Book Review: Queen's Ransome

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Queen's Ransome     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC Amazon UK AUDIO Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Fiona Buckley
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Ursula Blanchard # 3
Scribner, Jan 2000, $22.00, 352 pp.

In 1562, Elizabeth I is twenty-eight years old. She is about the same age as Ursula Blanchard, her Lady of the Presence Chamber. However, Ursula is a spy who has done things that deeply bother her conscience and eat at her soul. To cleanse herself, Ursula goes to France for a bit of needed respite. She accompanies the father of her first spouse, who plans to return home with his ward, the woman intended to wed his son.

France is unsafe, as civil war between the Papists and the Huguenots is imminent. Just before she leaves for the continent, Ursula meets with her Royal Highness. Elizabeth gives Ursula a message to deliver to the French Queen Catherine de Medici. The English monarch offers to mediate between the two warring factions. Ursula is unaware that she is the bait to return a traitor to England. That person happens to be her spouse, loyal to Mary.

QUEEN’S RANSOME, the third installment in the mysteries at the court of Queen Elizabeth I is a fantastic historical fiction novel filled with royal intrigue. Readers gain an insightful look at France on the brink of internal religious wars. Although clearly a product of her times, Ursula retains independence fed by her belief she can accomplish anything. Readers will fully relish the woman as she travels life’s path. Renowned for her characterizations, Fiona Buckley is a creative storyteller who makes the Elizabethan era fun to read about in her novels.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner