A Darn Good Read: READ AN EXCERPT/BLOG TOUR: A Conspiracy of Wolves by Candace Robb

Publication Date: August 1, 2019
Severn House/Crème de la Crime
Hardcover & eBook; 256 Pages
Series: Owen Archer, Book 11
Genre: Historical Mystery

Synopsis

When a prominent citizen is murdered, former Captain of the Guard Owen Archer is persuaded out of retirement to investigate in this gripping medieval mystery.

1374. When a member of one of York’s most prominent families is found dead in the woods, his throat torn out,
rumours spread like wildfire that wolves are running loose throughout the city. Persuaded to investigate by the victim’s father, Owen Archer is convinced that a human killer is responsible. But before he can gather sufficient evidence to prove his case, a second body is discovered, stabbed to death. Is there a connection? What secrets are contained within the victim’s household? And what does apprentice healer Alisoun know that she’s not telling?

Teaming up with Geoffrey Chaucer, who is in York on a secret mission on behalf of Prince Edward, Owen’s enquiries will draw him headlong into a deadly conspiracy.

Excerpt

He could smell it now, the strong, metallic scent. It took a great deal of blood to overpower the ripeness of the early autumn marsh. The scent spooked the horses, and it took much coaxing to lead them closer to the body. The guards had covered their noses and mouths with rags – more for the swamp odors than for the blood, Owen guessed. Some believed the pestilence came from the odor of decay.

‘Tie up the horses by that stand of trees,’ Owen ordered Michaelo. ‘Then come and join me by the body. Be ready to record my observations.’

Lifting the rag from his mouth, one of the guards said, ‘Well met, Captain Archer, well met. We did not hope to see you so soon.’

‘I am here to record the condition of the victim and the surrounding woods. What are your orders concerning the removal of Master Hoban’s body?’

‘The sheriff is sending a cart. We are to take it to Swann’s home on Coney Street.’

Michaelo joined them. ‘It would be a help if I might sit to write,’ he said.

The man fanning the flies nodded in the direction of an uprooted stump.

‘That will do.’ Michaelo waited, but when no one rushed to bring it to him, he reluctantly fetched it, dragging it a few feet.

‘Closer,’ said Owen. ‘It is better if you see for yourself what I am describing.’

With a sigh, Michaelo bent to the work of dragging it up to where Owen stood. Brushing off his hands, he sat down with grace and drew a wax tablet and stylus from his pack.

Owen crouched beside the body and nodded to the guards to lift the cloak away. Hoban’s pale gold hair was matted with blood, his comely face twisted in pain and terror above an unnatural rictus that had been carved across his throat. Michaelo breathed in sharply at the sight, but made no complaint. Nor did he gag. All good signs.

Before beginning his examination, Owen bowed his head over Hoban’s body. ‘O Lord, I beseech you to receive him with love, and give comfort and ease to his wife, Muriel, his unborn child, and his father, Bartolf, who have lost one dear to them,’ he prayed.

Michaelo and the guards responded with ‘Amen.’

Owen used the hilt of his dagger to lift Hoban’s chin, gingerly, for there was little left connecting head to body.

‘Large dogs. Or wolves,’ said one of the men. ‘Ripped out his throat.’

Quietly, for Michaelo’s ears, Owen corrected the account. ‘A man wielding a knife slit Hoban’s throat ear to ear.’

I’m Candace Robb, a writer/historian engaged in creating fiction about the late middle ages with a large cast of characters with whom I enjoy spending my days.

Two series, the Owen Archer mysteries and the Kate Clifford mysteries, are set in late medieval York. The Margaret Kerr trilogy is set in early 14th century Scotland, at the beginning of the Wars of Independence.

Two standalone novels (published under pseudonym Emma Campion) expand on the lives of two women in the court of King Edward III who have fascinated me ever since I first encountered them in history and fiction.

I am a dreamer. Writing, gardening, walking, dancing, reading, being with friends—there’s always a dreaming element.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub

Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, August 1: Review at Book Frolic and excerpt at Books In Their Natural Habitat
Friday, August 2: Review at A Book Geek
Saturday, August 3: Feature at The Writing Desk
Monday, August 5: Feature at Book Addict Rambles
Tuesday, August 6: Excerpt at Broken Teepee and review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
Wednesday, August 7: Interview at Bookish Rantings
Thursday, August 8: Guest Post at Reading the Past and review at Hoover Book Reviews
Friday, August 9: Feature at I'm All About Books and excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots
Saturday, August 10: Feature at Clarissa Reads it All
Sunday, August 11: Excerpt at A Darn Good Read
Monday, August 12: Excerpt at Just One More Chapter and review & interview at Gwendalyn's Books
Tuesday, August 13: Review at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, August 14: Guest Post at Words and Peace and excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Thursday, August 15: Reviews at Coffee and Ink and Book Reviews from Canada

Giveaway (US Only)

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a hardcover copy of A Conspiracy of Wolves by Candace Robb! To enter, please use the Gleam form here.

Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on August 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.