At just nineteen, Katheryn Howard is quick to trust and fall in love. She comes to court. She sings, she dances.
She captures the heart of the King.
I've read all the books in Alison Weir's 'Six Tudor Queens' series, and this is my favourite. Despite the horrible inevitability of Katheryn's story, The Tainted Queen has an engaging narrative.
I've always wondered about the motivation of Lady Jane Rochford, who would know the dire consequences of her actions. Alison Weir shows her skill as a writer by teasing readers with subtle hints, as she does with the question of whether Katheryn is an innocent victim of the men in her life, (including Henry VIII and 'Uncle Norfolk') or if she was taking calculated risks.
I recommend reading the (thirteen page) author's note, which answers some questions raised in the book, and am looking forward to the final book in this captivating series.
Tony Riches
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About the Author
Alison Weir is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels Innocent Traitor and The Lady Elizabeth and several historical biographies, including Mistress of the Monarchy, Queen Isabella, Henry VIII, Eleanor of Aquitaine, The Life of Elizabeth I, and The Six Wives of Henry VIII. She lives in Surrey, England with her husband and two children. Find our more at Alison's website http://www.alisonweir.org.uk/ and fin her on Facebook and Twitter @AlisonWeirBooks
Disclosure: I am grateful to Alison Weir's publishers, Headline Books, for providing a review copy.
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