Book Review: Face Down Below the Banqueting House

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

Face Down Below the Banqueting House     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Kathy Lynn Emerson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Woman Main Character
Series: Lady Susanna Appleton # 9

Lady Appleton, the protagonist of Kathy Lynn Emerson's series of Elizabethan mysteries, is a widow who turns her analytical skills equally well to studying herbs and solving mysteries. In this book, she must unravel a complicated and dangerous puzzle in the face of an imminent visit to the area by Queen Elizabeth herself. The Queen's visit is preceded by an annoying harbinger in the form of a sleazy courtier scouting accommodation for the royal trip, accompanied by an even sleazier servant. Add in a new local priest with very firm opinions on the controversial religious issues of the day, and an assortment of servants and neighbours all of whom have their own agendas and secrets, and the situation becomes very complicated.

The setting is convincingly detailed without becoming tedious, and leaves the reader with a charming impression of life in Elizabethan England. Even the details of house design - very important if there is the possibility of a visit by the queen and her court! - are interesting without being pedantic. Fans of the gentler historical mysteries should enjoy this addition to the genre.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM