The Fourth Horseman

Gareth & Gwen Medieval Mysteries #3

by Sarah Woodbury

May 1144. Newly wedded, Gareth and Gwen travel across the border into England on a diplomatic mission with Prince Hywel of Wales. Within moments of their arrival, however, the mission goes awry and a murder case drops (literally) at their feet. Hindered at every turn by a climate of civil war and constantly shifting political alliances, Gareth and Gwen race to solve the murder and expose a plot that threatens not only their lives, but the life of the future King of England himself.

Murder, intrigue, and treachery take center stage in The Fourth Horseman, the third Gareth and Gwen medieval mystery.

Other books in the series include The Bard's Daughter (a prequel), The Good Knight, and The Uninvited Guest.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Medieval, Historical, Audiobook

362 pages, ebook

First published May 25, 2013

About the author

With over a million books sold to date, Sarah Woodbury is the author of more than forty novels, all set in medieval Wales. Although an anthropologist by training, and then a full-time homeschooling mom for twenty years, she began writing fiction when the stories in her head overflowed and demanded that she let them out. While her ancestry is Welsh, she only visited Wales for the first time at university. She has been in love with the country, language, and people ever since. She even convinced her husband to give all four of their children Welsh names.

Sarah is a member of the Historical Authors Fiction Cooperative (HFAC), the Historical Novel Society, and Novelists, Inc. (NINC).


She makes her home in Oregon.

Reviews

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each book of this series brings more to light about our main characters, which makes them more interesting yet. I like how their characters, integrity, life choices and thoughts are revealed to us a little at a time, like getting to know a friend and growing closer. These people become more real to the reader with each book of this series.

I enjoy how these stories follow the general flow of actual history, with the insertion of real people. It's a nice blend of history and fiction.

The mysteries are fun, interesting and convoluted. The story of The Fourth Horseman is more convoluted and twisted than the first two books, which made it very intriguing.

I am really liking this series.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Fourth Horseman, Sarah Woodbury delivers a compelling blend of historical intrigue and mystery. Set in May 1144, newlyweds Gareth and Gwen accompany Prince Hywel of Wales on a diplomatic mission to England. Their arrival is marred by a shocking murder—literally dropping at their feet—plunging them into a web of political treachery during the civil war between Empress Maud and King Stephen.

Woodbury masterfully intertwines real historical figures and events with fictional storytelling, creating a rich tapestry of medieval life. The protagonists' investigation uncovers a conspiracy that threatens not only their lives but also the future of the English crown.

The narrative is both clean and engaging, free from explicit content, making it accessible to a broad audience. Fans of historical mysteries will appreciate the intricate plot and the authentic portrayal of 12th-century England.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1144, newly wedded Gareth and Gwen are in the entrouge of Princes Hwyel and Rhun on their vist to Newcastle-upon-Lyme. On a diplomatic mission to Duke Robert, the brother to the Empress Maud of England. Within minutes of arriving at the castle they are greeted by a body pushed over the walls landing at their feet. They are given leave to investigate.
An enjoyable well-written mystery and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princes Rhun and Hywel, newlyweds Gareth and Gwen, Evan and Gruffyrd are in Newcastle-under-Lyme to see Earl Robert. When they arrive, a man is pushed from a tower to land at their feet. His name is David and it turns out that not only is he Ranulf’s man (Robert’s son-in-law), but Hywel knows him as his father, Owain’s, man. So Gareth begins his investigation. Another body is found, then the body of a woman and the suspect is known to be Empress Maud’s man, but is now considered a traitor. The more Gareth and Gwen investigate, the murkier the investigation becomes. At Newcastle, they run into Mari, who is there with her uncle, Lord Goronwy. And there is a growing attraction between Hywel and Mari. And to make matters worse, someone is planning to kill Prince Henry, Maud’s ten-year-old son.

[Erik Sapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I would recommend reading a little about the time period when this book is set (The Anarchy). The first part of the book was confusing until I looked up who the players were.

Even once I worked that out, though, there were too many characters. It was difficult to keep track of who the Normans were, and how everyone was connected. (The Welsh were easy to keep track of.) The story was good, but kept getting lost in all the names

I've liked this series, and will continue to read the books.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fourth Horseman

Gwen and Gareth have accompanied Princes Rhun and Hywel to Newcastle, but I'm their arrival a body quite literally drops at Gwen's feet and the couple find themselves plunged into a difficult and dangerous investigation.
The Fourth Horseman is another brilliant book by Sarah Woodbury. The story line is gripping and the characters are stronger than ever. It is well written and hugely enjoyable.
Highly recommended.

[Voirrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A more complicated book that the earlier ones - but none the worse for that :)

Interesting to see Rhun and Hywel, and Gareth and Gwen, out of their comfort zone, and at times their depth, in the complications, machinations, and intrigues of the English nobles in the civil war between rivals for the English throne.

[Clay Yearsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of fun

This 3rd book (4th, if you count the short prequel) in the Gareth & Gwen series is much like the earlier episodes. The series takes place in a time of upheaval in England, giving our Welsh heroes plenty of adventures to get into. The mystery is satisfying, the historic setting believable, and the characters interesting.
Recommended.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gareth and Gwen ride along with the Welsh princes to Newcastle where they get involved in an investigation complicated by the brutal civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud. At the time, gemstones are very rare in Britain. So, when Gwen finds an emerald sewn into the clothes of a murder victim, she comes into possession of a dangerous secret.

[Maeghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Really Good One

Soooo glad to have found this series, I am just loving it. Good character development with each story and they are both believable and likable. Good story here, too. And not matter whether I read historical fiction or actual history, Maud really was vile.

[Sian Iola Percival · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series, giving a nice insight into the Saxon/Norman side of things and not just the welsh. As with the others i did not see that being the end of the story, but I did guess a few things that turned out true. Well worth reading.

[Ron Nurmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of her first three Gareth & Gwin Mysteries with better storytelling and deeper characters. Looking at the Anarchy period of English History when Stephen and Matilda contested the crown of England. If you like the period of medieval Wales this is a good book.

[Alayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisty and complicated story which I found very difficult to put down! I love the relationship between Gwen and Gareth, and also between them and Prince Hywel, and their solving of mysteries together makes for terrific stories. Sarah Woodbury writes very well. Highly entertaining.

[Susan Bushnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

Easy reading. Enjoyable story lines. But what ie joyed the most was how clean it was. No foul language and it wasn’t full of immorality. I really really enjoy this author.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable mystery without explicit sex or violence. The history it illuminates is interesting.

[Dinnl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit more complex plot this time but enjoyable as always. looking forward to reading the next one.

[Pat Welte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series with the medieval times and suspense, murder, romance and all the exciting stories.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying this series. This one really had me a little confused with all the characters. Wish there was a little more romance between the main characters.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of twists and turns, all saturated in British history!

[Leone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very convoluted story this time but still an enjoyable read. The characters were a bit wooden so will take a break from this series for awhile.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still enjoy the characters and settings but found this book to be a little more confusing than the other Garett and Gwen books.

[Brianna]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and would recommend it to anyone looking for that hard-to-put-down book.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so enjoying this series. Then, I think I need to take a break and read something else (a palate cleanser) and come back to enjoy book 4.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Sarah Woodbury earlier in the year & am devouring all the Gareth & Gwen novels. They keep you guessing & are well written!

[Barbara Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed!

This novel of history, mystery & intrigue! Following the exploits of Gwen & Gareth has been fun. Read and enjoy. Just try not to buy the next installment.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me guessing.

[CK DesGrosseilliers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like it; I’ve liked other books by the author. The plot was overly complicated and required too much telling by the characters to make sense of it.

[Janice Carico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good murder historical murder mystery with lots of twists and turns and a little romance

[Angela Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3! Wow! The plot and characters are amazing! It kept me gripped till the end and oh my! I love the ending and it fitted well and was very satisfying.

[peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read.I enjoyed the suspense and history