Review: The Rival Queens

Fidelis Morgan returns with “The Rival Queens,” featuring Countess Ashby de la Zouche and her maidservant, Alpiew. Still in the employment of the London Trumpet, they travel throughout the city obtaining scandalous bits of information and gossip. Also, the Countess is, once again, being pursued by bailiffs for debt. To avoid the bailiffs, and gain more scandal-sheet data, they hide in the theatre during a philosophical debate (to the pleasure of Alpiew, but disdain of the Countess). A murder is committed, and the wrong person is arrested. The Countess feels some responsibility to find the murderer since the accused had been chivalrous and helpful to her recently.

The victim is a well-know actress, Anne Lucas, who is known for prioritizing her family over the theatre.

Our unlikely heroines begin a wild journey through the theatre’s players, into the Tower of London, confused by sea-folk and their special jargon, titillated with sexual apparatus and medicinal information for sexual diseases. The find themselves accosted by young ruffians, followed by a theatre groupie, enlisted to assist theatre players’ careers, and hired as bodyguards by one of the players, Rebecca Montagu. Unfortunately, the Countess and Alpiew see Ms. Montagu as a prime suspect.

After misadventure aboard The Folly, during Anne Lucas’ wake, Rebecca disappears. Then another murder victim is found late at night in a park where the Countess, Alpiew and Godfrey have been summoned. The victim’s head was removed and not to be found. The local constable believes the victim was a prostitute as she was in the latter stages of a sexually transmitted disease. Our heroines know it was Rebecca as she summoned them there, and the victim was wearing her clothing.

Ms. Morgan once again takes you into (late) 17th century and surrounds you with enchanting and interesting characters. The Countess and Alpiew have developed a strong working relationship, occasionally to be assisted by Godfrey, the Countess’ manservant. He, once again, can be as disruptive as helpful.

“The Rival Queens” is uproariously funny, titillating, as well as suspenseful. You will not want to stop reading until you finish the mystery. Ms. Morgan has woven incredible knowledge of the theatre and fine arts, as well as actors’ attitudes and egos into the story. All of her characters are engaging and life-like. It is a delightful follow-up to her debut mystery novel, “Unnatural Fires.” The progression of personal lives and working relationships have developed realistically.

Also, if the historical sub-genre bothers you, ignore it. The setting is perfect for this well-written, absolutely enjoyable crime fiction novel.

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

Book Review: The Rival Queens