A Conspiracy of Wolves - Review and Giveaway

A Conspiracy of Wolves by Candace Robb

Publication Date: August 1, 2019

Severn House/Crème de la Crime

Hardcover & eBook; 256 Pages

Series: Owen Archer, Book 11

Genre: Historical Mystery

When a prominent citizen is murdered, former Captain of the Guard Owen Archer is persuaded out of retirement to investigate in this gripping medieval mystery.

1374. When a member of one of York’s most prominent families is found dead in the woods, his throat torn out, rumours spread like wildfire that wolves are running loose throughout the city. Persuaded to investigate by the victim’s father, Owen Archer is convinced that a human killer is responsible. But before he can gather sufficient evidence to prove his case, a second body is discovered, stabbed to death. Is there a connection? What secrets are contained within the victim’s household? And what does apprentice healer Alisoun know that she’s not telling?

Teaming up with Geoffrey Chaucer, who is in York on a secret mission on behalf of Prince Edward, Owen’s enquiries will draw him headlong into a deadly conspiracy.

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My Take:

A Conspiracy of Wolves is the eleventh novel in the Owen Archer series. But don’t worry if this is your first introduction to Owen Archer – the novel can easily be read as a standalone. Candace Robb is a master storyteller and she truly understands the time period. Any needed back story is provided within the novel as well as plenty of historical references for those of us who are history nerds and need to know exactly when in time the story takes place and who the important historical players would have been.

While the mystery regarding the violent and confusing deaths is the main element of the novel – the rumors of wolves running wild and killing people despite the evidence of murder, a new Archbishop of York brings some challenging political changes that Archer must deal with, conflicting loyalties, other characters keeping secrets – all work to make the story complex and infinitely fun to read.

I was completely drawn into the challenges that Owen Archer and his oftentimes annoying friend Geoffrey Chaucer face in trying to figure out exactly what is going on. There are so many wonderful characters in the novel besides Archer and Chaucer. I found them engaging and very real.

Usually when I read mysteries, I am really focused on trying to figure out who the murderer is and solving the crime. But while reading A Conspiracy of Wolves, I found myself more involved with the characters and their lives and problems. I was so pleased at how real the story felt – from the details of everyday activities to the historical accuracy.

A Conspiracy of Wolves was a real treat to read and I am embarrassed to admit that this is the first Owen Archer novel I have read – but it won’t be the last! I immediately ran to the library to check out the first two books in the series. I would wholeheartedly recommend A Conspiracy of Wolves to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or mysteries.

About the Author

I’m Candace Robb, a writer/historian engaged in creating fiction about the late middle ages with a large cast of characters with whom I enjoy spending my days. Two series, the Owen Archer mysteries and the Kate Clifford mysteries, are set in late medieval York. The Margaret Kerr trilogy is set in early 14th century Scotland, at the beginning of the Wars of Independence. Two standalone novels (published under pseudonym Emma Campion) expand on the lives of two women in the court of King Edward III who have fascinated me ever since I first encountered them in history and fiction.

I am a dreamer. Writing, gardening, walking, dancing, reading, being with friends—there’s always a dreaming element.

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Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, August 1
Review at Book Frolic
Excerpt at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Friday, August 2
Review at A Book Geek

Saturday, August 3
Feature at The Writing Desk

Monday, August 5
Feature at Book Addict Rambles

Tuesday, August 6
Excerpt at Broken Teepee
Review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Wednesday, August 7
Interview at Bookish Rantings

Thursday, August 8
Guest Post at Reading the Past
Review at Hoover Book Reviews

Friday, August 9
Feature at I'm All About Books
Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Saturday, August 10
Feature at Clarissa Reads it All

Sunday, August 11
Excerpt at A Darn Good Read

Monday, August 12
Excerpt at Just One More Chapter
Review & Interview at Gwendalyn's Books

Tuesday, August 13
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, August 14
Guest Post at Words and Peace
Excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Thursday, August 15
Review at Coffee and Ink
Review at Book Reviews from Canada

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a Hardcover copy of A Conspiracy of Wolves by Candace Robb! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on August 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
 – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen. Conspiracy of Wolves