This romantic, historical fiction debut is based around the real visit of Queen Elizabeth I to Kenilworth castle in 1575 that historians believe was the last chance for Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, to persuade her to marry him. The author skillfully wraps an intriguing fictional mystery around this real event and the book is meticulously researched making it an informative as well as entertaining read.

Synopsis

It's July 1575: Elizabeth I, Queen of England, arrives at Kenilworth Castle amid pomp, fanfare and a wealth of lavish festivities, laid on by the Earl of Leicester. The hopeful Earl knows this is his very last chance to persuade the Queen to marry him. But despite his attachment to the Queen and his driving ambition to be her King, Leicester is unable to resist the seductive wiles of Lettice, wife of the Earl of Essex. And soon whispers of their relationship start spreading through the court. Enraged by the adulterous lovers growing intimacy, Elizabeth employs Lucy Morgan, a young black singer and court entertainer, to spy on the couple. But Lucy, who was raised by a spy in London, uncovers far more than she bargains for. For someone at Kenilworth that summer is plotting to kill the queen. No longer able to tell friend from foe, it is soon not only the queen who is in mortal danger - but Lucy herself.

About the Author

While studying Elizabethan and Jacobean playwrights at university, Victoria Lamb had a desire to write a series of novels about Shakespeare's 'Dark Lady'. Now a busy mother of five, she has finally achieved that ambition after much research. Daughter of the prolific novelist Charlotte Lamb, Victoria lives in Warwickshire - also known as Shakespeare Country - only twenty minutes from Kenilworth Castle where The Queen's Secret is set. She is presently working on her new novel featuring Lucy Morgan. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation