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Hunting the Wren
Marlborough Town, nestled in the Wiltshire Downs, is home to the finest astrologer west of London. Geoffrey Celest.
Bennet, Master Celest's apprentice, modelling himself on his master, has resigned himself to living an eccentric, celibate and aesthetic life. But when his master dies suddenly, the young man is thrown utterly on his own resources. Almost by accident, he takes on an untried and rather mischievous young woman, Christa Wren, as his servant. Reluctantly drawn into a world of murder, blackmail and feuding, the two of them are pulled closer; more intimate than master and servant should ever be.
In a tale packed with folklore and Medieval tradition, Bennet and Christa, battle with the evil forces in the town which threaten to tear them apart guided only by the deceased astrologer's advice and warnings laid down secretly in a little black book.
Will the pair be protected by the benign influence of the planets or will those who seek to destroy them prevail?
Can Bennet and Christa ever truly be more than master and servant or will true love find a way to triumph?
★★★★★ It's all in the stars. ★★★★★
Bennet, Master Celest's apprentice, modelling himself on his master, has resigned himself to living an eccentric, celibate and aesthetic life. But when his master dies suddenly, the young man is thrown utterly on his own resources. Almost by accident, he takes on an untried and rather mischievous young woman, Christa Wren, as his servant. Reluctantly drawn into a world of murder, blackmail and feuding, the two of them are pulled closer; more intimate than master and servant should ever be.
In a tale packed with folklore and Medieval tradition, Bennet and Christa, battle with the evil forces in the town which threaten to tear them apart guided only by the deceased astrologer's advice and warnings laid down secretly in a little black book.
Will the pair be protected by the benign influence of the planets or will those who seek to destroy them prevail?
Can Bennet and Christa ever truly be more than master and servant or will true love find a way to triumph?
★★★★★ It's all in the stars. ★★★★★
252 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2021
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162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 18, 2025
a delightful little read. a bit silly - which i like in a medieval setting! i'm so tired of grimdark grey-toned historical writing where nobody has fun. this book is colourful, bright, and a very cosy autumn/winter read with a good dark streak of grisly murder, violence, and eerie astrology.
May 18, 2021
I requested this book from NetGalley as an ARC mainly because of the cover and the premise. I am an astrologer and so I am always looking for fiction books that use astrology as a plot device. Sadly this one left a lot to be desired. There were a few glaring astrology mistakes such as saying Scorpio is ruled by Mercury. Scorpio is ruled by Mars if you follow the medieval planetary scheme, which I believe the MC would. There were other similar examples, which someone familiar with astrology could have pointed out prior to release. In addition to some astrology mistakes, I just couldn't get over the level of detail that the master astrologer was able to provide in his predictions. I know the author addressed this point in their afterword, but it seems like a fundamental misunderstanding and misapplication of astrology. It felt like almost a completely different kind of astrology that was like a magic system all its own. Yet it used terms from our world. It stuck out like a sore thumb.
Aside from the astrology, this book suffered from an acute case of telling, not showing. Large chunks of this book were entirely happening in characters' heads which left the reader with the distinct sensation of floating through the plot points rather than feeling them viscerally. You could see the author straining under the weight of moving the characters to where they needed to be in order for the plot to move along. Characters would say one thing and immediately do another with little explanation except the plot demanded it.
I felt little to no stakes in this story and the answer to the whodunnit was so obvious that I felt almost no suspense. I didn't really enjoy the romance element either, it was entirely formulaic and I have no idea why these two were attracted to each other apart from proximity.
Overall, I had to rate this book low on stars because it was a chore to read. Too bad because we need more astrology fiction! It would actually be a great plot device for someone who understood its purpose and how it worked.
Aside from the astrology, this book suffered from an acute case of telling, not showing. Large chunks of this book were entirely happening in characters' heads which left the reader with the distinct sensation of floating through the plot points rather than feeling them viscerally. You could see the author straining under the weight of moving the characters to where they needed to be in order for the plot to move along. Characters would say one thing and immediately do another with little explanation except the plot demanded it.
I felt little to no stakes in this story and the answer to the whodunnit was so obvious that I felt almost no suspense. I didn't really enjoy the romance element either, it was entirely formulaic and I have no idea why these two were attracted to each other apart from proximity.
Overall, I had to rate this book low on stars because it was a chore to read. Too bad because we need more astrology fiction! It would actually be a great plot device for someone who understood its purpose and how it worked.
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August 17, 2021Hunting the Wren is a medieval crime story with the starry heavens as its backdrop. Bennet becomes the town Astrologer after his Master dies and becomes embroiled in murder, scandal, and mystery with only his Master's book of prognostications and a feisty servant Crista to help him. When a series of crimes shocks their small town, it is up to Bennet and his celestial wisdom to set things right.
As an Astrologer myself, I really enjoyed this story. The author stated in this book that the abilities of the Astrologers may have been a bit exaggerated but I will say that prediction based Astrology was more sophisticated in medieval times than present day Astrology which is less prediction based.
The story had great pacing and the use of Astrology was a unique crime busting tool that should be incorporated into medieval fiction more often. The mystery may not have been complex and the ending was predictable however it was a quick read that kept me interested because of its cosmic storyline.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this free ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As an Astrologer myself, I really enjoyed this story. The author stated in this book that the abilities of the Astrologers may have been a bit exaggerated but I will say that prediction based Astrology was more sophisticated in medieval times than present day Astrology which is less prediction based.
The story had great pacing and the use of Astrology was a unique crime busting tool that should be incorporated into medieval fiction more often. The mystery may not have been complex and the ending was predictable however it was a quick read that kept me interested because of its cosmic storyline.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this free ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2021
A light historical mystery/romance that skips along and involves a number of different characters in a small medieval village. I was attracted by the book cover and, as an interested amateur, the mention of an astrologer. I like that the author has written about an area that she knows well and has included historical traditions of the area. The astrology interpretations of planets within signs and houses is also correct - she does say herself as a disclaimer at the end of the book that no astrologer could be quite so precise with their predictions as Master Geoffrey was, but as a vehicle for the story, I thought it worked quite well. I can’t fault anything about the story or the writing, but for my own personal taste it was just too light for me and didn’t engage me emotionally. So, my summary is that if you like a light, amusing read, you’ll love it. If you like your stories deeper or darker, you probably won’t. This is my voluntary review of a free copy of the book. My thanks to the author and NetGalley.
September 20, 2021
By my scoring system this received a 3.7 so rounded to 4 stars for Goodreads. From the opening it reminded me of the TV series Merlin - with magic replaced by prediction. A young apprentice learning to cope with his gift while being mentored by a more experienced and genial landlord and guide.
I found it a light, easy and enjoyable read despite it not being my natural choice of book style. There is a little naivety in the style which lends some of the story to the teenage fiction genre but I was happy to gallop through it as Bennet and Christa faced peril in their small market town.
The characters could have been a little more rounded but I did become invested in them, especially Benedict and the Reeve. The sense of place and time is strong although I found the glossary a tad strange - "dun" is explained, somewhat unnecessarily, as a colour while the somewhat less familiar "coif" and perhaps for some, "aesthete" are not listed. For me it was the language that prevented this being a 5-star story. Shakespeare and Chaucer are still read despite their forms of English being harder to penetrate these days - so I feel the author is making our lives too easy with modern language merely sprinkled with some Medieval touches.
I will try the Murder series in the hope of something a little darker with less romance (young love not my reading choice) but this was a good introduction to this author.
Others have noted that Celest's predictions were overly accurate but I was prepared to overlook that - but not the blank pages left in his book to indicate nothing would happen - at a time when candles and other resources would be precious this rankled and seemed even more unlikely!
If there is a re-print then there are at least five errors of layout needing editing out.
Meanwhile, I am glad that we don't kill wrens to beat the bounds these days!
I found it a light, easy and enjoyable read despite it not being my natural choice of book style. There is a little naivety in the style which lends some of the story to the teenage fiction genre but I was happy to gallop through it as Bennet and Christa faced peril in their small market town.
The characters could have been a little more rounded but I did become invested in them, especially Benedict and the Reeve. The sense of place and time is strong although I found the glossary a tad strange - "dun" is explained, somewhat unnecessarily, as a colour while the somewhat less familiar "coif" and perhaps for some, "aesthete" are not listed. For me it was the language that prevented this being a 5-star story. Shakespeare and Chaucer are still read despite their forms of English being harder to penetrate these days - so I feel the author is making our lives too easy with modern language merely sprinkled with some Medieval touches.
I will try the Murder series in the hope of something a little darker with less romance (young love not my reading choice) but this was a good introduction to this author.
Others have noted that Celest's predictions were overly accurate but I was prepared to overlook that - but not the blank pages left in his book to indicate nothing would happen - at a time when candles and other resources would be precious this rankled and seemed even more unlikely!
If there is a re-print then there are at least five errors of layout needing editing out.
Meanwhile, I am glad that we don't kill wrens to beat the bounds these days!
May 17, 2021
Hunting the Wren by Susanna M. Newstead. BooksGoSocial, 2021.
I enjoyed reading this story about new master astrologer Bennet and his new servant Christa, their everyday life in medieval Marlborough, and their efforts to see a murderer and a pair of con artists brought to justice.
The book is well written, easy to read, with descriptions that make visualizing the setting very easy. Main characters are engaging, supporting characters develop as the story progresses, and life as described could very likely be what it was like at the time. Aside from the role of astrology in the story, woven in pragmatically as the work of a journalist or lawyer might be today, an element of magic and some romance help the story along.
This light, easy, pleasant read is my first experience with Susanna M. Newstead who writes medieval murder mysteries.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of Hunting the Wren for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #HuntingTheWren #NetGalley
I enjoyed reading this story about new master astrologer Bennet and his new servant Christa, their everyday life in medieval Marlborough, and their efforts to see a murderer and a pair of con artists brought to justice.
The book is well written, easy to read, with descriptions that make visualizing the setting very easy. Main characters are engaging, supporting characters develop as the story progresses, and life as described could very likely be what it was like at the time. Aside from the role of astrology in the story, woven in pragmatically as the work of a journalist or lawyer might be today, an element of magic and some romance help the story along.
This light, easy, pleasant read is my first experience with Susanna M. Newstead who writes medieval murder mysteries.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of Hunting the Wren for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #HuntingTheWren #NetGalley
May 26, 2021
The start of the book is actually quite promising. The premise is interesting though the writing is sub par. Felt like a school essay kind of writing.
The book gives an interesting take on astrology but what would you do if you inherited a book that has your entire future spelled out for you. If you were given an instructions to only read one page per day, would you follow through or would you read everything at one go and try to change your future?
It also was interesting enough to make me want to understand the symbolic meaning of a wren in the astrology world, and for the first time, I learnt that astrology also differs according to cultures, just like how the wren is symbolic to the Celtic astrology.
If the author had tighten up the loose ends when it comes to the quality of writing, I believe this could be a promising book. 3 stars for this one. Special thanks to NetGalley for this advanced reader’s copy. #netgalley #huntingthewren
The book gives an interesting take on astrology but what would you do if you inherited a book that has your entire future spelled out for you. If you were given an instructions to only read one page per day, would you follow through or would you read everything at one go and try to change your future?
It also was interesting enough to make me want to understand the symbolic meaning of a wren in the astrology world, and for the first time, I learnt that astrology also differs according to cultures, just like how the wren is symbolic to the Celtic astrology.
If the author had tighten up the loose ends when it comes to the quality of writing, I believe this could be a promising book. 3 stars for this one. Special thanks to NetGalley for this advanced reader’s copy. #netgalley #huntingthewren
August 7, 2021
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this book and its a relavtively quick read. One of my hobbies is astrology and it's unusual to find a story based around that craft. Our hero is the apprentice of a great astrologer, spending time doing natal and horary charts. Our heroine is a serving girl who runs away from her employer having seen her mistress murdered. I enjoyed the characterisations and the descriptions of medieval life. The rigours of that life are very well plotted and I must admit I was worried our hero wouldn't get his HEA. The author tells us the big three for most of protaganists, Asecendant, Sun and Moon, so it would be fairly easy to create a rough chart for ourselves. Susanna is a new author to me so I will look out for more of her work.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book and its a relavtively quick read. One of my hobbies is astrology and it's unusual to find a story based around that craft. Our hero is the apprentice of a great astrologer, spending time doing natal and horary charts. Our heroine is a serving girl who runs away from her employer having seen her mistress murdered. I enjoyed the characterisations and the descriptions of medieval life. The rigours of that life are very well plotted and I must admit I was worried our hero wouldn't get his HEA. The author tells us the big three for most of protaganists, Asecendant, Sun and Moon, so it would be fairly easy to create a rough chart for ourselves. Susanna is a new author to me so I will look out for more of her work.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 26, 2021
When Geoffrey Celest, the finest astrologer west of London dies, he passes on the entire business to his faithful apprentice Bennet.
Bennet relishes the responsibility of the job, the work and diplomacy it entails and is prepared to follow in his master's footsteps. He did not expect the issue of celibacy to be hard, neither did he expect to get involved very quickly in a spin of murder, blackmail and general mayhem.
Though dealing in astrology and the stars, and making of charts the story was a light and easy to read book. You did not have to understand the ramifications of the stars to enjoy the book which was a mix of historical fiction, some romance, a few bad guys and a murder thrown into the mix.
The cover was intriguing too.
Bennet relishes the responsibility of the job, the work and diplomacy it entails and is prepared to follow in his master's footsteps. He did not expect the issue of celibacy to be hard, neither did he expect to get involved very quickly in a spin of murder, blackmail and general mayhem.
Though dealing in astrology and the stars, and making of charts the story was a light and easy to read book. You did not have to understand the ramifications of the stars to enjoy the book which was a mix of historical fiction, some romance, a few bad guys and a murder thrown into the mix.
The cover was intriguing too.
June 2, 2021
I enjoyed the novel, and found the central premise and magical realism very interesting. It explored mediaeval thinking and belief convincingly. The world was largely inexplicable to most at this time and belief in magic/ astrology/witchcraft as well as conventional religion helped people achieve a sense of control over events impacting on their lives. I warmed to the two main characters overall.For me it was probably 3.5 stars but always round up writing's tough. I will say, as someone said astrology not all correct but that will in no way detracted from novel, except for the few who are expert astrologers, all sounded convincing to me!).
read on Netgalley in exchange for a an honest review
read on Netgalley in exchange for a an honest review
July 29, 2021
A different take on my idea of medieval crime and astrology tales, had great potential and such a beautiful cover!
The writing style was mediocre in my opinion and I think it was more of a fantasy than a historical fiction? And definitely more romance than anything else!
Both the main characters are easily loved and enjoyable, and very realistic as well.
The astrology theme could have been more realistic but I don't mind that very much, I did enjoy this read but I think it had potential to be a much better book in general.
The story itself was super intriguing but again, the synopsis was more interesting for me than what the book ended up being.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for my eARC.
The writing style was mediocre in my opinion and I think it was more of a fantasy than a historical fiction? And definitely more romance than anything else!
Both the main characters are easily loved and enjoyable, and very realistic as well.
The astrology theme could have been more realistic but I don't mind that very much, I did enjoy this read but I think it had potential to be a much better book in general.
The story itself was super intriguing but again, the synopsis was more interesting for me than what the book ended up being.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for my eARC.
October 4, 2021
I wish I could put my finger on what is wrong with this book. It's a nice little story, reasonabaly well plotted, nicely told but somehow it seemed so flat; without highs or lows. I wanted to say there was not enough jeopardy but I'm not sure that was so, perhaps the jeoprady was not pointed up enough? Perhaps it was a little too episodic (like TV?), somehow it felt like thin gruel in comparison to recent reads even of this genre.Everything happened a little too easily,too pat, set back never seemed to come on top of setback and the love story was never really in doubt. Maybe if it was only told from one perspective it might have been better. I never really felt any character was in real danger - though I supect if I re read it they were. Tepid I think. I was glad to finish.
July 2, 2024
Charming and surprisingly gentle for the amount of violence/murdering going on...! I bought this book from the author herself at at an event I was doing medieval reenactment at, and got stuck straight in. I enjoyed this book a lot more than several big booktok favourites I've been trying to read even though it was simpler and smaller-scale - the detail is good and easy to imagine, and I found myself quite liking the main characters.
I think this book could have done with better editing, as I found myself mentally changing certain things, and I would have liked more of the romance content. That being said, I loved it, and I'm glad I picked it up!
I think this book could have done with better editing, as I found myself mentally changing certain things, and I would have liked more of the romance content. That being said, I loved it, and I'm glad I picked it up!
May 13, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC.
I honestly didn't enjoy this very much, at first I thought I was going to love it because of the setting. I like that the MC is an astrologer. I like the plot, it was very unique and intriguing but I just couldn't finish the book. The romance moments didn't make me feel anything and maybe that's just me! But I wouldn't recommend if you don't like unnecessary romance in historical fiction mystery books. I would've preferred it much more if it was a crime-solving mystery with some unique twists.
I honestly didn't enjoy this very much, at first I thought I was going to love it because of the setting. I like that the MC is an astrologer. I like the plot, it was very unique and intriguing but I just couldn't finish the book. The romance moments didn't make me feel anything and maybe that's just me! But I wouldn't recommend if you don't like unnecessary romance in historical fiction mystery books. I would've preferred it much more if it was a crime-solving mystery with some unique twists.
June 7, 2021
After Master Geoffrey, Finest Astrologer, his mentor dies, Bennet becomes Master Celest, and his life continues
with charts, maps, and mathematical ..calculations. He takes in Christa Wren as his servant but life is far from quiet
and peaceful in Marlborough. They are drawn into a spiral of violence, blackmail, and murder..
Overseen by the late Geoffrey, their adventures are fast-paced and tense. ,
This story is a treasure to read giving us a glimpse into mediaeval life with more than a hint of romance.
I loved this book.
with charts, maps, and mathematical ..calculations. He takes in Christa Wren as his servant but life is far from quiet
and peaceful in Marlborough. They are drawn into a spiral of violence, blackmail, and murder..
Overseen by the late Geoffrey, their adventures are fast-paced and tense. ,
This story is a treasure to read giving us a glimpse into mediaeval life with more than a hint of romance.
I loved this book.
June 13, 2021
A must read
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery/romance novel. It was a pleasure to drop into the era depicted and meet all the various interesting characters and follow their adventures. A surprise ending topped off an excellent story line. Long may this series continue. Thanks once again to the authoress - you did it again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery/romance novel. It was a pleasure to drop into the era depicted and meet all the various interesting characters and follow their adventures. A surprise ending topped off an excellent story line. Long may this series continue. Thanks once again to the authoress - you did it again.
December 29, 2021
I was drawn to this book as I found the idea of historical fiction set in medieval times coupled with a MC who is an astrologer to be intriguing. For me, this was a 2.5 star read. The plot itself I found predictable and there was an excess of dialogue - lots of telling the story. I didn’t connect with the characters for this reason I think. ✨
June 7, 2021
A great fan of Susanna, but this novel didn't hold me as much as the Savernacke series. The style of writing seemed to suite a younger reader
June 23, 2021
Beautiful Romance spiced with intrigue
As always Suzanne has put together a beautiful tale of, conflict, death and intrigue that ends with a happily ever after, great read!
As always Suzanne has put together a beautiful tale of, conflict, death and intrigue that ends with a happily ever after, great read!
January 2, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
2.5 stars
I appreciated this unique take on medieval crime fiction. I don't really know anything about astrology, so I can't speak to the 'validity' of the details used in Hunting the Wren to move the story along. However, the idea of using astrology to predict the actions of criminals was certainly interesting, even if it was highly unbelievable. I'm sure many people get something out of practising astrology - it wouldn't be so prevalent in our common lexicon if they didn't - but having minute details of a person's daily life be predictable by a good astrologer seems an incredibly large plothole to overcome.
I could probably overcome these logical hurdles if the writing had been better. Unfortunately, the characters, setting, and action all felt superficial; the story moved along without enough details or emotions to make me care what would happen next.
Overall, this was an average read made more interesting with the addition of astrology as a crime solving technique. Perhaps with less reliance on astrology and more complex characters this could have been a more captivating read.
2.5 stars
I appreciated this unique take on medieval crime fiction. I don't really know anything about astrology, so I can't speak to the 'validity' of the details used in Hunting the Wren to move the story along. However, the idea of using astrology to predict the actions of criminals was certainly interesting, even if it was highly unbelievable. I'm sure many people get something out of practising astrology - it wouldn't be so prevalent in our common lexicon if they didn't - but having minute details of a person's daily life be predictable by a good astrologer seems an incredibly large plothole to overcome.
I could probably overcome these logical hurdles if the writing had been better. Unfortunately, the characters, setting, and action all felt superficial; the story moved along without enough details or emotions to make me care what would happen next.
Overall, this was an average read made more interesting with the addition of astrology as a crime solving technique. Perhaps with less reliance on astrology and more complex characters this could have been a more captivating read.
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October 16, 2021
As Bennet is completing his training as a master astrologer, his esteemed mentor dies leaving him a book spelling out predictions about what's going to happen next in his life. Christa Wren comes into his life through a client who is murdered. She has no place to go and the establishment needs someone to help out with household duties. The two soon become a pair of sorts and end up in all sorts of intrigue related to the murder and to other occurrences in the town.
This turned out to be a pleasant enough read although there are parts that were a bit hard to fathom. I just don't feel astrology at that time would have been so developed as to have such specific predictions. I guess you have to suspend disbelief and go with the fiction to accept it within this world. And thus this lands into the world of fantasy in my mind with a basis in historical fiction. There is a romance in the book and I guess that is kind of the point of this tale. Initially, Bennet had no intentions of marrying but the entrance of Christa into his world has the potential to change his mind on this point. The other point seems to be their ability to solve mysteries regarding murder and other crimes.
There is a mistake of sorts that Bennet makes along the way and I do like that this keeps him fallible and makes a more realistic human with an important role in the town.
Overall this had its charms and I give this 2.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for freely sharing an advanced reader copy. I voluntarily wrote this review.
This turned out to be a pleasant enough read although there are parts that were a bit hard to fathom. I just don't feel astrology at that time would have been so developed as to have such specific predictions. I guess you have to suspend disbelief and go with the fiction to accept it within this world. And thus this lands into the world of fantasy in my mind with a basis in historical fiction. There is a romance in the book and I guess that is kind of the point of this tale. Initially, Bennet had no intentions of marrying but the entrance of Christa into his world has the potential to change his mind on this point. The other point seems to be their ability to solve mysteries regarding murder and other crimes.
There is a mistake of sorts that Bennet makes along the way and I do like that this keeps him fallible and makes a more realistic human with an important role in the town.
Overall this had its charms and I give this 2.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for freely sharing an advanced reader copy. I voluntarily wrote this review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews