"Interesting historical tale"
In 1370 St. David's, Wales Owen Archer looks forward to
returning home to his wife Lucie and their children now
that his family business in his homeland is finished.
However, his departure becomes delayed when the local
Archdeacon orders Owen to investigate the death of Cynog
the mason, whom seemingly hung himself. Owen begins making
inquiries even as he sympathizes with the local rebels. While Owen remains stuck in Wales, a customer accuses
apothecary Lucie of poisoning her. Widower Roger Moreton
helps Lucie with the accusation and with the handling of
her late father's estate. Among other distracters, some
not so minor, include whether Owen will ever return to his
beloved family as rumors fly he joined the cause of the
rebellious Welsh. The two story lines remain on separate tracks until the
very end. Though a bit disjointed historical fiction fans
will relish the depth that Candace Robb furbishes on Welsh
history including maps of York and St. David and a short
glossary. Those readers interested in an Archer mystery
will find his investigation takes a back seat to the
insight into the era while the lead male protagonist also
shares the novel with his wife's activities that further
supplement the deep look into the late fourteenth century.
A SPY FOR THE REDEEMER is either a cavity extraction (for
historical mystery aficionados) or a wonderfully vivid tale
(historical fiction buffs) depending on the reader's
particular genre taste. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted April 12, 2002
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