Book Review: To Shield the Queen

Reviewed By: Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

To Shield the Queen     Amazon US PB Amazon US TPB Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada TPB
Fiona Buckley
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Ursula Blanchard # 1
Pocket Books, 1997, $6.50, 324pp

Even among historical mysteries this one stands out. From what I know of the English court in 1560, it is very well researched on court history. This first in a series is devoted to the continuing real life and history changing mystery "Did Robert Dudley's wife fall to her death or was she murdered?" Buckley expertly weaves the known facts and the world of her fictional character a young widow newly appointed to the court in service to Queen Elizabeth as one of her ladies of the Presence Chamber. There a couple of minor errors in the everyday life details Perhaps not everyone would catch them. I did, but they weren't so out of out of time and place that it ruined the story for me.

The conclusion of the story left the characters set up well for future adventures. I intend to continue my acquaintance with them very soon.

Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM