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Crouchback (The Welsh Guard Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,806 ratings

None could go against the King and Queen of England, least of all Catrin ... not overtly, anyway.

April 1284. As a newly widowed lady-in-waiting to the very pregnant Queen Eleanor of England, Catrin never expected to return to Wales again. She was definitely unprepared to be confronted with murder when she got there—or to find herself face-to-face with Rhys, the childhood friend she lost twenty years before. Rhys had never intended to return home either, but a lifetime of war has deposited him right back where he started—impoverished and owing service to Catrin's older brother.

With Wales fallen irrevocably to England and not knowing whom else they can trust, Catrin and Rhys join forces against the treachery and intrigue rife within the half-built Caernarfon Castle. And when the killer strikes again, this time within the royal court, the pair race to uncover his identity before he touches the king himself—or his infant son.

Crouchback is the first book in The Welsh Guard Mysteries.

**Crouchback is a medieval word derived from cross-back and indicates participation in a crusade**

Books in the series: Crouchback, Chevalier, Paladin, Herald, Bardd

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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Sarah Woodbury has masterfully blended rich strands of history with fine webs of murderous intrigue in her newest novel Crouchback ..." --Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews

From the Author

Thank you for reading my books! For the complete listings of all my books and series, please see my web page.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07WN21JF7
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Morgan-Stanwood Publishing Group (November 14, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 14, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1946 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 331 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B08M2FY291
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,806 ratings

About the author

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Sarah Woodbury
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Welcome to my Amazon Author page! I’m Sarah Woodbury and if you were looking for more of my books, you’ve come to the right place! I'm so happy you're here.

On this page you'll find links to my novels, available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audiobook. The first book in each of my five series is FREE in ebook. They’re great places to start if you haven’t read my books before or our looking to branch out from a favorite series:

Daughter of Time (the prequel to the After Cilmeri series)

The Good Knight (the first Gareth & Gwen Medieval Mystery)

Crouchback (the first book in the Welsh Guard Mysteries)

The Last Pendragon (the first book in the Last Pendragon Saga)

Cold my Heart (the first of the Lion of Wales series)

If you click on the FOLLOW button, Amazon will let you know whenever I have a new release in any of the series. You can get in touch with me on my website, on Facebook, or via my YouTube channel where I talk about all things medieval!

More than anything, I'm so happy you've found my books. Happy reading!

With over two 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 Fiction Author Cooperative (HFAC), the Historical Novel Society (HNS), and Novelists, Inc. (NINC).

She makes her home in Oregon.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,806 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the storyline interesting and well-woven with historical details. They describe the book as a wonderful, fun read with well-developed characters. Readers praise the writing quality as excellent and well-researched. The series is described as great and one of their favorite book series.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

39 customers mention "Storyline"39 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline. They find the historical details woven into the story interesting and well-crafted. The book provides an engaging glimpse into the 13th Century and gives readers a sense of history in Wales.

"...were my favorites and I love the mystery and all the twist and turns. Must read," Read more

"It's great to learn the history of Wales in conjunction with England. The life they lived in 12th century was very different from ours...." Read more

"...I thought the research Ms. Woodbury did was good. I enjoyed the plot. As a history teacher I often showed the video Castle by David McCauley...." Read more

"...Fans of the After Cilmeri series will catch a glimpse of the true history of Wales and become reacquainted with many familiar figures. Rhys..." Read more

25 customers mention "Readability"25 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it enjoyable, well-written, and engaging. The book is described as a great choice for fans of medieval mysteries.

"I enjoyed this and I love medieval series, especially mysteries. I loved Wales in 1284 and the many characters that are featured in this book...." Read more

"...Overall this was a fun book for me to read." Read more

"...Interesting story and characters. Enjoyed reading it over the holidays. Looking forward to the next installment. Ok" Read more

"Loved this book! Excellent choice if you love a good medieval mystery. If you enjoyed Michael Jenks Last Templar series you will enjoy Crouchback." Read more

24 customers mention "Character development"24 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the characters wonderful, and the mystery adds tension between them. They appreciate how Edward is portrayed, and even the minor players are intriguing.

"...I loved Wales in 1284 and the many characters that are featured in this book. Rhys and Catrin..." Read more

"I enjoyed this book for several reasons. I liked the characters. I thought the research Ms. Woodbury did was good. I enjoyed the plot...." Read more

"...Woodbury is so good at characterization that even her minor players are intriguing. I hope to read more of Father Medwyn...." Read more

"Good medieval mystery. Interesting story and characters. Enjoyed reading it over the holidays. Looking forward to the next installment. Ok" Read more

20 customers mention "Writing quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written and enjoyable, with a good mystery and engaging characters. The historical fiction is well-researched and detailed, with an afterword that readers appreciate. Overall, customers describe the book as a fun read with clean content.

"...Rhys and Catrin were my favorites and I love the mystery and all the twist and turns. Must read," Read more

"Sarah Woodbury’s Crouchback is the perfect blend of mystery, history, and romance...." Read more

"...Good mystery and as usual great characters and great writing." Read more

"...The author didn’t skimp on details on its aftermath for Welsh people and how they were (mis)treated—it added a lot of depth to the story...." Read more

15 customers mention "Series quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the series. They find it a wonderful new mystery series by one of their favorite authors. The book provides a lot of information and lays the groundwork for the series. Readers appreciate medieval mysteries and look forward to the next book in the series.

"I enjoyed this and I love medieval series, especially mysteries. I loved Wales in 1284 and the many characters that are featured in this book...." Read more

"Another hit! One of my favorite authors. You won’t be disappointed! I really enjoy the way that Edward was portrayed." Read more

"...This book lays groundwork for the series and provides a lot of information of who the characters are so that we can delve into the 2nd book...." Read more

"...After Cilmeri IS one of my favorite book series of all time. I definitely enjoyed this first book of The Welsh Guard Mysteries...." Read more

6 customers mention "Research quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's research and editing. They find the characters well-developed, with intelligent, upright, patriotic characters. The author provides a lot of information about the characters, including Rhys as the best investigator.

"...become reacquainted with many familiar figures. Rhys is an intelligent, upright, patriotic Welshman with battle scars and a strong sense of..." Read more

"...This book lays groundwork for the series and provides a lot of information of who the characters are so that we can delve into the 2nd book...." Read more

"...But I was very impressed with the quality of understanding and true human faith in friends was tested in so many ways during this story...." Read more

"...And Rhys was the best investigator, with Catrin helping, of course. Its worth the read." Read more

3 customers mention "Complexity"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters complex and believable. They describe them as well-crafted, multi-faceted, and witty.

"...Norman, and Welsh characters are multi-layered, multi-faceted, complex humans that make good, bad, and ugly decisions...." Read more

"...All three characters are well-crafted, complex and you can't help feeling some empathy for Rhys and Catrin, both serving Norman masters, while..." Read more

"...Sarah writes smart, witty characters that are believable in their situations and the world they inhabit...." Read more

3 customers mention "Geography"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's geography. They appreciate the opportunity for guided tours of fascinating locales and the background information. The book is filled with awesome characters and an engaging storyline.

"...I am now on the last book in the series. I hàve found thechàracters fascinating." Read more

"...Filled with lots of background, awesome characters and incredible storyline along some history of the time!..." Read more

"...the fantastic video series she's done giving us all history, geographic perspective and the opportunity for guided tours of some fascinating locales...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
    I enjoyed this and I love medieval series, especially mysteries. I loved Wales in
    1284 and the many characters that are featured in this book. Rhys and Catrin
    were my favorites and I love the mystery and all the twist and turns. Must read,
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024
    It's great to learn the history of Wales in conjunction with England. The life they lived in 12th century was very different from ours. Thanks for sharing this story.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2024
    I enjoyed this book for several reasons. I liked the characters. I thought the research Ms. Woodbury did was good. I enjoyed the plot. As a history teacher I often showed the video Castle by David McCauley. This book reminded me of the video (it's also a book), and this made Crouchback more enjoyable for me. I like how Ms. Woodbury has a crime that needs to be solved. Overall this was a fun book for me to read.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2019
    Sarah Woodbury’s Crouchback is the perfect blend of mystery, history, and romance. It leaves you impatient to learn more of the main characters, Rhys and Catrin, and interested in learning more about the time period in which they live. Fans of the After Cilmeri series will catch a glimpse of the true history of Wales and become reacquainted with many familiar figures.
    Rhys is an intelligent, upright, patriotic Welshman with battle scars and a strong sense of honor. While crusading in the Holy Land he saved the life of a prince, solved several murders, and learned the art of interrogation from a Saracen tutor. Now he is on a personal crusade to help his people survive the transition to English rule.
    Catrin is a fiery, witty, and adventurous heroine, and not just because of her red hair. As a trusted member of the queen’s retinue, she is privy to all kinds of secrets. Though her position is precarious, she has the opportunity to influence the opinions of the court, as long as she doesn’t overstep. Her own opinions are more difficult to influence, and she harbors suspicions of her childhood friend, whom she had thought dead. Their inner conflicts and budding romance are compelling and arouse the sympathy of the reader.
    Woodbury is so good at characterization that even her minor players are intriguing. I hope to read more of Father Medwyn. The hints at his backstory were tantalizing. The portrayals of King Edward and Queen Eleanor make me want to do my own research to find out more about their unique relationship.
    I highly recommend this new series and look forward to the next installment!
    18 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2019
    Good medieval mystery. Interesting story and characters. Enjoyed reading it over the holidays. Looking forward to the next installment. Ok
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2023
    I’m a huge fan of the After Cilmari series. I purchased the first two books of the Welsh Guard series simply because Sarah Woodbury is the author. I didn’t take the time to read the descriptions or even the titles. I saw Welsh Guard and hit pay now. Imagine my surprise as I was reading and my limited brain thought-this is a mystery! Yep, I’m an idiot. Interesting storyline but I was disconcerted because yesterday I finished Legacy of Time. Since both series contain characters with the same names but in entirely different situations it was an adjustment, I managed the challenge! Good mystery and as usual great characters and great writing.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2023
    The time period for this book is the 1270’s just after English King Edward conquered Wales. The author didn’t skimp on details on its aftermath for Welsh people and how they were (mis)treated—it added a lot of depth to the story. But, especially in the beginning, how Rhys, the main character and Welsh, fit into this history was quite confusing at times. As the plot progressed things ironed themselves out. The storyline was otherwise very enjoyable. It helped that the author wrote her characters very lifelike and the main characters very likeable.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2024
    Loved this book! Excellent choice if you love a good medieval mystery. If you enjoyed Michael Jenks Last Templar series you will enjoy Crouchback.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Baba-Anne C
    5.0 out of 5 stars I like all Sarah Woodbury's work
    Reviewed in Canada on August 17, 2024
    It needed more lead in because I had not been able to read the precursors. It still leaves me wanting the next, though.
  • M.J. Rodell
    5.0 out of 5 stars another Woodbury masterpiece
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on December 23, 2024
    This book captivates with its vivid characters. It makes one want to learn more about the history of the two nations
  • P. A. Noble
    5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT PLOT AND THOROUGHLY ENGAGING
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2024
    This book had me wanting to read more and more, even when I was tired and my eyes were struggling to read! The characters become real people as you read on - it’s a long time since I’ve been so enthralled by a book.
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good read for lovers of history
    Reviewed in Spain on November 11, 2020
    a riveting novel which combines both action and a story within a story of sealed the I know. And love
  • Christine Lewis
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very enjoyable read
    Reviewed in Australia on February 6, 2024
    I do enjoy Sarah Woodbury’s books and thoroughly enjoyed this story. Although perhaps not as complicated as some of hers I have read, it kept me going with no idea who was committing murder.

    A good start to what will I am sure be another good series from Sarah!

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