The past catches up! Another fine Medieval Mystery!

A Snake in the Barley (Owen Archer Mystery #15) by Candace Robb   

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Tom Merchet, owner of the York Tavern has disappeared. He’s been gone five days with nary a word. Bess his wife is beside herself. Close friends with Captain Owen Archer his wife Lucie and their children, Owen is as puzzled as Bess by Tom’s absence. Captain of the City, Owen is approached by Will Potter who overheard men discussing Tom, an unknown person called Jules, and a mystery woman, the Widow Cobb. Somewhere to start!

It’s 1377. Edward III has died and London has been in turmoil. Young King Richard is heir. The Duke of Lancaster had been governing for the old king. Owen is Princess Joan’s spy here in York. He’s hoping that the unrest won’t reach into the north.

Tom is located, in custody but seriously injured and beaten at the sanctuary town of Beverley. The past once more encompasses a good man’s present. Owen and a party of men leave to investigate and fetch back Tom. 

A man is dead and mouldy barley might be the cause, or something other.

Magda the healer gives advice about who to have attend Tom. It seems there’s a network of healers and wise women throughout the north.

The title “Snake in the Barley” is similar to “snake in the grass” which is a metaphor for treachery. Treachery is certainly at play here.

A rather fascinating commentary on relationships within the lower classes where a partnership or series of partnerships are more the norm than marriage. 

The story exposes the men of the Church for being as human as their flocks, tempted in many ways.

I love Robb’s descriptions of these medieval times.

Another wonderful Owen Archer story from Robb that continues to build on these residents of York, their daily struggles, their wants and needs as they contend with a fractious political situation.

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.