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A Fox in the Fold (Owen Archer #14) by Candace Robb 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Power is changing in the English Court. It’s 1376. Prince Edward is dead. The Percy and Neville families are curious about Owen Archer. Princess Joan wants to retain Archer to serve her son, the young Prince Richard. The Prince’s uncles are circling, including the Duke of Lancaster.

A naked body has been discovered in a field owned by Sheriff Ralph Hastings, lying near a cart full of stone. The carter fled when attacked. The other men had curiously disappeared. Is the body one of the carter’s men?

At the same time William of Wykeham, the Bishop of Winchester and the Chancellor of England has unexpectedly turned up escorting two of sisters from Wherwell Abbey. He’s come, against advice, in part to see how his waning power might be curtailed. 

It appears there could be links between the Bishop, the stone being carted, and the dead body.

In this tale Owen’s family comes under siege. There’s discord between Archer’s son Jasper and his soon to be betrothed Alisoun,  a young healer learning with Dame Magda.

Gwen, Owen’s daughter has been distraught over Jasper’s treatment of her and her actions put her in danger.

On the home front there’s drama and political intrigue for “bird-eye” (Magda’s name for the one-eyed Archer) and the past will pay a terrifying visit. Archer reflects on that past and how that’s impacted the present, whilst trying to prevent his position from being undercut. An enemy is doing all he can to belittle Owen. There’s danger on all sides. Wisdom and astuteness will be needed.

I’m a huge fan of Owen Archer and love seeing the man he has become, his standing in the community, the way he deals with his family members, and the solid respect and love he shows for his wife Lucie Wilton. This tale adds more depth and breadth to the man, as he reflects on what was and confronts the now. A man as strong as the English bow he carries.


A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.

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