Rated of 5
by Valerie C. (Chico, CA) Good historical fiction of the post-Henry VIII era
As a reader who enjoyed many of Phillipa Gregory's books, this novel did not disappoint. It succeeded in capturing my interest from the first chapter, then led through a series of escapades after the death of King Henry's son, Edward. If you enjoy Gregory's books, I think you will enjoy this one,
Rated of 5
by Melissa W. (Maryville, TN) Thoroughly Enjoyable Read
I really enjoyed this book. From the first few pages all the way to the end, I was deeply engrossed in the story. From the fate of Jane Grey to the secret behind the narrator's birthright, the author created a nice mix of historical figures and facts with fictional figures and a heavy dose of imagination. C.W. Gortner kept my interest and I will definitely read future books from The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles.
Rated of 5
by Robert F. (Charleston, IL) Fast-paced and readable
This book moves right along. The plot has lots of twists and close escapes--maybe too many--but the historical details are interesting and skillfully woven in. The treatment of the relationship between Elizabeth and Robert Dudley is not the one given in those films with Glenda Jackson, Helen Mirrin, and Cate Blanchette, but it's actually quite believable and fully in keeping with the complex intrigues of the Tudor Court that the author so readily exploits.
Rated of 5
by Amy H. (Benbrook, TX) Predictable
I really enjoy reading about this time period, and I'm always excited when a new piece is published about the Tudor family. I found parts of this mystery entertaining, but not necessarily interesting. The plot felt both stale and rushed, and by Chapter 17 I had it figured out. His book about Catherine de Medici was much better!
Rated of 5
by WDH (New Port Richey, FL) Fun, Not Deep
Offers a slightly different perspective - young man raised as a servant is sent to court and is immediately involved in intrigues of all sorts and has to quickly figure out where his loyalties lie and where to place his trust. Lots of action kept my interest. There is more surface than depth to the characters and plot, but overall I enjoyed the book. Nice phrasing and writing style, would probably read other books by this author.
Rated of 5
by Joan W. (Orion, Michigan) The Tudor Secret
King Edward, Elizabeth I, the Dudleys, a host of great characters. This was a great historical fiction - This book was full of intrigue, spies, who is working for who? The story about Brendan, an orphan, wanting to find out the secret of his past, meeting up with William Cecil and Elizabeth I. Great read. Can’t wait for the next installment of this series. Would certainly recommend it.
A bold, mesmerizing novel about the woman known as "Typhoid Mary," the first known healthy carrier of typhoid fever in the burgeoning metropolis of early twentieth century New York.
Z, the novel about the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald is at points charming and; like another reviewer, I kept thinking of the movie, "Midnight...
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Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
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Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
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British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
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by Valerie C. (Chico, CA) 
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by Melissa W. (Maryville, TN) 
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by Amy H. (Benbrook, TX) 
