The role of Royal Messenger is one that still exists, but has changed and diminished over time due to modern technology and the declining power of the monarchy. In the 17th century, when Susanna Kearsley’s new novel is set, the job involved acting as a courier to convey messages or important documents around the country, as well as carrying out other diplomatic missions on behalf of the monarch, in this case King James VI and I.

The King’s Messenger opens in London in 1613, ten years after James united Scotland and England under one crown. His eldest son and heir, Henry, Prince of Wales, has died unexpectedly and rumours of poisoning have started to spread. Determined to find out who is responsible, the King summons one of his Messengers, Andrew Logan, and sends him north to Scotland with orders to arrest Sir David Moray, who had been a companion to the young prince. James believes that capturing Sir David is the key to finding out what really happened to his son and he hopes to make him confess to his involvement.

A neighbour of Logan’s, Laurence Westaway, is commissioned to travel with Logan as a scrivener, or scribe, tasked with writing down any information Moray gives them that can be used as evidence. Because Westaway is in poor health, his daughter Phoebe insists on accompanying them to Scotland and back. Unfortunately, Phoebe has always hated Andrew Logan and her loathing for him has intensified since he became embroiled in a confrontation with her lover, the courtier Valentine Fox. It’s going to be an interesting journey!

The novel is written from four different perspectives. Andrew Logan and Phoebe Westaway are two of them and it’s interesting to see how they view each other and how their feelings change as the journey progresses. Sir David provides a third perspective, offering an outsider’s view of the other members of the party, as well as giving us some flashbacks to his time in Prince Henry’s service. Finally, there are a few chapters focusing on Queen Anna, the Danish wife of King James, who also wants to know more about her son’s death. I felt that the Anna sections weren’t really needed and added very little to the novel, but the other shifting perspectives worked very well, changing from one to another at appropriate times to move the story forward.

A large portion of the book is set on the road, as Andrew, Sir David and the Westaways make their way back to London from Scotland. I found the route they take interesting because it’s not very direct, but of course there are no modern roads or infrastructure in the 17th century and they also need to find towns and castles where they can shelter for the night along the way. Andrew’s scarlet livery, which identifies him as a King’s Messenger, can be either a blessing or a danger, depending on the political allegiances of the people they meet. Something else which could put him in danger, considering the witch hunts sweeping across the country during that period, is his ability to glimpse the future. Susanna Kearsley’s novels often contain elements of the supernatural and I liked the way they were handled in this book; Andrew’s second sight doesn’t form a big part of the story but does lead to a wonderfully eerie scene as the party are crossing the Tarras Moss in the land of the Border Reivers.

Susanna Kearsley’s author’s note is almost as interesting as the book itself! I was impressed by the level of research she carried out, including touring the Scottish Borders and north of England to trace the route her fictional characters would take. She also describes the history of the Royal Messengers which led to the creation of her fictional hero Andrew Logan and explains which of the other people in the book were historical figures who really existed. Sir David Moray is one of these, although usually referred to as Murray (she has a reason for using the Moray spelling). Whether real or fictional, all of the characters in the novel come to life; I loved both Andrew and Sir David and although it took me longer to warm to Phoebe, she did win me over in the end!

I loved this book; it’s probably my favourite by Susanna Kearsley so far. It’s also coincidentally the second book I’ve read in the space of two months about Anne/Anna of Denmark (the other was The King’s Witches by Kate Foster).

With its touches of fantasy subtly and delicately entwined within the story, and a strong handsome Scottish man who battles with duty and honour, this definitely reminded me of Outlander (a favourite series of mine).

This was an interesting story that fictionalised the role of The King’s Messenger in the court of James I. Kearsley takes this court position, and weaves a narrative around it, which helped me as a reader learn more about a job in history, in an engaging and readable way.

I liked the way Phoebe and Andrew’s relationship developed over time, from strong emotions of hate to more amorous ones. It felt a very natural progression and wasn’t forced.

The story was a slow burner, focusing on a handful of character’s stories and historical events of the Stuart era. Whilst I enjoyed seeing the character’s stories come together to form the wider picture, the pacing felt a little slow and disjointed and the voices were portrayed with varying lengths and occasions. At times, I had to really focus and push through scenes and chapters as the flow wasn’t quite right for me.

Overall, the concept and portrayal of history was really strong in this novel, but it lacked the pace and I struggled to find that hook, making it a little harder for me to get through.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A beautiful book from Susanna Kearsley with everything you could want from a good historical read with the added extras of a bit of fantasy and some romance. The story is told from the point of view of the four main characters on the long journey from Scotland to London. This serves to keep it interesting and helps to move the narrative along. I'm sure everyone will have their own favourite character but mine has to be Hector. He is such a sweetheart. Not a book to be missed if this genre is your thing or even as a toe in the water of historical fiction. 5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

In The King's Messenger we meet the enigmatic Andrew Logan who is charged with travelling to Scotland to arrest Sir David Moray and bring him back to London where King James I wants to question him about the death of Prince Henry who has recently died, aged eighteen. Logan takes his role as King's messenger very seriously and prefers to work alone, he is therefore dismayed when he finds that travelling with him to Scotland is a scrivener and his daughter Phoebe Westaway. The journey, both to and from Scotland is filled with danger but it is on the return journey where we get to know more about each of the characters and their reasons for the journey.

As always this author brings history alive, the danger of the times, the constant intrigue and the eventual story of David Moray's involvement in the life of Prince Henry is done with a skilful observation of all the complicated nuances of history. Told in several voices we follow Andrew, David and Phoebe as they each make sense of their growing friendship and of the task ahead of them. I particularly enjoyed travelling the length of the country, not an easy task on horseback and with men following who are determined to do all they can to prevent Moray being delivered into the hands of the King. Whilst I knew a little about the untimely death of Prince Henry, I was intrigued to discover more, especially the uneasy relationship that James King had Henry and of the fragmented relationship the Prince had with his mother, Queen Anne of Bohemia. The political intrigue is contrasted nicely with the growing relationship between Phoebe and Andrew who seem at odds with each other for most of the journey.

Beautifully written, and intricately crafted, it has been an absolute delight to be back in Scotland with this talented author who always brings history so gloriously alive.

Susanna Kearsley’s The Kings Messenger is a historical fiction with a hint of fantasy set in the turbulent reign of James I. The death of his eldest son Henry plunges the nation into mourning, but the rumours around the suspicious circumstances of the prince's demise are rife.

The story follows two main protagonists who live on the same street as both families are in the king’s service - Andrew Logan is a King’s Messenger and Phoebe Westaway’s father is a court scribe. Both are sent north to apprehend Sir David Murray, the Prince’s closest confidant and potential suspect - but everyone quickly realises the truth may not be so simple.

The historical setting and the world building were immersive and detailed - there were so many little details about the environment, clothes and the political and culture structures of the time. I liked that the main characters were tangential to court life rather than being immersed in it which is more usual in historical fiction.

There was also an element of fantasy to the story which is typical of Kearsely’s books, but it wasn’t fantastical and didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story - Andrew Logan’s family is from the Highlands and has the gift of the Sight and could see flashes of the future. It added depth to the exploration of Andrew’s thoughts and feelings about those around him, and how he sometimes struggled to handle the responsibility of such knowledge.

I also really enjoyed the themes of found family and the characterisation of all of the main protagonists. No one was perfect and everyone had their own struggles to navigate as well as dealing with the significant issues at hand!

Thank you to the publishers Simon and Schuster and the author for a #gifted advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review. The King’s Messenger is out today!

Susanna Kearsley’s The King's Messenger offers an intriguing blend of history and fantasy, set against a richly depicted backdrop. As an advance reader copy, it's a privilege to engage with this work, and it's clear that Kearsley has crafted a narrative with meticulous care and attention to historical detail.

The novel presents a tapestry of perspectives, following four different points of view (POVs). While this approach provides a broad view of the story, the distribution of these perspectives felt uneven at times, making it challenging to connect fully with each character. The shifts between these narratives, combined with changes in the timeline, occasionally disrupted the story's flow, which could make it difficult for some readers to follow the plot seamlessly.

The protagonist, our female lead, comes across as rather unlikable, marked by a judgmental and stubborn disposition. This singular portrayal was somewhat limiting, as it overshadowed any potential for character development or depth. Despite the story's progression, her character arc seemed static, lacking the growth one might hope for in a compelling lead.

On the positive side, the novel's historical context is vividly portrayed, immersing readers in the period’s atmosphere. The characters are intricately woven into this setting, bringing to life the era's complexities and nuances. Additionally, the inclusion of magical elements added a unique twist, enhancing the story's allure and providing a refreshing contrast to the historical narrative.

However, a few formatting errors were present in the ARC, which can be distracting, particularly for readers who are attentive to the structural aspects of a book. While these may be addressed in the final publication, they did impact the reading experience for this version.

Overall, The King's Messenger showcases Susanna Kearsley's strength in world-building and her ability to blend genres. While certain aspects, such as character development and narrative structure, might not resonate with every reader, the novel's rich historical setting and magical elements offer an engaging escape for those interested in these themes.

A gorgeous book and a privilege to read.

The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley is a superb read that will captivate fans of historical fiction. Kearsley's storytelling is both compelling and beautifully executed, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The characters are richly drawn, each with their own unique personalities and complex relationships that drive the narrative forward.

The research conducted by Kearsley adds depth and authenticity to the story, bringing the early 17th century vividly to life. I loved reading the research portion at the end of the story. The blend of romance, mystery, and historical intrigue ensures that the reader is hooked from the very first page.

I found myself staying up late, unable to tear myself away from this tale. The King's Messenger is not just a story of justice and honour, but also of truth and love in a time of uncertainty. It's a true pleasure to read and has earned its place as a 4.5-star book in my collection. I look forward to exploring more of Susanna Kearsley's works.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Firstly, how beautiful is this cover? 😍 It's what initially drew me to the book.

Secondly, I have never read anything by this author before so I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. The author's writing style is so exquisite, at times I felt like I was with the characters in the story! That's how engaged I was with the story and how connected I felt with the characters.

Finally, this story had the perfect amount of romance. It did not overwhelm the plot but also didn't leave me wanting more. It was just the right amount of enemies to lovers this historical fiction needed.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
5 stars book from me. Loved the plot and the stories in this book. Loved every single second reading it.

It's been a while since I've read a Susanna Kearsley novel and after reading this I'm wondering why and off to search my book list to find others.
She brings to life fictional characters and seamlessly weaves them into historical events with real life people with no bother at all.
In this novel we meet Andrew Logan, a loyal Kings Messenger who's been sent by King James VI of Scotland and 1st of England to arrest Sir David Moray on suspicion of the murder of Prince Henry. But during the journey Andrew's allegiances falter as he hears Sir David's side of the story.
I loved the historical side of the novel with a little romance interspersed as well. Hector's character was a delight.
I'm grateful to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for this advanced copy from which I am not expected to complete a review

ARC received from publisher for review.
I seem to be loving ARC received from publisher for review.
I seem to be loving my 1600s historical fiction books lately!
I hadn't read any Kearsley books prior to this book, but I'd seen it hyped up on social media so couldn't resist.
This was brilliant, and definitely scratched the itch for historical fiction I'd been feeling. There are fictional characters alongside real people and I loved hearing from the author about her choices of who to keep and who to 'invent'.
A fascinating read and I would love to read more from Kearsley.
2 likes
my 1600s historical fiction books lately!
I hadn't read any Kearsley books prior to this book, but I'd seen it hyped up on social media so couldn't resist.
This was brilliant, and definitely scratched the itch for historical fiction I'd been feeling. There are fictional characters alongside real people and I loved hearing from the author about her choices of who to keep and who to 'invent'.
A fascinating read and I would love to read more from Kearsley.

The Kings Messenger by Susan Kearsley

Another great book by this prolific author. An interesting book which you can guarantee Susan has spent some time researching the subject.
Enjoyed it and would recommend to the book group I'm in as it would give us plenty to discuss.

Content Notes: [on-page parental death; gunshot injury; grief over Prince Henry's death (hide spoiler)]

My favorite Kearsley since A DESPERATE FORTUNE in 2015. Some thoughts in a disjointed manner:

- This is different than most of SK's books. Usually we get a dual timeline between two distinct character casts. Here, we have occasional flashbacks, but the folks remembering (Sir David Moray and Queen Anne) are important players in both storylines. The flashbacks eventually build up to a Big Reveal (if you can call it that), but they're not really focused on the "how did Prince Henry die?" mystery. It's about grief and parental alienation and lost potential and what-if's. The romance in this book was really great, but honestly? I might've found Sir David Moray's anguish to be more moving.

- The romantic ship: Susanna ate and left no crumbs, I fear. The heroine has the wrong impression of the hero because the guy she likes (asshole) poisoned her mind. I love it when antagonistic protagonists slowly realize that their assumptions are all wrong. Delicious.

- I am but a simple reader. A tall man with a special bond to a ferocious black stallion named "Brutus." Andrew Logan had me from Chapter One. ACORN. HANDKERCHIEF. PLAID. STANDING BACK. These words will mean something after you're done. We stan a gruff romance hero.

- I'm super glad we went back to the supernatural with Andrew's Sight. Not that there's anything wrong with non-speculative fiction, but my preferences lie toward mystical forces. It made the chase more exciting, too.

- I am not a fan of well-known (e.g., royal) figures getting POV chapters in historical fiction. I prefer them in periphery, viewed through the lens of folks lost to history. So I was *very* skeptical of Queen Anna getting her own POV chapters. Thankfully, they were sparse (I think... three? Maybe four?) for maximum impact. It works. I was won over by the end. But any more Anna flashbacks and I would've been underwhelmed.

- The research note at the end had me SHOOK. Some of the events I assumed were fictional were real. I wanna read a biography on Anna and James now. Preferably with a pro-slander James bias, lol. Royals never fail to entertain, man.

It's a crime that the American publisher has decided to release this book SEVEN MONTHS after the international release. A travesty. Friends and fellow SK admirers, it might be worth ordering a UK copy so you can read this in August. The UK spelling is more authentic, anyway.

Check the content notes if necessary because it does get very intense at one point.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The King's Messenger
by Susanna Kearsley

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance, General fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction

Ages since I've read a Susanna Kearsley book, so I dived in eagerly. I love a decent historical romance.
However slow burn doesn't describe this romance, TBH it barely starts until the last quarter. Still, the story itself was interesting, I learned things I didn't know and it was easy to mentally drop myself into the past along with the characters.

I loved reading the characters different points of view, it allowed me to understand them and their actions better, knowing the motive behind them. Logan is treading a very dangerous line, having to try to please both king and queen....and if course his own moral conscience. Phoebe grew on me slowly, I didn't like her air of superiority at first, but as she traveled more of her real self shone through.
I did enjoy this read for the historical value, a period I don't know much of, and of course the genuine feel of the characters and events that made everything feel real, but as a romance- nope. And certainly nothing like Jamie and Clair in Outlander!

Stars: Four, good story, great setting and characters.

ARC supplied by netgalley and publishers

Set in the era of James I, 'The King's Messenger' is based on some true events and tells the story of Andrew Logan, a King's Messenger who's been told to bring Sir David Moray back to the court because he's suspected in the death of Prince Henry (James's first son).

But there are complications: Andrew has the gift of second sight (which definitely needs hiding from superstitious James), and he's accompanied by a scribe, the scribe's daughter Phoebe (who loathes Andrew, thanks to the lies she's been fed by one of the courtiers) and young stable lad Hector. And his former boss warns him that David has done nothing wrong; he thinks this is going to lead to yet another dispute between James I and his wife Anna, and Andrew could be dragged into intrigue and danger.

The novel is an absolute masterpiece. With four points of view, it could've been messy, but Susanna Kearsley handles them with aplomb and there's no mistaking any of the distinct voices; it really helps round out the characters. We see Andrew developing more of an understanding of court politics and coming to terms with what he really wants from life; Phoebe realising the truth about her lover Valentine and falling in love with Andrew (who's a real hero); David and the truth about Prince Henry; and Hector, who's just a fabulous creation, the little lad with the heart of a lion who's desperate for a family.

There's danger, with Andrew trying to guide his motley band back to London while avoiding David being rescued by his kinsmen; there's intrigue, with all the politics of the court (and some of the people really are vile); there's a fabulous romance; and above all there's a real sense of place and time. I've loved Susanna's books ever since I read 'The Shadowy Horses', and this one will stay as one of my favourites.

If you like historical drama, this is an absolute must-read. (Pace, characterisation, dialogue, historical detail weaved in effortlessly - it's all just perfect. And the author notes at the end are really interesting, too.)

A very worthy five stars. Thank you to Susanna, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

A heart-warming historical fiction and a throughly enjoyable read from start to finish. The King's Messenger is a historical fiction based on the true(ish) events following the death of James I's first son, Prince Henry.

We follow multiple persepectives throughout the book but each character has such a strong voice and personality that it is difficult to mistake chapters and viewpoints. We follow Andrew, the titular King's Messenger, who has been charged with finding David Murray - a suspect in the death of the Prince. Phoebe, our deuteragonist, has a grudge against Andrew for beating up her lover but nevertheless travels with him to aid her father - a court scribe.

What follows is a beautiful tale of found family, morality, and a hint of the supernatural. An auto-buy for lovers of Phillipa Gregory.

Title: The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley

Release Date: October, 30th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"The King's Messenger" by Susanna Kearsley is a captivating historical novel that whisks readers away to the tumultuous era of King James I, a time when the shadows of intrigue and danger loomed large over the court of England.

Kearsley's masterful storytelling weaves together the lives of four distinct characters, whose perspectives enrich the narrative, creating a tapestry of political machinations, forbidden love, and the supernatural.

At the heart of the story is Andrew Logan, a King's Messenger with a secret gift of "the Sight," which in an age where witchcraft accusations could lead to a gruesome death, must be kept hidden at all costs. His mission to apprehend Sir David Murray, a courtier suspected of treason, propels the plot forward, but it's the depth of character development and the intricate web of relationships that truly captivate.

The novel's "enemies to lovers" theme adds a layer of romantic tension, but it's the exploration of the political landscape that stands out. Kearsley's meticulous research shines through, offering readers a vivid picture of the early 17th century, with its complex court politics, the fear of witchcraft, and the looming threat of the Star Chamber. This attention to historical detail not only provides a rich backdrop for the story but also offers insights into the era's social and political climate.

The use of four points of view could have been overwhelming, but Kearsley skilfully navigates this, ensuring each perspective adds depth and dimension to the story. It's a testament to her storytelling prowess that the novel never feels disjointed; instead, the multiple viewpoints contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the characters and their motivations.

"The King's Messenger" is a compelling read that combines elements of romance, mystery, and historical fiction.

Susanna Kearsley's ability to bring the past to life, with all its dangers and intrigues, makes this novel a must-read for fans of the genre.

Whether you're drawn in by the promise of a forbidden romance, the allure of historical drama, or the mystery of the supernatural, "The King's Messenger" delivers on all fronts, leaving readers eager for more.

Thank you to The Publisher Simon & Schuster UK ,The Author Susanna Kearsley & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I always enjoy a new SK book. This one was a bit of a different format than usual - There were four pov's. Normally I might think this was too many but actually it really worked for the story. I ended up really liking David's pov, for example.

The story has an enemies to lovers vibe, but the main focus is really the political landscape of the time and that was really interesting to read about. I liked Andrew and Phoebe as main characters, though Phoebe got kind of annoying in the first half of the book because of the way she would judge Andrew for stupid stuff. However I grew to really enjoy the dynamic between the main crew - Hector was a really nice addition.

I actually really like the new direction SK is going in writing just historical. This book has a sprinkling of her classic magical touches like the second sight. I think just like the vanished days this book will really suck people in.

This book is so well written, I was entertained throughout and left wanting more. The characters are so well built and their story develops at a brilliant pace..
Its a very enjoyable book, and a nice easy read.

This is just fantastic. I smiled the whole way through it and I didn’t want it to end. They were fantastically written together and their character arcs were just spot on. I really loved reading it.