A Fox in the Fold

by Candace Robb

Overview

Owen Archer suspects an old adversary is on his tail as he seeks to solve the mystery surrounding a dead body found on the road to York.

"A standout . . . Robb reinforces her place among the top writers of medieval historicals" - Publishers Weekly Starred Review 

October, 1376. Owen Archer is summoned by sheriff Sir Ralph Hastings regarding a stripped and bloodied body discovered on the road north to York. Could it be connected to an attack on a carter and his labourers who were transporting stone destined for St Clement's Priory? The carter fled, but his men stayed to fight and are now missing. Is the victim one of them?

At first Owen believes the catalyst for murder and menace in York is the arrival of the political pariah William Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester. But he soon suspects that a formidable and skillful adversary from his past has arrived in the city, thrusting him and his family into grave danger, and his investigation becomes a race to uncover the truth before his old nemesis destroys all he holds dear.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780291376
Publisher:	Severn House
Publication date:	10/04/2022
Series:	Owen Archer Series , #14
Edition description:	Main
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	1,128,476
Product dimensions:	5.79(w) x 8.74(h) x (d)

About the Author

Candace Robb has read and researched medieval history for many years, having studied for a Ph.D. in Medieval & Anglo-Saxon Literature. She divides her time between Seattle and the UK, frequently visiting York to research the series. She is the author of thirteen previous Owen Archer mysteries, three Kate Clifford medieval mysteries, and the Margaret Kerr trilogy.

Editorial Reviews

A multitude of new and old supporting characters round out the delightful cast and contribute to the twists and turns of the compelling plot

Booklist on A Conspiracy of Wolves

2022-08-17
An old enemy returns to haunt the Duke of Lancaster’s retired captain of archers.

Owen Archer, captain of archers of the city of York, survived an attack by one of his men when he was in service to the duke, married, and raised a family that may now be in danger. His children, 19-year-old Jasper and 10-year-old Gwen, are on the outs because Jasper blames Gwen for telling their parents that he spent the night with Alisoun, his longtime love, even though Gwen says she didn't do it. It only gets worse once Alisoun admits to having slept with her mentor Dame Magda’s great-grandson and maintains that although she loves Jasper, she wants to pursue her career helping poor folks with her healing skills. When a body is found outside the city, Owen is asked to investigate. The man who was killed may have been part of a group bringing a cart of special stones to St. Clement’s Priory, a gift from Bishop Wykeham, who’s had a difficult relationship with the powers that be ever since the death of the king. Found in the cart are expensive stone carving tools which are later identified as belong to the brother of Rhys, a young man living with the Archers while he fixes their garden wall. Owen is shocked when he realizes that one of the men who stole the cart was most likely Raymond, the traitorous archer whose attack cost Owen his eye. He plays a cat and mouse game, trying to protect his family while hunting a dangerous killer and navigating political pitfalls.

A detailed ramble through 1376 York peopled by a brace of engaging characters.

Kirkus Reviews