Two weeks ago, I shared a blog written by my friend and author, Elizabeth St. John. Her newest novel, THE KING'S INTELLIGENCER launched this month, and I was fortunate enough to be one of her advance readers.
I confess that most of the novels for which I share reviews are traditionally published works. However, there are times, when an independently published book is just as moving and well-written as any book marketed by "big-house" publishers, such as Random House, Penguin, etc.
THIS is one of those times!
This week, I invite you to read my own review of THE KING'S INTELLIGENCER. Hopefully, you'll be persuaded to get hold of a copy of this wonderfully written book that takes place during a volatile time in British history.
Read ON, everybody!
ALL ABOUT THE BOOK
London, 1674: When children’s bones are unexpectedly unearthed in the Tower of London, England’s most haunting mystery—the fate of the missing princes—is reignited.
Franny Apsley, trusted confidante to Charles II’s beloved niece and heir, Lady Mary Stuart, is caught up in the court’s excitement surrounding the find. Yet, as a dark family secret comes to light, Franny realises the truth behind the missing princes is far more complex—and dangerous—than anyone suspects. Recruited by her formidable cousin Nan Wilmot, Dowager Countess of Rochester, to discover the truth behind the bones, Franny is thrust into the shadowy world of intelligencers. But her quest is complicated by an attraction to the charismatic court artist Nicholas Jameson, a recent arrival from Paris who harbours secrets of his own.
Pursued by Nicholas, Franny searches for evidence hidden in secret family letters and paintings, and uncovers a startling diplomatic plot involving Lady Mary, which causes Franny to question her own judgment, threatens the throne, and sets England on a course for war. With only her courage and the guidance of an enigmatic spy within the royal household, Franny must decide how far she will go to expose the truth—and whether that truth will lead to England’s salvation or her own heartbreak.
In a glittering and debauched society where love is treacherous and loyalty masked, Franny must navigate a world where a woman’s voice is often silenced and confront the ultimate question: What is she willing to risk for the sake of her country, her happiness, and her family’s safety?
A captivating historical novel of conspiracy, passion, and courage, The King’s Intelligencer is one woman's quest for a truth that could change the fate of a nation. A companion to the critically acclaimed best-selling novels The Godmother’s Secret and The Lydiard Chronicles, The King’s Intelligencer weaves together beloved characters and actual events to bring a suspenseful mystery to life.
Review of THE KING'S INTELLIGENCER
By Brook Allen
This book is about a lot of fabulous things, but at the forefront is the importance of protecting one’s family, no matter the cost.
Set in the licentious, seductive court of Charles the II, intrigue is everywhere, frivolity is practically a requirement within the King’s closest circles, and spies come a dime a dozen. And threading beneath everything are very dangerous spiritual tensions between Protestants and Catholics.
Frances (Franny) Apsley is extremely young and impressionable when placed as a companion for Mary—England’s heir to the throne. Because of her reputation and innocence in a court rife with lechery, the Duke of York believes she’s the perfect choice for his daughter, and the two become fast friends. But when the Apsley family is threatened by ancestral disgrace, someone must seek out the truth, and that duty also falls upon Franny’s naïve shoulders. Though Franny is understandably fickle, there’s a very human and endearing tug of war as St. John aptly portrays her character’s arc. In fact, that “coming of age” blossoming isn’t entirely complete until the book’s final two chapters, which proves especially satisfying. Franny’s relationship with a sensual young artist, Nicholas Jameson, introduces her to 17th century courtly intrigue, tempting her both sexually and challenging her honor. Fortunately for Franny and her family, she is an honorable girl who wants her family name to maintain its greatness, so she accepts the charge to uncover the truth of her ancestors’ role in the death of the two Princes who had been imprisoned in the Tower of London. This adventure takes her into the dark crypts of Westminster, to her childhood home of Lydiard Park, and finally to the mysterious Bolton Castle, faraway in England’s north country. And Franny will not only have to present her findings before a Royal Council, but sort out the complex feelings she has for her first love—the dangerously Catholic Nicholas Jameson.
St. John is an actual descendent of Franny’s, and the personal connection she has to this story and others under her belt is truly impressive and shines golden throughout her work. This book is a grand companion to THE GODMOTHER’S SECRET, her last project. And for readers who have an intense interest in the Wars of the Roses and Ricardian history, St. John reveals that she has actually worked on a committee doing research on the Princes in the Tower along with Philippa Langley, the woman whose research led to the discovery of Richard III’s remains beneath a parking lot.
THE KING’S INTELLIGENCER is entertaining, fascinating, and an eye-opening journey through the halls of Charles II, complete with a well-plotted storyline and joyful conclusion. Congratulations to Elizabeth St. John for once again bringing to life a portion of her family story, through colorful characters, intimate truths, and exquisite historical fiction!
All About Elizabeth St. John
Elizabeth St.John’s critically acclaimed historical fiction novels tell the stories of her ancestors: extraordinary women whose intriguing kinship with England's kings and queens brings an intimately unique perspective to Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart times.
Inspired by family archives and residences from Lydiard Park to the Tower of London, Elizabeth spends much of her time exploring ancestral portraits, diaries, and lost gardens. And encountering the occasional ghost. But that’s another story.
Living between California, England, and the past, Elizabeth is the International Ambassador for The Friends of Lydiard Park, an English charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing this beautiful centuries-old country house and park. As a curator for The Lydiard Archives, she is constantly looking for an undiscovered treasure to inspire her next novel.
Elizabeth's works include The Lydiard Chronicles, a trilogy set in 17th-century England during the Civil War, and The Godmother's Secret, which unravels the medieval mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London. Her latest release, The King’s Intelligencer, follows Franny Apsley's perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the sudden discovery of the princes' bones. In Charles II's court of intrigue and deceit, Franny must decide what she’ll risk—for England’s salvation, her family's safety, and her own happiness.
Connect with Elizabeth
BUY THE BOOK!!!
*This book is also available through KindleUnlimited.
To purchase it, click the book cover for the link.*
Comments