Helpful Score: 4
Second book in the Elizabeth I historical mystery series, this one set during the days immediately after Elizabeth's coronation as Queen of England. A young woman acquainted with some of Elizabeth's friends is found murdered, with the deed apparently occurring during Her Majesty's coronation parade. When beseeched by a friend to protect her foster son, who is being accused of the crime by Elizabeth's cousin the Duchess of Suffolk, the queen gathers together her privy council and sets out to investigate the crime. While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I admit that the idea of the Queen of England dressed in male servant's clothes and sneaking around, breaking and entering with her cohorts in the dead of night is a bit silly. The author certainly has a vivid imagination--and as it's fiction, I reckon she's allowed. I just enjoy these for what they are.
Helpful Score: 3
Excellent second novel in the Elizabeth I mysteries. This one begins at the coronation of Elizabeth. Lot's of plot twists and turns. Very well done.
Helpful Score: 3
Second in a series of mysteries featuring Elizabeth I.
Although this book is clearly very well researched, and filled with rich
historical detail, a complete suspension of belief is necessary in order to
fully enjoy these tales. It is totally inconceivable that the Queen of
England would be consorting with servants, asking them to call her Bess, nor
do I believe she would be able to dress as a man and roam the roads of
England without any suspicions being raised. Once you get over the
implausibility, the book is a fun mystery, with Elizabeth a rather clever
detective.
This entry in the series focuses on Elizabeth's coronation day. While the
Queen is on parade through the streets, greeting her people, a young woman
in her court is found murdered. It soon becomes clear that the intended
target was actually the Queen herself. So Elizabeth and her 'privy council',
a group of servants who helped her in the past, again strive to find out who
is behind the new plot.
Light, fun mystery.
Although this book is clearly very well researched, and filled with rich
historical detail, a complete suspension of belief is necessary in order to
fully enjoy these tales. It is totally inconceivable that the Queen of
England would be consorting with servants, asking them to call her Bess, nor
do I believe she would be able to dress as a man and roam the roads of
England without any suspicions being raised. Once you get over the
implausibility, the book is a fun mystery, with Elizabeth a rather clever
detective.
This entry in the series focuses on Elizabeth's coronation day. While the
Queen is on parade through the streets, greeting her people, a young woman
in her court is found murdered. It soon becomes clear that the intended
target was actually the Queen herself. So Elizabeth and her 'privy council',
a group of servants who helped her in the past, again strive to find out who
is behind the new plot.
Light, fun mystery.
