Synopses & Reviews
In this compelling debut of her historical mystery series, Fiona Buckley introduces Ursula Blanchard, a widowed young mother who has become lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I. Armed with a sharp eye, dangerous curiosity, and uncanny intelligence, Ursula pledges...
To Shield the Queen
Rumor has linked Queen Elizabeth I to her master of horse, Robin Dudley. As gossip would have it, only his ailing wife, Amy, prevents marriage between Dudley and the Queen. To quell the idle tongues at court, the Queen dispatches
Ursula Blanchard to tend to the sick woman's needs. But not even Ursula can prevent the "accident" that takes Amy's life. Did she fall or was she pushed? Was Ursula a pawn of Dudley and the Queen?
Suddenly Ursula finds herself at the center of the scandal, trying to protect Elizabeth as she loses her heart to a Frenchman who may be flirting with sedition against her Queen. She can trust no one, neither her lover nor her monarch, as she sets out to find the truth in a glittering court that conceals a wellspring of blood and lies.
Review
Kirkus ReviewsAn accomplished debut...high suspense throughout.
Review
Publishers WeeklyA lively mystery series kickoff set in 1560...In her first mystery, former journalist and editor Buckley shows a deft hand with strong characterization and creates a plot that spins merrily and wickedly through palace, manor house and intensely beautiful countryside....A promising series debut.
Review
Harriet Klausner
PaintedRock.com
To Shield the Queen is an exciting historical mystery that brings alive the early reign (second year on the throne) of Queen Elizabeth I. Ursula is a wonderful amateur sleuth while the rest of the cast brings color and pageantry to the exciting story line....With the first Blanchard novel, Fiona Buckley has opened up an auspicious new series.
Review
Barbara Peters
The Poisoned Pen
The debut of Ursula Blanchard, young, widowed Lady of the Presence Chamber at Elizabeth I's court, combines assured storytelling and historical detail to present a credible interpretation of the events surrounding the 1560 death of Lord Dudley's neglected wife at Cumnor Place....A terrific tale most accessibly told.
About the Author
Fiona Buckley makes her mystery fiction debut with
To Shield the Queen, the first in a planned series of novels that are set in the court of Queen Elizabeth I and feature Ursula Blanchard. Buckley began her career as a technical journalist and industrial editor before turning to fiction. She lives in North Surrey, England.