One of a series of mysteries set in Scotland in the 1500's. This one's plot revolves around the murder of a minister whose pregnant wife is raped during the encounter. He is nearly decapitated and not only do we eventually find the culprits but we learn a lot about the language and culture of Scotland. in the period. The book takes a little work based on understanding the Scottish brogue used. There is a tiny unsatisfying historical note that the author relates that the characters and story are real based on memoirs with some artistic license but no details we given as to what was real and what came from the author's imagination. ( )

This superbly written historical novel set in the borderlands between Scotland and England during the year 1592 is so much more than just a mystery to be solved. The author’s words took me back in time, allowed me to experience with all of my senses what life might have been like in the late 1590’s and made me thankful that I live in the present.

In this book Lady Elizabeth Widdrington has more time on center stage than Robert Carey and in some ways it is more her story than his, although, it is really a story of the time and its people and as such even more intriguing as it is based on real characters mixed in with some fictional ones.

This may be a Robert Carey Mystery and the 7th in the series but it was the first book of the series that I have read. I am now eager to read the other six books even though they do not need to be read first to have this one make sense.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes well written fact-based historical fiction that provides a wonderful reading adventure.

I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book and in so doing allow me to find an author I will gladly read the work of again. ( )