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Gareth & Gwen Medieval Mysteries #6
The Lost Brother
November 1146. Gwynedd is at war with Ranulf, Earl of Chester, who seeks to gain a foothold in Wales against the day peace finally comes to England. On the eve of King Owain’s counter-assault on Mold Castle, the body of a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Gwen is discovered buried in someone else’s grave. Even in the midst of war, murder must be investigated, and it falls to Gareth and Gwen to bring the guilty to justice.
When their investigation uncovers not only another body, but also treason at the highest levels of King Owain’s court, Gareth and Gwen must come to terms with unprecedented treachery—and a villain whose crimes can never be forgiven.
The Lost Brother is the sixth Gareth & Gwen Medieval Mystery.
When their investigation uncovers not only another body, but also treason at the highest levels of King Owain’s court, Gareth and Gwen must come to terms with unprecedented treachery—and a villain whose crimes can never be forgiven.
The Lost Brother is the sixth Gareth & Gwen Medieval Mystery.
327 pages, ebook
First published February 8, 2015
200 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Woodbury
170 books770 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 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 22, 2015
I have a little Welsh history, and I had been wondering how Woodbury would deal with the events covered in this book. She makes the interesting choice to wrap them up with a fairly absurd Gwen and Gareth-centric plotline, clearly designed to bring them into the centre of the action. It wasn't a choice I was fond of, really, as in the end I felt it detracted from a strong and powerful narrative about the cost of politics and the very real downsides of being in the midst of it.
In many ways, the parts of these books I most appreciate is how Woodbury has an eye for velvet handcuff of power and obligation, opportunity and danger that came with being Welsh royalty, or close to it. This book is partly a culmination of that, a stark reminder that these games are not jolly ones. The slow, easy-to-underestimate character building work she has done over the six/seven novels pays off strongly enough here, but I think a stripping back of the book would have done more.
In many ways, the parts of these books I most appreciate is how Woodbury has an eye for velvet handcuff of power and obligation, opportunity and danger that came with being Welsh royalty, or close to it. This book is partly a culmination of that, a stark reminder that these games are not jolly ones. The slow, easy-to-underestimate character building work she has done over the six/seven novels pays off strongly enough here, but I think a stripping back of the book would have done more.
April 3, 2015
Once again I enjoyed this Gwen and Garth Medieval Mystery although it ended on a sad note. I know the area of Chester so I could picture where some of the book took place. The way Gwen and Garth work as a team is great to see. I admire these characters. Well done to the author as I look forward to the next one!
October 31, 2020
Important letters and the arrival of Danish allies brings Gwen and Gareth together after being separated for months. On the same day, a body resembling Gwen is discovered and when a second body resembling Gareth is found, the pair know treachery is afoot. And that treachery leads to a crime that King Owain cannot forgive.
I've learned a lot about Welsh history from these books, and I had no idea how this was going to end. While some might complain about how Gareth and Gwen were woven into the historical narrative, I enjoyed it. I like seeing this couple face problems and observe clues that lead them to the killer. It was also amusing how she showed the eagerness of those around them who enjoy the chase as well.
The murders themselves are straightforward. The betrayal has been building for quite some time and to finally reach it is satisfying. And, as in the previous book, there is more to be learned in the following book.
This is definitely a series you need to read from book one to truly appreciate the overreaching arch the author has woven for these books.
I've learned a lot about Welsh history from these books, and I had no idea how this was going to end. While some might complain about how Gareth and Gwen were woven into the historical narrative, I enjoyed it. I like seeing this couple face problems and observe clues that lead them to the killer. It was also amusing how she showed the eagerness of those around them who enjoy the chase as well.
The murders themselves are straightforward. The betrayal has been building for quite some time and to finally reach it is satisfying. And, as in the previous book, there is more to be learned in the following book.
This is definitely a series you need to read from book one to truly appreciate the overreaching arch the author has woven for these books.
November 8, 2017
I had rather put off reading this book, as I had read some of the history of the period when I read the very first book in the series, and I knew Rhun's death was likely to be the loss of brother mentioned in the title. Although, of course, it was a title with more than one way of looking at it.
Knowing it was likely to come made the whole story more poignant and my heart went out to Hywel and King Owain in particular.
The machinations of Calwaldr were even more devious than previously; the murders, and the plotting behind them, made for a real sense of suspense and menace - even if they were there simply to bring Gareth and Gwen into a more prominent position in the real history.
Lovely meet the next two prince down the line, so to speak, and to see Godfrid again, too.
Knowing it was likely to come made the whole story more poignant and my heart went out to Hywel and King Owain in particular.
The machinations of Calwaldr were even more devious than previously; the murders, and the plotting behind them, made for a real sense of suspense and menace - even if they were there simply to bring Gareth and Gwen into a more prominent position in the real history.
Lovely meet the next two prince down the line, so to speak, and to see Godfrid again, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2022
I’m being very careful not to give too much away here so all I will say is that this book is something of a slow burn. It took me a couple of days to really get involved in this story - though I have thoroughly enjoyed the series to date - but, once the book really got its hooks into me, I couldn’t put it down and now it’s over and, again without giving the ending away, I have to say I am broken. Last time I felt this much pain at the end of a book was an Owen Archer story but this is in many ways, much more sharply painful. I can’t say more as I will give too much away so I will close by recommending the book very highly but advising the close proximity of tissues.
March 18, 2025
Gwynedd is at war with Ranulf, Earl of Chester. Gwen arrives the Welsh camp along with Godfrid, Prince of Dublin, and twenty of his men. She has com bearing letters for King Owain and clothing for Gareth and Prince Rhun, who lost their clothing in a river a while back. While there, Priest Alun of Cilcain has come seeking help; he has discovered the body of a dead woman in his grave yard. She had been buried on top of another grave. Thus begins another murder investigation for Gareth and Gwen. They discover the woman looks like Gwen, and another body discovered looks like Gareth. Why were they being impersonated?
November 13, 2025
The Lost Brother by Sarah Woodbury pulls you straight into medieval Wales with Gareth and Gwen once again at the center of a gripping mystery. When a woman’s body is found in the wrong grave—one who looks eerily like Gwen—they’re drawn into a dangerous web of secrets and treason amid a brewing war.
The story moves fast, full of tension, emotion, and rich historical detail. I loved how it blended mystery, loyalty, and love against the backdrop of medieval intrigue. Another excellent installment in a series that never disappoints.
The story moves fast, full of tension, emotion, and rich historical detail. I loved how it blended mystery, loyalty, and love against the backdrop of medieval intrigue. Another excellent installment in a series that never disappoints.
June 29, 2019
Unexpected.
This is the best so far, in my opinion of the books I have read in the series The writing gets better and better and the series characters and settings more compelling and more real I am loving reading about the period and finding out more about the characters and times they lived in. This is also the roughest book in the series so far so get ready...Cannot wait to read the rest to find out how these main and sundry people fare as time goes on.
This is the best so far, in my opinion of the books I have read in the series The writing gets better and better and the series characters and settings more compelling and more real I am loving reading about the period and finding out more about the characters and times they lived in. This is also the roughest book in the series so far so get ready...Cannot wait to read the rest to find out how these main and sundry people fare as time goes on.
October 10, 2021
I am more and more engaged with the characters in this series and I really appreciate the author's notes at the end. There is really a lot of history in these books; things I knew nothing about before reading this. I liked this book a bit more than the ones that came before perhaps because I am more engaged in the series or perhaps because I found the mystery somewhat unique. It was a fun read and I enjoyed it.
June 30, 2023
I found this book quite hard to read. It was much grimmer than the previous ones, and it took me a lot of putting it down for awhile then picking it up again to get to the end. Apart from that it was good, but once again the author used an Americanism from the 18th century for Wales in the twelfth century, which tossed me out of the story. The word was "stoop" meaning porch, and of course in a Welsh castle in 1146, there was no such thing.
September 8, 2025
Great story, not so great editing
This is another rousing mystery in the tales of Gareth and Gwen. I recommend it and all the previous books in the series. They don’t carry the earmarks of the short time between publication, except in this case. The editing here just wasn’t up to snuff, with several instances that another proofread might have caught. That’s a very minor annoyance, though, not even a distraction really, and certainly shouldn’t keep you from reading it.
This is another rousing mystery in the tales of Gareth and Gwen. I recommend it and all the previous books in the series. They don’t carry the earmarks of the short time between publication, except in this case. The editing here just wasn’t up to snuff, with several instances that another proofread might have caught. That’s a very minor annoyance, though, not even a distraction really, and certainly shouldn’t keep you from reading it.
July 13, 2020
This was definitely one of my favourite titles in the series. With Gareth and Gwen working away from the rest of the court, the dynamic between them was really front and centre, and the plot with the dead impostors was very compelling. I love how the events of this book also set up the events in The Unexpected Ally too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
After getting back into this series recently, I decided to read this one too and liked it quite a bit. It turns out that Gwen and Gareth each had a doppelganger and someone had used them mischievously.
January 20, 2018
Such an interesting and complicated investigation, at some point it had to happen but it happened in such a way that things settle into place.
May 19, 2018
I have admired Ms. Woodbury's attention to accurate historical story-telling. The Gwen and Gareth series is engaging, interesting and simply marvelous!
July 15, 2018
Another great book in the Gareth and Gwen series . Be sure to have your hankie handy.
November 2, 2018
Great characters, who clearly show character growth from book to nook.
May 31, 2019
*Gross sobbing* WHYYYYYYYY?!
August 20, 2019
Emotionally felt
All throughout you are up and down with the emotions this book brings out in you. The bonds of brotherhood are felt and will never end.
All throughout you are up and down with the emotions this book brings out in you. The bonds of brotherhood are felt and will never end.
April 26, 2020
Ahhhh darn.
I still love this series.
I still love this series.
July 22, 2020
I can't get enough of this series. I love the characters and the story is paced perfectly!
January 9, 2023
More court intrigue than investigation but a lot of emotional impact. If this book is the "place holder" that every series seems to have, other authors should take note; this is the way to do it.
October 1, 2024
My favorite book of the series so far
May 18, 2025
This one was a little heartbreaking especially near the end. It had a lot of twists and turns and left a few things unknown just like actual history.
February 14, 2023
In The Lost Brother, the sixth of the Gareth and Gwen Mysteries, the army of King Owain of Gwynedd is preparing to fight Ranulf, the Earl of Chester. They are on the verge of taking Mold Castle. The year is 1146.
The Gareth and Gwen Mysteries continue to be very good. You feel as if you know the characters – both the historical ones and the ones created to further the plots of these stories – and can feel the cold rains and smell the dead bodies right along with them.
Some time previously, a cart carrying all of Gareth’s possessions, and also those of Prince Rhun, King Owain’s heir apparent, had overturned while crossing a river, and all their possessions had been washed downstream. Gwen comes to the army camp where they are staying with replacement clothes and some letters that have come for King Owain. She is accompanied by Godfrid, a Danish prince from Ireland, and a group of his men – as good an escort as a woman can have in the rough war-torn country. Even still, everybody she meets in camp tells her she shouldn’t be there. And she plans to return to Aber Castle where she has just come from the next day.
But plans have a way of getting changed. Gwen and Gareth haven’t even gotten to talk to King Owain before a mystery jumps up and gets all up in their business. A priest from a village near the camp has found a body in his church’s graveyard – a body that should not be there. And it looks enough like Gwen to be her sister. Only as far as she knows, she has no sisters.
They are still looking at the body when a group of men-at-arms comes to the church, accuses Gareth of treason, and carries him off to the fort of the local lord, Lord Morgan. It’s a little tense until Lord Morgan’s steward mentions something about another dead body. When they see this one, it is a man who not only looks very much like Gareth but whose clothes (which they have already taken off and had washed) turn out to be Gareth’s actual clothes – the same ones he lost in the river earlier.
They are allowed to leave and return to the camp, where they find King Owain very ill and are visited by a sheriff’s man from Shrewsbury who tells them who the two dead people are. Lord Morgan had already offered a guess about what they were up to. But so far they don’t know just why.
As Gareth is going off to join the army that is about to move out toward Mold Castle – Rhun, Hywel, and their brothers have decided that they need to begin their assault without waiting for King Owain to recover – Rhun asks Gwen if he can borrow Gareth’s helmet, as his was lost in the river with everything else. She knows no reason to deny him. But this later leads to a dreadful outcome as it leads Cadwallader and his men to mistake Rhun for Gareth.
Early in the series I was surprised to see Rhun as King Owain’s heir, as I don’t remember ever reading about a King Rhun as one of the kings of any of the Welsh kingdoms. I have, however, seen references in other books to kings named Hywel and Cadwallader (apparently Cadwallader was once a popular name in Wales; I hope none of these Cadwallader kings was the one who features in this series, but being no expert on the Kings of Wales, I don’t know one way or the other). Anyway, knowing that in the 12th century dying was easier than staying alive, I was afraid we would come to a time like this. And here it is.
The Gareth and Gwen Mysteries continue to be very good. You feel as if you know the characters – both the historical ones and the ones created to further the plots of these stories – and can feel the cold rains and smell the dead bodies right along with them.
Some time previously, a cart carrying all of Gareth’s possessions, and also those of Prince Rhun, King Owain’s heir apparent, had overturned while crossing a river, and all their possessions had been washed downstream. Gwen comes to the army camp where they are staying with replacement clothes and some letters that have come for King Owain. She is accompanied by Godfrid, a Danish prince from Ireland, and a group of his men – as good an escort as a woman can have in the rough war-torn country. Even still, everybody she meets in camp tells her she shouldn’t be there. And she plans to return to Aber Castle where she has just come from the next day.
But plans have a way of getting changed. Gwen and Gareth haven’t even gotten to talk to King Owain before a mystery jumps up and gets all up in their business. A priest from a village near the camp has found a body in his church’s graveyard – a body that should not be there. And it looks enough like Gwen to be her sister. Only as far as she knows, she has no sisters.
They are still looking at the body when a group of men-at-arms comes to the church, accuses Gareth of treason, and carries him off to the fort of the local lord, Lord Morgan. It’s a little tense until Lord Morgan’s steward mentions something about another dead body. When they see this one, it is a man who not only looks very much like Gareth but whose clothes (which they have already taken off and had washed) turn out to be Gareth’s actual clothes – the same ones he lost in the river earlier.
They are allowed to leave and return to the camp, where they find King Owain very ill and are visited by a sheriff’s man from Shrewsbury who tells them who the two dead people are. Lord Morgan had already offered a guess about what they were up to. But so far they don’t know just why.
As Gareth is going off to join the army that is about to move out toward Mold Castle – Rhun, Hywel, and their brothers have decided that they need to begin their assault without waiting for King Owain to recover – Rhun asks Gwen if he can borrow Gareth’s helmet, as his was lost in the river with everything else. She knows no reason to deny him. But this later leads to a dreadful outcome as it leads Cadwallader and his men to mistake Rhun for Gareth.
Early in the series I was surprised to see Rhun as King Owain’s heir, as I don’t remember ever reading about a King Rhun as one of the kings of any of the Welsh kingdoms. I have, however, seen references in other books to kings named Hywel and Cadwallader (apparently Cadwallader was once a popular name in Wales; I hope none of these Cadwallader kings was the one who features in this series, but being no expert on the Kings of Wales, I don’t know one way or the other). Anyway, knowing that in the 12th century dying was easier than staying alive, I was afraid we would come to a time like this. And here it is.
February 13, 2015
Another story in what is rapidly becoming my favourite medieval mystery series. This one feels a lot bleaker, and not just because it's set in a Welsh winter. Serious perfidy is afoot that dwarves the actual murder. The discovery of bodies which look remarkably like Gwen and Gareth seems to start a domino cascade of misfortune. I love the fact that this is set in a part of the world I know, I've been to Chester many times and although I don't think I've ever been to Cilcain, I do remember a wonderful drive from Northwich to Mold on a day when there was snow on the ground, so I think I have a sense of the landscape in this story.
February 23, 2015
A great story. I feel the Gareth and Gwen series is getting better and better. As a history major and lover of all things historical, I knew what was going to happen at the end, and yet I still cried. There are good, believable characters that I can care for, but that still belong in the time and society that they live in.
March 1, 2015
Another great Gareth and Gwen story
I've read this entire series and enjoyed every single book. This one was no exception. The author's knowledge of Wales and Welsh history only adds to the great story telling.
I've read this entire series and enjoyed every single book. This one was no exception. The author's knowledge of Wales and Welsh history only adds to the great story telling.
February 12, 2015
I always enjoy this series and was glad to have a new installment, even if the plot was more than a little far fetched!
January 23, 2017
good series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews