This book immediately moves to my all-time favorites shelf. Susanna Kearsley has a gift for writing historical fiction that is both realistic and magical. The storyline and characters kept me interested and invested the entire time. Not only was this thoroughly enjoyable and fulfilling to read, but I feel like a better person for having read this.

It has been a bit (probably about 5-7 years) since I read a book by Susanna Kearsley and I will be going back to read those that I missed during my hiatus after reading this one!
Rating-4 1/2 stars
The King's Messenger is a historical fiction novel based during the reign of King James I, and includes his son, Prince Henry, his wife, Anne and Sir David Moray, Henry’s Gentleman of the Robes since he was an infant.
The main character is a King’s Messenger, a Scotsman, Andrew Logan., who is charged with serving a warrant and delivering to the King, the man accused of murdering 18-year-old Prince Henry . Andrew is assigned travel companions, Laurence, a scrivener, and his daughter, Phoebe, (Andrew’s love interest) to capture Sir David. So begins the political intrigues, back stories and relationships among the travelers and the royal family. It is told from 4 POV's-Andrew, Phoebe, Queen Anne and Sir Moray., which made the story more authentic and captivating.
Susanna draws you into the a journey filled with well paced revelations of the various characters pasts as well as the increasing danger as they travel, with plot twists and turns that will keep you engrossed.. Her vivid description of the scenery, historical details and character development will submerge you into the story. Susanna's author page was also so interesting with more historical facts and what was fiction in the book.
If you are looking for a rich historical novel with some clean romance, 3rd Sight, royal intrigue and suspense as well as loyalty, chivalry and friendship, I highly recommend this as a must read!
A deep note of appreciation to the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC, it was a pleasure to read. All opinions expressed are my own.

I've been waiting a long time for a new novel from Kearsley and this proved to be worth the wait. This new historical romance is set during the reign of James I and again features beautiful writing, meticulous research and lots of court intrigue. There’s a strong romance plotline and also a mystery.
Don’t miss the extensive historical description at the end!

An epic book that completely wraps up mystery, intrigue, magic, and romance in a neat packet. Susannas writing style is amazing. Her characters are full of depth, and their connections are on a tether sometimes.

I love her books and cannot wait for the next one.

#netgalley #TheKingsMessenger

“The King’s Messenger” was a thoroughly compelling historical fiction read. King’s Messenger Andrew Logan is tasked with arresting Sir David Moray on suspicion that he had something to do with Prince Henry’s death by poisoning. He must journey to Scotland to apprehend the suspect, aided by his gift of Sight, which allows him to see the future. Traveling with him is Laurence Westaway, an elderly scribe, and his daughter Phoebe, who refuses to allow her father to go unaccompanied. Phoebe and Logan have a tenuous relationship at best, forged by mutual dislike and a belief in the other’s pride and arrogance. Upon apprehending Sir David, the group must reckon with whether he’s truly guilty, and how much they will risk to do what is right.
There were many things to enjoy in this novel; it had something to offer for a huge variety of readers. It’s primarily a historical fiction novel, with many characters drawn from real people including King James, Prince Henry, and Mary, Queen of Scots. There’s also a delightful romance subplot, and Andrew Logan is as dreamy as they come. Andrew’s Sight offers just enough of a fantastical element to satisfy fantasy enthusiasts like myself. On top of all of this, the whole book is gorgeously written, well-paced, and thought-provoking. My small criticisms would be that Phoebe is initially a very interesting character but seems to lose some of her sparkle throughout the story, and I found the addition of Hector to the group irritating (though I understand his role in the plot and message of the story), which is how I often feel about the addition of a child character to an otherwise adult cast. Otherwise, though, this book was an absolute delight to read and I’d definitely recommend it!

As per usual Susanna Kearsley nails it with her beautiful prose and intriguing storyline. I love the research that I know she has to go through to get her books right and she never lets me down!

This is a fantastic novel, combining fictional and historical characters to create a wonderful road trip story with serious implications set in England and Scotland in the early 1600s.

King James has tasked Andrew Logan, one of the King’s Messengers, to find David Moray and bring him to London. David was a trusted confidant of the recently deceased Prince Henry, the king’s son and heir. Supposedly, the king wants Moray to come to London for questioning because he believes Moray may have information about the prince’s unexpected death. However, both Andrew and David eventually suspect that the king has a different, more lethal, purpose in mind.

Andrew has a scrivener (scribe) assigned to travel with him to make a record of all that David says on the journey. That scrivener is Laurence Westaway, a neighbor of Andrew’s. Due to Laurence’s poor health, his daughter, Phoebe, insists on accompanying them. Along the way to find David, the trio adds young orphan Hector Reid to their numbers.

As with all good road trip stories, the characters encounter challenges and experience personal growth in their travels. Andrew changes from David’s jailer to his protector and Phoebe finds her dislike of Andrews turning into respect, admiration and love. There is also has a paranormal aspect to the tale since Andrew has the Second Sight.

The King’s Messenger is a compelling story, built on a foundation of historical accuracy and wonderfully written characters to bring to life a fascinating, little known chapter of history.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @SBKSLandmark for the ARC.

Another Susanna Kearsley historical fiction novel and another winner. It isn’t my favorite of her books, but I am always drawn into the story and into the characters. The FMC definitely had her flaws but I enjoyed seeing her grow before my eyes as she learned more and more about those surrounding her.
I appreciate how significant events and facts are woven into the lives of seemingly ordinary people. History is written by the victors, so who are we to say what truly happened. Would recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

Susanna Kearsley is a must read author for me and she did not disappoint! This is wonderful historical fiction with a touch of mysticism that drew me in from the first page. From London to Scotland, the adventures and mystery are nonstop. Told from the point of view of Andrew Logan, Queen Anna, David Moray and Phoebe, the characters were so well developed and the scenery magically described. The author's note at the end was one of the best I have ever read! Very highly recommended historical fiction.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for a copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions in my review are entirely my own.

Another excellent historical fiction from Susanna Kearsley. It is well researched and a very good story. I did find myself wishing for more action, but it is not that kind of book. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and the fact that I cared about each one of them.

3.5 stars, rounded down
It’s been ages since I’ve read a book by Susanna Kearsley, but I remember liking the few I did read. This one intrigued me because I haven’t read any historical fiction dealing with King James I. Kearsley is known for doing extensive research and this book is no exception.
The book comes down as much more of a historical romance than a historical fiction and how much you like it will depend on what you wanted. It deals with palace intrigue, as the death of Prince Henry was suspected to be caused by poisoning. I would have preferred more politics and less starcrossed love. To be honest, I learned more in her Author’s Note at the end than I did from the book itself. It was interesting to learn which of the characters were real and what was truly known of them.
Andrew Logan is one of the King’s Messengers, those tasked with traveling the kingdom fulfilling the king’s orders. His latest task is to ride to Scotland and bring back Sir David Moray, whom the king wants to question about the Prince’s death. Joining him on this venture is an aging scrivener and his daughter. Andrew has been blessed/cursed with Second Sight, so the reader needs to be prepared for that bit of magical realism as it figures heavily into the plot. However, it should be pointed out that the Scots were strong believers in the Sight, so it feels believable in context.
The story alternates between multiple POVs - Andrew, Phoebe (the scrivener’s daughter), Queen Anna and Sir David. Some sections are flashbacks to earlier periods which help to provide the necessary background about Prince Henry. The plot pretty much goes where you would expect with a romance. I was hoping for a little more suspense or political drama. Andrew comes across as a little too good, but he’s the perfect romantic hero.
My thanks to netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advance copy of this book.

This book was very captivating and immersive! I loved the world building and the story! There was a strong plot and overall I really enjoyed reading this book!

Susanna Kearsley’s books always have such a tone of realism and make her characters so relatable that even the most fantastic suggestions seem completely believable. And reading the afterwards with her in depth explanations for how the characters were developed and which parts of the story are truth or fiction just emphasizes how wonderful a storyteller she is.

The mixed emotions Logan has about his mission, the confession Phoebe receives from her father, the memories of David…. These all felt so real, but then were perfectly mixed with the adventure of their travels to London and the various characters they meet along the way. The gradual change in Phoebe’s perception of Andrew Logan was completely convincing. I highly recommend this book!

Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous court of King James comes a story filled with deceit, jealousy, and possible murder. Kings Messenger Andrew Logan is sent to retrieve David Moray so he can be held to account for the mysterious death of his charge Prince Henry. Along for the journey are scribe Westaway, his daughter Phoebe, and a young stable boy- all of whom harbor secrets and agendas. Told in alternating perspectives including Queen Anna, a full picture of events is woven together as tale of shifting alliances and the impact on ordinary people.

As always, thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the opportunity to read this ARC!
This was my first Susanna Kearsley book but it most definitely won't be my last! I ate this book up and couldn't put it down. What a fantastic first book of the year! I definitely added to my book boyfriend list. Andrew has my whole heart!
A prince was murdered and the King sends one of his messengers to find a person of interest and bring him back to the palace for questioning. The messenger finds himself with unexpected and surprising companions that turn this task into an adventure of the heart and mind.

Susanna Kearsley's latest historical fiction novel transported me to 17th-century England and Scotland. Andrew Logan is King James' messenger and has served the king for five years. It is 1613, about one year after the death of King James and Queen Anna's son, Prince Henry. Andrew is assigned to travel from London to Scotland to arrest David Moray, Prince Henry's closest advisor, for the murder of the Prince. What follows is an enchanting and intriguing tale of political intrigue, the quest for power, trust and betrayal, the gift of sight, and a romance. Kearsley takes us on a literal road trip of several weeks' journey by horse with a small group of people who retrieve Moray and return with him to London. I felt immersed in this world as a result of the enormity of research Kearsley masterfully combines with beautiful prose that is reminiscent of the time period and region. Fans of historical fiction will find this a must-read with romance and magical realism, adding to the depth of the story and its rich and layered characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Susanna Kearsley for the advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #TheKingsMessenger #SusannaKearsley #historicalfiction #romance #magicalrealism #read #anticipatedbooks #nytbestsellingauthor #ARCreview #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookclub #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookworm #SourcebooksLandmark

Just didn’t Hit for me and ended up a DNF… ((My apologies for the late review. (I am now cleaning them up for the new year)) I wish Kearsley stayed in the gothic dual timelines and I'm just so disappointed since belleweather … sadness

Susanna Kearsley once again expertly creates historical fiction made more riveting by couching the story in a compelling romance.

This time she takes us to 1613 London and the court of King James I of England. Rumors have been spreading about the cause of the untimely death the previous winter of the King’s son and heir, Henry, shortly before he turned 19. Henry had been the focus of great hope and expectation, which meant he had incurred enemies just by existing. His mother, Queen Anne, wanted to find out which of his enemies might have taken her son away from her.

She pressed her husband to investigate, and wanted in particular to ask questions of Sir David Moray, former Gentleman of the Robes to Prince Henry. Per her wishes the King employed one of his messengers, the Scottish-born Andrew Logan, only 26, but already known for bravery in carrying out the King’s wishes. Andrew was to find and arrest David Moray, and return him to London where he could be examined on what he knew about the prince possibly having been poisoned. The King also assigned a scrivener, Laurence Westaway, to accompany Andrew.

Andrew was aided by having the Second Sight. As he explained: “This gift - or curse - of Second Sight . . . gave unbidden glimpses of the things that were to come. My mother, a Macdougall from the Western Isles, had warned me I should hide it well, for while the Sight was commonplace among her people, elsewhere it was nothing but a danger to possess, viewed as the Devil’s work and witchcraft.”

He knew therefore, that Westaway might not make it back home, and to that end agreed that Westaway’s daughter Phoebe, 24, could join them on the trip.

Picking up Sir David Murray in Scotland turned out to be relatively easy. But bringing him back to London to stand trial turned out to be a journey full of peril and revelations that would change everyone’s lives.

Evaluation: The author clearly has done a great deal of research in recreating 17th Century Scotland and England, not only with respect to the history and politics of the time, but regarding the language, dress, housing, manners and conduct of the period. Fans of Diana Gabaldon will rejoice in revisiting those times with such a skillful narrator, and with an enchanting romance in the story to boot.

This was a fun historical fiction novel told by two POV. I really enjoyed this book I couldn't put it down and read it in a day.

Susanna Kearsley write good historical fiction, well researched, highlighting little known events. In this tale Prince Henry, the heir to James I, is touted as the bright hope for the future. So his sudden death from illness was devastating. How could it happen? Was it poison, if so who? The prince’s closest companion is headed for Edinburgh. So is the king’s messenger, with an arrest warrant. This is the tale of the messenger and his mission.