Babylonia by Costanza Casati

November 22, 2024

Babylonia by Costanza Casati

Semiramis is an orphan from an Assyrian village when the king's half-brother plucks her from obscurity and chooses her to be his wife. She travels with him to the capitol city and is soon swept up in court intrigue and national politic, and she has to fight to stay one step ahead of her enemies.

I loved Casati's novel Clytemnestra so I was stoked to read her new book. While I found the story of Semiramis to be fascinating, I didn't love it quite as much as her previous book. Readers of historical fiction will enjoy learning about a lesser known but still powerful queen.

Many thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

Statue of Semiramis

The Windsor Conspiracy by Georgie Blalock

September 7, 2024

The Windsor Conspiracy by Georgie Blalock

King Edward VIII abdicated his throne in order to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee and the love of his life. But their plans backfired: they expected the Prime Minister and Parliament to change the law so that Edward could marry Wallis and still remain king. But the government accepted his abdication and proclaimed his younger brother King George VI. Edward and Wallis never forgave the government or the royal family for allowing the abdication and exiling them from Britain. Worse yet, they fell in with anyone who flattered them, no matter how evil they were (think Hitler, Mussolini, etc.).

An honest portrait of the Windsors, historically accurate; the author has very little sympathy for them and rightly so. While the Duke was spoiled, lazy, and dim, Wallis and her friends were passing information about British war plans to the Nazis, believing that if the Nazis conquered Britain, they would restore the Duke to the throne he had tossed aside. All their lives, the Windsors were two people who gravitated toward the wrong types of people, as long as they flattered the Windsors and paid their bills. If you are interested in reading another book about the Windsors, try Beatriz Williams' The Golden Hour, about the Windsors time in the Bahamas during WW II. 

Many thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor in their later years

The Romanov Brides by Claire McHugh

July 20, 2024

The Romanov Brides by Claire McHugh

Sisters Elisabeth and Alix of Hesse and by Rhine, two princesses from a minor German principality, marry two princes of the imperial house of Romanov: Elisabeth marries the effete Serge, while Alix marries his nephew Nicky, destined to become the next Russian tsar.

Rather a long drawn out saga about the youth of two minor German princesses who end up married to two imperial Russian princes, uncle and nephew. All are descendants of Queen Victoria, and all carry the gene for hemophilia. But at the time that this historical novel is set, the consequences are far in the future. Nicky, later Tsar Nicholas II, is the best character. Alix is perpetually glum - today, she would probably be diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Her family recognizes that she suffers from melancholia. Even her cousin Kaiser Wilhelm (who isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer) thinks she's damp and can't understand why Nicky is so set on marrying her. The story is rather slow moving and would have benefitted from about 50 or so pages being edited out. Recommended if you're a real fan of the Romanovs or Russian history.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

Princess Elisabeth of Hesse and by Rhine, believed to be one of the most beautiful princesses in Europe

Princess Alix of Hesse and by Rhine before her marriage - not even all that pretty as a girl and definitely not happy

The Passionate Tudor by Alison Weir

June 22, 2024

The Passionate Tudor by Alison Weir

Mary I, aka Bloody Mary, was the oldest surviving child of Henry VIII and had a happy childhood until her tenth year, when her father became obsessed simultaneously with the need for a male heir and Anne Boleyn. Her life pretty much went downhill from there, as she was first named Henry's heir, then was declared illegitimate, then was reinstated after her brother, then was persecuted for her Catholic faith, finally becoming queen. She inherited her suspicious nature from her father, looking for conspiracies around her, suspecting the motives of her suitors, and even believing that her half-sister Elizabeth was not Henry's child. After she became queen, her two obsessions were restoring Catholicism as the state religion and her husband, Phillip of Spain. She wanted a child so desperately that she suffered two phantom pregnancies. Overall, she lived a sad and lonely life, dying at age 42.

Although Henry VIII was obsessed with the idea that he had to have a son to rule after him and to carry on his dynasty, his councillors didn't agree with him. They felt Mary was intelligent and well-educated, and also that she would undoubtedly marry and her husband would rule with her. Mary wasn't a great ruler or even a good ruler, but what made her memorable was the 300+ Protestants that she burned. Ironically, Mary's attempt to stamp out Protestantism by executing its followers only convinced many of her subjects that Protestantism was a faith worth dying for. Modern historians have tried to improve Mary's reputation and legacy, but there is not much that you can say about Mary that is positive and Weir's well-research book doesn't try to sugar coat Mary's actions. Recommended for readers of historical fiction and those interested in the Tudor period.

Mary I, aka Bloody Mary - she looks kind of like Gerald Ford

The Last White Rose by Alison Weir

May 23, 2024

The Last White Rose by Alison Weir

Elizabeth of York was the oldest daughter of Edward IV, and the wife of Henry VII at the end of the War of the Roses. Elizabeth was a sweet, beautiful girl, beloved by her family, who became the heir to the throne when her two brothers (aka the Princes in the Tower) disappeared. Henry VII became king by right of conquest when he overthrew Richard III, but he needed to marry Elizabeth to solidify his claim to the throne. Surprisingly, it was a successful marriage and Henry was devoted to Elizabeth. When she died at age 37 after the birth of their last child, he mourned her deeply for the rest of his life.

Most books about the Tudors focus on Henry VIII and his six wives (which is really the only thing he is remembered for - he was actually a very mediocre king), but this novel is about his mother, Elizabeth of York. Elizabeth had a large and complicated family: she herself had nine siblings, while her mother Elizabeth Woodville had over a dozen siblings, and her father Edward IV had at least seven siblings. There is a certain amount of confusion at some points regarding which Edward, Richard, Elizabeth, Katherine or Margaret we are talking about. There is also a lot of crying. Alison Weir has written extensively about the Tudors and the Plantagenets, and she brings her nonfiction research to this novel. Recommended for readers of historical fiction and about the Tudors in particular.

Elizabeth of York

Murder Most Royal by SJ Bennett

November 18, 2023

Murder Most Royal by SJ Bennett

December 2016. The Queen and Prince Philip have just arrived at their home in Sandringham to celebrate Christmas with their family, when news arrives that a severed hand has washed up on a nearby beach. Not wanting to spoil the holiday, the Queen asks Rozie Oshodi, one of her private secretaries, to quietly monitor the situation and keep her updated.

I really enjoy this charming cozy mystery series featuring the late queen and Rozie. This third installment was a little disappointing, partly because Rozie isn't in it that much, and partly because the who aristocracy and inheritance thing is complicated and quite honestly archaic. But it's central to the mystery so it has to be explained to those of us outside of that realm. I also figured out who the killer was about halfway through the story but kept reading to make sure I was right. Hoping for better on the next book.

Sandringham Estate in Norfolk - to quote the Three Stooges, reminds me of the reform school

Neferura by Malayna Evans

October 2, 2023

Neferura by Malayna Evans

Neferura is the daughter of the great female pharaoh Hatshepsut and Tutmose II. Her half-brother Tutmose III is co-ruler with Hatshepsut and hates her for a variety of reasons. Tutmose III is the son of one of Tutmose II's concubines, so to solidify his claim to the throne, he marries Neferura in order to produce legitimate offspring. Neferura fears that once he has an heir, Tutmose III will have no further use for her and will have her killed. She decides to save her own life with the help of a group of strong and talented women.

Very little is known about Neferura's life: she was the only known offspring of Hatshepsut, she was the high priestess of Amun (known as the god's wife of Amun), one of her tutors was a court official named Senenmut, and her name appears in a royal cartouche, indicating that she may have been a queen. She may or may not have been married to Tutmose III and they may or may not have had a child. Ancient Egyptian royals traditionally married their siblings to keep the dynasty in the family. Sometimes it was a symbolic marriage, sometimes it was a consummated marriage (Hatshepsut and Tutmose II were sister and brother). This is almost pure fiction, especially the "and they all lived happily ever after" ending, but readers who like strong women characters and want a happy ending will enjoy it.

(About 20 years after Hatshepsut's death, an organized attempt was made to erase her name and her reign from the historical record, probably by Tutmose III's son and co-regent Amenhotep II. For a long time, historians believed that Tutmose III was responsible, but he wouldn't have waited until 20 years after her death. It most likely wasn't personal but political, since Amenhotep II was not related to Hatshepsut and may have wanted to emphasize his legitimate claim to the throne.)

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

One of a number of surviving statures of Senenmut and Neferura

The King's Pleasure by Alison Weir

April 28, 2023

The King's Pleasure by Alison Weir

On his deathbed, Henry VIII reflection on his life, his good and evil deeds, and how he will be remembered.

After writing about his six wives, Alison Weir is finally giving Henry VIII his day in court. Weir is a historian and the reader learns about the history of England in the 16th century as well as the events that shaped Henry as a man and a ruler. Even people who don't like history tend to be fascinated by the Tudors, Henry VIII in particular, but what most people don't realize is that the only thing Fat Harry is remembered for is being married six times and murdering two of his wives. Otherwise he was a rather mediocre king, squandering the massive treasury left to him by his father on futile wars and entertainments. Rather than tending to matters of state, he turned them over to advisers like Wolsey and Cromwell and spent his time enjoying himself with his friends. He was obsessed with fathering sons, convinced that a woman couldn't be an effective ruler, even though his advisers and fellow monarchs all told him that there was no reason that Mary could not be his heir and a successful ruler (even though the three longest reigning and most successful English monarchs WERE queens: Elizabeth I, Victoria, and Elizabeth II). 

Weir deals rather gently with Henry and is sympathetic to him compared with other biographers. She downplays the fact that due to his suspicious nature, Henry eventually executed almost all of his friends and relatives. He was rather gullible and a notoriously bad judge of character. His motto should have been "it's not my fault." 

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

Fat Harry - even in later years, he fancied himself to be quite a hunk - when he got fat (it's estimated that he weighed around 400 lbs), the courtiers started padding their clothes to look fat like him - he didn't look anything like the actor who played him in the Tudors cable TV series

Before Versailles by Karleen Koen

February 11, 2023

Before Versailles by Karleen Koen

Louis XIV, later known as the Sun King, became king of France at the age of 21. He was surrounded by a court of dashing young men and beautiful young women. Louis married a Spanish infanta who spoke little French and preferred praying and embroidering to dancing and socializing, leaving Louis and his brother Philippe (known as Monsieur) to hunt, feast, party and engage in romantic intrigue. Louis is at first attracted to his brother's wife, Henriette, but realizes that it is taboo for him to take his brother's wife as his mistress. Louis' first mistress, Louise de la Valliere, came to court to be a lady in waiting to Henriette, and Louis was soon attracted to the lovely modest girl.

The story takes place over four months of Louis' reign. Very good historical fiction, well researched, recommended especially for readers who enjoy historical fiction about royalty.

Louise de la Valliere, first mistress of Louis XIV

The Royal Art of Poison: Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman

 November 18, 2020

The Royal Art of Poison:  Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman

For centuries, royal families have lived in fear of poison more than any other weapon.  It was relatively easy for a disgruntled relative or courtier to slip a little something-something into the royal goblet or gravy boat.  Kings, queens, and their main advisors relied on food tasters and questionable antidotes (deer gallstones, anyone?) to hopefully save them from the common poisons of the day.

But a good number of suspicious deaths were more likely the result of dirty living conditions, poor hygiene, cosmetics made from lead and human feces, and the medical practices of the time.  This is a very entertaining and readable collection of the follies of past centuries - it will make you happy to be living in the 21st century.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC.

A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn

July 12, 2020

A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn

Veronica Speedwell and her partner Revelstoke Templeton-Vane (i.e., Stoker) are back for their 5th adventure, this time involving Prince Eddy, oldest son of Edward, Prince of Wales.  Eddy has been visiting a house of pleasure run by the mysterious Madame Aurore, and he hasn't been very circumspect about his activities.  He ordered a piece of diamond jewelry for Madame Aurore from his mother's jeweler and billed it to her account, thinking she would never find out (sigh).  Worse yet, Lady Wellie, guardian of royal secrets, has been receiving anonymous notes and newspaper clippings insinuating that Eddy is involved in the Jack the Ripper murders.  Urgently needing a discreet inquiry into both matters, she calls on Veronica and Stoker to investigate and retrieve the jewel before it falls into the wrong hands.  Veronica's mysterious ancestry unexpectedly comes into play as well, and matters between Veronica and Stoker personally continue to heat up.

I really enjoy this series, for the entertaining dialogue and the perils that the characters land in.  I usually don't enjoy mysteries with sleuthing couples since they tend to be simpering and sugary, and the couple are almost never in conflict with each other.  Not so with Veronica and Stoker - their verbal sparring and undeniable chemistry keep things entertaining.  There is enough quirkiness to keep the reader amused - Patricia the Galapagos tortoise is getting married, Lady Rose (Lord Rosmarron's daughter) is scheming to poison her brother (but only a little), and Stoker's brothers make an appearance as well.  I also like how historical characters and events are skillfully woven into the story line.  This series is smart, sexy, and well-plotted, with fast pacing and frequent twists.  The Victorian-style silhouette covers only add to the series' attraction.  The only bad part is that once you finish the book, you want the next adventure, and it's probably going to be about a year before you get it.

If you haven't read any of the titles in this series, I highly recommend starting with the first book, A Curious Beginning, where we first meet Veronica and Stoker.

Why Kings Confess by C. S. Harris

February 6, 2020

Why Kings Confess by C. S. Harris

When a French physician is found brutally murdered in a London alley, the authorities are quick to write off the crime as the work of footpads (what we would call a mugger).  When surgeon Paul Gibson examines the body, he discovers that not only was the man stabbed in the back, but his heart was also removed.  He turns to his aristocratic friend Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, who agrees that a street thief is unlikely to cut out a man’s heart but leave his purse in his pocket.  St. Cyr decides to investigate, little knowing that his inquiries will lead him to the exiled French royal family living in England and a woman that he last encountered in Spain while serving in the army.

I think this is one of the best of the St. Cyr mysteries so far, well-researched and seamlessly blending fictional characters with historical figures.  This novel focuses less on Sebastian's past and more on his present life with his new wife Hero and the impending birth of their child.  Hero is a marvelous character, a kick-ass, take no prisoners woman – even at nine months’ pregnant, she manages to brain a ruffian with a fireplace poker.  Although she still manages to change her clothes five or six times a day like all the women in Regency fiction.

The title of the book comes from a conversation that Sebastian and Hero have, regarding the divine right of kings (which the Bourbons, the French royal family, certainly believed in).  They discuss why a king would bother to go to confession if he believes that his existence is sanctioned by God and that he can do no wrong.

Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end.  Here’s a synopsis:

Both children of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI were at first imprisoned with their mother and their aunt Elisabeth, but after Louis XVI was executed, Louis-Charles (age 7, now Louis XVII) was taken away and imprisoned in a different part of the prison.  Royalist reports claim he was beaten and starved by his captors, and walled up in a single room.  Whatever happened to him, he was certainly neglected and died in prison at age 10.  Almost immediately, rumors began to fly that the real Louis-Charles had been removed from prison by his supporters and that a deaf-mute peasant child suffering from advanced tuberculosis was substituted in his place.  Thus the legend of the “Lost Dauphin” was born (similar to the story that one of the Russian Grand Duchesses escaped execution during the Russian Revolution).

Charles-Louis' sister Marie-Therese, age 15 when their parents were executed, remained alone and in prison until December 1795 when she was released and sent to Vienna in exchange for several high-ranking French prisoners.  She eventually married her cousin Louis-Antoine and the whole family moved to England.  When her brother died in prison, Marie-Therese was not shown his body and spent the rest of her life wondering if Louis-Charles had somehow escaped.  Numerous imposters presented themselves to her as her missing brother.  Marie-Therese herself was most likely abused by her captors, and at least one contemporary letter notes that Marie-Therese was raped in prison, resulting in a pregnancy.  By all accounts, Marie-Therese was traumatized by the events of the French Revolution and possibly half-mad, and lived an unhappy life waiting for the Bourbons to be restored to the French throne.