The Merchant’s Curse

The Merchant’s Curse: The Harwood Mysteries Book 4 by Antony Barone Kolenc on Amazon

Antony Barone Kolenc has done it again with the continuation of his series, The Harwood Mysteries. Book 4 finds Xan in Lincoln, working for his uncle in the fine cloth shop. Life as an apprentice seems fine, until Nigel, the arrogant nephew of Uncle William’s business partner attracts the wrong kind of attention from the sheriff and a couple of thugs.

Nigel’s father, Godric, is a wealthy merchant who helps Uncle William with his business connections. But Godric tends to favor wine and women too much and is careless of his wealth. Xan feels completely out of place with Nigel, Godric, and Christina, the girl from the village that Xan cares for deeply. Christina cares for Xan, too, but flirts with Nigel as if her life depended on it. Nigel is ten years older than Christina, so he appears wise and witty.  

But Nigel might be in over his head. He sells a piece of jewelry to Duke Geoffrey, one of King Henry’s sons. Nigel thinks he will be welcome at the royal court, and his fortune will be made. But there is an internecine battle raging for the throne. Duke Geoffrey is considered a traitor to the king, and any dealings with him could land Nigel in prison or worse.

Meanwhile, Godric sees a strange woman in the marketplace, and laughs when Nigel makes fun of her appearance. She does not take kindly to this treatment and confronts him. When Godric returns home, he becomes deathly ill. Was the woman a true witch? Did she curse him? Xan must find out, so he can save Uncle William’s partner and his business.

With the help of good counsel from Father Philip, Xan braves many dangers in the back alleys and docks of Lincoln. Bandits, a witch, and a shadowy Master pulling the strings of those highborn and low make for very entertaining reading. Help comes from unexpected places, guided by the power of prayer and Xan’s unfailing moral compass.

I recommend this book for ages 12 and up, due to some mature themes, bloodshed, and heavy betrayal. Excellent for summer reading, and Halloween with a strong Catholic story. It should be noted that this book does NOT glorify witchcraft. Kolenc has won many awards for his exemplary storytelling for middle-grade readers.