“Engrossing . . . Imbued with the flavor of English medieval life, Robb’s story melds true events with fiction to create a gripping historical mystery” (Publishers Weekly). When young nun Joanna Calverley dies of a fever in the town of Beverley in the summer of 1365, she is buried quickly for fear of the plague. But a year later, Archbishop Thoresby learns of a woman who has arrived in York … woman who has arrived in York claiming to be the resurrected nun, talking of relic-trading and miracles. And death seems to ride in her wake.
The archbishop sends Owen Archer to retrace the woman’s journey, an investigation that leads him across the north from Leeds to Beverley to Scarborough. Along the way he encounters Geoffrey Chaucer, a spy for the king of England, who believes there is a connection between the nun’s troubles, renegade mercenaries, and the powerful Percy family. Back in York, however, Owen’s wife, Lucie, pregnant with their first child, has won the confidence of the mysterious nun and realizes that there are secrets hidden in the woman’s seemingly mad ramblings . . .
Based on an enigmatic entry in the records of Clementhorpe Nunnery, this authentic, gripping mystery conjures a fourteenth century ripe with forbidden passions and political intrigue.
“[Robb] lives up to the standard set by master medievalist Ellis Peters.” —Booklist
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The Nun’s Tale was an excellent book! Really held my interest. Really brings medieval England to life. Good story and well developed characters. I liked it so well I went back and read The Apothecary Rose and now am reading The Lady Chapel, books 1 and 2 in the series, all equally good. Plan on reading the entire series as well.
A really good read. The author created the era so realistically I felt I was there. The characters were real and believable so much so that I couldn’t wait to read other books in the series – and they lived up to the first one in quality. I highly recommend this book and the others in the series.
Interesting. Based on historical data, although at times manipulated to meet authors story. I’m not used to reading about the medieval period so found that very interesting. Have read several books in this series & intend to read more. Sometimes they start a bit slow & characters can be a bit confusing, but by the end all is figured out.
I enjoyed “The Nun’s Tale” by Candace Robb very much. This is Book III of the Owen Archer series, a detective story set in 14th Century England. I have not read Book I and II, but that was not an issue, as these books apparently stand each on their own. The story was intriguing and the characters genuine. Not a difficult read, at all, but full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. Above all, I found Owen Archer interesting, believable, and likable. I expect to read more of this series. Recommended for general readers. Highly recommended for fans of this genre.
I love this author! Enjoy the historical setting and the mystery woven in with plenty of details. Once I start I have a hard time putting it down until I finish. Dinner is always late if I start reading.
It was certainly different–could have done without the political aggressions.
Well written and researched, I enjoyed the pace of the mystery. The historical context made it believable and interesting.
Action and emotion packed. Detailed culture and society of a medieval time depicted. A few sweet relationship moments. Brutal life and times. exhausting to read.
This is #3 in the Owen Archer series. I’ve read up to book ten. That should say it all. They are well crafted with interesting characters and make you want to read the next one.
All of the books in this series are well written and intriguing, although this may be the weakest entry. Owen and all the returning characters are just as enjoyable as ever, but I cannot remember one other sympathetic character in the story. The time period is excellently portrayed and the characters feel true to their time and place. The pacing of the plot is good and the Robb writes so smoothly that the story just flows and you don’t think about the writing, you just become engaged in the world within the book. Unfortunately, in this book the world and the people were a sordid mess, and I did not care what happened to them.
love this series
I am hoping this is just a hiccup in what is normally a very good series. I did finish it, so it was reasonably good and I like the main characters, Owen and Lucie, and I like the premise of Owen being an investigator, past archer for the kingdom, and apprentice apothecary to his wife Lucie. Add in the fact that it’s a historical mystery and it shows a time that I knew little to nothing about.
This one had so many twists and turns and a character that had me wanting to smack her upside the cranium she was so horrid and spoiled.
The political machinations were exhausting and the plot a bit convoluted but I kept reading because I have faith in the author. I will keep reading the series as I find the books.
All of Candace Robb’s historical novels are riveting
Sorry, but I just could not get in to this book. I did not even finish it. Moved too slow.