Susanna Kearsley returns to the historical fiction landscape with her latest masterpiece, The King’s Messenger—a novel that deftly balances political intrigue, forbidden love, and the supernatural against the backdrop of early 17th century Britain. Set in 1613, following the suspicious death of Prince Henry, heir to King James’s throne, Kearsley crafts a narrative that is both historically meticulous and emotionally resonant.
Much like her previous works such as The Winter Sea and The Firebird, Kearsley demonstrates her exceptional talent for breathing life into forgotten corners of history. However, The King’s Messenger stands apart in its exploration of the ordinary people caught in the machinations of the powerful—those “none else of name” who nevertheless shaped the course of history through their choices and actions.
Characters Who Breathe Beyond the Page
At the heart of this story stands Andrew Logan, a King’s Messenger with the rare and dangerous gift of Second Sight. Logan’s character evolves beautifully throughout the narrative—from a dutiful soldier following orders to a man questioning his role in a corrupt system. His development is handled with nuance; his struggle between duty and conscience becomes increasingly complex as he escorts Sir David Moray, former confidant to the late Prince Henry, to London where a questionable trial awaits.
Phoebe Westaway, daughter of a scrivener with secrets of his own, provides a perfect foil and eventually romantic partner for Logan. Their relationship develops organically, growing from mutual antagonism to respect and finally to love. What makes this romance particularly satisfying is that neither character sacrifices their fundamental nature—Logan remains stubborn and proud, Phoebe remains forthright and intelligent—yet they learn to appreciate these qualities in each other rather than being “transformed” by love.
Sir David Moray emerges as the most poignant figure in the novel. His devotion to the deceased Prince Henry and his barely concealed love for the gifted calligrapher Esther Inglis create a portrait of a man bound by honor and marked by profound loss. Kearsley uses Sir David as a window into the royal politics of the era, showing how even those close to power remain vulnerable to its caprices.
Historical Authenticity That Transcends the Page
Kearsley’s research shines throughout the novel, never feeling forced or exhibitionist. The depiction of the King’s Messengers—a little-known but fascinating branch of royal service—feels authentic and lived-in. From the scarlet doublets with royal insignia to the complex system of warrants and authority, the author builds a convincing professional world for her protagonist.
The royal court of King James comes alive through subtle details rather than grand exposition. We see glimpses of the king’s capricious nature, Queen Anna’s quiet strength, and the shadow of the beloved Prince Henry whose death looms large over the narrative. Rather than relying on famous historical set pieces, Kearsley focuses on smaller, more intimate moments that reveal character and culture:
The ritual of preparing a special cordial for horses before a difficult journey
The traditional Whitsun fair celebrations in a market town
The dynamics of an inn where patrons of different social classes interact
The sacred space of a private working relationship between a scrivener and his daughter
These details ground the narrative in a tangible reality that feels thoroughly researched without becoming a history lesson.
Where the Novel Excels
The King’s Messenger demonstrates several remarkable strengths:
Integration of the supernatural: Logan’s Second Sight is handled with historical accuracy, drawing on actual beliefs about this phenomenon in 17th century Scotland. Rather than being a mere plot device, it becomes an integral part of his character and worldview.
Journey structure: The physical journey from London to Edinburgh and back creates natural tension and allows for a diverse portrayal of early 17th century Britain—from the cosmopolitan London to the dangerous border regions and their complex clan politics.
Agency of female characters: Despite the historical setting, women like Phoebe and Queen Anna demonstrate considerable agency within the constraints of their society. They’re portrayed as intelligent strategists working within systems that limit their formal power.
Class dynamics: Kearsley deftly navigates the complex social hierarchies of the era, showing how rank and privilege operated while still allowing her characters to transcend these boundaries through individual merit and connection.
Shortcomings and Quibbles
Despite its many strengths, the novel is not without flaws:
The pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the middle sections where the journey sometimes feels episodic rather than driving forward with purpose. While each stop introduces interesting characters and situations, a tighter focus might have increased tension in these segments.
Valentine Fox, positioned as Phoebe’s initial romantic interest and later antagonist, veers toward one-dimensionality compared to the nuanced portrayal of other characters. His machinations with Viscount Rochester come across as somewhat predictable, lacking the moral complexity that characterizes the rest of the novel.
The supernatural elements, while generally well-handled, occasionally serve as too-convenient plot solutions. Logan’s visions sometimes function as foreshadowing that diminishes suspense rather than enhances it.
Additionally, the romantic resolution between Logan and Phoebe, while satisfying, follows a somewhat predictable arc that might not surprise readers familiar with Kearsley’s previous works.
Themes That Resonate
What elevates The King’s Messenger beyond a mere historical adventure are its thoughtful explorations of timeless themes:
Duty versus conscience: Logan’s struggle between fulfilling his orders and doing what he knows to be right mirrors dilemmas faced by people throughout history.
The power of recorded words: The novel continually questions who controls narrative and how written accounts shape history and justice—from Phoebe’s father’s forged confessions to Sir David’s poetry preserving his private love.
Unlikely connections: The relationships that form between characters of different backgrounds—Logan and Phoebe, Sir David and Esther, Hector and his mentors—suggest that authentic human connection transcends societal boundaries.
Grief and remembrance: Sir David’s mourning for Prince Henry and Phoebe’s for her family explore how loss shapes identity and the different ways people carry their dead with them.
Prose That Captures the Era Without Affectation
Kearsley’s prose style deserves special mention for achieving a delicate balance—evoking the flavor of 17th century language without resorting to archaic affectation that would alienate modern readers. Characters speak with period-appropriate cadences and vocabulary, yet remain accessible and emotionally immediate.
The narrative shifts seamlessly between action, reflection, and historical context. Particularly effective are the moments when Logan experiences his Second Sight, rendered in prose that captures the disorientation and eeriness of these episodes without resorting to melodrama.
For Fans of Historical Fiction With Heart
Readers who have enjoyed Kearsley’s previous novels will find familiar pleasure in The King’s Messenger, though it stands perfectly well on its own. The novel would appeal to fans of:
Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series (minus the time travel but with similar attention to historical detail)
Philippa Gregory’s Tudor novels
C.J. Sansom’s Shardlake mysteries
Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy
What sets Kearsley apart from these contemporaries is her particular focus on overlooked historical figures and her light touch with supernatural elements that feel organically integrated into her characters’ worldviews.
Final Assessment
The King’s Messenger represents Susanna Kearsley at her finest—weaving meticulous historical research with compelling characters and a touch of the uncanny. The novel illuminates a fascinating period of British history while telling a deeply human story about loyalty, love, and the courage to question authority.
While not without minor flaws in pacing and character development, the novel succeeds brilliantly in creating a world that feels authentic and populated by people whose joys and sorrows matter deeply to the reader. Kearsley reminds us that behind every historical event stand ordinary people making extraordinary choices, and that their stories—even if they are “none else of name”—deserve to be told.
For readers seeking historical fiction that balances adventure with authentic emotion, The King’s Messenger delivers magnificently. This is a journey well worth taking, in the company of characters who will linger in memory long after the final page is turned.