Audiobook Review: Closer to the Chest by Mercedes Lackey

Closer to the Chest
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Narrator: Nick Podehl
Series: The Herald Spy (Book 3)
Publication: Audible Studios (October 4, 2016)
Length: 11 hours and 31 minutes

Description: 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.

My Thoughts: The third book in the Herald Spy trilogy sees Mags and Amily both growing into their adult responsibilities. Mags is busy with his poor orphans down in Haven. He has rescued them from the men who want to use them as thieves and is teaching them to carry messages and work in a variety of wealthy households. Along the way they are bringing him valuable intelligence that he is using to keep Valdemar safe.

Amily is also busy up at the Court. She is working with her own intelligence network among the Queen's handmaidens. She is also building her skills as the King's Own even though she is a bit resentful that many still consider her father Herald Nikolas the King's Own. 

Amily's lower profile comes in useful when a series of anonymous letters threatens the stability of the Court. The letters target women and are filled with misogynistic threats and crude remarks. Mags is also dealing with threats against women in religious orders and woman shop owners down in Haven. It soon becomes clear that the same hand is directing each action. But finding out who is a difficult task.

Mags is focused on a religious order that worships the patriarchal god Sethor because of their dismissive attitude toward women. But it seems that the attacks require mind gifts. Mags didn't know that mind gifts could exist outside of the Heralds. 

This was an excellent episode in Mags's story. It is also a great return to the world of Valdemar with its Heralds and Companions. I enjoyed the story. 

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.