by the author, followed with an interesting list of books for Further Reading.

The book starts off with a short prologue, set in September AD 1373, in which Archbishop John Thoresby and the monk, Brother Michaelo, prepare for the inevitable, being the belief that a Neville will probably become the new Archbishop of York, after John Thoresby's death.

The main story begins on a Monday, later in the Autumn of the year AD 1373, and Archbishop John Thoresby in his permanent sickbed, waiting for death to embrace him, when a party, consisting of Princess Joan, wife of Prince Edward, "The Black Prince", and her entourage as a kind of "a Vigil of Spies" come visiting Bishopthorpe Palace, in for Princess Joan an desparate attempt to get guidance and advise from Archbishop John Thoresby, and to learn the names of people who she can hopefully trust in the future.

What is to follow is an intriguing and exciting mystery, with spies everywhere, who are spying for the Percys, for the Nevilles, and of course for Archbishop Thoresby too, where loyalists and traitors will also come to the fore, when all of a sudden several murders occur and important papers destined for Thoresby go missing, and in this maelstrom of deadly happenings Owen Archer must try to investigate and solve these mysterious murders, and after some twists and turns accompanied with a magnificent unfolding plot, all will be revealed in the end, while also fatherly love, romantic healing, human loss and noble death will play a most humane part in John Thoresby's final hours/moments.

Highly recommended, for this is in my opinion the best Owen Archer mystery so far in this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "The Most Accomplished Owen Archer Mystery Yet"!

[Bethan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book full of intrigue with an inevitable ending. Was surprised by who the killer was. The ending had me distraught, though it wasn’t unexpected.

[Elis Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll use this review space to sum up the series. During the reign of Edward III, Owen Archer was once captain of the archers (hence the surname) of the Duke of Lancaster. When he's blinded in one eye, he assumes his career as a warrior is over. The Duke gives him an education and intends to use him as a messenger/spy, but dies before the plan comes to fruition. Given a choice between serving the new Duke, whose ethics Owen questions, and the powerful Archbishop of York/Lord Chancellor of England, Owen naively figures a churchman will be more trustworthy.

In the first book, he's sent to York to sort out the suspicious death of a young relation of Thoresby and as his cover, he apprentices himself to the young widow of an apothecary, whose late hubby was mixed up in the mess. They fall in love and their marital relationship, with its ups and downs, spans the rest of the series.

Each story revolves around one or more mysteries, all of which are nicely framed and hard to solve, even for a veteran mystery buff. I sometimes figured things out ahead of Owen, but not always. Usually all the facts were provided and there to be put together before the denouement, which is as it should be.

Recurring supporting characters like Magda Digby, the pagan midwife whose medical skills came in handy quite often and whose mysterious past made her memorable, fill out the books and bring them to life.

Other recurring characters, like Thoresby were real historical personages. Both he and Geoffrey Chaucer take turns being pains in Owen's arse and helpful friends. Real historical events also pepper the series and drive parts of the story, and being a history geek, I loved this aspect of the series.

The author, thankfully, took the trouble to research her era, so that we gain real insights into things like a woman taking over her husband's business in the era of the Edwards, and the incredible power and control wielded by the guilds back in the day. Funny little details, like the difference between a tawyer and a tanner, had me off to the books learning more (though I never did figure out why the tawyer in question got in trouble with the guild for making shoes of a particular sort of skin for a friend). I only questioned a very few of the historical details; the one that comes to mind is the falconry in the final book. According to some sources I've read, there was a rather painstaking set of rules about that (as about nearly everything in those days), down to the type of raptor that could be flown by people at each level of society. Pretty sure ladies of any rank were not flying the same sorts of birds as men, and that the children of a merchant and a man who was not even a knight would not be flying the same birds as anyone of rank. I was tempted to make the excuse that Owen, since he was unfamiliar with the sport, might think of any raptor as a hawk, but other characters who should know more also used the term to broadly. Yeah, it's a tiny, silly quibble and I learned so much from this series I only bring it up to nitpick. Meanwhile, like all my favorite historical novelists, she ends each book with notes full of more interesting historical information and sources.

My only other complaint, and this one was enough to rob the series of a star per book, is that I never did fully engage with the characters' emotions. I liked them and rooted for them, and god knows I don't want the kind of navel-gazing, hand-wringing angst we sometimes suffer with historical romances, but too many times I felt that I was being told how the characters felt rather than being drawn into their emotions. If Robb can firm that up in future books she'll have herself a five-star series going forward.

So the series as a whole gets four stars and a strong recommendation for people who love history and mystery. I have a ton of books on my to-read shelf but I find I want to read more by Robb, and since the next Archer book is not available, I might try the Kerr series.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favourite of the series. The characters are all so well developed and the historical background is excellent.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vigil of Spies by Candace Robb continues the Owen Archer series. This is one of my very favorite medieval mystery series because of the characters, both real and fictional. Robb's meticulous blend of historical research, exceptional plotting, and believable characters impress me every time. It is remarkably easy to enter the world she creates and become immersed in events, real and imagined, of the late 14th c.

I was first introduced to this series in 2015 with The Apothecary Rose and have followed the series enthusiastically without a single disappointment.

A Vigil of Spies presents a sea-change in the series as John Thoresby, the Archbishop of York is dying. His death will leave open his powerful and influential position, and those eager to fill the Archbishopric are scrambling for favor.

Owen Archer is one of several who are concerned about the impending visit of Joan, Princess of Wales, and wife to the heir to the throne. Joan seeks Thoresby's advice about whom to trust for the safety of her young son. Edward III is dying, and Joan's husband, Edward, The Black Prince, is also dying. She fears her young son Richard will become king much too young to rule. (Richard II did succeed to the throne at ten.)

There are soon to be a lot of vacancies in the power structure of England, and powerful families scheme as they await their chances.

An accident that proves not to be an accident; a suicide that is not a suicide. Owen Archer struggles to resolve the situation so that the Archbishop can die in peace.

For anyone who loves historical mysteries, this is one of the best. Robb's knowledge of the period and ability to bring to life the characters and the time period is exceptional. There are always historical notes and references at the end and her details of the time are fascinating, but the plots, pacing, and characters are always foremost.

Highly Recommended.

Kindle Unlimited

Medieval Mystery. 2008; 2015. Print length: 418 pages.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoy this series

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

The King is dead. Long live the King.

The story in this 10th book in the Owen Archer series takes place at Bishopthorpe, the Archbishop of York’s residence, at the time of the very real death of John de Thoresby, Archbishop of York, in 1373. The events in this book follow closely upon the events in the previous book in the series, The Guilt of Innocents.

In this fictional world, Thoresby is the employer and patron of Owen Archer and his family. Owen is the Captain of Thoresby’s guard, so the death of his patron will bring about major changes in Owen’s life. And in spite of their sometimes contentious relationship over the past ten years, as the old man’s death approaches, Owen is forced to confront his own feelings. He finds that now that the old man is passing, he likes and respects the man, and will mourn his loss.

He is also forced to confront the inevitable changes that the uncertain future will bring.

In the midst of Thoresby’s death watch, the author has interjected another historical figure who is looking at the future without Thoresby’s strength and influence with a great deal of justifiable trepidation.

Joan, known to history as the Fair Maid of Kent, has come to the Archbishop’s deathbed to seek his sound advice one last time. And she certainly needs it. Joan was the Princess of Wales, but Princess to Edward, the Black Prince who is dying. Her father-in-law, King Edward III, is also dying. She is all too aware of the likelihood that her young son Richard will become King when he is much too young to rule without a regency council. Child Kings do not thrive in medieval history. They tend to either become pawns, despots, or dead.

In 1373 Joan has no idea that her son, who will become Richard II, will turn out to be all three.

In this atmosphere of impending death lies the beginning of what history will sometimes call “The Cousins War”, but that we know better as the Wars of the Roses. The men that Joan is forced to choose among for her son’s regency will become the leaders of the Lancaster and York factions that rise in the wake of her son’s eventual death. England will not be at peace again for over a century, until Richard III is killed at Bosworth Field in 1485.

But all Joan knows in 1373 is that one of the few men she would have trusted to care for her son and his future crown will die before him. In the story, she comes to York to seek his advice one last time.

While she gets the advice she seeks, she brings chaos in her wake. And in this moment of shifting loyalties and fears for the future, her baggage train conceals a murderer. It becomes Owen’s job to find the killer, guard the Princess, and provide as much peace as possible for the dying man who has goaded and aided him in equal measure for so many years.

Escape Rating A+: While I’ve given a lot of weight to the historical situation in my summary, it sets the stage for what is actually a sort of country house mystery, albeit one set about five or six centuries before Agatha Christie made such stories famous.

The death watch for Thoresby creates an absolute hothouse atmosphere for murder, although the first murder takes place just before Princess Joan’s party arrives at the Archbishop’s. The stage is set with all too many people having all too many plausible, and sometimes urgent, reasons for killing someone else in either the party or at the house. The Archbishopric of York was a rich secular prize, as well as being the second highest office of the Church in England. Plenty of people are vying for the about-to-be-vacant see.

This is all about power, and by that I mean earthly power and not spiritual power. The great families of the North, the Percies and the Nevilles, want to be sure that the see goes to someone who aligns with their interests. In fact, to one of the Nevilles. Much of this jockeying is about the power vacuum that is about to occur on the throne, and who will be in the best position to influence the expected very young king in the days to come.

Many of Owen’s men, men who he believed were loyal to the Archbishop and most especially to himself, are vulnerable to promises of future employment. Their collective future is in doubt, and some are particularly susceptible to bribery of one kind or another.

Joan does not know all the various members of her party. Someone has been searching the Archbishop’s room, looking for either trinkets or information to blackmail someone with.

As the bodies and incidents start piling up, Owen puts the entire place on lockdown, wanting to be sure that his murderer remains on the premises while he tries to ferret them out. At the same time, Owen is distracted – he doesn’t know who he can trust, and his wife and her sage counsel are out of reach in the city.

We see all these characters at a crossroads. The future, both their personal futures and the future of the country, is uncertain. Loyalties that were firm have become fluid. And yet Owen still must do his job, finding out who is disturbing the Archbishop’s waning days and whether they might intend harm to the Princess. His job often feels impossible, and yet he knows that he will miss it, the responsibility and status it gives him, and the man who has been at the center of it all.

We feel Owen’s grief, and we see and sympathize with his confusion. His story has been marvelous from beginning to end, following a fascinating character and watching as his world changes and he changes with it. The author has never fallen into the trap of making Owen or Lucie anachronistic in order to make them fit our sensibilities, and they are all the more interesting for providing us an insight into their times and their world.

I will miss them, and I hope that the author returns to this series. The changes that are coming will be monumental and I’d love to see how they adapt.

[MBP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glad to read in the author's afterward that this is not the last in the Owen Archer series! (I hope Candace Robb is busy writing!) I think the series is better than the individual books (the sum being more than the parts). There are so many well-drawn ongoing characters that I think could be the focus of a book of their own - especially Brother Michaelo, Bess Merchet, and Magda Digby. The author uses the series format to great advantage in developing her characters, by revealing a little about them at a time, and showing different facets of their personalities.

[jobiwan6 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 and 1/2 stars

[OLLI at WVU · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the place to start this series. You'll want to begin at The Apothecary Rose, the first book. This book is about the end of Thoresby, Archbishop of York (and real figure). At the start of the series Archer has an almost adversarial relationship with Thoresby, as time passes, Thoresby becomes godfather to Archer's children, and Archer admits that he will miss the Archbishop.

But since this is a mystery series, there is a theft and a murder that aims to upset Thoresby's final days, so Owen wants to resolve the problems as quickly as possible.

The other reason to read the entire series, is that this book sees Thoresby develop a friendship of sorts with the pagan midwife Magda Digby. Magda Digby is a fascinating character in her own right, and she is willing to give Thoresby (and us) glimpses of her past, including why she always refers to herself in the third person.

It's a good series, and I love the setting, since many historicals are set during the more modern eras. (This is during the time of Edward III.)

[Mark Baines · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another novel that creates atmosphere and awareness of life in middle ages as a vehicle for a murder mystery. Brother Cadfael would be a similar sort of series.
I haven't read previous titles, but felt the characters developed well and quickly, so the main players were immediately available and their relationships solid. This all helps to create a robust background on which the story is predicated. The ancillary players all contribute both to the story and to the history as well as the political intrigue of th time with families jockeying and positioning for power through marriage and relationships as well as bribery and corruption.
Probably worth starting from book 1 and reading onward, although I suspect each story stands on its own merits.

[Morgana LeFay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho deciso, cosa mai fatta prima, di recensire insieme gli ultimi libri di questa serie. Il motivo è molto semplice: non ne posso più.
Per quanto brava, l’autrice mi ha esasperata, ha esaurito tutta la mia passione e pazienza di lettrice.
Basta, basta, basta!
Non se ne può più di questa storia trascinata fino allo spasmo.
Non sono casi distinti, come quelli di Hercule Poirot, qui è una telenovela infinita costellata di morti e casi sempre più improbabili e meno credibili.
Manca lo slancio, l’evoluzione dei personaggi, la fantasia creativa.
Molte parti dei libri sono descrizioni noiose e ridondanti, le scene d'azione hanno perso il loro effetto.
A un certo punto sembra che Candace Robb abbia scritto questi libri perché doveva scriverli e non perché voleva scriverli.
Li rileggerei? No.

[Gareld Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book read like an Agatha Christie mystery set in the 14th century. The author did a terrific job of creating a great story around real historic characters and events with the help of a few minor fictional characters. As with any good mystery, there were multiple people with reasons for wanting the victims dead and information either hidden or exposed. It was then up to the intrepid Owen Archer (with obvious comparisons to the incomparable Hercule Poirot) to solve the mysteries, identify the evil doers, and get ready for the next mystery to present itself. I loved all of it! I was disappointed that Owen's beautiful and intelligent wife, Lucie, didn't have a more important role but was glad to see that Magda Digby was still in the thick of everything.

[Rev. M. M. Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Thoresby, Archbishop of York is dying and intrigue swirls about him about the choice of a successor. Owen Archer, Captain of the Archbishop's Guard, is concerned about the future but a visit from Joan, the Princess of Wales, soon occupies his time, especially when a servant dies falling from his horse. Owen discovers that the fall was no accident. The servant's master is a priest who carries a message from the Bishop of Winchester for the Archbishop, but when the message is opened it consists of blank pages. Shortly after his humiliation, the messenger is found hanging from a tree with Brother Michaelo, the Archbishop's secretary, lying unconscious at his feet. Did he kill himself or was Michaelo responsible? As Owen tries to figure it out, even more mysteries will be revealed.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The political intrigue surrounding the impending death of John Thorsby, Archbishop of York, adds to the mystery of the identity of the murderer of an emissary, and earlier of his servant, in the party of the Princess of Wales, journeyed north in autumn 1373.

Archer is his usual often obdurate self and, this time, he is away from his wife but Magda, the healer, plays a significant role. Suspicions and red herrings complicate matters and, although Geoffrey Chaucer is awkwardly inserted into the narrative at times, it is always involving.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[BRT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Owen Archer's employer, Archbishop Thoresby of York, is dying but first he must deal with a visit from Princess Joan and her entourage. They descend upon Thorseby with a group of spies upon spies and the murders begin. Owen must find the culprit and send the Princess on her way to ease Thoresby's passing. A lively, if dark, mystery with history interwoven. The pagan healer Magda plays a bigger role in this book and it's delightful.

[Catherine Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned into a good story after a very slow start. However, I found the one-time "relapse" into homosexuality of Brother Michaelo a bit gratuitous and not really germane to the plot, so I can't help feeling that it was part of the story only so the author could make a 21st century point of diversity acceptance that is anachronistic to the time period of the story.

[Eric Cassell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen Archer at his best

Owen Archer’s character becomes even richer and deeper! He is aging well. The plot complexity keeps one thoroughly engaged. Characters are believable and their development intriguing. The period is one of historical significance.

[ELzabeth Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Unable to put this tale down. Fascinating characters, fascinating storyline with a real feeling of being there as the storyline unfolds with the discovery of treachery and honour colliding. Sad! to see the end of Thoresby, a wily churchman!

[Darcey Tomasino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series

I hope to see more of Lucie and Owen. Robb has quite masterfully blended history with fiction. I highly recommend the whole series.

[Bruce Retallack · Rating 2 out of 5]

An enjoyable enough read, but never grabbed me. I suspect I should have read the earlier books in the series first.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Owen and his men are at Thorseby's Castle as the bishop is in his final days. Princess Joan and her retinue come to visit. Murder and mischief are afoot. Archer is uncertain whom to trust.

[lisa unwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Another fantastic book by candace robb. I am rereading the whole series. I started reading them originally after a week in York

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

L'accoppiata Candace Robb e Owen Archer non delude mai e sa coinvolgere dalla prima all'ultima pagina

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A serviceable entry in this series. The author adds new characters (many historical) into every book which sends me down a rabbit hole on google trying to find out more about them.

[Sarà Grilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romanzo storico, ambientato nel medioevo scritto con garbo e con cognizione di causa.

[Mick Gaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always enjoyed the Archer-Wilton series. Sad to see a character depart, but absolutely fitting

[Ulrika Stonegate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series, though, honestly, it was lacking scenes with Lucie. I understand, plot-wise, why she was missing, but her interaction with Owen is so very key to the series.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced mystery with several elements and families jockying for power as the Archbishop prepares to die.