Closer to the Chest

Valdemar: The Herald Spy, Book 3

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Herald Mags, the King of Valdemar's Herald-Spy, has been developing a clandestine network of young informants who operate not only on the streets of the capital city of Haven but also in the Great Halls and kitchens of the wealthy and highborn. In his own established alternate personas, Mags observes the Court and the alleys alike, quietly gathering information to keep Haven and the Kingdom safe.

His wife, Amily, is growing into her position as the King's Own Herald, though she is irritated to encounter many who still consider her father, Herald Nikolas, to be the real King's Own. Nonetheless, she finds it increasingly useful to be underestimated, for there are dark things stirring in the shadows of Haven and up on the Hill. Someone has discovered many secrets of the women of the Court and the Collegia - and is using those secrets to terrorize and bully them. Someone is targeting the religious houses of women, too, leaving behind destruction and obscene ravings.

But who? Someone at the Court? A disgruntled Palace servant? One of the members of the Collegia? Someone in the patriarchal sect of the god Sethor? Could the villain be a woman? And what is this person hoping to achieve? It isn't blackmail, for the letters demand nothing; the aim seems to be the victims' panic and despair. But why?

Mags and Amily take steps to minimize the damage while using both magic and wits to find the evildoer. But just as they appear to be on the verge of success, the letter writer tires of terror and is now out for blood.

Mags and Amily will have to track down someone who leaves few clues behind and thwart whatever plans have been set in motion, and quickly - before terror turns to murder.

©2016 Mercedes Lackey (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Closer to the chest

Love these books, great narrative. I like the way they use different voices for all the characters.

Enthralling tale!!!!!

Totally enamored with this series and all of the Valdemar books. Really wanted the story to continue and hoping there is another in this series!,!!!

loved it

Enjoy listening about these 2 heralds. hope to hear more! Everything I've read about companions and heralds had been wonderful.

It is amazing how the narrator can do male and female voices.

I am impressed by the range of voices that the narrator can do. His female voices are spot on.

I love Mercedes lackey's books. They are well written. My favorite are the Valdemar books.

very good performance of a very good book

A short story but very entertaining. Very inventive performance. Mercedes Lackey is one of my favorite authors and she did. not disappoint.