
Member Reviews

Excellent historical fiction, with strong character development, a compelling plot, and high stakes. This author's books are always a hit, and this one is no exception. A must-read for fans of the genre.

Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark, #partner, for the finished copy of The King’s Messenger in exchange for my honest review.
I have been a fan of Susanna Kearsley ever since reading The Winter Sea. I love the way she is able to transport me into whatever setting she creates, this time the 17th century – I always find myself completely immersed in her books!
This is historical fiction at its best! There is intrigue, a little romance, some action and all the history that I couldn’t get enough of. It is so evident just how much research went into the writing of this book and yet it reads to smoothly…I was so captivated by the characters and all that was happening. This is the type of historical fiction I love to sink my teeth into and the best part, of course, is the author’s note where she clearly details what is fact and what is not.
I really enjoyed this story – a part of history I was not familiar with going into the book. Susanna Kearsley is such a master storyteller that I found myself wanting to know more – and I just know this will be a treasured book on my shelf and possibly one I will reread in the future!

There's a lot to love about this historical fiction novel by Susanna Kearsley. King's court drama, murder plots and gossip, a little bit of magic/6th sense type stuff, and a nice romance to ride along with it. It's been awhile since I've read a historical novel set in this period, and I really enjoyed the way the author constructed this story. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I keep trying to read this book and it's just not resonating with me. I have enjoyed Kearsley's other books so I'm not sure why I'm struggling with this one. This is a talented author who frequently writes rich and compelling tales. I will try again during the winter when I can focus better.

In 1613, King James I of England (and King James VI of Scotland) sends his messenger, Andrew Logan, to Scotland to arrest Sir David Moray and return him to London to provide answers in the death of his son Henry, the Prince of Wales. Moray was Prince Henry’s life-long courtier. Logan is an honorable and steadfast man of integrity. King James orders the aged scribe, Laurence Westaway, to accompany Logan and document all that Moray says with a plan to incriminate him. Phoebe Westaway accompanies her father out of fear for his health. Along this journey, there is intrigue and adventure as they evade pursuers – those seeking to rescue Moray and those wanting to do him harm. This is also an emotional journey as Phoebe’s opinions and feeling toward Logan are completely changed as she sees his true, compassionate nature; and Logan gets to know Sir David as he sees his love for the prince and his grief over his loss, and knows with certainty that he had no hand in Henry’s death. Within this engaging storyline of mystery and political intrigue, is a slow-burn enemies to lovers romance. A particularly engaging character is the young, orphaned boy, Hector, who idolizes Logan. He accompanies the group back to London. As Kearsley tells the story from the viewpoints of Logan, Phoebe, Sir David, and Queen Anna, and we see the characters’ complexities and humanity. The reader is immersed in the rich period detail that is naturally folded into the narrative, the research never heavy-handed. Also, it is told in a linear timeline which is a huge plus! An outstanding historical novel.

Susanna Kearsley has been one of my favorite authors, and The King's Messenger beautifully showcases everything I love about her writing. With her signature lyrical writing and impeccable historical research, Kearsley draws readers into a world that feels both richly atmospheric and emotionally authentic.
about
In 1613, a king's messenger, Andrew Logan, is sent by King Henry is sent on a secret mission to arrest Sir David Moray. They have to travel back to London from Leith, Scotland, along with a scribe and his daughter.On their journey they slowly start to understand the true purpose of their mission, involving the dark side of court intrigue.
my thoughts
With Kearsley's storytelling, was brought back in time to a 1613 roadtrip across the landscapes of England. I loved how neighbor enemies Andrew and Phoebe begin to truly understand one another and their slow-burn love story. Andrew Logan's loyalty, integrity, and compassion is made him a wonderful mmc. All the characters are well developed and cared for a sweet stable boy they meet along their road trip. From page one we learn that the scribe believes in astrology and the almanac at the time. Along with a main character haven been born with second sight, I almost set the book aside. The author addressed this topic found in Scottish history. I really appreciated and loved all the history and research mentioned in the author's note.
• historical fiction, 17th century, England, romance

Book: The King’s Messenger
By Susanna Kearsley
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Length: 343 PP
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Overall Blog Rating: 5 Stars
1613
This is another epic story by one of my most favorite authors. She writes fluently in this historical fiction masterpiece MM . In this novel it centers around Andrew Logan who is the messenger of King James who has confidential orders to arrest Sir David Moray. He was a dear friend and confidant of King Henry. They want him to trick an innocent man Moray and frame him for Prince Henry’s murder! Andrew will not do this but has to be careful so it doesn’t cost both of their lives! Andrew has the second sight that must be kept secret at all cost. As if this information fit into the wrong hands it could cost Andrew his life.
Phoebe Westaway the scivener’s daughter has despised the Kings messenger Andrew Logan due to their messy past. Now she is far from trusting him, unfortunately as she is drawn deeper into this expedition and realizing she needs his unusual gifts. However this might cost both their lives. I don’t want to spoil any plotlines but definitely run and get this extraordinary book!
A fast moving story filled with court intrigue, spies, politics, secrets, blackmail and murder. Again Susanna Kearsley pens another mystery, filled with suspense in this incredible riveting book. Readers will love this awe-inspiring action packed, fast paced novel that I could not put down. Her research is phenomenal including true facts in this historical fiction book. I absolutely loved The King’s Messenger so much and highly recommend it!
Disclaimer: Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark, Netgalley and Susanna Kearsley for this arc. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog and promote on social media. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.

Susanna Kearsley is the best kind of historical fiction writer, blending well-developed, well-rounded characters with seamless and fluid integration of meticulous research. And she weaves them together with prose that draws you into the narrative. Brava.
The King's Messenger is set in 17th-century England and Scotland. Titular character Andrew Logan is a messenger for King James. Logan has been tasked with the capture and escort of Sir David Moray, friend and advisor to the late Prince Henry. Logan, by the way, has the power of Second Sight, which he has to keep on the DL to stay alive. In the messenger's company are a scrivener and the scrivener's daughter, who has never been a fan of Logan. Road trips change things, though, don't they?
[Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for an opportunity to read and share my opinion of this book.]

Susanna Kearsley is back doing what she does best—serving up rich historical fiction with a side of slow-burn romance and just a sprinkle of second sight. The King’s Messenger is set in 1613, after the death of Prince Henry, heir to King James I. Rumors swirl the prince was poisoned, and Andrew Logan, one of the King’s Messengers (who’s hiding his own mystical secret), is sent north to arrest Sir David Moray, a close friend of the late prince.
Phoebe Westaway is dragged into the mission to assist her aging father, who’s acting as the trip’s scribe. She’s not a fan of Andrew—at all—but over the course of the dangerous journey from Scotland to London, her frosty attitude thaws.
Kearsley’s research shines. The settings feel lived-in, the language fits the time, and the court intrigue keeps things moving. The multiple POVs—especially Queen Anna’s—add dimension, though at times they slow the pacing. The romance is subtle but satisfying, and the hint of the supernatural gives it an extra spark.
It’s not quite a page-turner, but fans of well-written historical fiction will enjoy the ride. Four stars. Solid stuff.
** Thank you to Sourcebooks, Recorded Books, and author Susanna Kearsley for the advanced copies of the eBook and audiobook. The opinions are my own.

3 stars, a good, solid read. Great period detail, interesting characters, mostly suspenseful plot. Some holes in said plot, and some predictability, but overall, very much enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to a variety of readers. Looking forward to the next Kearsley book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I love historical fantasy, and I fully expected to love this book. And while there's nothing specifically wrong with it, for some reason I just can't get into the story. I've tried a couple of times, but I find my mind wandering. The characters aren't holding my attention. Maybe it's my mood. For now, I'm setting this one aside as a DNF.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley!

I don’t usually read books set so far in the past. I really liked Andrew’s character. Having the Sight made him a very likable character. He was determined to protect Sir David Murray event hough the King wanted him punished for something he didn’t do.
I enjoyed the dual narration for the audiobook. Beth and Angus do a great job portraying Phoebe, Anna, Andrew and Sir David. The multiple POVs really gave you a full view of the story.
Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and RB Media for my copies of this book.

Susanna Kearsley is an excellent historic fiction writer, and someone new to her work this will be well loved. I’ve read many of her novels, and felt it was well done but was ready for her to take us in a new direction entirely. Too similar to her other work, and I was hoping for something different.

Forgive me, but I've just returned from a journey in 1613 Britain, from London to Edinburgh and back again. It was long and arduous, and also dangerous. At least this is how I feel after reading another of Susanna Kearsley's riveting historical novels, which are always faultlessly researched and abundant with details that make you feel as if you're walking in the character's shoes.
This book pivots off the death of Prince Henry, of whose story I was unaware. King James and Queen Anna's son, Henry, dies suddenly at 18 and some suspect he was poisoned. The King's messenger, Andrew Logan, is sent from London to Edinburgh to fetch Sir David Moray, who was the Prince's long-time companion prior to his death. Queen Anna has faith in Sir David, but the King is suspicious. Traveling with the Messenger is Laurence Westaway, who will scribe all the words said by Sir David. Accompanying Westaway is his daughter Phoebe, who is concerned with her father's ill health, and puts aside her distaste for Logan in order to look after her father properly. There is also a young lad accompanying them to help with the horses.
As the small group travels, everyone's character can be measured in such close quarters. The band dispatched to bring the prisoner back to the king begin to doubt Sir David's guilt.
I love books that take me back to the past, and especially the dramatic English history filled with Royal Intrigue. I also like learning a bit of history in a story-style manner. This was a little bite of history with which I was totally unfamiliar. The author took facts from the time and spun this tale. She became intrigued with the idea when she happened upon a book about the history of the King's messengers, who actually wielded quite a lot of power. Be sure and read the author's notes at the end, which give more insight into the historical characters in this story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked the romance that unfolded, the lesson in true character by which we judge our fellow man, and the historical setting. I have not read a Susanna Kearsley novel that I haven't enjoyed and also come away a little smarter!
Thank you to NetGalley, Susanna Kearsley, and Sourcebook Landmark for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This title just didn't work for me. I was hoping for more espionage and less romance, but what I got was more romance and less espionage. I expect romance fans will quite enjoy it. Kearsley has an excellent reputation for historical accuracy. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

I am a huge fan of Susanna Kearsley and this book did not disappoint. Lovely characters and slow but satisfying plot that keeps your attention to the end and leaves you wanting more.

Lots of fun - similar in style and feeling to other Kearsley books. Not her best but still worth the read. I purchased it.

This was a good story, but the pacing was off. Nothing much happened throughout most of it, and then a lot was happening too fast through the last 20%. Overall, this wasn't a bad book, but I didn't have any strong feelings about it.

King James has sent a trusted messenger to Scotland to arrest the close friend of his dead son, Henry, Andrew Logan, the chosen messenger begins to have reason to believe that Logan that Sir David Moray, the friend he is to arrest, will be executed under false pretenses when he gets back, but because Logan has a strong sense of duty, he is determined to fulfill his mission. There is lots of action, and some romance. I am not certain who is the audience for this book, because the writing is suitable for a YA crowd, but the court intrigue leans more toward an older reader. The afterward, while certainly informative for and adult would be of absolutely no interest to my high school readers. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc with no pressure for a positive review.

Andrew Logan, a king's messenger, has been tasked with traveling to Scotland to escort a high-ranking courtier under suspicion of murder back to England. Traveling along with him are an elderly scribe and the scribe's daughter, Phoebe, with whom Andrew has long had a icy, antagonistic relationship. Having nabbed their quarry as expected, their return journey becomes one of evasion when they realize they are being followed and, moreover, the party members begin to doubt the ethics of their task as they learn more about their bound captive.
I've long enjoyed Kearsley's writing, and this was an enjoyable read, though doesn't hold a candle to my favorites, The Winter Sea and The Rose Garden. While there is some suspense and necessary conflict, overall the drama remains somewhat low-stakes. Kearsley excels at atmospheric dialog and description, and this book is no exception. Recommended for fans of historical fiction.
I received this ARC via NetGalley.