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The Welsh Guard Mysteries #2
Chevalier: The Welsh Guard Mysteries, Book 2
Join Catrin and Rhys for more murder and mayhem in medieval Wales…
July 1284. King Edward has invited the nobility of England, Ireland, and Scotland to Nefyn, one of the most remote spots in Wales, for a Round Table—a tournament as in the tales of King Arthur to celebrate Edward's victory over the Welsh and his ascension to Arthur's throne.
Not everyone sees the tournament as a friendly competition, however, and in short order, Rhys and Catrin are called to investigate the death of a knight in the retinue of the Earl of Gloucester. But just as in King Arthur's court, malice and treason lurk beneath the surface, so when murder turns to treachery, it is up to Catrin and Rhys to separate fact from fiction in Chevalier, the second book in The Welsh Guard Mysteries.
July 1284. King Edward has invited the nobility of England, Ireland, and Scotland to Nefyn, one of the most remote spots in Wales, for a Round Table—a tournament as in the tales of King Arthur to celebrate Edward's victory over the Welsh and his ascension to Arthur's throne.
Not everyone sees the tournament as a friendly competition, however, and in short order, Rhys and Catrin are called to investigate the death of a knight in the retinue of the Earl of Gloucester. But just as in King Arthur's court, malice and treason lurk beneath the surface, so when murder turns to treachery, it is up to Catrin and Rhys to separate fact from fiction in Chevalier, the second book in The Welsh Guard Mysteries.
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Published March 3, 2021
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About the author
Sarah Woodbury
168 books755 followersWith 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 9, 2025
‘This is the world as it has come to be,’ he said. ‘Our task is to learn to live in it.’
July 1284. King Edward, keen to celebrate his victory over the Welsh, decides to host a ‘Round Table’ tournament in the spirit of King Arthur. Many of the nobility of England, Ireland and Scotland are invited to join in. But, when a knight from the Earl of Gloucester’s retinue is found dead, Rhys and Catrin are called to investigate.
I strongly recommend reading these novels in order: the first in the series provides background information and context for the roles of Rhys and Catrin. King Edward may have won a victory against the Welsh, but there is plenty of dissatisfaction both amongst the Welsh and those jockeying for position within King Edward’s court.
Rhys and Catrin work well together, even with the added tension of the (largely unacknowledged) feelings they have for each other. And there are several twists in this story, making it more challenging for Rhys and Catrin to solve the mystery.
If medieval murder mysteries are of interest, then I can recommend this series.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 1284. King Edward, keen to celebrate his victory over the Welsh, decides to host a ‘Round Table’ tournament in the spirit of King Arthur. Many of the nobility of England, Ireland and Scotland are invited to join in. But, when a knight from the Earl of Gloucester’s retinue is found dead, Rhys and Catrin are called to investigate.
I strongly recommend reading these novels in order: the first in the series provides background information and context for the roles of Rhys and Catrin. King Edward may have won a victory against the Welsh, but there is plenty of dissatisfaction both amongst the Welsh and those jockeying for position within King Edward’s court.
Rhys and Catrin work well together, even with the added tension of the (largely unacknowledged) feelings they have for each other. And there are several twists in this story, making it more challenging for Rhys and Catrin to solve the mystery.
If medieval murder mysteries are of interest, then I can recommend this series.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 2, 2023
I've been a huge fan of both books set in the medieval times and mysteries and Chevalier by Sarah Woodbury is a wonderful combination of both. It is the second of her Welsh Guard series with the first being Crouchback.
It is 1284 and King Edward I after defeating the Welsh and Prince Llewellyn, journeys to Nefyn the site of Llewelyn's favorite castle to have a Round Table tournament. Things go sideways quickly and it is up to two Welsh, Rhys, Edward's personal spy and Catrin, a lady in waiting to Queen Eleanor to get to the bottom of a murder.
The setting is magical and Rhys and Catrin are great characters. I had such fun reading this and will continue with the series.
It is 1284 and King Edward I after defeating the Welsh and Prince Llewellyn, journeys to Nefyn the site of Llewelyn's favorite castle to have a Round Table tournament. Things go sideways quickly and it is up to two Welsh, Rhys, Edward's personal spy and Catrin, a lady in waiting to Queen Eleanor to get to the bottom of a murder.
The setting is magical and Rhys and Catrin are great characters. I had such fun reading this and will continue with the series.
December 7, 2020
This is the second book in the series so you really feel the main characters are coming alive. It's set in Wales just after Edward the First conquered the country, so you have a real atmosphere of tension, some people being resentful, others trying to make the best of things. In this book the King has ordered an Arthurian-style joust and feast on Nefyn. One of the participating knights is found dead in his tent so Rhys and Catrin are called in to investigate. While doing so, it becomes apparent to them that some thievery is going on, and also that someone is trying to sabotage the festivities. Are these incidents contacted? A little more of Rhys' s history comes to light in this book. Can't say too much without spoiling the mystery but it's a very good read.
September 7, 2021
It was good to see Rhys and Catrin again. Here there are a number of different crimes and the question is not only who killed Rollo, and why, but whether this death is linked to the spate of thefts from the assembled lords and their camps, and/or to what looks to be a possible attempt on the king's life.
All this whilst the local people adjust, or not, to now being ruled by the King of England, Rhys comes to terms with some of his own past, and the king wishes to re-enact the legends of the court of the Welsh King Arthur.
Whilst there is definitely a conclusion to one of the threads that ran through the first two books there are so many unfinished threads that I do hope there will be more of this series.
All this whilst the local people adjust, or not, to now being ruled by the King of England, Rhys comes to terms with some of his own past, and the king wishes to re-enact the legends of the court of the Welsh King Arthur.
Whilst there is definitely a conclusion to one of the threads that ran through the first two books there are so many unfinished threads that I do hope there will be more of this series.
January 13, 2022
Richly detailed world, discoveries, complex characters
Rhys and Catrin work together again on a preposterous case. Together with unexpected allies and new assistants, they painstakingly uncover facts, evidence, connections, suspects, and potential motives around the surprising murder which starts this story.
Varied new characters are introduced and developed, revealing mistaken assumptions and subtly-nuanced interactions designed to discover political alliances and personal attitudes.
The complexities of living with past and present, political and personal relationships are well demonstrated. I was impressed with the asuteness of King Edward and others in this story.
Rhys and Catrin work together again on a preposterous case. Together with unexpected allies and new assistants, they painstakingly uncover facts, evidence, connections, suspects, and potential motives around the surprising murder which starts this story.
Varied new characters are introduced and developed, revealing mistaken assumptions and subtly-nuanced interactions designed to discover political alliances and personal attitudes.
The complexities of living with past and present, political and personal relationships are well demonstrated. I was impressed with the asuteness of King Edward and others in this story.
December 4, 2020
Outstanding, as always
I will note that I also follow Sarah's video series which visits, explains, describes, etc. many of the locations and historical characters and events used so well in her books. I love the blend of history and characters who were a part of that history, even if not always as told in a particular story. She never fails to leave you anxiously awaiting the next chapter in her sagas.
I will note that I also follow Sarah's video series which visits, explains, describes, etc. many of the locations and historical characters and events used so well in her books. I love the blend of history and characters who were a part of that history, even if not always as told in a particular story. She never fails to leave you anxiously awaiting the next chapter in her sagas.
November 26, 2020
Love her books...all of them!
Her writing is crisp, clear, descriptive and engaging. True to the period and a pleasure to read. Cannot wait for the next book in this series. Love all her books. Have read most of her books with great anticipation and satisfaction. Highly recommended.
Her writing is crisp, clear, descriptive and engaging. True to the period and a pleasure to read. Cannot wait for the next book in this series. Love all her books. Have read most of her books with great anticipation and satisfaction. Highly recommended.
April 17, 2025
July 1284 King Edward has invited the nobles to Nefyn for a tournament. But Rollo, Captain of the guard of the Earl of Gloucester and the favourite to win has been murdered. There has also been a series of thefts among the encampments. Rhys and Catrin are instructed to investigate.
An entertining historical mystery
An entertining historical mystery
June 22, 2021
I am so disappointed that this, the second book in the series, is also the last. I really like Rhys and his struggle over working for the king. I like his acceptance of Katrin as his partner in solving crimes. I wanted more but apparently there is no more.
October 11, 2023
I liked the mystery but there seems to be a lot of running around and I don't get the feel of ancient Wales in this series. It probably would have been better if I had read this before Gareth and Gwen.
December 9, 2024
Lots of intrigue
Fascinating following all the machinations. Great plot complex. Not a,simple sword and romance. A lot of thinking before just acting. Setting things up.forvmore.
Fascinating following all the machinations. Great plot complex. Not a,simple sword and romance. A lot of thinking before just acting. Setting things up.forvmore.
February 15, 2025
Thirteenth century Wales has been decisively conquered by England and King Edward is going about setting up a “Round Table” with various characters assigned Arthurian roles. The climax is a melee that puts everyone at risk.
September 25, 2025
Wonderful book
Ms. Woodbury takes you into the realm of pageantry and jousting of King Edward court along with murder and attempt on the Kings life. Throw in a ring of thieves and you have a very fascinating story.
Ms. Woodbury takes you into the realm of pageantry and jousting of King Edward court along with murder and attempt on the Kings life. Throw in a ring of thieves and you have a very fascinating story.
December 3, 2020
What a Tale
The mysteries and the people were captivating. I love the nuances the author adds to what could be flat characters in a stock drama. Thank you for a good read!
The mysteries and the people were captivating. I love the nuances the author adds to what could be flat characters in a stock drama. Thank you for a good read!
December 6, 2020
So far, the first two books in this series are awesome! I loved the Gareth series, also.
December 24, 2020
Sarah Woodbury gets better with each new book. Her characters in Chevalier are her best! The plot is rich.
April 14, 2022
Really enjoying this series. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy medieval murder mysteries.
August 3, 2022
another great read
Although the plot line is similar to the Gaerth and Gwen mysteries, it is an fun read. I recommend it.
Although the plot line is similar to the Gaerth and Gwen mysteries, it is an fun read. I recommend it.
November 14, 2023
good story
I very much enjoyed this historical mystery. The characters have multiple layers and the conversations between the various characters has a comfortable feel.
I very much enjoyed this historical mystery. The characters have multiple layers and the conversations between the various characters has a comfortable feel.
May 4, 2025
Great mystery centered around Edward I court and his festival of Kong Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Wonderful characters, pacing and plot. Onward!
October 31, 2025
19. To me this seemed to be story written by somebody who really loves history and can write quite well because the plot is very weak.
December 23, 2025
Intriguing mystery here. There is a lot going on with the Welsh, English, and Normans. Then there is the surprises shown throughout as well.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews