What originally began as a three-star book quickly became a four-star book as Fiona Buckley plunged me into a wonderful, immersive mystery set in Elizabethan England. This is my first Ursula Blanchard mystery, but I definitely want to read more. It has everything one could demand from a mystery: high stakes, complex antagonists, potential for tragedy, and a daring last-minute attempt to set things aright. Likewise, it satisfies my desire for a good piece of historical fiction into which I can sink my teeth. Elizabethan England is one of my favourite milieux, and Buckley captures the religious, political, and social turmoil from the perspective of an educated woman.My first impression of the protagonist was that she complained far too much and could be a touch dramatic. But I enjoyed her frank evaluations of other people and her ability to plot and reason. Buckley handles the first person perspective well; Ursula provides tantalizing foreshadowing that made me turn page after page. Thanks to her narration, I empathized with her feelings regarding the plight of her ward and the plot to free Mary Stuart.As for the mystery, it was very entertaining. Buckley manages to mix in just the right ratio of predictability to twists to keep me reading. Mysteries that are entirely too predictable are no fun. However, it's always nice to be able to see one or two things coming, heightening one's anticipation for the final confrontation.And I certainly was not disappointed! The climax of this book was one of the most satisfying I've read in awhile. The protagonist pulls the "ol' switcheroo" while her ward is in danger, showing a commendable determination and strength of character. A couple of predictable developments and a few twists later, the story resolves and the mystery has been explained. I feel neither cheated nor patronized; in fact, it was an excellent ride.
If you like fiction based on English history--particularly the Elizabethan period--the Ursula Blanchard series fills the bill. Ursula is a lady in Elizabeth I's court, and, as it turns out, her half sister as well. Occasionally the queen asks Ursula to act as a spy to help her keep tabs on those who would do her harm, particularly Mary Queen of Scots. In this book, Ursula goes north with her ward, Pen Mason, to claim Pen's dowry and to find her a suitable husband. In addition, she is to meet with Queen Mary, who is in exile at Bolton Castle, to try to determine if she ordered the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley. When she arrives, Ursula and her party become pawns in a dangerous plot to free Mary Stuart and help her escape to France. Ursula must use all of her cunning to free herself and Pen and thwart the plot to release the Queen. This is a very interesting series, whose characters grow and mature with each volume.
Do You like book The Fugitive Queen (2004)?
This is the seventh book in this series. Once more, Ursula is called upon to undertake an undercover endeavor to keep the throne of Elizabeth I safe and the country free of turmoil. She is sent to the northern borders of England to stop a plot that would free Mary,Queen of Scots from Bolton Castle where she is residing courtesy of her cousin,the Queen. There is a sub-plot involving the guardianship of a young girl that Ursula is charged with finding a husband for. The author writes an exciting story that uses historical fact so the reader understands the passion and strife of this era.
—Lalla
This was hands down the best book in the Ursula Blanchard series (so far). I didn't have to waste time reading pages and pages of Ursula whining about a man. At this point in her life, Ursula has finally found herself a level headed husband who doesn't spend his spare time plotting against Elizabeth I. Ursula can focus on the task in front of her instead of wasting time whining about how she's missing the loving arms (and other body parts) of a husband who constantly puts her life in danger. Of course men are still problematic for Ursula but it's her ward who has the issues with men. Ursula is just responsible for keeping everyone's heads level and attached. Mary, Queen of Scots, made an appearance in Ursula's previous adventure and she appears again in this one. This Mary was quite different from the Mary we last met. This Mary was an interesting one. With this Mary we saw flashes of potential. With this Mary we saw a woman who if given the opportunity would have given Elizabeth I a run for her money.
—Gretchen
