To start with, Candace Robb really knows York. If time travel existed, she could go back to this period and feel right at home. That comes through to the reader in this book. In this, the second in this series, Kate Clifford's world is shaken up when her mother returns and moves in next door along with a group of poor sisters. They are women without dowries who cannot enter a convent without one. I found that part of the story very interesting. When one of the women is attacked and she has questions for her mother, her mother is silent - even when one of her servants is murdered. Kate searches through York for answers, dealing with religious groups at odds with each other, a military presence in York and various other issues. The mystery is satisfying and I came away with new knowledge - a great way to learn history. I hope there will be a third in this series.

While I do enjoy reading historical novels, historical mysteries is not a genre that I have much experience of, but I am so glad that I picked up the Kate Clifford series as they really are so descriptive and engrossing. Having devoured the first book, THE SERVICE OF THE DEAD, I immediately jumped into A TWISTED VENGEANCE, and I can happily say that both books are equally as addictive.

In this series, we meet Kate, a young widow, who is desperately trying to keep things afloat at the end of the fourteenth century where life is harsh. Beginning her own business is tough especially in a male-dominated world but Kate manages to gain a foothold with her guesthouse that allows certain privileges for those in power who need privacy for their mistresses. But when a guest is brutally murdered, Kate must take it upon herself to discover the culprit before she loses everything she has worked so hard for.
And later in the series when political upheaval is threatening to destroy everything in its path, Kate finds herself suspicious of her mother's sudden return to York, and cautious and protective of her wards. Kate will do whatever she must to uncover the truth even if it means placing herself in danger.

With plenty of characters, action, danger, and historical detail to transport you back in time, the Kate Clifford Mystery series really is a must-read for mystery and historical fans worldwide. Compelling, engaging, and refreshingly different, Kate is such a feisty and strong character that you cannot help but admire and respect her. Sometimes historical novels can be slow-paced as there is so much detail needed to paint a proper picture of the past, but this is not the case with this series. Here you have all of the wonderful detail needed but energetically paced throughout so that you never feel bored or lose interest. The Kate Clifford Mystery Series by Candace Robb is an engrossing series and I look forward to reading more from this author.

1399 and a civil war looms. With the widow Catherine Clifford wondering at the secrets her mother, Eleanor has with her abrupt arrival in York. While living next door to Catherine, one of Eleanor's beguines or poor sisters is attacked. But this is just the start.
I enjoyed the mystery and the historical setting. I also liked most of the characters but the story seems to lack a spark to keep me totally engrossed. Which is unusual as I have read quite a few books from this author which I have really enjoyed, though some years ago.

Thanks Pegasus Books and netgalley for this ARC.

Kate is a dynamit women, a feminist before the word, and so fun and exciting to read about. I love this world that Candace Robb has created. The mystery, intrigue, and archetype that her characters bring to mind make this a series a hit.