The King’s Messenger
In the opening decades of the 17th century every prominent person who died was poisoned—if we are to believe the multitudinous pamphlets and rumours abounding at the time. The historian, as a custodian of truth, must studiously refute such conspiracy theories, but a historical fiction author is free to play with them for the sake of a good story.
Susanna Kearsley, in her latest book, takes one such and runs with it, seamlessly weaving true history, shadow history, and historical personages on the loom of her tale and into the lives of her own creations.
Andrew Logan, King’s Messenger, is sent to Scotland to arrest Sir David Moray, the man suspected of murdering Prince Henry, King James’ eldest son, with poison. Logan is accompanied by the scrivener, Laurence Westaway, there to record all Moray might say on the journey south. Westaway’s daughter, Phoebe, persuades Logan to let her travel with them to look after her ailing father. These three are joined by Hector the stableboy, who hero-worships Logan. They must escort Moray to London, and somehow evade his well-armed relatives who are in close pursuit and intent on freeing him. But Logan has a secret. He has a barbed gift that gives him occasional glimpses of the future. He sees events he cannot change.
Logan and Phoebe are the main characters, distinguished as such by both being given first-person perspectives. There are also occasional third-person chapters from the supporting cast, including Moray and Queen Anna.
Although the book opens with tension and darkness, the story progresses to become warm and uplifting, replete with kindness, friendship and romance. But to quote the book: ‘Happy endings are of little comfort to characters who die afore the tale is done.’ This is a well-told historical adventure leavened with a classic romance.
