⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Writing)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Audiobook Narration)

*The King's Messenger* by Susanna Kearsley is a thrilling historical novel set in 16th-century Scotland during the reign of King James VI. The story follows Andrew Logan, a king’s messenger, who is sent on a mission to arrest Sir David Murray, a once-trusted courtier of Prince Henry, the late prince who died under mysterious circumstances. What begins as a straightforward assignment to apprehend a potential traitor turns into a complex tale of political intrigue, personal loyalty, and unexpected romance.

Logan is a man of duty, dedicated to carrying out the king's orders, but as he journeys north to find Murray, he begins to uncover unsettling truths about the prince’s death and the people involved. Sir David Murray’s connection to the royal court is tangled with secrets, and Logan begins to question the motives of those around him, including King James himself. The plot thickens as Logan’s mission becomes more about loyalty to the truth than simply following orders. He faces not only external dangers but also internal conflict as the weight of his discoveries begins to weigh on his conscience.

A pivotal aspect of the story involves Logan’s interactions with Phoebe, a woman who initially harbors disdain for him. When they meet, Phoebe sees Logan as a man who is cold, rigid, and loyal to the crown above all else. However, as they travel together, she starts to see the depth of his character, understanding that his loyalty is not blind but driven by a strong sense of justice. Logan’s compassion and determination come to light, and their relationship evolves from mutual distrust to a growing respect and eventual affection. This slow-burning romance adds emotional depth to the narrative, providing a heartwarming contrast to the political intrigue that surrounds them.

Throughout the novel, Kearsley excels at blending historical detail with compelling character development. The Scottish landscape and political landscape of the time are richly depicted, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws readers in. Kearsley’s exploration of loyalty, honor, and the complexities of personal and political motivations keeps the plot dynamic and engaging.

The audiobook narration, performed by Angus King and Beth Eyre, truly enhances the storytelling experience. Angus King gives Logan a commanding, authoritative voice, perfectly capturing his determined and loyal nature. Beth Eyre brings nuance and emotional depth to Phoebe’s character, skillfully portraying her transformation from distrust to understanding. Their complementary performances elevate the story, bringing the characters and their evolving relationship to life in a way that deepens the emotional resonance of the book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Recorded Books for providing the ARC of this captivating novel.

I was already a fan of Susanna Kearsley, but she outdid herself with 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠’𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫.

This is historical fiction set in 1613 when King James was on the throne. A quest ensues as the King sends out his messenger, Andrew Logan, to arrest Sir David Moray. Accompanying Logan on his journey is a court scrivener and his daughter, Phoebe.

It is riddled with political intrigue, betrayal, and peril as Logan, an honorable man with an unusual gift, soon realizes this mission is not as it seems. And with this, he and his travel companions are now in danger.

Romance and tension swirl in the air like a fragrance on the breeze. At first, Phoebe genuinely dislikes Logan, but she slowly learns the man he truly is - brave, noble, and kind. The unfolding romance was enchanting. If you’re looking for a historical hero - Andrew Logan may be it!

This meticulously researched and beautifully written novel draws you in and immerses you into its world. The stunning details and the nuances of the characters put me right alongside them. I have always loved that Susanna’s books incorporate a touch of the supernatural. Here, it adds to the story perfectly. 𝐴 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑!


🎧 I loved having the audiobook narrated by Angus King and Beth Eyre to pair with my reading. They did a great job bringing the characters off the page.

Thank you @bookmarked and @susanna.kearsley for this gifted book and swag. #thekingsmessenger #susannakearsley #sourcebooks #historicalfiction #Romancebooks #bookish
Thank you @recordedbooks for the gifted audiobook via NetGalley #RBmedia #audiobooks #netgalley

The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley is set in England and Scotland in 1613. It is during the reign of King James I of England and the VI of Scotland. The King's son, Prince Henry has died and the nation is mourning. Rumours are swirling that the prince was poisoned and King James sends one of his messengers, Andrew Logan, to Scotland to arrest Sir David Moray, Prince Henry's closest advisor. Logan is cautioned that Sir David's Scottish kin will not be happy about the arrest and is may be a dangerous road home. Logan is accompanied by Laurence Westaway, Scrivenor to the King so he can record Sir David's confession, and Westaway's daughter Phoebe because her father is in poor health. Logan is fond of Westaway and he fears the journey will be too much for him, but is unable to get him replaced. Logan is very concerned he is not being given all the information about his mission. Once in Scotland, they add Hector, an orphan to their party. This is a well researched historical fiction story with a beautiful romantic subplot. I loved the writing, and the characters are really well drawn. We get 4 different points of view in this story: Andrew Logan, Phoebe Westaway, Queen Anna, and Sir David Moray. The narration by Beth Eyre and Angus King is really well done. You will seldom hear me say this book could have been longer and I would have loved it just as much, but here we are - this book could have been longer. Please read the author's note at the end - about the characters. Kearsley talks about the history of the King's Messengers, Sir David Moray, the relationship between the King and Queen, and the death of Prince Henry. This was my first book by Susanna Kearsley and it will not be my last. I loved it. 4.4 stars. This book released March 4, 2025 and I have a gorgeous copy of this book.

I loved this story. It was intriguing to learn about the King's Messengers.

It is 1613 and the King rules the country. It is a time when a Queen isn't allowed to raise her own children. Prince Henry is born and whisked away from the Queen. Sir David Murray was tasked with being Henry's courtier. Unfortunately, Henry is poisoned, and the King wants to flex his power. He sends his messenger to retrieve Sir David Murray. Andrew Logan is a faithful servant to the King. Whatever the task is he will see it through. This is a tale of betrayal, love, sacrifice and honor. It will pull at your heart strings and keep you reading.

Book review: 4.25/5 ⭐️
Genre: historical fiction, romance
Themes: court politics, morality vs duty, honesty, love
📖 Read if you like: Hamnet, Outlander

This was a quiet story of the role ordinary people play in bigger world events. In the midst of treachery and death, everyone must discover the truth for themselves and the person they wish to be. In this historical mystery, young love will bloom once the veil of bias has been cast aside. It is a journey of reckoning and discovery, a political drama as well as a romance. And most importantly, it is lavishly set in a past that comes alive on the page. In was a masterful creation of storytelling weaving past and present together seamlessly with a dash of the otherworldly.

In 1613, King James eldest son Henry has died. Haled as a kind honourable man intent on change, his questionable death has left the nation in mourning and someone must be held accountable. The king has charged his trusted courier to arrest one such man, a Sir David Murray. Once the Prince’s closest companion, David will be brought to London and tried for the death of the Crown Prince. His jailor is the Scot Andrew Logan. He is the very definition of honour and duty. His role as secret keeper as an oath to live by, but he has secrets of his own. The party is complete with an ailing record keeper tasked with compiling a confession and his young daughter Pheobe who is responsible for him.

It is a book about truth and integrity in a time of greed and deception.
The story evolves slowly through multiple POVs and a treacherous trip that will allow each to test their fortitude and loyalty. As they get to know each other, and bonds form with a space for possibility blooming, they must discover the true worth of a person. Each must decide between their duty and their conscious when presented with a moral dilemma with deadly consequences.

Andrew’s gift of the sight was an interesting addition to this story. His ability to see wraiths and glimpses into the future played well into the narrative and their journey through war ridden lands. I also loved the Marcus Aurelius quotes as a hopeful note to a dreadful king. It foreshadowed all the good men in the party beneath their layers of duty and expectation.

While slower in pace, that just left more time to enjoy and get to know each of the characters. I did find Phoebe to be a little too naive and obtuse, but under the circumstances it fit. It also really allowed Andrew to shine, not only in his own merit, but also as his aloof neighbour views him throughout. That true nobility doesn’t come through a title, but in actions. All in all, it was a well crafted combination of a court mystery, a young romance and an ode to morality above all else. It is a reminder that ordinary people make their mark on history and their stories should not be forgotten.

It was also meticulously well researched and I love the addendum at the end of the novel that explained real life events and all the forgotten players. Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for a copy of this book.

🎧 This was absolutely brilliant as an audiobook with varying Scottish accents and a pace to match the storyline. I think I will be getting a physical copy of this book to savour, but I highly recommend this as an audiobook.

Thank you RBmedia & NetGalley for approving this audiobook. This was a 5 star read for me & hands down one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read. The narration was wonderful & they told this story beautifully. If you love historical fiction & want a story that keeps you turning each page then I would recommend this book!

<i>The King's Messenger</i> has all the qualities of good historical fiction: intrigue, multiple perspectives, compelling characters, adventure, and a dash of romance.

Set during the reign of King James VI and I, this novel begins ten years after the death of Elizabeth I, and months after the tragic passing of Henry, Prince of Wales. A young Scotsman, and one of the esteemed King’s Messengers, Andrew Logan is charged with escorting David Murray — a longtime officer in the late prince's household — from Scotland to the city of London for 'questioning'.

From there, our characters begin their adventure. As the days pass, we bear witness to burgeoning friendships, betrayal, a bit of magic, and expressions of love of many kinds. A gripping read, surely, but a delightful audiobook to listen to! The voice cast perfectly captured the varying accents, as well as the personalities, of the characters — endearing them to the listener swiftly and thoroughly.

I hope to meet some of these characters again, should Ms. Kearsley feel their stories warrant a revisit. An easily recommended book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and a slow-burn romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to listen to this ARC audiobook.

Scotland, 1613. King James’s son Henry has died. The King’s Messenger is tasked with bringing the man suspected of poisoning the Prince to the King for judgement. The case, however, is far from solid and Kearsley slowly presents the known facts. As a gifted storyteller, Kearsley captures the time, the characters, and intrigue of the royal court. Sure to delight all fans of historical fiction.

Don’t miss the epigraph, in which the author shares what facts are known about Prince Henry’s demise.

Rated 4.5 Stars

The King's Messenger was a fascinating story, one that I truly enjoyed. It was interesting and intriguing filled with court politics, intrigue, plots and ploys, an enemies-to-lovers-ish romance and a dash of paranormal - all of these elements worked well together.

I loved the main characters, how their relationship was built and watching them move from the misgivings they had of each other to finding love. It was such a sweet romance.

This was my first book by this author but it won't be my last. I loved it. It had me hanging on every word out of the narrators mouths. They did a superb job with the accents, characters, settings and the like. Their performances were on point.

I loved the author's note at the end which to me was the cherry on top of an already amazing read - that extra backstory and historical facts enhanced the story making it come alive in a different way.

I highly recommend this book especially to those who love historical fiction. It was well done. Bravo to all involved.

A wonderful work of historical fiction with a hint of romance. Set during the reign of King James I, in the year of 1613, a king’s messenger is sent to Scotland to arrest the main suspect in the murder of prince Henry. Bringing with him a sick scrivener and his daughter, the three of them make their way to Edinburgh, a journey which brings everyone a sense of peace, love and new experiences.

This novel was set in 1613 in Scotland and England. Andrew Logan is a messenger for the king. He is sent to bring back Sir David Murray, who was a constant companion to the prince, from Scotland. The king wants to question him. Logan must bring David back in one piece while traveling with a woman who hates him and her sick father. The only problem is Murray's family doesn't want him brought back because there is more than meets the eye to this situation. Susanna Kearsley knows how to weave a tale, with research and imagination she brings history to life. Thank you to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for the opportunity.

The King’s Messenger, narrated by Angus King and Beth Eyre, earned a 4.5 ⭐️ rating from me. I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s writing style and the exceptional production of the audiobook. This was a clean romance that was focused on developed each character, including the queen and king. I saw into everyone’s relationships and struggles. Things aren’t always what they seem. It was a refreshing read that reminded me of the appeal of historical fiction and the beauty of living without technology.

Thanks to Recorded Books via NetGalley.

Many thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for the preview. All opinions are my own.

4+ stars

Another fantastic historical Scottish tale from Kearsley. We don’t really have dual timelines this time, but we do have a number of flashbacks. I love how she so effortlessly weaves history and romance together.

I loved Andrew and Phoebe’s antagonistic relationship that developed into love. The forced proximity of the dangerous roadtrip was perfect. And I always LOVE seeing a Moray and a Graeme in Kearsley’s books.
I’ve never been much of a Stuart scholar myself, so I learned a ton once again.

Make sure to read the author’s note at the end! It’s chock full of interesting information. I kind of want her to write a book about Queen Anna now. Absolutely essential reading.

As always, I recommend! (And AGAIN this makes me want to reread Winter Sea)

Susanna Kearsley delivers another captivating historical novel with 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚'𝗦 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗥, a richly woven tale of political intrigue, betrayal, and hidden gifts. Set in 1613, the story follows Andrew Logan, a King’s Messenger with the dangerous ability of the Sight, as he embarks on a perilous mission to capture Sir David Murray. The book’s multiple points of view work seamlessly, adding depth to the unfolding drama. David’s perspective, in particular, stands out, offering an unexpected emotional core. While the novel features an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, its true strength lies in its detailed portrayal of the era’s political tensions. Andrew and Phoebe are compelling protagonists, though Phoebe’s initial judgments of Andrew can be frustrating. However, their evolving relationship, alongside the camaraderie with Hector, adds heart to the story. Kearsley’s signature touch of mysticism enhances the historical depth, making this a must-read for fans of The Vanished Days.

Susuanna Kearlsey has done it again. A great historical fiction that draws you in to all the little struggles of her characters.

613: King James – sixth of Scotland, first of England, son of Mary, Queen of Scots - has unified both countries under one crown. But the death of his eldest son, Henry, has plunged the nation into mourning, as the rumours rise the prince was poisoned.

Andrew Logan’s heard the rumours, but he’s paid them little heed. As one of the King’s Messengers he has enough secrets to guard, including his own. In these perilous times, when the merest suggestion of witchcraft can see someone tortured and hanged, men like Andrew must hide well the fact they were born with the Sight.

He’ll need all his gifts, though, when the king sends Andrew north to find and arrest Sir David Murray, once Prince Henry’s trusted courtier, and bring him a prisoner to London to stand trial before the dreaded Star Chamber.

A story of treachery, betrayal and love…

A moving historical fiction love story set in early 17th century Britain, this was a well-written, funny, road trip romance with intrigue and memorable characters. There also a supernatural/paranormal element (the MMC has the gift of second sight) and it was good on audio narrated by Beth Eyre and Angus King. Fans of the author's past novels might recognize some familiar family connections but this is definitely okay to read as a standalone and while it wasn't my favorite by Kearsley it was still really enjoyable and recommended for fans of authors like Philippa Gregory. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

The audiobook was just as exciting to listen to as to read the book. Lovely voice intonations, well-read sentiments, and a story to die for. The cast of characters is just compelling, and there's a right blend of intrigue and romance in this book.

Love it

#netgalley #TheKingsMessenger

Audiobook Review 📖🪶

thank you so much partner @bookmarked @recordedbooks for the gifted copy and audiobook!

The King's Messenger
by Susanna Kearsley

About the book 👇🏽

What happens when an ordinary man is in service to a dangerous king, and undertakes the one mission that brings him to love and his true calling. In 1613, King James sends his messenger Andrew Logan to Scotland to arrest his late son's close advisor Sir David Moray. Accompanied by his aloof neighbor Phoebe Westaway, Andrew slowly untangles the real point of his mission—to frame Sir David for Prince Henry's death. But Andrew is unwilling to bring an innocent man into a treacherous betrayal.

Andrew's feisty and lovely neighbor Phoebe Westaway has always been stand-offish to Andrew, having heard malicious gossip against him. But as they journey to Scotland and back, Phoebe has the opportunity to see Andrew for the honorable and loyal man that he is, and her change of heart may open new possibilities for them once their mission is complete.

🪶 My thoughts:

Truthfully it took a couple of tries to get into this story but once I was in, I was in. I should preface this review to say that this is not typically a book I’d reach for so this was an experience. The author did a wonderful job setting the seen and atmosphere for the reading and listening journey and it was something I appreciated. While I enjoyed the flashbacks and various point of views, this story was more of a slow burn and I’m not sure I loved it as much as I’d hoped. I think the audiobook narration was fine and didn’t have an impact on my enjoyment of the story.

Happy reading 📖✨🪶

Set in 1613, The King's Messenger plunges readers into a world of political intrigue, suspicion, and treachery. King James, having unified England and Scotland under one crown, is reeling from the sudden death of his eldest son and heir, Prince Henry. Whispers of poison spread through the court, and in his desperation for justice-or perhaps revenge-the King sends his trusted messenger, Andrew Logan, to Scotland to arrest Sir David Moray, one of Henry's closest confidants.

Logan is not just a courier; he possesses the Sight, an ability that allows him to see truths others cannot. But navigating the treacherous landscape of royal politics is as perilous as the journey itself. Accompanying Logan is Laurence Westaway, a scrivener whose declining health forces his strong-willed daughter, Phoebe, to join the expedition. Phoebe has long distrusted Andrew, but as they traverse the rugged path from Scotland to London, their prejudices are tested, and unexpected loyalties are forged.

Kearsley's storytelling shines in this immersive historical novel, weaving multiple perspectives-Andrew, Phoebe, Sir David, and even Queen Anna, Henry's grieving mother-into a rich and compelling narrative. While the shifting viewpoints take some getting used to, each character offers a unique lens on the unfolding mystery, deepening the emotional and political stakes.

The novel is as much about honor and integrity as it is about deception and power. Through Andrew's moral struggle, Phoebe's evolving perspective, and Sir David's quiet dignity, Kearsley explores the idea that history is not just shaped by kings and courtiers but also by those who serve them. The atmospheric setting, from the misty Scottish Borders to the dangerous roads leading back to London, enhances the novel's tension and sense of authenticity.

A particular strength of the book is its nuanced portrayal of the era. Kearsley masterfully evokes 17th-century Britain, from the ever-present threat of witch hunts to the shifting allegiances within the King's court. The inclusion of Andrew's Sight adds a touch of mystical realism without overpowering the historical elements, creating an eerie yet believable undertone.

The romance between Andrew and Phoebe unfolds gradually, built on mutual respect rather than forced attraction. Their dynamic, initially antagonistic, grows naturally over the course of their journey, making their eventual connection all the more satisfying.

Kearsley's author's note is a fascinating addition, revealing the meticulous research behind the novel, including the real-life inspirations for Andrew Logan and Sir David Moray. As always, she brings history to life with her elegant prose and keen eye for historical detail.

Overall, The King's Messenger is a masterfully crafted historical novel filled with suspense, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural. Whether you're a longtime Kearsley fan or a newcomer to her work, this book is a must-read for historical fiction lovers. Highly recommended!