A Murdered Peace by Catherine Robb is a well-written, medieval murder mystery that is also a continuation of the series. Great characterizations and an atmospheric vibe.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Candace Robb continues the Kate Clifford story with A Murdered Peace. It is 1400 in York, England and Henry has replaced Richard II on the throne. After the Epiphany Uprising, King Henry sees traitors everywhere. The people of York suddenly look with suspicion on strangers and old alliances are suspect. Kate CLifford has lost and regained her cook who is accused of murder. An old friend asks for asylum, but is she telling the truth; a knight who helps keep order in York has become recipient of her York news, but could he be more? Ambiguity and danger stalks everyone in this very fine historical mystery.

A fast paced medieval murder mystery that's so much more!

Kate Clifford, a successful York merchant, is confused by the disappearance of her friend and cook Berend. It's 1400 and what with the disastrous Epiphany Uprising, an attempt to return King Richard to his rightful place, the times are challenging and dangerous. What could have prompted his abrupt departure? In a measure Kate feels betrayed that her confidante might not have been as open as she had thought.
When a wounded Berend resurfaces, in hiding from the King's men, Kate is worried that he has been involved in the uprising. Then theres a further problem. A friend, Lady Margery, arrives distraught and alone except for one retainer, on Kate's doorstep. Kate has no choice but to take her in and hide her. An action that puts Kate's family in danger.
Meanwhile a spice seller has been murdered and all fingers are pointing towards Berend. A further death invokes more questions.
The Earl of Westmoreland's man, Sir Elric becomes involved in the search for Lady Margery and Berend. A man Kate feels drawn to and wants to trust but can she?
I do love Kate's two dogs and her relationship with them. More than anything else they make a statement about who she is!
Like all of Robb's works there are layers within layers. I do feel that the reading of the prior books in the series would have increased my understanding of some of the pressures on Kate and given me greater understanding about the complexity of the relationships between the characters. The relationship between Kate and her dead brother, who has somehow remained with her, is another question. Still, these factors did not in anyway hamper my involvement with the storyline, if anything it increased my desire to read the prior episodes in Kate Clifford's life.

A NetGalley ARC

Unfortunately, at this point, this is a DNF for me. I believe it's too far along in the series for me to catch up and feel comfortable.. I would reconsider if I can start at the beginning and work my way to this one and will revisit this review in the future. Thank you :)

I loved every last ounce of this novel. You know that feeling, when you read a book on your eReader, and instantly know that you need the physical copy asap? Seriously, some books you just have to hold in your hands.

I must confess that I wasn't aware of the "Kate Clifford" series, nor that this was book number three. The book read brilliantly as a stand-alone and the author did a wonderful job of helping the reader to feel caught up on anything they might have missed. The plot was quick-paced and deeply developed, with the characters being complex and exhibiting growth with the plot. It was just so stinkin' good!! (I realize that it isn't exactly a professional way of saying things in a review, but seriously...so stinkin' good.)

I really have to stop unintentionally getting the third book in a series before I’ve read the others. That said this does work well as a story in its own right and based on how I flew through it, I should track down the previous two books. I loved the character of Kate Clifford. It’s great to see a historical fiction novel where the female MC is not merely a romantic heroine and has also not gone in the other direction of being the stereotypical female warrior character who is clearly an outlier to her sex. The mystery element was compelling. The narrative flowed. The historical detail took a few necessary liberties but was accurate enough not to give me headaches. All in all a very enjoyable read.