Susanna Kearsley is the queen of historical romance. Set in 1613 (with a some flashbacks), King's Messenger Andrew Logan is charged with apprehending Sir David Moray and delivering him to London to stand trial for the death of young Prince Henry. Accompanied by his young "squire" Hector, scrivener Laurence Westaway, and Westaway's daughter Phoebe, our hero begins to doubt his mission, and his ill feelings toward Phoebe.

Filled with adventure, intrigue, and yes, romance, "The King's Messenger" will delight fans of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir. Author Susanna Kearsley certainly knows how to bring history to life, with her mix of fictitious and factual characters. I could tell the author meticulously researched both the time period and the people who lived in it. I liked how the story was told from the viewpoints of several different characters, adding depth to the plot. It lacked some of the magical elements that are more prominent in some of her other books (though there was still a bit of magic in this one, for sure), but I greatly enjoyed it nonetheless. Don't skip the "About the Characters" section at the end because it contains interesting factual information about the real people who populate this story.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this fabulous book. I'm already looking forward to Ms. Kearsley's next book!

I’ve been working on this review for what feels like weeks, yet I still struggle to find the words that do justice to the wonder of Susanna Kearsley’s The King’s Messenger. The novel flows effortlessly in every way—though I’m sure the author put immense effort into crafting it. While you’re fully immersed in one story, two others weave through the narrative, each as compelling as the last. With every page, you find yourself more deeply entwined in this world, until everything else fades away. Before you know it, you’re witnessing two people whose love unfurls gently, like a rose in bloom—so gradual, yet so beautifully poignant.

Like all of Kearsley’s novels, The King’s Messenger masterfully balances the weight of rich history with the tenderness of romance, weaving them together in a way that feels both seamless and profound. This is a book to savor—to sit by the fire, listening to the rain, with coffee or tea in hand, and simply lose yourself in its pages. Kearsley’s prose is enchanting, her characters unforgettable, and the world she creates is one you won’t want to leave. The King’s Messenger isn’t just a novel; it’s an experience, one that lingers in your heart long after the final page is turned.

This book follows multiple POVs: Phoebe, Andrew, David, and Queen Anna. The book is set in 1613 after England and Scotland were united under King James's crown. Out of nowhere, a young Prince Henry dies, which leads to rumors of poison and non-natural causes as he is young and healthy. The King believes to know who is responsible for his death or has knowledge of his son's death, so he sends his messenger, Andrew Logan, to go to Scotland and bring back Sir David Morray to face a trial in England. Andrew has to have a scribe come along on his journey, and he is assigned no other than his neighbor and father of the girl who seems to hate him, Laurence Westerway. Phoebe, Laurence's daughter, pleads with Andrew to let her come along on the journey as her father's health has been declining and she wants to make sure he is safe. The long journey leads to quite the adventure.

Susanna Kearsley is a master of historical fiction. I've read two other books by her: The Winter Sea and The Firebird - I loved both, and now The King's Messenger is no exception. She does such a good job of detailed research that is shown throughout her settings and characters throughout this book. I liked that there was also a little hint of magic in the book, which adds to the excitement of the story. At first, I didn't know if I would be a fan of the multiple POVs, but in the end, I quite enjoyed it.

"New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Susanna Kearsley explores romance, court alliances, and the limits of one's duty in this rich story of an honorable man in service to a treacherous king, and the mission that brings him to love and his true calling.

It is the year 1613, and King James is sending his messenger Andrew Logan into Scotland with secret orders to arrest Sir David Moray, close friend and advisor of the late Prince Henry. Secrets are second nature to Andrew, who must hide his Second Sight to stay alive. Joined by a court scrivener and the scrivener's spirited daughter Phoebe, Andrew slowly untangles the true purpose of his mission - to frame Sir David for Prince Henry's murder. But Andrew is unwilling to betray an innocent man.

Phoebe Westaway dislikes Andrew, and their history makes it hard for her to trust him. But as their journey draws them deeper into the dark web of court intrigue, Phoebe begins to suspect that she might have more need of the King's Messenger and his unusual gifts than she could ever have foreseen."

I love Susanna Kearsley and lately I've been obsessed with the 1600s.

It’s been a while since I read a historical romantic novel so I’m probably not a good person to write a review. However, I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review so here are my thoughts.

As always, I dislike different chapters being in the first person spoken by different people. That made learning the characters and their characteristics difficult.

The scenes were well developed and the history was interesting. I think this is really just not my genre.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

A fascinating story about a kings messenger who is tasked with the job of bringing an innocent man to the king for his certain death. The messenger, Logan, heads out in this journey with a scribe (Laurence), the scribe’s daughter (Phoebe), a mini-messenger (young Hector), and eventually find their man (David). David is a model prisoner, a gentleman, who knows a secret about the king. As they attempt to head back to England and the king they have several adventures and in usual fashion the story ends very well. There is so much more to the story, it’s a love story, it’s historical fiction, and it is a story about family and friendship. Four stars!
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the digital ARC.

The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley is a captivating blend of historical fiction, mystery, and romance, beautifully woven together with the author’s signature style. Kearsley once again proves her skill at crafting an immersive atmosphere, transporting readers to the 18th century with vivid, rich detail. The story is compelling from the start, following the journey of an intriguing and strong-willed protagonist as she becomes entangled in a dangerous mission that could change the course of history.

What stands out in The King’s Messenger is Kearsley’s ability to balance historical accuracy with engaging storytelling. The historical setting is brought to life with such care and precision that you can practically feel the weight of the past in every page. The romance, though secondary to the mystery, is tender and carefully developed, adding an emotional layer that deepens the stakes of the narrative.

The pacing is steady, and while the plot isn’t rushed, it builds tension in a satisfying way. There are a few slower moments, especially early on, as the groundwork for the mystery is laid, but these scenes are crucial for setting the tone and allowing readers to truly invest in the characters and their journey. Once the plot picks up, however, it’s hard to put down, with twists and turns that keep you on your toes.

Kearsley’s writing is, as always, beautiful and evocative. Her skill in creating rich, layered characters and intertwining them with the historical context is what truly elevates this book. Fans of historical fiction with a touch of mystery and romance will find The King’s Messenger to be a rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable read.

While it may not be the fastest-paced novel, the careful attention to detail and the emotional depth of the characters make it a thoroughly engaging experience. If you’re looking for a book that offers both history and heart, this is one that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished it.

thank you to sourcebooks for the ARC!

as a little girl who was obsessed with tudor-era england, THE KING'S MESSENGER was such a fun way to learn a bit more about the following period. the best part of this novel was how much extensive research it incorporated - i could tell the author put a lot of effort into blending actual history with realistically crafted characters, especially after reading the author's note. where i think the book suffered a little bit was in the characters and plot, which felt flat to me overall; the romance was cute but did not feel especially developed. if you are interested in stuart period history though, i think you would still enjoy this!

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!