I loved this book. Solid combination of historical fiction, romance and mystery. I really enjoyed the parts of the plot centered around Scottish history, the court of King James, and Scottish folklore. Audiobook narration only added to the reading experience- love a Scottish accent. The way she humanized historical figures while keeping the story plotty often reminded me of Joan by Katherine Chen. 4 stars!

I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel.

Plot summary: Andrew Logan is a king's messenger in 1613. King James sends him on a mission to capture a fugitive and sends along a scribe, whose daughter, Pheobe, joins up to take care of him. They also end up with a young boy, Hector, who comes along on the way back from Scotland to London. The fugitive, David Moray, seems like he may be innocent, and alliances may be shifting as the group returns.

There were many wonderful features in this story. I loved most of the characters, from Logan's strong-as-an-oak but kind heartthrob vibe, to David Moray's elegant and wistful heartthrob vibe, to Hector's fierce loyalty, and Pheobe's figuring out the world.

There were many themes explored throughout the story, like parent-child relationships, what makes someone guilty or innocent, and true love.

The story was well-paced, part swashbuckling adventure and part excellent historical fiction. The romance was predictable but believable and didn't overtake the main plot, and it was totally clean.

I could feel the suspense mounting toward the end, and there were a few laugh-out-loud moments.

There are some minor things that could have been better, such as the bad guys being very bad and one-dimensional, and Pheobe being a bit of an airhead at times. I also don't typically like magical realism, or whatever you'd call Logan's "Sight" gift, because it's easy to rely on it as a plot device.

But I'm still going to round up 4.5 to 5 stars because I loved reading this.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Susanna Kearsley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

The King's Messenger masterfully blends historical fiction, adventure, and romance. Kearsley’s storytelling keeps readers emotionally invested as she builds a captivating romance amid an intense journey. The characters, from the determined Logan to the resilient Phoebe, create a deeply engaging narrative. The novel’s emotional depth, particularly in moments of loss and triumph, makes for a compelling read, culminating in a satisfying happily-ever-after.

Thank you to #NetGally for an ARC of this book! To start, Susanna Kearsley is one of my favorite authors. Her historical fiction often includes characters with "the sight" and ghosts. This story did not disappoint! I liked how the King's Messenger is set during King James' reign. I have read a lot of historical fiction from the 1500's so this is a new period of time for me to learn about and I hope this time period is the next "trendy" historical fiction era.

This novel is set in the 1610's in England/Scotland. Usually Kearsley adds a send story line set in more modern times, this book did not include that and I liked this deviation. In the novel, King James is currently in power after Queen Elizabeth's passing a decade earlier. There is much intrigue and subterfuge between Protestants and Catholics. . The story has two elements, first the King's royal messenger, Andrew Logan, is sent to find David Moray. David was the deceased Prince Henry's first gentleman, there relationship is that of a mentor/father figure for Henry. David is being investigated regarding Henry's death and those who support him sense a set up. This part of the story had murder mystery vibes and it took some time and some flashbacks in David's point of view to solve the murder. I appreciated how this was suspenseful and is wrapped up nicely. The author's note at the end is very helpful as it shares that some of the details are right from history. Some are more of Kearsley's conjecture but were documented and I thought that was cool.

There is also a love story between Andrew and our FMC, Phoebe. Phoebe started off as a bit insufferable as she was so mean to Andrew and blindly trusted the rich playboy, Valentine. As their journey goes on she slowly realizes her errors and they fall for each other. I found this story line to be predictable, however I found myself rooting for Andrew and wanted him to have a happy ending.

The King's Messenger is just as beautiful and enveloping as Kearsley's other works.

The stage is set early on and we are taken for a wild ride through history. It's obvious this story was well researched and I appreciated the author's note at the end to know what was real and what wasn't.

Kearsley writes romance that completely over comes you. There’s nothing spicey and yet you feel everything. I love that the romance isn't center stage and yet it shines. It's woven so masterfully through the main plot.

Content : polictial conspiracy

I struggled to get into this story. It took too long toget going, and I wasn't really invested in the characters. Thank you Netgalley for the review copy.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.

Susanna Kearsley has been one of my favorite authors for over 20 years now. This book did not disappoint! The research she puts into her novels is beyond compare, and the notes at the end of the books are always so interesting to read.

King James is on the throne and the country is mourning the loss of his son Prince Henry. The King sends his messenger, Andrew Logan, to arrest the prince's companion, and sends along a scribe and his daughter, who happens to despise Logan. Everything is not as it seems, from the truth behind the arrest, to Phoebe's hatred of Logan. As they proceed on their journey, they are met with various obstacles and with them, many truths.

This book has it all - suspense, history, romance, and a bit of magic, as most, if not all, of Kearsley's novels do. The multiple POVs add to the story, and I enjoyed getting to know various characters deeper through their thoughts.

Don't skip the notes at the end of the book, as they tell us who was a real person and who is fictional.

4.5 stars

⭐️: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

All I have to say is...I'm already planning to read this again. The storytelling, the setting, the characters, they were lush and rich, and I found myself diving into the characters almost immediately. The death of Prince Henry and the truth about what really happened was both heartbreaking and such a fun plot device to get our hero and heroine shoved together.

Phoebe's disdain for Logan is, entirely, self-imposed. And, to be quite honest, it works wonderfully with the setting. She distrusts and mislabels him because of her own prejudices, prejudices which she works through throughout the novel. Logan, too, works through his own issues, but it was Phoebe's chapters I found myself drawn into more as she worked through the exact reasons she didn't like the man she was now forced to travel with.

Though I've never read a book by Ms. Kearsley before, I'll definitely be looking for her books again.

I'm always excited to read Susanna Kearsley. Excellently researched historical fiction. This particular book is about the King's messengers-kind of the Musketeers of the English court.

Susanna Kearsley is one of my favorite authors for historical fiction. So interesting to learn about the King's Messengers, their lives and roles in the royal court. Nice balance of history, intrigue and romance.

It was wonderful reading this author again. The story plot was somewhat different than what I am used from Ms Kearsley.; nonetheless it was a great story plot and ver informative.

This is such a great book filled with love, longing, secrets, and mystery.

Reading this book made me feel like I had opened the pages and stepped into the 1600s myself. The rich history mixed with the dialogue transported me back in time in the best way as I read from Phoebe, Andrew, David and Queen Anna’s perspectives.

The bit of mystery behind Prince Henry’s death was intriguing and the truth of what happened was heartbreaking.

But what really captivated me was the enemies to lovers romance between Logan and Phoebe. I loved watching Phoebes walls and judgments about Logan melt away over time and the realization that she had been listening to lies about Logan’s character and actions for years. After the first thread in the web of lies was pulled, the rest unraveled and Phoebe realized that what she had been told did not match what she witnessed with her own eyes. Meanwhile Logan’s protectiveness and awareness of Phoebe and her needs was so sweet. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as I read.

Andrew Logan, Phoebe Westaway, Sir David, Queen Anna- the story is told from the perspectives of this case of characters. Their motivations are revealed as the story unfolds to the political intrigue that surrounds the death of Prince Henry, eldest son of James. What I loved about this book is that I felt like I was on the journey with the characters. It doesn’t feel like a lot happens, but yet I understand what each character gains and loses should they be captured or when they arrive in London at the beckoning of the King. Unlike the prior stories I read by Susanna Kearsley, the supernatural element in this book is rather a side point to drive plot rather than an integral part of the plot. This is a fantastic historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this eARC.

📣 lovely romance wrapped up in an intricate historical setting

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 what was your latest five star?

After a string of so-so fantasies, The King’s Messenger was a 5-⭐️ treat that reminded me of why I love this author. Phoebe and Andrew have an enemies to lovers story arc that begins with a mistaken impression of Andrew & that lasts well into their journey to retrieve a possible murderer for the King.

As they ride together, Phoebe realizes that Andrew is only partially similar to the prideful jerk she thought he was—he’s actually considerate, strong, & a man of honor & integrity. While still being prideful 🤣.

In the background of their sweeping love story is a mystery about what happened to a dead prince, & the characters involved in that mystery are unexpectedly moving as they grapple with his loss & life in the royal circle.

While Susanna Kearsley’s books do have HEAs, I describe them as chonky historical fiction with romantic elements. If that sounds like your cup of tea, check one out; they’re amazing!

5⭐️, out now.

CWs: loss, death, espionage, murder

[ID: Jess holds the book in front of historic ruins & a blue sky.]

The King's Messenger is a historical fiction novel following a group of people that go to apprehend a man accused of murdering Prince Henry. I struggled with the pacing/plot, but I loved the characters and the romance between two of the main characters.

Narration performed by Beth Eyre and Angus King was outstanding!

Perfect for fans of slower paced historical fiction novels.

I received an ARC and ALC from SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark and RBmedia | Recorded Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

While I did enjoy this book, I think I would have liked it alot more if I had not listened to it on audio. It was very hard to understand the male reader's accent. The female reader was much easier to understand. I thought this was a very well written story though and I would recommend reading the physical book. Thank you to NetGalley for the copy.

The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley is set in 1619 England. King James I has recently succeeded the throne of England and the country is still trying to find it's footing after the merge of Scotland and England under one crown. The employees emissaries, called King's Messengers, to carry out his orders throughout the country. Moray was the prince's closest advisor and guardian. The Queen also has suspicions and speaks with Moray's brother, her Master of the Horse, who recommends the titular character, Andrew Logan, who is the son of a famous KIng's Messenger. Logan is charged with bringing the man the king suspects of killing his eldest son, Henry, David Moray back to England for trial.

There is a hiccup for Logan however. He is also charged with bringing a scrivener, or scribe with him, who just so happen to be his close neighbor Laurence Westaway. Logan has had a fraught relationship with Westaway's daughter Phoebe. When she insists on coming with her father as his health, Logan is more than hesitant.. That Phoebe is also trained in her father's craft ultimately sways Logan and the three of them embark on the dangerous journey to collect Moray and bring him back to London.

But what seems like a simple errand turns complicated when Moray's family refuses to let him go without a fight and there are other more sinister characters lurking in the wings. Individuals from Moray's past with the prince who have their own agenda.

Kearsley weaves historical detail and court intrigue into a story of love and loyalty. Using her signature style, a slight touch of magical realism, and incorporating real-life events with her fictional world, Kearsley once again delivers an epic tale. She incorporates cameos of characters fans will certainly recognize from her previous works given her written world more depth.

Perfect for fans of historical fiction and Scottish history, Kearsley once again delivers a stunning novel of incredible depth and heart.

Note: I received a complementary copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Love how she draws out the historical figures and develops the storyline around them. The second-sight part of the story always draws me in! The author does a remarkable amount of research to the era in order to write her books.

If Susanna Kearsley writes it, I'm probably going to read it. I love her combination of well researched historical fiction and interesting characters. She also typically includes a slightly supernatural element in her books. This book has all of that. I knew very little about the time of King James I of England, and I was fascinated by this story of him sending a messenger to arrest and bring back to London the man the king has decided to accuse of the death of his oldest son. I knew nothing about the king's messengers and the power they held. They don't simply deliver messages, they conduct business on behalf of the king, including taking people into custody. Andrew Logan is a bigger than life character, and I love that he has the second sight. Usually these types of "gifts" appear in women in books, so it is refreshing to see it in a man. You know from the first chapter that this book will have an element of enemies to lovers, and Phoebe is a worthy match for Logan. The story was fascinating and I found myself doing my own research into that time period because I wanted to know even more.

This book is a quick read, and when you are done, make sure to read the author's "about the characters" at the end of the novel.. It is as fascinating as the story itself.

My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an early ecopy. My opinion is my own.

My first historical fiction from Susanna Kearsley, and I've decided that I like her. :)
I read the book and listened to the audio version parallel, and I must admit that the Scottish bits narrated by Angus King really adds to the experience. Not only an entertaining novel but informative too.