I have read every book Susanna Kearsley has written. Her books are not my normal read and unlike the first few she wrote, this book is solely historical (unlike the majority of her previous books which had two storylines happening simultaneously, one present and one past). Straight historical books are usually not my thing, but this book doesn’t try to do too much or tackle the complex layers of history. It’s obvious the author knows all those layers, but she grounds the book in her characters and their specific experiences throughout the book. Historical fiction definitely takes center stage and there is a romance subplot. The book is also written from multiple perspectives (4 or 5), and I was interested in what each character needed to say. I was also very surprised how quickly I got through the story. I was afraid historical fiction would take me much longer.

If anything I would say sometimes the sentence structure through me off, but it is done intentionally to convey Britain and Scotland in the early 1900’s. It just takes some getting used to.

The narrators of this audiobooks were quite good, but listening to them read, it was difficult to decipher dialogue from though. Sometimes I felt like my tone varied from the narrators which is also impactful to how a story resonates. All in all though, I really enjoyed this book! I hope her next goes back to the past and present formats, however I would 100% still read a straight historical fiction from Susanna.

I enjoyed this title and was interested in the historical element.
Definitely want to learn more about King James and his wife and children.
PG rating on a modern. Which is a plus.
The plot didn’t keep me moving as much as I would have liked.

Thank you to NetGalley for a chance to preview this book!

It's a somewhat predictable book taking place in England and Scotland in 1613. The bulk of the story is an adventure taken on behalf of King James. The King's Messenger, Andrew Logan, is tasked to bringing Sir David Murray from Edinburgh, Scotland to the King to answer on charges of the death of Prince Henry. This is quite a long journey in those days. And Logan is not to go alone, but to bring a scribe with him to record all of what Sir David says along the way.

The King assigns the elder Laurence Westaway as the scribe, and his daughter Phoebe insists on going along to take care of her father. Phoebe has known Logan most of her life and very much dislikes him, and has a paramour waiting her return, a nobleman Valentine Fox.

The audiobook narrators Angus King and Beth Eyre did an excellent job. The story took the POV of four characters: Andrew, David, Phoebe and Queen Anna.

Overall this was written well, an enjoyable read.

The author’s note, or “About the Characters” section at the end the book was quite long and detailed. Likely one of the longest I’ve encountered, but it is well worth reading.

3.5 stars
This is my first book by the author, though I’ve had most of her works on my TBR for years. I will definitely get to more of her titles after listening to The King’s Messenger. On the surface, not much happens in the book. We follow a small contingent on the way to King James I’s court for various reasons. But much unfolds about the times on this journey. I was pleasantly surprised how it all turned out. Recommend!
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley

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.

Susanna Kearsley writes the perfect blend of well researched historical fiction and tender romance. Phoebe did start off rather unlikable in this one, but that does change pretty soon into their journey. This is a bit of a quieter read and so not for everyone, but her books are always such a satisfying comfort read for me.

The audiobook narrators were both very pleasant to listen to; I appreciate that the male narrator didn't do falsettos when voicing women, and the accents helped create an immersive experience.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (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.