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The Apothecary Rose

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The Apothecary Rose

By: Candace Robb
Narrated by: Stephen Thorne
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It is the year of our Lord 1363. And in the cathedral city of York, people are dying in mysterious circumstances. But there seems to be a common thread - the herbal remedies dispensed by Nicholas Wilton, Master Apothecary. The first victim is an anonymous pilgrim. But when a highborn nobleman dies after taking the same potion the authorities decide to act.

Dispatched to York, in disguise, to unravel the mystery, Owen Archer, former Captain of Archers, apprentices himself to the Apothecary. But it is from Wilton’s beautiful wife Lucie that he must learn the arcane secrets of the trade. Slowly but surely, Owen begins to uncover the truth. And when the deaths continue, he realises to his horror he must count Lucie among the suspects.

©1994 Candace Robb (P)2009 Random House Audio Crime Fiction Fiction Historical Mystery Detective Crime
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This was the first book I listened to and was hooked. Stephen Thorne is a good narrator and brought Owen Archer to life.

The Apothecary Rose

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As a fan on both Ellis Peters and CJ Sansom I was looking forward to this story and I was not disappointed. It was tightly written and very well narrated. For a change I did not find myself shouting at the speakers to correct mispronunciation of words or glaring mistakes in grammar! A thoroughly enjoyable listen, BUT, it stole my sleep!!

So good I stayed awake listening overnight!

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I enjoyed the story which was easy to understand and follow. However the reader’s pace was just slightly too quick. When I slowed it to .75 it was too bass.
I couldn’t understand why the criminals were not brought to trial by jury instead of the Archbishop dispensing summary justice privately and acting as God. A bit unrealistic. He was not answerable to anyone. The church seemed to be too powerful and they just overlooked or took for granted many crimes as long as a penance was said. Little protection to the victims was provided such as the Archdeacon being arrested and detained in custody as soon as the Archbishop had evidence against him. The character of Mistress Lucy was too stubborn and modern. Women were more submissive then. She had some obtuse ideas just for the sake of the plot. She suddenly had a complete change of character at the end when she let Owen Archer kiss and make up which seemed a contrived happy ending. Feminism developed 600 years later. So this is a novel written to suit present day feminism rather than the reality of the day.

Historical novel

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I loved the characters in this story. All very believable. Good story, well told. I love all tge historical content alsi

Excellent mystery story

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This is an interesting enough story, well written. It's just a bit light. If it were wine I'd describe it as inoffensive.

A little bit too tame.

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