About this item
Highlights
- 1399.
- Author(s): Candace Robb
- 320 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Mystery & Detective
- Series Name: Kate Clifford
Description
About the Book
As the fourteenth century comes to a close, York seethes on the brink of civil war-and young widow Kate Clifford, struggling to keep her businesses afloat, realizes that her mother is harboring a dangerous secret...Book Synopsis
1399. York is preparing for civil war, teeming with knights and their armed retainers summoned for the city's defense. Henry of Lancaster is rumored to have landed on the northeast coast of England, not so far from York, intent on reclaiming his inheritance--an inheritance which his cousin, King Richard, has declared forfeit.
With the city unsettled and rife with rumors, Eleanor Clifford's abrupt return to York upon the mysterious death of her husband in Strasbourg is met with suspicion in the city. Her daughter Kate is determined to keep her distance, but it will not be easy--Eleanor has settled next door with the intention of establishing a house of beguines, or poor sisters. When one of the beguines is set upon in the night by an intruder, Kate knows that for the sake of her own reputation and the safety of her young wards she must investigate.
From the first, Eleanor is clearly frightened yet maintains a stubborn silence. The brutal murder of one of Eleanor's servants leads Kate to suspect that her mother's troubles have followed her from Strasbourg. Is she secretly involved in the political upheaval? When one of her wards is frightened by a too-curious stranger, Kate is desperate to draw her mother out of her silence before tragedy strikes her own household.
Review Quotes
"The novel resonates with its compelling portrayal of an England on the brink of crisis."--Publishers Weekly
"Robb's deft hand creates a realistic political and commercial climate as King Richard II's reign draws to a close in 1399, making this a satisfying historical read."--Booklist
"The Service of the Dead is a strikingly well-crafted novel that is a compelling page-turner from beginning to end. Very highly recommended for community library Historical Fiction collections"--Midwest Book Review
"Candace Robb, best known for her books about medieval spy Owen Archer, is back with another story, The Service of the Dead...as with Robb's other books, this is rich in meticulous historical detail and vivid characters."--The Seattle Times
"Kate Clifford is a wonderful creation, and the characters that surround her are drawn meticulously by Robb. Even the labyrinth streets of York are drawn with care and an eye to detail. I look forward to the next installment of this delightful series!"--Historical Novel Society
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