Not my usual era for historical fiction, however, I immediately looked up Susanna Kearsley’s backlist and plan to read more. The characters, plot, and setting were so engaging, I never wanted to put this book down. There was a touch of romance but not an overwhelming amount. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Kearsley.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Susanna Kearsley gives readers another nice historical fiction read. The storyline, characters, and setting is everything readers will enjoy!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Beautifully written, as always, and you can tell the depth of the research. The history and characters draw you in from the start. I loved having the multiple POVs which really worked here. Andrew was my favorite - he was so funny at times which I wasn't expecting. He's everything you want in a main character. I liked all of them, actually, although it took a while for Phoebe to grow on me. The first third dragged a bit which is why this isn't five stars - I thought I was much farther along when it was not even 40%. Ms. Kearsley always brings history to life and makes it so interesting. I even enjoyed her afterword about how the story came to her. I don't read a lot of historical fiction but I will always read this author.

Fascinating historical fiction, focused on the death of Prince Henry in 1618. Logan, King James’ messenger, is sent to Scotland to arrest Sir Moray who was trusted by Prince Henry but King James wants him to be the murderer for some unknown reason that creates tension throughout the story. On the trip from London to Scotland and back, Logan is also accompanied by Westaway, a scrivener, and his daughter, Phoebe, because he is in poor health. Fast-paced, intriguing, romantic, and with a touch of mysticism as Logan has the sight.

I've read and enjoyed many of Susan Kearsley's books in the past. When I saw "The King's Messenger" was available for request on NetGalley, I knew it was a book I wanted to read. I love that the author mixes interesting historical fiction with just a bit of magic. In the early 1600s, King James of England sends his messenger to arrest Sir David who is currently thought to be in Scotland. King James' son has died under somewhat mysterious circumstances and the King wants answers. On the journey, the messenger, Andrew Logan is accompanied by a scribe and his daughter Phoebe. On the trip back to England, Andrew realizes that there is much more to the story than he has originally been told about and that Sir David just may be innocent. How will Andrew be true to his conscience and the job he has sworn to do? The book is filled with twists and turns that will keep you reading.

I don't normally read historical fiction, but I was intrigued by this book. You can really tell that the author was museum curator as she is extremely thorough in her research of the real-life characters in the book, as well as the time period in general. I was really drawn into the story and would highly recommend this book - even if you, like me, don't normally read historical fiction!

One of my favorite Susanna Kearsley titles!

The setting is unique and the details make an immersive read. Readers can tell the effort Kearsley puts into research even without reading the note for the author.. I have a list of historical figure, places, and facts to research about early 1600s England and Scotland. The perfect mix of character driven storylines and plot with a dash of romance and pinch of magic.


Perfect for fans of Outlander, historical fiction readers, and magical realism lovers.

The King's Messenger blends historical intrigue with rich storytelling. Kearsley’s lush prose and well-developed characters make it an immersive, captivating read.

I received a copy from Sourcebooks Landmark in exchange for a fair review. Publish date March 4th.

Picked this book out since I was intrigued by the historical romance plot set in the early seventeenth century. In The King’s Messenger, the titular king's messenger, Andrew Logan, is sent to Scotland with his nemesis and her father to arrest a man in connection with the death of the late prince. But as both Logan and Phoebe begin to realize, Sir David Moray might be no more than a scapegoat for the ruthless King James, and they may not be able to escape from the dangerous games of kings...

Kearsley does an excellent job with the 1613 setting, and it's obvious that she's done her research. I learned several new things about how riding pillion worked historically. I was also entertained by learning in the author's note that the brave and mysterious organization of the King's Messengers still exists today in the modern British government--as part of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO Services). I also enjoyed seeing a period depicted that's a bit off the beaten track, as I tend to see either the Elizabethan period or the English Civil War get much more attention.

The novel itself is structured effectively as an understated romance novel between Logan and Phoebe while they spend the majority of the novel travelling on horseback from Scotland to London. The romance did suffer a bit from being jammed into the enemies to lovers trope, as it reflects on Phoebe poorly to hate a perfectly nice guy for no reason. However, the arc is compellingly depicted overall. I liked how Logan discreetly gifts Phoebe a plaid wrap, notes multiple times in his POV that she doesn't know how to do the traditional folds, and then finally puts it on her properly with her permission as a symbol of their growing intimacy. Secondarily, The King’s Messenger is an examination of the death of Prince Henry, James' son, through flashbacks narrated by Sir David Moray and POV sections by Queen Anna. There is also a minor fantasy element included, that of Logan's Second Sight, but it's not a major part of the plot. Although I did like the delightfully morbid detail of Logan experiencing visions of people who are fated to die imminently with their winding sheets advancing farther up their bodies as their time approaches.

A subtle and compelling historical romance set in the early seventeenth century. If you enjoyed this book, I'd recommend checking out Stella Riley's historical romances set in the English Civil War.

Another beautiful love story from Susanna Kearsley! In the King's Messenger she explores the lives of the ancestors of characters from The Winter Sea a century before they will become embroiled in the Jacobite Rebellion. The central love story is between Andrew Logan, a King's Messenger and Phoebe Westaway, the daughter of a scribe who works in the king's court. Their relationship develops from one characterized by antagonism and irritation to one of mutual respect then love in such a lovely, natural way. Susanna Kearsley is so skilled at writing love stories that feel cozy and intimate while sweeping historical events happen around them. She places her characters in a time and place that adds stakes to their story but ultimately the story is about Andrew and Phoebe and how they grow to love each other. This was a very enjoyable read and will likely spark a re-read of all my Kearsley favorites.

One of Kearsley's most tightly plotted stories, I was enthralled from start to finish. It differs somewhat from many of her other books in that it remains firmly rooted in the past and doesn't have her more typical duel plots and shifting timelines. We enter in the 17th century and stay there to enjoy the alternating narrative points of view of four distinct characters. I ended up loving all of them and thought that each offered a new perspective on the events surrounding the main story. Like A Desperate Fortune, my favorite Kearsley, this one centers on a road trip in which two reserved people grow to understand and love each other through the intense survival experience they share.

On the surface, the story is about Andrew Logan's errand to travel to Scotland as the King's Messenger to bring back the man the king says is responsible for his son's death. The errand quickly gets complicated by a bit of a motley crew accompanying Andrew, including an elderly and ailing scrivener with hidden motives, his daughter and Andrew's antagonistic love interest, a young apprentice they pick up along the way, and David Moray, the possible Prince-killer. Seeing this group cohere and become deeply loyal to each other is such a pleasure. The trip itself is filled with thrilling moments of danger as they are hunted and pursued through rough territories. There is so much tension too trying to determine all of the political jockeying that takes place among the King's men, the Moray clan of Scotland, and the divided loyalty Andrew feels for his King alongside his growing belief that he is a mere pawn in a treacherous campaign.

No Kearsley novel would succeed without a riveting love story at its center, and Andrew and Phoebe are as compelling as any characters she's written. I did struggle a little initially with Phoebe's dubious attraction to another man, who is revealed very early to be a shady character. Her belief in him causes her to distrust Andrew, and much of their story requires them to work through their prejudices and appreciate each other.

If I had one criticism of the book, the paranormal element of Second Sight that Andrew was born with confused me at times. It plays a key role in a number of the more exciting moments in the novel, but I felt that I didn't always understand the rules of when it appears, or often even what it reveals, and why. In all honesty though, I might feel this way about paranormal elements in her other novels too.

Overall, this is a fabulous book that I didn't want to finish. All of Kearsley's books are comfort reads for me, but The King's Messenger manages to be deeply romantic, politically thrilling, and edge-of-your-seat reading all at once. I could not believe the ending that is based on actual events and raced through the author notes at the end to verify that the stories she shared in the final pages are factually based. Highly, highly recommend!

This historical fiction based on real events during King James reign was amazing! The author blended historical fiction, slow burn romance, and magical realism in a way that made it difficult to put the book down. Lovable fictional characters and historical figures become entangled in the real-life tragedy surrounding the death of the beloved young Prince Henry, who was loved by his subjects. Multiple points of view, enemies to lovers romance, well written and researched.
I loved the author's note on her inspiration for the book and historical background regarding King's messengers, Sir David Moray, Prince Henry, King James and Queen Anne.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy!

The King's Messenger is another hit out of the park for one of my favorite authors, Susanna Kearsley. I am always amazed at how well Kearsley can weave modern day storylines in seamlessly with historical facts and events! In The King's Messenger, you are immediately drawn in to the story of Andrew Logan who is sent on a mission from King James to arrest Sir David Moray. Using his secret "second sight" and with the help of new friends, Andrew finds that his mission is not exactly as it seems to be at first glance. The story is told from the different point of view of the characters. The vibrancy of these characters and their relationships with each other jump to life off the page. I loved reading this book and can't wait for her next novel !

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. With many books it takes me 20-30% to really become invested and I loved these characters and the writing style within the first few pages. All I can say is that Logan is my new book boyfriend! I will absolutely be recommending this book to all of my friends. Beautifully written! This is my first solid 5 star review of the year.

This historical fiction book based in the 17th century is absolutely endearing!! I loved the rich detail, great character arc, superb plot and the flow of the story. Simply a great and wholesome read. My first book by Kearsley but certainly not my last book.

This is another well-written, well-researched, and just plain enjoyable Historical Fiction by Susanna Kearsley. Based on historical events, this book brings together a cast of characters who were delightful to know. Reading this book made me want to research the events on which the book was based.

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley is a historical fiction with a touch of magical realism, and I couldn’t put it down. This book is about medieval intrigue as the death of a healthy, young prince of Wales causes suspicions to run wild. Sir David Moray, the prince’s First Gentleman, is wanted for questioning surrounding the suspicious death of the otherwise healthy prince. This book is told from several POVs and it primarily follows Andrew Logan, the King’s Messenger, and his scribe and daughter as they are sent on a mission to collect Sir David Moray and return him to the king.

As the travel, it becomes more and more apparent that Sir David is not only innocent, but is the only living person who can attest to what did happen in the Prince’s final days, and this knowledge makes him a threat to those responsible. And the guilty will stop at nothing to cover their tracks.

Full of intrigue, closed door romance, and medieval adventure, this book checks all the boxes. It did take about 15% of the book the adjust to the vernacular used throughout. I’m not at all Scottish, but I was impressed with the consistency in which Kearsley utilizes it - I would have assumed she was a Scottish native. Her ability to pull the language into the story really adds to the world building and allows the reader to sink into it. I really enjoyed this story and the manner in which Kearsley adds color to King James— the son of Mary Queen of the Scots and King of England after the death of Queen Elizabeth I of England.

I would like to thank Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An interesting perspective on an overlooked time in British History. The characters were well developed and the scenery was so well described as to be a character in itself. I enjoyed how their personalities were revealed and evolved as the plot went on. The mystery of what truly happened to Prince Henry and the fate of an innocent man accused of his murder kept the plot moving along rapidly.

Though not my favorite genre, this book was really good….even to me! Filled with adventure, fans of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance will enjoy this!!!

I've come to expect novels from Susanna Kearsley to be extensively researched and about an aspect of history that I knew little about. The King's Messenger was no exception! The novel follows one of King James I's messengers after the death of Prince Henry Frederick, as he's dispatched to Scotland to arrest Sir David Moray (part of Prince Henry's household).

We jump back and forth between the viewpoints of Andrew Logan, the messenger; Sir David; Phoebe, the daughter of the scribe accompanying Logan; and Queen Anna, wife of King James. Besides jumping POVs every chapter, the story also jumps around from the present in 1613 to earlier times, especially in David and Queen Anna's POV sections, which became a little confusing at times.

I was expecting more intrigue and suspense surrounding Logan's mission, but that aspect of the story was fairly straight-forward. Logan's Second Sight added Kearsley's usual supernatural/magical realism to the story, and I liked how what he Saw often played out differently in reality.

The romance was maybe the weakest point for me, because Phoebe is a rather unlikeable character at the beginning. Over the course of the novel, we come to understand why she behaves that way, and she does change, but I found her initial attitude off-putting.

I really enjoyed Kearsley's Author's Note at the end, and looked up several things while reading. I don't think The King's Messenger is in my top tier of Kearsley novels, but it was still an intriguing read.