The Apothecary Rose (Owen Archer, Bk 1) Author:Candace Robb
Book Description:
Once the king's captain of archers, now he must penetrate a poisoner's secrets...
Christmastide, 1363-and, at an abbey in York, two pilgrims die mysteriously dead of an herbal remedy. Suspicious, the Archbishop sends for Owen Archer, a Welshman with the charm of the devil, who's lost one eye to the wars in France and must make a new career as an honest spy.
Masquerading as an apprentice to Apothecary Nicholas Wilton, whose shop dispensed the fatal potion, Owen's dark curls, leather eyepatch and gold earring intrigue Wilton's wife. But is this lovely woman a murderess? and what links the Wiltons to bumbling Brother Wulfstan, ascetic Archdeacon Anselm and his weaselly agent Potter Digby, and the ragged midwife Magda the Riverwoman? Answers as slippery as the frozen cobblestones draw Owen into a dangerous drama of old scandals and tragedies, obsession and unholy love...
The Apothecary Rose marks the arrival of a bold and quick-witted detective in this expertly detailed, engrossing tale of medieval life-and death.
Michelle S. (michellerenee) from WILMINGTON, NC wrote on 3/16/2008...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
An easy, fun, and "historically" informative read.
Sandra W. wrote on 11/12/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A good mystery, but I had trouble getting into it at the beginning, most likely because it's the first of its kind I've read.
Linda V. from SAN GABRIEL, CA wrote on 4/26/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
a great book. a first read of the author for me and i will read more. set in medival england. a good read for all.
Margaret R. (margaretcordelia) from EAST BALDWIN, ME wrote on 3/31/2006...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Really good historical mystery. Robb is the best replacement I've found for Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael books.
Linda P. (katknit) from COVENTRY, CT wrote on 2/8/2006...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Fun mystery set in medieval York, with great period detail.
Jeannine W. (jrelehw) from LONDONDERRY, NH wrote on 12/18/2005...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Lovely story if a bit predictable
Rate These Member Reviews
Debbie C. (Debisbooked) from FREMONT, OH wrote on 7/28/2005...
From the back cover: Christmastide 1363 - and, at an abbey in York, two pilgrims lie mysteriously dead of an herbal remedy. Suspicious, the Archbishop sends for Owen Archer, a Welshman with the charm of the devil, who's lost one eye to the wars in France and must make a new career as an honest spy.