Candace Robb's Owen Archer series, set in 14th Century York, offers reliably enjoyable tales. The characters have developed in interesting ways as the series has progressed, sometimes with surprising changes. Archer—a former archer who had to lbuild a new life after he was blinded in one eye—is the kind of ordinary, yet heroic character that populates historical mysteries. He's a man of his time who nonetheless embraces values that were probably not all that common in the Medieval Era: independence for women, a refusal to accept wealth equating power, and a lack of either superstition or hyperreligiosity.

The Riverwoman's Dragon is the 13th volume in the series and features Magda, an elderly healer, who has been a recurring, but only occasionally crucial character in the series. She lives in cottage made of an overturned boat on a rock in the middle of a river. The dragon of the title is that ship's figurehead and is a living creature in Magda's world. When a new doctor arrives in York and begins berating wise women and midwives, just as a new round of plague is starting, Magda and other women like her, along with the poor in general, are seen as threats to the health of the community, suffering physical attacks and having their homes set on fire.

Archer, of course, straightens everything out with the help of a range of characters from the community, but it's the time spent with Magda that is most engaging. I would suggest reading one or two other volumes in this series before reading the River Woman's Dragon, in order to familiarize one's self with the wide cast of characters, particularly Magda and the way she's perceived by others.

This is a reliable series for readers of historical mysteries who enjoy character-centered plotting and generally happy endings. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

Candace Robb's historical mysteries are some of the best available. She did her PhD (ABD) studies in Medieval and Anglo-Saxon literature and has continued her research anew with each of her books.

The Owen Archer series is set in the late 1300's, a period that has long interested me. When I read The Apothecary Rose, the first in this series in 2015, I was captivated by the fictional characters, plot, and the intertwining with the historical characters from the time: Henry of Lancaster, John Thoresby-Archbishop of York and Lord Chancellor of England, and John of Gaunt. Each book expanded on the genuine history of the time and the historical figures who influenced that history.

Robb's Author Notes are a wonderful addition to each book. Using actual events, people, and customs, she doesn't load the plot with overly detailed explanations, but does include the information if you are more interested. I always am.

The Riverwoman's Dragon is the 13th in the series and takes place in 1375 as an outbreak of the plague has the population of York in fear.

from description: "May, 1375. Owen Archer returns from London to find York in chaos. While the citizens are living in terror of the pestilence which is spreading throughout the land, a new physician has arrived, whipping up fear and suspicion against traditional healers and midwives."

Magda has been a blessing as a wise woman and healer--treating the ailments of York for years, delivering babies, using herbs to treat illnesses, and working with Lucie, Owen Archer's wife and local apothecary. But Magda is a pagan, not a Christian. With fear flamed by the plague and a man claiming to be a doctor, many of York can be persuaded to turn against her.

When Magda is accused of murder, Own must find a way to protect her and find the villain.

There are several interesting threads in this installment, and we learn a little more about Magda's background.

Another excellent addition to Candace Robb's Owen Archer series. Start with the first book, and maybe, like me, you will keep wanting more.

read in August; review scheduled for Oct. 3.
NetGalley/Canongate Books/Severn House

Historical Mystery. Nov. 2, 2021. Print length: 256 pages

This latest instalment of the popular Owen Archer series by Candace Robb was a real struggle and at times I didn't think I would get through it! I loved the early books in the series and was hopeful that this next chapter would give more insight and background to the character of Magda Digby the mysterious Riverwoman but sadly although it touched on this a little I found the whole story somewhat laborious and lacking something.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this but don't think I will be requesting another in this series.

When I began reading this latest story in the Owen Archer series I couldn't decide if I was pleased or not to find it was set in York in 1375 and that the bubonic plague was set to make it's presence know in this part of England for a second time. Luckily I noticed there was an Author's Note and read that before I was too far into the book. Having now read the entire book I can say Candace Robb made the best decision to keep this story in the setting she had originally chosen. It all works out just fine and is a great story and an enjoyable read - regardless of what we were all suffering through in 2020.

If you've read other books in this series, you will almost certainly have been very aware of Magda Digby, local healer and midwife who walks a narrow path among the residents of York since she is not a Christian woman in a time of great power in the religious communities. Some residents fear Magda because of the mystical powers she appears to have and yet they trust her and need her healing abilities. This story puts Magda front and center and allows fans to spend time learning more about her. One thing I always appreciate about a book in this series is the depth and intensity of the crimes that are being investigated by Owen Archer, captain of the bailiffs for York, and this story is no different. There are many twists and turns before what is actually behind the series of criminal acts is solved. I'm really glad Ms. Robb had it all well in hand because I didn't have a clue!

Thank you to NetGalley and Canongate Books Severn House for an e-galley of this novel.

A pagan healer faces persecution while fighting the bubonic plague in the newest Owen Archer, "The Riverwoman's Dragon."

Magda Digby has appeared in every book in the Owen Archer series, about a marksman forced to find a new profession after being blinded in one eye.

In this book, Magda's daughter and grandson arrive in York soon after a man claiming to be a physician accuses Magda, Archer's apothecary wife and all the female midwives in the city of heresy.

Author Candace Robb has introduced several appealing characters throughout the series. They all appear in the latest. Getting to know more about Magda leaves readers even more intrigued by this witchy woman.