"The Widow of Windsor" is the final book in the Victorians series, obviously covering the life of Queen Victoria and her family following the death of the Prince Consort, Prince Albert. It's plain that Victoria never got over the death of her "Sainted One", wearing black every day, even to weddings and state occasions. Not only has Victoria got Albert's death to overcome but her son Bertie, and also Alfred to a degree, are up to no good with their merrymaking and undesirable company; giving the Press plenty to gossip about. Enter John Brown, the Queen's favourite Scottish servant from Balmoral (who seemed to have a more familiar relationship with the Queen than he should), a few Prime Ministers (Gladstone, and Disraeli who seemed to hold a similar position in Victoria's heart as Lord Melbourne did just after she was crowned Queen); and several wars which split the Queen's children as far as loyalties are concerned. There are deaths, marriages, and an uncanny death on the anniversary of Prince Albert's demise.I have learned a lot from this series of books, and I personally think Jean Plaidy was one of the best authors of this genre. Easy to read, hard to put down, it's a roller coaster ride, which in a way, makes one feel glad one is not Royal! Highly recommended.
