Synopses & Reviews
The era of the Tudors was one of danger, intrigue, conspiracy, and, above all, spies.
Summer 1553: A time of danger and deceit. Brendan Prescott, an orphan, is reared in the household of the powerful Dudley family. Brought to court, Prescott finds himself sent on an illicit mission to the kings brilliant but enigmatic sister, Princess Elizabeth. But Brendan is soon compelled to work as a double agent by Elizabeths protector, William Cecil, who promises in exchange to help him unravel the secret of his own mysterious past.
A dark plot swirls around Elizabeths quest to unravel the truth about the ominous disappearance of her seriously ill brother, King Edward VI. With only a bold stable boy and an audacious lady-in-waiting at his side, Brendan plunges into a ruthless gambit of half-truths, lies, and murder. Filled with the intrigue and pageantry of Tudor England, The Tudor Secret is the first book in The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles.
Review
Praise for C. W. Gortner“Riveting . . . In Gortners capable hands, Prescott is a believable and enjoyable hero, a man of strong loyalties but naïve enough to be exploited. And while the Dudleys are mostly broadly drawn villains, Robert has depth, and though readers familiar with the Tudor era will know the key players, they may be surprised by their depiction here. Gortner handles action with aplomb, adding a riveting, fast-paced thriller to the crowded genre of Tudor fiction.”—Publishers Weekly on The Tudor Secret
“Even Tudor fans who know all the key players and historical backdrop will be captivated by Gortners storytelling and his engaging hero. He juxtaposes his naïve and loyal hero with the cruel Robert Dudley, enhancing the plot and grabbing reader interest as much as the quick pace and lush historical references. The novel is both entertaining and thoughtful.”—RT Book Review on The Tudor Secret
“Dazzling cast of characters . . . at its heart, the brilliant and enigmatic Elizabeth. Never have spy and counterspy been more challenged, villains more duplicitous, and life for those in power—or hoping to be—more dangerous. . . . Fast-moving tale of espionage and suspense . . . The velvet peril of Tudor England comes alive in this haunting look at Elizabeth Is secret spy.”—Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of The Autobiography of Henry VIII on The Tudor Secret“A brilliantly executed plot and three-dimensional characters . . . this is historical fiction, and very well done at that; very highly recommended.”—Historical Novels Review, editors choice
“An intriguing and provocative book about one of historys most controversial queens and the turbulent world of sixteenth-century France.”--Sharon Kay Penman, New York Times bestselling author of Devils Brood on The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
“A dramatic, epic novel . . . Meticulously researched, this engrossing novel offers a fresh portrait of a queen who has too often been portrayed as a villain.”--Sandra Gulland, bestselling author of The Josephine B. Trilogy, on The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
“A cant-put-it-down novel. . . . Gortner is a brilliant new star in historical fiction!”—Robin Maxwell, author of The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn, on The Last Queen
“A sparkling historical . . . Disturbing royal secrets and court manipulations wickedly twist this enthralling story, brilliantly told.”— Publishers Weekly on The Last Queen
“Meticulously researched . . . Gortner breathes life into his queen.”—Library Journal on The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
About the Author
C. W. Gortner is the author of the acclaimed historical novels The Last Queen and The Confessions of Catherine de Medici. He holds an MFA in writing with an emphasis on Renaissance studies from the New College of California. In his extensive travels to research his books, he has danced a galliard in a Tudor great hall and experienced life in a Spanish castle. He is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights and environmental issues. Half Spanish by birth, he lives in Northern California. Readers can visit him online at www.cwgortner.com.
Reading Group Guide
Reading Group Questions 1. The Tudor Secret takes place during the succession crisis of 1553. What did you discover about England at this time? Who were the major players and what were their motivations?
2. Religion plays a crucial role in the storys conflicts. What were the main issues between Catholics and Protestants? Were their conflicts based on actual religious differences or larger political power struggles? Do you see any parallels to todays religious divides?
3. Brendan Prescott is a fictional character with a secret. Like many servants of the time, he is entrusted with his masters private information. What were some of the possible repercussions he could have suffered for his actions? If you had been in his place, what might you have done?
4. The jewel featured in the book is based on an actual jewel shown in a painting of Henry VIIIs younger sister, Mary Tudor, Duchess of Suffolk, and her husband, Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk. Both Mary Tudor and Mistress Alice end up with different pieces of this jewel; why do you think the jewel was broken into pieces? If it was done at Marys request, what message do you think she was trying to send?
5. Lady Dudley hides secrets of her own. What are they? Did you understand her reasons for doing what she did? What does her character tell us about the role of noblemens wives in the sixteenth century?
6. Brendan carries a clue to his past with him all along. Why doesnt he understand its significance until the end? What part of his past does he fail to solve?
7. The death of Edward VI remains shrouded in mystery. Do you find the authors hypothesis plausible? If not, why?
8. Elizabeth Tudor is one of historys most popular figures. Why do you think she continues to exert such fascination, so many years after her life?
9. Who was your favorite character in the book, and why?