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The Harwood Mysteries #4
The Merchant's Curse
In this thrilling installment of the award-winning series, The Harwood Mysteries, Xan is living in Lincoln as a merchant’s apprentice to his uncle. But all is not well.
Uncle William’s business partner has become deathly ill after he angered a mysterious, scarred woman in the marketplace. Nigel, the reckless nephew of William’s business partner, has put them in danger by befriending an enemy of the King.
Why is there a band of brutes lurking near Uncle William’s shop?
Does the disfigured woman in the marketplace really have power over life and death?
Will Nigel stop his dealings with a known traitor?
Uncle William’s business partner has become deathly ill after he angered a mysterious, scarred woman in the marketplace. Nigel, the reckless nephew of William’s business partner, has put them in danger by befriending an enemy of the King.
Why is there a band of brutes lurking near Uncle William’s shop?
Does the disfigured woman in the marketplace really have power over life and death?
Will Nigel stop his dealings with a known traitor?
- GenresHistorical
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2022
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Antony Barone Kolenc
15 books36 followersTony is the author of The Harwood Mysteries--a medieval historical fiction series for youth published by Loyola Press, which has won eight book awards. He is a law professor who also writes a legal column in Practical Homeschooling Magazine and speaks at writing, legal, and home education events. His family has homeschooled their five children.
Tony retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps after 21 years of military service. During his career, he has litigated both civil and criminal cases before trial and appellate courts. His professional writings have focused on matters of constitutional law and military policy. He has also taught undergraduate courses at the Air Force Academy and Saint Leo University.
Tony retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps after 21 years of military service. During his career, he has litigated both civil and criminal cases before trial and appellate courts. His professional writings have focused on matters of constitutional law and military policy. He has also taught undergraduate courses at the Air Force Academy and Saint Leo University.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 5, 2024
In The Merchant’s Curse, the storyline centers around Xan’s relationship with his Uncle William, whom we first met in The Haunted Cathedral. Without giving too much away for those who haven’t read book two yet, let’s just say that was a less than ideal situation for Xan. And though William’s dubious dealings with ‘the Master’ – and his financial distress – have supposedly been resolved, it was with more than a little hesitation that I watched Xan leave the abbey to live with William in this fourth book of Antony Barone Kolenc’s award-winning medieval mystery series for middle schoolers.
Xan continues to grow up in age as well as maturity, and we have some slightly stronger hints of romance potential tucked away in this book, too. (These feelings are not enough to totally gross out tween/teen boys but this particular subplot is important to decisions that Xan will need to make sooner or later.) His uncle’s business partner also has a nephew as his apprentice, but the differences between Xan and Nigel are like day and night. In fact, Nigel is sort-of the ‘anti-Xan’, allowing readers to see the rippling impact of our individual choices over time. In keeping with the eerier undertone of the Lincoln setting that we experienced in book two, The Merchant’s Curse also deals with the battle between good & evil a bit more overtly than the other books in this series. And I will say that if you or your reader have a sensitive stomach you may want to skim over the parts where two of our characters are violently ill. It’s not unnecessarily graphic but it’s not glossed over either.
Bottom Line: The Merchant’s Curse by Antony Barone Kolenc has it all – adventure, mystery, intrigue, friendship, faith, and even a little romance. The author excels at immersing readers in the heart of the story and creating layered characters that we love to read about, and our time spent in the pages of this book is no exception. Parents, if the mention of a witch and curses in other reviews makes you nervous, please don’t worry. All is not what it seems, a la Scooby Doo. Based on the events in this book, I am also very interested to see what Xan, Christina, William, Father Andrew, Father Phillip, and hopefully Lucy are up to next!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Xan continues to grow up in age as well as maturity, and we have some slightly stronger hints of romance potential tucked away in this book, too. (These feelings are not enough to totally gross out tween/teen boys but this particular subplot is important to decisions that Xan will need to make sooner or later.) His uncle’s business partner also has a nephew as his apprentice, but the differences between Xan and Nigel are like day and night. In fact, Nigel is sort-of the ‘anti-Xan’, allowing readers to see the rippling impact of our individual choices over time. In keeping with the eerier undertone of the Lincoln setting that we experienced in book two, The Merchant’s Curse also deals with the battle between good & evil a bit more overtly than the other books in this series. And I will say that if you or your reader have a sensitive stomach you may want to skim over the parts where two of our characters are violently ill. It’s not unnecessarily graphic but it’s not glossed over either.
Bottom Line: The Merchant’s Curse by Antony Barone Kolenc has it all – adventure, mystery, intrigue, friendship, faith, and even a little romance. The author excels at immersing readers in the heart of the story and creating layered characters that we love to read about, and our time spent in the pages of this book is no exception. Parents, if the mention of a witch and curses in other reviews makes you nervous, please don’t worry. All is not what it seems, a la Scooby Doo. Based on the events in this book, I am also very interested to see what Xan, Christina, William, Father Andrew, Father Phillip, and hopefully Lucy are up to next!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 5, 2023
I think The Merchant's Curse may be my favorite book in the Harwood Mysteries series thus far. Xan (Alexander) has left the abbey to be a merchant’s apprentice to his Uncle William but is doubting that this move was God’s will for him. A witch has cursed the son of his uncle’s partner and then Xan himself is cursed. (As a result, there’s a lot of retching going on in this novel.) There’s also a minor romantic thread between Xan and Christina, who assists Xan’s uncle.
I really didn’t expect the witch’s curse to persist throughout the novel, which I guess I should have, based on the title, but I love that it did. Xan's growing maturity is evident as he gives thought to the best course of action instead of making rash decisions. There's more reflection befitting his growing responsibility.
This series does not disappoint!
I really didn’t expect the witch’s curse to persist throughout the novel, which I guess I should have, based on the title, but I love that it did. Xan's growing maturity is evident as he gives thought to the best course of action instead of making rash decisions. There's more reflection befitting his growing responsibility.
This series does not disappoint!
August 30, 2022
The Merchant’s Curse is the 4th book in the Harwood Mysteries series by Antony Kolenc. This series offers intriguing adventures mixed with faith-filled messages for middle school readers. While the target audience might be young teens, readers of all ages will enjoy these stories.
A heart-breaking tragedy has led Xan to leave the life he once knew. As Xan discovers truths about his past and himself, he becomes involved in several intriguing mysteries. I’ve really enjoyed seeing this young character grow in virtue through the course of the series. In this newest book, Xan attempts to understand the wisdom of Solomon as he uncovers a new mystery threatening his newfound happiness.
A heart-breaking tragedy has led Xan to leave the life he once knew. As Xan discovers truths about his past and himself, he becomes involved in several intriguing mysteries. I’ve really enjoyed seeing this young character grow in virtue through the course of the series. In this newest book, Xan attempts to understand the wisdom of Solomon as he uncovers a new mystery threatening his newfound happiness.
October 13, 2022
I loved this story and can’t wait to share it with my young teenage son. The tale is full of adventure, problem solving, and the wisdom of the ages. The protagonist is a 13 year old boy named Xan who is trying to advert disaster. He is also a Christ follower and is navigating conflicts in his life while trying to apply the wisdom of the book of Ecclesiastes. I thoroughly enjoyed the story as a stand alone even though I believe it is actually the 4th book in the series.
January 1, 2023
I loved the family ties and Biblical lessons woven throughout the book. Since it's the fourth book in the series, it took me a couple chapters to understand who was who, but once I hit chapter 3, I was hooked. There were many twists and turns I hadn't expected. When it wrapped up, I was satisfied with the outcome. I can't wait to go back and read the rest of the series.
October 26, 2024
This is the fourth of five currently available in the Harwood Mysteries that I have read. I have also read the three short stories in the same were published as the Lucy Mysteries and greatly enjoyed them. The author has indicated the series will conclude with a sixth volume due out in 2024. This story is historical fiction set in medieval England in the middle of August A.D. 1186. This story takes place nearly a year after the previous novel in the series. The description of the volume is:
“In this thrilling installment of the award-winning Harwood Mysteries series, Xan leaves the Abbey for far-away Lincoln to apprentice with his uncle. But he quickly learns that all is not well. Uncle William has fallen in debt to a heartless moneylender called the Master. Nigel, the reckless nephew of William’s business partner, has put them in danger by befriending an enemy of the King.
Why are the Master’s thugs lurking near Uncle William’s shop?
Does the disfigured woman in the marketplace really have power over life and death?
Will Nigel stop his dealings with a known traitor?”
This particular novel has won numerous awards including:
2023 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medalist, Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction
2023 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite, Middle Grade
2023 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite, Book Cover Design Fiction
2023 Catholic Media Association Book Awards, First Place, Books for Youth
2023 Association of Catholic Publishers Excellence in Publishing Awards, Third Place, Children's Books: Teens
If you have already read the other Harwood Mysteries you will be familiar with many of the characters. I must admit this volume gets even darker than some of the others. The challenges Xan faces are more numerous and at a number of points his life is in danger from three different directions. But I am getting ahead of myself.
I will be up front I had figured out the main culprit fairly early in this volume, and even how the crime was being committed. But the two subplots took me by surprise. And Watching Xan struggle to put the pieces together and even to figure out his own future was a greatly entertaining read.
As the previous volume ended Xan has chosen to return to his uncle and work as a merchant’s apprentice. His uncle William has also gone into partnership with a wealthy man, and Xan has suspicions from the beginning about this partner, the partner’s nephew Nigel, and even his own uncle going into debt again. Some of those prove valid and some now. There is a lot of action in this volume including a witch who curses the partner and his immediately taking ill. Xan being cursed, but pushing through to try and solve the mystery even if it is the last thing he does. A surprising turn with the legendary ‘Master’, and even an old foe returned using a new name and causing even more problems than previously.
Tony did another masterful job of finding balance between telling a new tale and staying true to historical fact and places. This volume is very well researched and the author’s historical note at the end is well worth reading. The characters are well written, it is a soiled plot with several twists and subplots woven well into the tapestry of the story. And it moves at a great pace. IT was a hard book to put down.
It was great to watch Xan’s growth in this story and his interactions with Lucy and Father Andrew through letters. This story and the main Harwood series is marketed for Middle grade readers but would also be great for tweens and teens. I am in my fifties and I loved them. This is a well written story and one that will leave you excited for more stories set in this world that Kolenc has created. Antony ‘Tony’ Barone Kolenc is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He currently teaches law. In this story, he has shown that he has great skill as a story teller in both long and short form fiction. It is a story guaranteed to entertain, reader young and old alike. It will leave you desperate for the next volume. It is a great story in a wonderful series. I can easily recommend.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
“In this thrilling installment of the award-winning Harwood Mysteries series, Xan leaves the Abbey for far-away Lincoln to apprentice with his uncle. But he quickly learns that all is not well. Uncle William has fallen in debt to a heartless moneylender called the Master. Nigel, the reckless nephew of William’s business partner, has put them in danger by befriending an enemy of the King.
Why are the Master’s thugs lurking near Uncle William’s shop?
Does the disfigured woman in the marketplace really have power over life and death?
Will Nigel stop his dealings with a known traitor?”
This particular novel has won numerous awards including:
2023 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medalist, Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction
2023 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite, Middle Grade
2023 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite, Book Cover Design Fiction
2023 Catholic Media Association Book Awards, First Place, Books for Youth
2023 Association of Catholic Publishers Excellence in Publishing Awards, Third Place, Children's Books: Teens
If you have already read the other Harwood Mysteries you will be familiar with many of the characters. I must admit this volume gets even darker than some of the others. The challenges Xan faces are more numerous and at a number of points his life is in danger from three different directions. But I am getting ahead of myself.
I will be up front I had figured out the main culprit fairly early in this volume, and even how the crime was being committed. But the two subplots took me by surprise. And Watching Xan struggle to put the pieces together and even to figure out his own future was a greatly entertaining read.
As the previous volume ended Xan has chosen to return to his uncle and work as a merchant’s apprentice. His uncle William has also gone into partnership with a wealthy man, and Xan has suspicions from the beginning about this partner, the partner’s nephew Nigel, and even his own uncle going into debt again. Some of those prove valid and some now. There is a lot of action in this volume including a witch who curses the partner and his immediately taking ill. Xan being cursed, but pushing through to try and solve the mystery even if it is the last thing he does. A surprising turn with the legendary ‘Master’, and even an old foe returned using a new name and causing even more problems than previously.
Tony did another masterful job of finding balance between telling a new tale and staying true to historical fact and places. This volume is very well researched and the author’s historical note at the end is well worth reading. The characters are well written, it is a soiled plot with several twists and subplots woven well into the tapestry of the story. And it moves at a great pace. IT was a hard book to put down.
It was great to watch Xan’s growth in this story and his interactions with Lucy and Father Andrew through letters. This story and the main Harwood series is marketed for Middle grade readers but would also be great for tweens and teens. I am in my fifties and I loved them. This is a well written story and one that will leave you excited for more stories set in this world that Kolenc has created. Antony ‘Tony’ Barone Kolenc is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He currently teaches law. In this story, he has shown that he has great skill as a story teller in both long and short form fiction. It is a story guaranteed to entertain, reader young and old alike. It will leave you desperate for the next volume. It is a great story in a wonderful series. I can easily recommend.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
August 20, 2022
What worked:
Despite being the fourth book in the series, this book can be read on its own. Xan is adapting to life outside of Harwood Abbey and he questions if he made the correct decision. He has a crush on a co-worker and friend named Christine which complicates his transition. Xan’s older cousin Nigel has eyes for her too and appears to have plans to make her his wife. Christine has a kind heart and beautiful face but she’s complicated by vanity and ambition. Xan can’t compete with Nigel’s charm and position in society, so he’s unsure what to do about his feelings for Christine. He’s disturbed when she’s around Nigel but he knows she has a kind soul.
Religion and faith are major topics in the book. Xan leaves his religious studies at Harwood Abbey to work in the merchant business with his uncles. He strives for wisdom like Solomon in the bible and often recalls scripture when making decisions. He counsels with Father Philip for guidance and spiritual support and he often remembers his friend Lucy’s words as she studies to become a nun. Xan notes the problems created when characters display biblical sins such as vanity, coveting, and greed. He has much to learn about the value of the wisdom he cherishes as Father Philip points out the pursuit of wisdom comes with its own issues.
As the title indicates, this book contains a mystery and Xan has a talent for solving them. Xan’s uncle is cursed by a witch and the family is unable to find a cure. Even Father Philip’s blessings have no effect on nausea and weakness that’s slowly killing Xan’s uncle. This conflict forms the main focus of the story but Nigel may bring serious trouble to the family. He’s corresponding with one of the king’s sons who has eyes on taking the throne. The king and his followers may view this as treason so Nigel, his family, and friends may be in danger of imprisonment or hanging. Then, Xan notices two goons working for the Master in the area and knows they can’t be up to anything good. Why are they leaving his uncles’ business?
What didn’t work as well:
The climax pulls in characters from previous books so they seem like strangers jumping into the middle of the story, if readers haven’t read the earlier books, like me. Most of the plot is unaffected by events in earlier stories so readers can still enjoy this book. Reading the previous books will make it easier to understand these “new” characters but it shouldn’t detract from being entertained.
The Final Verdict:
The book has its moments of biblical reflection but it doesn’t feel like readers are being preached to. The witch’s curse creates a compelling conflict between good and evil with Xan having faith that God will triumph in the end. Overall, I enjoyed the story and recommend you give it a shot.
Despite being the fourth book in the series, this book can be read on its own. Xan is adapting to life outside of Harwood Abbey and he questions if he made the correct decision. He has a crush on a co-worker and friend named Christine which complicates his transition. Xan’s older cousin Nigel has eyes for her too and appears to have plans to make her his wife. Christine has a kind heart and beautiful face but she’s complicated by vanity and ambition. Xan can’t compete with Nigel’s charm and position in society, so he’s unsure what to do about his feelings for Christine. He’s disturbed when she’s around Nigel but he knows she has a kind soul.
Religion and faith are major topics in the book. Xan leaves his religious studies at Harwood Abbey to work in the merchant business with his uncles. He strives for wisdom like Solomon in the bible and often recalls scripture when making decisions. He counsels with Father Philip for guidance and spiritual support and he often remembers his friend Lucy’s words as she studies to become a nun. Xan notes the problems created when characters display biblical sins such as vanity, coveting, and greed. He has much to learn about the value of the wisdom he cherishes as Father Philip points out the pursuit of wisdom comes with its own issues.
As the title indicates, this book contains a mystery and Xan has a talent for solving them. Xan’s uncle is cursed by a witch and the family is unable to find a cure. Even Father Philip’s blessings have no effect on nausea and weakness that’s slowly killing Xan’s uncle. This conflict forms the main focus of the story but Nigel may bring serious trouble to the family. He’s corresponding with one of the king’s sons who has eyes on taking the throne. The king and his followers may view this as treason so Nigel, his family, and friends may be in danger of imprisonment or hanging. Then, Xan notices two goons working for the Master in the area and knows they can’t be up to anything good. Why are they leaving his uncles’ business?
What didn’t work as well:
The climax pulls in characters from previous books so they seem like strangers jumping into the middle of the story, if readers haven’t read the earlier books, like me. Most of the plot is unaffected by events in earlier stories so readers can still enjoy this book. Reading the previous books will make it easier to understand these “new” characters but it shouldn’t detract from being entertained.
The Final Verdict:
The book has its moments of biblical reflection but it doesn’t feel like readers are being preached to. The witch’s curse creates a compelling conflict between good and evil with Xan having faith that God will triumph in the end. Overall, I enjoyed the story and recommend you give it a shot.
January 1, 2024
This was another engaging mystery for Xan to solve and it almost costs him his life. This book explores wisdom and what that means. A great tale to bring a great message.
November 10, 2022
With a little dash of history and faith Xan sets out on a journey to save his uncle and friends. I loved the way Kolenc wove the history and faith into his story of Xan. This is an excellent edition to the Harwood Mysteries. Kolenc showed Xan' growth in an engaging and mysterious way. The reader will be enthralled as we journey with Xan through murder and mayhem, with a witch thrown in for a little seasoning.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews