The King's Messenger follows the story of King James and his actions following the death of his son Henry who died from suspected poisoning. He calls in one of his messengers to bring in Prince Henry's guardian in for questioning, and a quest ensues.

I am a a major fan of Susanne Kearsley, and this novel strays from her typical template a bit. Many of her stories have a time travel element to them, but this one doesn't. Instead it has multiple POV's spanning different timeframes. This is captures through memories instead of time travel. I found it a bit difficult to juggle the POVs at first, but once I knew the characters it was a breeze.

This story has everything! Witchcraft, adventure, life/death scenarios, some romance. This story is written so beautifully! If you are a fan of historical fiction this is a must read.

Thank you to Susanna Kearsley, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for this eARC!

I was very excited to get an early copy of the newest book by Susanna Kearsley. I read everything she writes and this book did not disappoint.

The characters are well written - as always, their relationships with other characters are well rounded and complex. The setting/timeframe is fantastic and the touch of magic is always well done.

I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction - reading other books by the author are not necessary to enjoy this book.


Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy of this book.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review and ordered the paperback edition with sprayed edges from Barnes and Noble. Susannah Kearsley is one of my favorite authors and did not disappoint with this latest book! The King's Messenger may be my new favorite among all her excellent books. As expected from Kearsley, the book is thoroughly historically researched, beautifully paced, and gorgeously written. Logan is a King's Messenger--an official post in which he carries out missions for the King. Phoebe is the daughter of Laurence Westaway, a scrivener (aka official scribe) who accompanies Logan on his mission to apprehend David Moray, who is suspected of killing Prince Henry, the son/heir of King James and Queen Anna. The story practically takes place in real-time on the road, with flashbacks, as they, along with a stable boy named Hector, journey back from Scotland with David Moray in custody. It becomes ever more apparent that Davis is an honorable gentleman being wrongfully suspected and accused and that Logan must figure out how to protect his charge while maintaining loyalty to the crown.

As with all of Kearsley's books, the characters are well-rounded and multidimensional. I adored the love story between Phoebe and Logan as "enemies to lovers," with Pride and Prejudice added to the mix (Phoebe is prejudiced against Logan and has her demons and fears). My heart ached during the flashbacks of David treating Prince Henry like his son, which made the innocent moments and discussions with Hector (the stable boy) even more poignant. I was worried about how the situation would resolve peacefully, and I loved the book's last third, which handled the resolution in such a satisfying way. As with many of Kearsley's books, I couldn't put it down once I started reading this, reading a majority of the book in a day or two. I read it so fast that I can't wait to reread it, slowly savoring the words and precious moments between all the characters. I can't recommend this book highly enough--it is perfect for anyone who loves romance, adventure, and history.

4 court intrigue stars

I can always count on Susanna Kearsley to immerse me in another time. I’ve read at least 6 of her books.

We are back in 1613 and in the court of King James. Andrew Logan is a King’s Messenger. Trusted to convey messages from the King and, occasionally, to retrieve someone and bring them back for questioning.

David Moray was Prince Henry's trusted companion from about age 5. In those days, the tradition was to raise the royal children in separate households to keep them safe from intrigue and death. Unfortunately, Henry survived only until 18 years old, when he succumbed to a mysterious illness. Moray is under suspicion. The King sends Messenger Andrew Logan to Scotland to retrieve Moray and bring him back for questioning.

Phoebe is another main character in this one. Her father is a scrivener (scribe). He’s aging, though. When the king wants to send him along with Andrew, Phoebe volunteers to go along on the trip to care for her father. She’s leaving her heart behind with Valentine (appropriate name, huh) and hopes to get a marriage proposal when she returns.

Phoebe and Andrew have verbally sparred on many occasions, and she’s not quite sure what to make of him. He seems to be more of a gentleman than she thought in spite of his recent sparring with Valentine.

The group has some great adventures and dangers as they find David and begin to bring him back to London. They are joined by an adorable young man who idolizes David. We learn David’s full story along the way.

I really enjoyed this one! It was fun to read the author’s notes at the end and learn that some of these characters were real people.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this before its publication date. I have been a fan of Susanna Kearsley for a long time now, and I was very excited to get a copy of her newest book. She did not disappoint. My relationship with historical fiction is love/hate. I either love the storyline, or get lost in the historical information that slows the story down. The King's Messenger was a lovely story, with characters that I was fully vested in, and actually made me want to know more about the history of the time period.

The King's Messenger (Paperback)
by Susanna Kearsley
A historical story showing a different view of kings, and messengers after the death of Elizabeth the first. How people expect royalty to behave, and how history is changed to their perceptions.

An interesting story of the mystery and court intrigue surrounding the death of Prince Henry Stuart - the king who never was.

I have never been disappointed by a book written by Susanna Kearsley. Again, she gives us a 5 star read with history and romance. Her books are well written, researched and true to the time BUT the thing I love most........they are not politically invested in the times. These books skim the political of the times, make it understandable and don't throw a million names out for the reader to keep straight. The political aspects are kept fairly simple. This book is categorized as sci-fi and fantasy. I would disagree with that. While one character had visions, that does not place it in the sci-fi and fantasy category. So, far all you romantic historical fiction fans--don't miss out on this book. Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley. I am very appreciative of the complementary digital ARC that I received. This review is my opinion and not coerced in any way.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for an arc of this book.

First off, Susanna Kearsley remains one of my favorite historical fiction writers. She is so good at what she does that I get absolutely engrossed in her books and it's so hard for me to put them down.

One of the the things she does so well is combines excellent research with her own imagination, and it brings both the real historical characters to life as well as the ones she invents for her books. In this case, the characters presented in this story were so well written.

An aspect of this story I really liked was the "mystery" surrounding the Prince's death, but I also loved that the main characters weren't just the royals. We get a lot of historical fiction focusing on the royals, but Susanna brings to light the people who weren't royals as well.

I really loved her author's note at the end of the book, it is a worthwhile read because it explains many of the excellent choices that she made in the process of writing this book.

Phoebe's growth throughout this book was incredible, because I feel like she mimicked the arc of how English people saw the Scottish after James came to the throne - lesser, savages, barbarians. Such as the story David relates about how the Romans viewed the Picts/Scots.

There were multiple meanings throughout this book, and I loved the themes it dealt with.

If you love historical fiction with a bit of second sight, of political intrigue and adventure, you absolutely need to add this book to your TBR. Susanna Kearsley does such an excellent job bringing the historical world to ours.

I really enjoyed the plot and characters in this historical fiction. And the amount of research that went into it was clearly evident. A good story to sink into!

Susanna Kearsley is one of the best historical fiction writers. Her books are all well-researched with captivating characters and great plots. When I saw this book was available I couldn't wait to read it!

Description:
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:
This is both a romance and a political drama, and I have to say I really enjoyed the romance part in this one. The portrayal of the King's Messenger position was fascinating with the things they are expected to handle. I really enjoyed the character of Sir David - he seemed like such a good person. Andrew Logan, of course, was the hero of the story and he was also a good man with good values. I did dislike the King very much for the way he treated people and especially his wife and children. I can't imagine what living in close prosimity to such a person would affect their lives - it had to be miserable. I enjoyed the glimpses of Scotland and its people. A great book!

Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark through Netgalley for an advance copy.

I have always enjoyed Susanna Kearsley's books and this one has become one of my favorites. Set in the reign of King James VI and I, Phoebe Westaway is the grown daughter of a king's scrivener and neighbor to Andrew Logan, a King's Messenger. Phoebe took a dislike to Andrew from the beginning and when it becomes evident that she must accompany her ailing father to Scotland with Andrew Logan on the King's business, Phoebe is less than pleased.

Andrew Logan has been tasked to apprehend David Moray and bring him to London for questioning on the death of Prince Henry. It has been suggested that Prince Henry (the Prince of Wales) died by poisoning and King James is ready to set up David Moray as the guilty party. The journey from Scotland to London with the prisoner opens everyone's eyes and each character realizes they are not who they seem on the surface. Andrew and Phoebe become close and fall in love. They hear more of David's story and realize he is not the guilty party. But how do they escape the King's demands? With a few twists, all is solved in the end and Phoebe and Andrew find a way to make a life together.

Susanna Kearsley delivers another captivating historical novel, seamlessly blending mystery, romance, deception, a touch of magic, and the ever-present weight of duty and honor.

Set in 1613, during the reign of King James I, The King’s Messenger unfolds in the wake of Prince Henry’s sudden and mysterious death. Whispers of poison circulate, and in response, the king dispatches his trusted Messenger, Andrew Logan, to apprehend Sir David Murray—the prince’s longtime companion and protector—believed to be at the heart of the conspiracy. As Logan embarks on his mission with his companions, and is caught in the shifting tides of court intrigue, the truth proves to be far more complex.

Told through four perspectives— Andrew Logan, Phoebe, Sir David, and Queen Anne—this novel immerses the reader in a lesser-known chapter of history. The historical setting is richly drawn, transporting readers effortlessly into the era. I found myself engrossed, devouring the book quickly while recovering from the flu, grateful for such an absorbing companion.

A fascinating thread of mysticism weaves through the narrative, with Logan possessing the Sight—fleeting glimpses of the future that add both tension and intrigue. Phoebe, initially a difficult character to warm to, undergoes significant growth, making her journey particularly rewarding. Beyond the mystery and courtly drama, the novel explores themes of integrity, loyalty, and the burdens of duty—not just for nobility but for all walks of life. I especially appreciated the inclusion of Marcus Aurelius’ wisdom, which added depth to the characters’ struggles.

The King’s Messenger is a beautifully written historical novel, perfect for fans of any era of historical fiction. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy of this book.

This book has everything: history, mystery, and romance with a perfect sprinkle of magic. Kearsley's atmospheric writing is like a time machine she effectively transports readers to 18th-century England, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the era. I love how she writes romance novels that feel so cozy and relatable, even when they're set against the backdrop of huge historical events! In this book, Logan and Phoebe are set on a very important mission from Scotland to London, and throughout the journey their romance blossoms in such a natural way. Okay, so maybe the 'enemies to lovers' trope wasn't totally necessary, but their relationship development was still very sweet.
All in all the history, the setting, the atmosphere... it all comes together to create this totally immersive reading experience!

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I always look forward to a new Susanna Kearsley. Historically informative with likeable characters. This could have used a bit more adventure, but it was great to learn about a new time period.

Susanna Kearsley did it again to me. She had me interested with historical fiction and that little fantasy/magical element that I love about her stories. First interested then hooked. I couldn't put it down. I loved this story. All the characters were well crafted and I felt as though I was walking right alongside them, not just reading about them.

I absolutely loved the MMC and the journey the FMC went on to understand him. I loved the pacing, the romance gave me all the feels, and the word crafting was wonderful and I just couldn’t put it down. This book was a 5⭐ for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I’m always excited for a new Susanna Kearsley novel, and while her more recent work hasn’t been up to par with my favorites, I still look forward to them. This was definitely a step up from her prior two efforts, which felt somewhat underdone, but still lack the magic of her best books, like Mariana or The Winter Sea.
Her attention to historical detail remains impeccable, and my interest was piqued when I learned this would focus somewhat on the Morays and Graemes a few generations earlier during the reign of King James I. The politics of the time are compelling, and I loved learning about the “King’s Messengers” and the fictional spin Kearsley put on them with one of her fictional characters.
The various characters and multiple POVs were the weak point. The story centers mostly on Phoebe and Andrew, but they (mostly Phoebe) aren’t particularly interesting. Phoebe is rather frustrating to follow, and while I’m all for an unlikable heroine, I just didn’t find her all that substantial. Andrew’s profession makes him more compelling, in his ties to the intrigue, being tasked with arresting Sir David Moray, and his Second Sight is also quite fun. The romance, however, felt rather underbaked, especially with other aspects feeling much more developed by comparison.
The other POVs with David and Queen Anne were perhaps the most interesting, as that’s where more of the action and politics is, and it just felt like the book had a bit of an identity crisis, unsure of whether it wanted to be a historical mystery or romance. That’s not to say it can’t be both, or have subplots of one or the other, but Kearsley, as a historical fiction writer, has usually been able to juggle strong mystery and romance arcs and give each its due.
As for plot and pacing, I’m in the weird position where it’s like the book dragged, but it was because of my lack of investment, not because anything needed to be cut. In fact, I’d have welcomed a longer book if some things in the character and romance department were fleshed out to match the historical and political intrigue and stakes.
I continue to love Susanna Kearsley for writing unique books and for giving me a love of Scotland in a way no other author has been able to. But on a craft side of things, I do wonder if I’m just outgrowing her as an author, or if something else is going on. But this book (like her others) is highly praised by a lot of readers, so I recommend checking out other reviews to decide if this book works for you.

Susanna Kearsley is one of my all-time favorite authors! "The King's Messenger" just confirmed that fact for me—it did not disappoint! Ms. Kearsley has penned a finely crafted novel, which is well researched and filled with rich historical detail. It contains everything I come to expect from a Kearsley novel, rich history combined with a little magic. The magic in this story is the fact that our hero, Andrew Logan (the titular King’s Messenger), has the gift of Second Sight. There is a present timeline, and we go back in time to see another character’s memories. Kearsley’s writing is beautiful, poetic, and full of amazing descriptions. You will want to savor every word! The story held me in such a thrall. I especially loved that part of it takes place in Scotland, and I learned so much new history, especially about King James, the royal family, and the politics of that time. The reader takes a journey with the characters through 17th Century Scotland and England.

The main characters start off as a group of enemies. Will they develop mutual respect, brotherhood, or even love as they travel and fulfill the king’s mission? The love story was so beautiful, and I loved the mystery as well. I almost started crying at one point because I felt the emotions so vividly. The story is at times heartbreaking and beautiful. I could not stop thinking about the book when I was not reading it, and I did not want it to end. It is safe to say I have already found a new favorite for the year!

Content: I give this book a light PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: astrology is mentioned, but the main character doesn’t believe in it; a man is said to get drunk; one of the major characters has the gift of Second Sight; a man is accused of defiling a woman; a woman is called a whore; a main character sees ghosts; grief and loss; mention of miscarriage (rumors that the woman caused it herself); the word “da*n” is used; a man loved a married woman; someone at court is married but still flirts with other people; brief reference to the wedding night.
TW: brief reference to r*pe; grief and loss of a child and loved ones; miscarriage; reference to su*cide; mention of r*pe in the author’s notes.
Spice: very brief fade to black scene; closed door.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Susanna Kearsley is a masterful storyteller, and The King's Messenger is an immersive, enchanting tale set in early 1600s England and Scotland. Historical fiction fans will admire the story's perfect mix of action, romance, and magical realism. The author's note describing the novel's connections to real history added an extra layer of intrigue, as well.

I do miss the dual timelines that most of Kearsley's earlier works included (Winter Sea, The Rose Garden, Mariana). The modern perspectives were always a refreshing break from the heavier historical chapters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC. Normally I devour a Susanna Kearsley book but this one did not do it for me. The writing was fine and just think it was the mood of the story for me.