The Apothecary Rose

The Apothecary Rose (1993) Candace Robb

Set in England 1363

I picked up random books from this series years ago, and then got frustrated because I couldn’t find more books in the series, and so forgot about it.

Then I saw the series pop up on an eBook sale on Amazon, and grabbed the first several, thinking that I remembered that I had enjoyed them (as had Grandmom).

Then I went on to read a bunch of other stuff, because that’s just how things work with me.

Owen Archer had been the Captain of Archers and the Duke of Lancaster’s man until he loses an eye and becomes the Duke’s spy. After the Duke’s death, he thinks to remake himself again, but John Thoresby, Lord Chancellor of England and Archbishop of York offers Owen a position as his spy, and sends him to York where two suspicious deaths–one the ward of the Archbishop.

And thus Owen Archer meets Lucie Wilton, apprentice Apothecary and wife of Master Apothecary Nicholas Wilton.

And several other characters, such as Brother Wulfstan:

Wulfstan feared Saurian would simply say God’s will be done. Of course God’s will be done. Wulfstan did not have to drag Saurian out in the middle of the night to be told that. But God’s will was not always clear to man.

And also Magda Digby, both of whom recur through the series, and both of whom I like very much.

I also love the little glimpses of life half a century ago.

Bess sat up. “Trouble at Widow Cartwright’s? I warned her not to board that man. He’s a slimy creature. No good will come of him.”

“Certainly that possibility is past. He’s dead. Drowned. They dragged him out of the river tonight.”

Bess crossed herself. “Why didn’t you tell me that straightway? You let me say an unkindness about the dead.” She shivered and crossed herself again. “You might have saved me that.”

And of course the wars.

“I thought it was the news from Calais. Robert wrote that King Philip had at last brought a great army to save the people of Calais, then ordered the army’s retreat a few days later, without battle. Behind the city walls a great wail rose up. A year besieged, and now they knew themselves abandoned. Joyous for us, not so for Amelie. They were still her people.”

“I served with men who were at Calais,” Owen said. “It was a terrible time. When they opened the gates, there were no dogs, no animals but a few goats and cows for milking. All the rest had been slaughtered to fill the empty bellies. So many had died. It was a barren, silent city.”

I’m only partially sorry I put off starting this series, because I’m quite enjoying it right now.
Rating: 7/10

Published by Diversion Books

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