1374. When a member of one of York’s most prominent families is found dead in the woods, his throat torn out, rumours spread like wildfire that wolves are running loose throughout the city. Persuaded to investigate by the victim’s father, Owen Archer is convinced that a human killer is responsible. But before he can gather sufficient evidence to prove his case, a second body is discovered, stabbed to death. Is there a connection? What secrets are contained within the victim’s household? And what does apprentice healer Alisoun know that she’s not telling?
Teaming up with Geoffrey Chaucer, who is in York on a secret mission on behalf of Prince Edward, Owen’s enquiries will draw him headlong into a deadly conspiracy.
Q&A
Enjoy!
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When and where do you prefer to write?
I write in the office/library my partner built for me—great lighting, comfy reading chairs, all my books have shelf space (as a historical researcher specializing in the late Middle Ages I have a LOT of books), a long window with north light and a door into the garden. I write at my desk, edit hardcopy in a comfy chair.
– Do you have a certain ritual?
No. I know, right? I just can’t make anything stick.
– Is there a drink of some food that keeps you company while you write?
Silver Needle tea. Copious amounts.
– What is your favourite book?
Who has A favorite?! This past year, top of my list were Circe by Madeline Miller, The Overstory by Richard Powers, and The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker.
Do you mean which one of my own books? That’s always the one I just finished, so now it’s A Conspiracy of Wolves.
– Do you consider writing a different genre in the future?
Who knows?
– Do you sometimes base your characters on people you know?
Funny you should ask. I’m currently writing a book in which a friend is a central character—but that was planned. At a fundraising benefit for the Medieval Women’s Choir last spring (I’m a member) our soloist won the raffle to be a character in one of my books. I am so lucky! But it’s also a bit stressful.
In a more general way, I see myself as a magpie, collecting the shiny, intriguing bits of everyone I meet. A particular character will always be a palimpsest by the time they’re fully fleshed out.
– Do you take a notebook everywhere in order to write down ideas that pop up?
Yep.
– Which genre do you not like at all?
To write? Memoir. You won’t find me writing one.
But one of my characters might…
I can’t think of a genre I don’t like at all.
– If you had the chance to co-write a book. Whom would it be with?
Magda Digby. But I believe I already do that.
– If you should travel to a foreign country to do research, which one would you chose and why?
Other than England/Scotland/Wales, which I’ve visited many times? Oh, honestly, so MANY places. Maybe firstly, Ireland. Can you believe I’ve never been? Neither has Owen.
Thank you, Candace Robb and Love Books Group Tours.
About the author
Candace Robb has read and researched medieval history for many years, having studied for a Ph.D. in Medieval & Anglo-Saxon Literature. She divides her time between Seattle and the UK, frequently visiting York to research the series. She is the author of ten previous Owen Archer mysteries and three Kate Clifford medieval mysteries.
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