Series: The Welsh Guard Mysteries
Book description courtesy of Goodreads
April 1284. As a newly widowed lady-in-waiting to the very pregnant Queen Eleanor of England, Catrin never expected to return to Wales again. She was definitely unprepared to be confronted with murder when she got there--or to find herself face-to-face with Rhys, the childhood friend she lost twenty years before. Rhys had never intended to return home either, but a lifetime of war has deposited him right back where he started--impoverished and owing service to Catrin's older brother.
With Wales having fallen irrevocably to England, and fearful of trusting anyone within the English court of King Edward, Catrin and Rhys join forces against the treachery and intrigue rife within the half-built Caernarfon Castle. And when the murderer strikes again, the task before them becomes increasingly clear: catch the killer, certainly, but also protect their people from a future that is becoming more dangerous and uncertain with every day that passes.
Crouchback is the first book in The Welsh Guard Mysteries.
My Thoughts
I've had this book in my Kindle for awhile and just forgot. I have so many mysteries it just got overlooked. But when I went back and read the description it sounded interesting and original, and I love all things with Wales as the setting. The characters also being placed during the reign of Edward ! made it especially appealing to me. I'm trying to learn more about this time period already.
The mystery is well veiled and is a good story. So is the history the author weaves into the book. I learned a lot about how the Welsh must have felt having been conquered and subdued by King Edward at this point. Rhys and Catrin being a part of both worlds was a good way to let the reader in on the authentic conflict going on at the time: bow to reality and practicality to stay alive and acknowledge England as the ruling force or fight back and end up in misery and fear but with your conscience intact concerning your loyalty to your homeland. This is the running theme throughout the story as the pair seek to find out who is killing and leaving mysterious signs of a possible cult on the bodies or somewhere nearby. I also learned the true meaning of "Crouchback." This is the symbol for someone who has been on Crusade.
While I enjoyed a lot about the book and the descriptions of the King and Queen Eleanor, the surrounding countryside, and Caernarfon Castle the story sort of lost my interest midway as some of the focus became the romance of the two main characters. Not to say it was excessive but I just wasn't interested in their relationship. Looking ahead I get the feeling this is going to be a part of each novel as they grow closer. That is just fine and understandable but I'm not not sure that will hold my attention. I like for the mysteries I read to focus on that and maybe some history thrown in. Having to wade through chapters about the characters longing for each other just isn't my cup of tea. But I certainly do not rule out continuing at some point because there is enough accurate history and mystery to keep the reader engaged.
If you enjoy a good historical mystery novel with a bit of romance you will like the Welsh Guard Mysteries.
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