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Gareth & Gwen Medieval Mysteries #11
The Viking Prince
May 1148. All Dublin is shocked by the murder of a prominent merchant, but only Prince Godfrid knows that the dead man was also a co-conspirator in his brother's plan to take the throne of Dublin. With death stalking his every move, Godfrid must call upon new friends and old to find the killer--and with their help uncover a conspiracy stretching beyond Dublin's walls to every kingdom in Ireland.
Join Godfrid the Dane for murder and mayhem in medieval Dublin in The Viking Prince, the 11th Gareth & Gwen Medieval Mystery.
A Note about Godfrid the Dane: Godfrid makes his first appearance in the Gareth & Gwen Medieval Mysteries in the first book, The Good Knight. He comes to Anglesey at the behest of Prince Cadwaladr, but quickly realizes that the deal he's made is not quite what he thought, and Cadwaladr is not worthy of his allegiance. He takes it upon himself to keep Gwen safe and gives her up to Gareth when he comes to Ireland in search of her.
He and Gareth grow to respect each other, and Godfrid returns to Gwynedd in The Fallen Princess, on a quest to find the Book of Kells, which has been stolen, and again in The Lost Brother, in search of allies in his conflict with Ottar of Dublin. In both instances, he ends up aiding Gareth and Gwen in their investigations.
It is the dispute with Ottar that, in the late 1140s, drives Godfrid and his brother, Brodar. They seek to overthrow Ottar, whom they believe usurped their father's, and now Brodar's, throne.
With the approach of the summer solstice and the coming thing, the great meeting of the Danes in Dublin, Godfrid is faced with a mystery of his own, which he must solve if his brother's victory is ever to come to pass ...
The Viking Prince is his story.
Complete Series reading order: The Good Knight, The Uninvited Guest, The Fourth Horseman, The Fallen Princess, The Unlikely Spy, The Lost Brother, The Renegade Merchant, The Unexpected Ally, The Worthy Soldier, The Favored Son, The Viking Prince. Also The Bard's Daughter (prequel novella).
Join Godfrid the Dane for murder and mayhem in medieval Dublin in The Viking Prince, the 11th Gareth & Gwen Medieval Mystery.
A Note about Godfrid the Dane: Godfrid makes his first appearance in the Gareth & Gwen Medieval Mysteries in the first book, The Good Knight. He comes to Anglesey at the behest of Prince Cadwaladr, but quickly realizes that the deal he's made is not quite what he thought, and Cadwaladr is not worthy of his allegiance. He takes it upon himself to keep Gwen safe and gives her up to Gareth when he comes to Ireland in search of her.
He and Gareth grow to respect each other, and Godfrid returns to Gwynedd in The Fallen Princess, on a quest to find the Book of Kells, which has been stolen, and again in The Lost Brother, in search of allies in his conflict with Ottar of Dublin. In both instances, he ends up aiding Gareth and Gwen in their investigations.
It is the dispute with Ottar that, in the late 1140s, drives Godfrid and his brother, Brodar. They seek to overthrow Ottar, whom they believe usurped their father's, and now Brodar's, throne.
With the approach of the summer solstice and the coming thing, the great meeting of the Danes in Dublin, Godfrid is faced with a mystery of his own, which he must solve if his brother's victory is ever to come to pass ...
The Viking Prince is his story.
Complete Series reading order: The Good Knight, The Uninvited Guest, The Fourth Horseman, The Fallen Princess, The Unlikely Spy, The Lost Brother, The Renegade Merchant, The Unexpected Ally, The Worthy Soldier, The Favored Son, The Viking Prince. Also The Bard's Daughter (prequel novella).
337 pages, ebook
Published September 18, 2018
206 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Woodbury
165 books751 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 29, 2018
Well, this is a book that starts with a murder or two, or maybe four, an investigation that uncovers a web of political intrigue and betrayals, and which eventually leads to open warfare - yet it still feels like a light hearted story. That's because it's also a story about friendship and love. Set in the same time frame as as Gareth and Gwen novels, the action has moved to Ireland and the Viking city of Dublin. Two characters that have been in earlier books in the series, Prince Godfrid the Viking and Connell, a close relative of the King of Leinster are charged with solving the case of the mysterious death of a prominent merchant, Rikard. A lot of the light heartedness comes from the fact that these two are secretly good friends, although they find it politically convenient to pretend they can't stand each other. Connell's sister Cait is also involved as she has been acting as a spy for the Irish King in Rikard's household. It's their first murder investigation and when they are stumped, they ask themselves "What would Gareth and Gwen do?" which adds to the humour.
In the course of the story, you learn quite a lot about 12th century Dublin, the Vikings and the warring Irish kingdoms.
In the course of the story, you learn quite a lot about 12th century Dublin, the Vikings and the warring Irish kingdoms.
October 14, 2021
2.5. I have come to like these books more and more as the series has progressed. I really like Gareth and Gwen and their approach to the mysteries. And I've liked the second-tier characters as well. In this book, according to the author's notes, Gareth and Gwen are on family leave and so the book is all about Godfrey the Viking Prince and, secondarily, about Colin the Irish spy. In the previous books where Godfrey has appeared, he has been happy, cheerful and amusingly charming. Not so in this book. Here he is glum pretty much throughout. And Colin isn't any better. It was clear pretty early in the book what the general outcome would be. It wasn't as clear how the mystery in the book would lead to that general outcome. But I just didn't care. Woodbury also makes all of the romances in these books obvious and uninteresting. The same was true in this book. All I can really say is that I finished it and I am so looking forward to having Gareth and Gwen back again.
February 16, 2020
Monday, 20 January 2020
11:31 AM
The shadow of Gareth and Gwen looms over this book, but it is better for their absence (their names are invoked so often, I started to assume they would suddenly appear: they don't). This series is getting a little formulaic for me, but the exploration of the tangled politics of various Danes and various Irish and various Welsh is worth the oft-predictable narrative . Gottfried, Conel and Cait are interesting, if a little thin, and their world of precarious alliances would make for an interesting follow-up.
11:31 AM
The shadow of Gareth and Gwen looms over this book, but it is better for their absence (their names are invoked so often, I started to assume they would suddenly appear: they don't). This series is getting a little formulaic for me, but the exploration of the tangled politics of various Danes and various Irish and various Welsh is worth the oft-predictable narrative . Gottfried, Conel and Cait are interesting, if a little thin, and their world of precarious alliances would make for an interesting follow-up.
January 11, 2020
I enjoyed this side story in the Gareth & Gwen series, as it takes me to medieval Dublin and all the political intrigues of the day. We see how both Godfrid and Conall both learned from Gareth and also reflected some of his fine personal qualities that make this series so encouraging—goodness can exist despite the evil in the world! Godfrid gets his girl—now, what will happen to Conall in the future?
April 27, 2024
This one was not a Gareth and Gwen mystery at all, as it was set in Ireland (Dublin) and featured Godfrid, Conall and his sister Caitriona. They referred to G and G at times (in terms of "what would Gareth say/do"). I would see it as a prequel mystery to a new series featuring Godfrid, but I don't know if Sarah Woodbury is planning to write one. However, in spite of no G and G, it was a really good story and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
April 3, 2025
Rickart, a prominent merchant of Dublin, has been murdered. King Ottar has tasked his sheriff, Holm, and Prince Godfrid with solving the murder. Also involved is Conal, the Ambassador from Leinster, and friend of both Gareth and Godrid, and Conal’s sister, Caitriona, who had been posing as Rickart’s slave. As they investigate, they learn of a murder contract and of a plot to cement Ottar’s position as King of Dublin. And, of course, there are more murders to muddy the investigation.
October 2, 2018
Intrigue with a smidge of romance
I’m not quite sure why this book has the names Garett & Gwen in the title, as neither character makes an entrance. No matter really, the storyline and characters (a few who are reoccurring in the series) are well defined. It was fun for me as my mother came from a Danish American heritage. Well done Sarah.
I’m not quite sure why this book has the names Garett & Gwen in the title, as neither character makes an entrance. No matter really, the storyline and characters (a few who are reoccurring in the series) are well defined. It was fun for me as my mother came from a Danish American heritage. Well done Sarah.
November 6, 2018
Enjoyable read
Sarah is one of my favorite authors. I love her mystery series, and this was a great one. She also goes into the historical background of her characters which is very interesting. I also love her King Arthur series. She is knowledgable & her novels are really authentic.
Sarah is one of my favorite authors. I love her mystery series, and this was a great one. She also goes into the historical background of her characters which is very interesting. I also love her King Arthur series. She is knowledgable & her novels are really authentic.
March 25, 2021
Dublin 1148. When merchant Rickard is discovered dead, Lord Conall and Prince Godfrid are instructed by King Otter of Dublin to investigate. But there are secrets that they must keep while uncovering others. But what is the motive and who is the guilty party.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery
October 28, 2018
Highly entertaining as usual
I love all the author's books. Although Gareth and Gwen are not in this book, their friends Conall and Godfrid are here to save the day. Cleverly woven into real life events, Woodbury never fails to entertain.
I love all the author's books. Although Gareth and Gwen are not in this book, their friends Conall and Godfrid are here to save the day. Cleverly woven into real life events, Woodbury never fails to entertain.
July 8, 2019
Good to Know!
Good to Know the wider ranging history of the Danes in Ireland and the Irjish conflicts that so effected Wales. BesT to get more insight into the lives of Godfrid and Conell and now his sister. Cannot wait for the Irish Bride.
Good to Know the wider ranging history of the Danes in Ireland and the Irjish conflicts that so effected Wales. BesT to get more insight into the lives of Godfrid and Conell and now his sister. Cannot wait for the Irish Bride.
March 21, 2020
I have greatly enjoyed this series! I will say, I was thrown off a bit by the authors choice not to include Gareth and Gwen in this book but is that I am reading the next book I understand. This series has been worth the money and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good book/series.
September 8, 2025
Pay attention to alert on this book. It is not a Garth and Gwen mystery but a Godfred and Catie mystery. Not a poorly written book...but not the characters that I wanted to read about. I am disappointed that feel mislead.
September 30, 2018
Sarah Woodbury weaves a tale of history, romance, and mystery. Sarah's entwined factual history, with her own whimsy and creates a story you do not want to put down. Now the long wait...
June 17, 2019
Me when Abbot Rhyse turns up in order: 😮😲😁🤗
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2020
I think this is six stars. Really, six! I loved the mix of characters and the plot.
November 16, 2020
Totally engaging.
March 27, 2021
I have read the complete, so far, & have loved every book. The characters, the plots, the historical information & background all combine to make this series a fun & fascinating read.
November 9, 2018
An very interesting book. Old friends from other stories, an Irish locale and of course, murder with history. Her tales never fail to please. This one had a surprising twist to it.
October 21, 2024
Here we have a Gareth and Gwen mystery without Gareth and Gwen. In the author’s notes at the end, she indicates that Gareth and Gwen are on parental leave (how cute).
Instead, in their place, our main characters for this book are Godfrid, Prince of Dublin, Connall, nephew of King Diarmat of Leinster and his representative in Dublin, and Connall’s sister Caitriona. We first met Godfrid in the first of the Gareth and Gwen mysteries when King Owain’s brother, Cadwallader, kidnapped Gwen and dragged her off to Dublin. Godfrid protected her then and made sure she was returned to Gwynedd safely. Since then he has crossed paths with Gareth and Gwen several times and been involved in some of their investigations. This is his first time being more or less in charge of a murder investigation on his own. Connall first appeared about three books back when a plot to kidnap Irish girls and sell them as slaves in Wales figured in another of the two Welsh sleuths’ investigations. Since then he has figured in a couple more of their investigations. Connall has been a spy for his uncle for a while, and his experiences have been helpful in the murder investigations, although he has only recently become involved in the investigations of murders. Caitriona is a new character. Bored with just hanging around at home in Leinster waiting for her uncle to marry her off to somebody, she has come to Dublin to help her brother out. She has spent the past few weeks pretending to be a slave in the household of the merchant Rikard who has been quietly spying on Ottar, the current King of Dublin in support of Godfrid and his brother, Brodar, who feel that Ottar unfairly stole the throne of Dublin from their father. Connall has also been involved in these observations. Caitriona is not only a superb actress but also very sharp about noticing things. Though she has never met Gareth and Gwen, Godfrid and Connall think she would get along well with them, especially Gwen.
Rikard is missing, to begin with. King Ottar orders Godfrid to help Holm, the man he has just appointed sheriff of Dublin, to find out what has happened.
All kinds of plot twists evolve from this, many springing from various aspects of politics in Dublin and concerning its relationship with the other kingdoms of Ireland (like Leinster). There is also the reappearance of Rikard’s son, Finn, long thought to have been lost at sea.
It doesn’t take Godfrid, Connall, and Cait long to discover Rikard’s body in a secret storeroom. But it eventually comes out that he wasn’t murdered at all. However, not to worry; plenty of other people have managed to get themselves murdered in the meantime.
Some of these people were representatives of the kingdom of Brega, with whom Ottar had planned to enter into some sort of treaty. Before he knows it, the king of Brega has sent more representatives seeking revenge, and Ottar finds himself getting ready to fight the very people he had planned to ally himself with.
Instead, in their place, our main characters for this book are Godfrid, Prince of Dublin, Connall, nephew of King Diarmat of Leinster and his representative in Dublin, and Connall’s sister Caitriona. We first met Godfrid in the first of the Gareth and Gwen mysteries when King Owain’s brother, Cadwallader, kidnapped Gwen and dragged her off to Dublin. Godfrid protected her then and made sure she was returned to Gwynedd safely. Since then he has crossed paths with Gareth and Gwen several times and been involved in some of their investigations. This is his first time being more or less in charge of a murder investigation on his own. Connall first appeared about three books back when a plot to kidnap Irish girls and sell them as slaves in Wales figured in another of the two Welsh sleuths’ investigations. Since then he has figured in a couple more of their investigations. Connall has been a spy for his uncle for a while, and his experiences have been helpful in the murder investigations, although he has only recently become involved in the investigations of murders. Caitriona is a new character. Bored with just hanging around at home in Leinster waiting for her uncle to marry her off to somebody, she has come to Dublin to help her brother out. She has spent the past few weeks pretending to be a slave in the household of the merchant Rikard who has been quietly spying on Ottar, the current King of Dublin in support of Godfrid and his brother, Brodar, who feel that Ottar unfairly stole the throne of Dublin from their father. Connall has also been involved in these observations. Caitriona is not only a superb actress but also very sharp about noticing things. Though she has never met Gareth and Gwen, Godfrid and Connall think she would get along well with them, especially Gwen.
Rikard is missing, to begin with. King Ottar orders Godfrid to help Holm, the man he has just appointed sheriff of Dublin, to find out what has happened.
All kinds of plot twists evolve from this, many springing from various aspects of politics in Dublin and concerning its relationship with the other kingdoms of Ireland (like Leinster). There is also the reappearance of Rikard’s son, Finn, long thought to have been lost at sea.
It doesn’t take Godfrid, Connall, and Cait long to discover Rikard’s body in a secret storeroom. But it eventually comes out that he wasn’t murdered at all. However, not to worry; plenty of other people have managed to get themselves murdered in the meantime.
Some of these people were representatives of the kingdom of Brega, with whom Ottar had planned to enter into some sort of treaty. Before he knows it, the king of Brega has sent more representatives seeking revenge, and Ottar finds himself getting ready to fight the very people he had planned to ally himself with.
May 18, 2019
What a fascinating book! Whilst it is, clearly, part of the Gareth and Gwen series, the action is set in Ireland and the main 'detectives' are Connal and Godfrid, both of whom we have met previously.
They make for an interesting pair to lead the action, and I really enjoyed seeing so much of Viking period Dublin.
They make for an interesting pair to lead the action, and I really enjoyed seeing so much of Viking period Dublin.
February 2, 2019
Another great story by Sarah Woodbury. I have read every book she has written as of this date, and I can say with all sincerity that with every new book, her writing gets better an better! I like the way her characters work together, all making important contributions, and solving the mysteries.
September 21, 2018
Excellent! Although Gareth and Gwen aren’t physically present they are integrated into the story.
September 17, 2024
Another wonderful historical mystery.
December 22, 2025
This was a nice break from Gareth and Gwen. I liked getting to know Godfrid and Connell more as well as an introduction to Cat.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews