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20th out of 107 books
—
24 voters
In a Treacherous Court (Susanna Horenbout and John Parker #1)
by
Michelle Diener (Goodreads Author)
An unconventional woman. A deadly enemy. A clash of intrigue, deception, and desire. . . . 1525: Artist Susanna Horenbout is sent from Belgium to be Henry VIII’s personal illuminator inside the royal palace. But her new homeland greets her with an attempt on her life, and the King’s most lethal courtier, John Parker, is charged with keeping her safe. As further attacks are...more
Paperback, 301 pages
Published
August 2nd 2011
by Gallery Books, Simon & Schuster
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Well, I was really taken in by the description and the handful of glowing reviews. I was expecting a new high-quality romantic historical mystery series set amidst the dangerous court of Henry VIII, but this reads like a really bad self-pubbed romance. No subtlety, no finesse. For the first three chapters the characters have done nothing but admire each other while dodging flaming arrows. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
The light gleamed fine brandy off her hair.
She shook her head again and...more
The light gleamed fine brandy off her hair.
She shook her head again and...more
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Artist Susanna Horenbout is sent by her father from Belgium to the court of Henry VIII to be his personal illuminator. When she arrives, there is an attempt made on her life and John Parker, the King’s yeomen of the crossbows is charged with keeping her safe. When further attempts are made, they realize that Susanna unknowingly carries the key to a plot against the throne. While Richard de la Pole prepares for invasion, a traitor sets a plan into motion to destroy the kingdom from within. Can Pa...more
In a Treacherous Court has everything. Suspense, royalty, intrigue, fantastic characters, great writing and a great love story. It's based on people who actually lived, and the author brought Henry VIII and his court to life. As I read it, I had the feeling that it really could have happened. I had chills.
I've fallen in love with John Parker, Henry's Keeper of the Palace of Westminster and Yeoman of the King's Robes. One of the best heroes ever. Susanna Horenbout, who was likely the king's arti...more
I've fallen in love with John Parker, Henry's Keeper of the Palace of Westminster and Yeoman of the King's Robes. One of the best heroes ever. Susanna Horenbout, who was likely the king's arti...more
3.5 stars
Debut
John Parker, courtier to King Henry VIII waits at Dover to escort the King's new artist/painter back to London. Parker - King's Keeper of the Palace of Westminster and Yeoman of the Crossbows - is not impressed, his real reason for being in Dover is to collect a shipment of new Italian crossbows. Susanna Horenbout is the Belgium painter, sent by her famous father, also a painter, to the court of England's King.
The ship has been diverted to Deal in Kent. There's been a death on boa...more
4.5/5.0
Awesome! History woven flawlessly into riveting fiction.
For a complete review, visit Affaire de Coeur magazine, hard copy or online -http://affairedecoeur.com/ - August 2011 issue.
Awesome! History woven flawlessly into riveting fiction.
For a complete review, visit Affaire de Coeur magazine, hard copy or online -http://affairedecoeur.com/ - August 2011 issue.
I didn't like In a Treacherous Court as much as I expected to and I'm not sure that I'm going to read the next installments.
Although I liked the main characters, I couldn't really feel a connection with them and even thought the book is supposed to be more a mystery than a romance, the way their relationship develops felt far too forced to me.
Also, I had hoped the plot would keep my attention for at least a couple of hours, but that didn't really happen, and even though some people may like it,...more
Although I liked the main characters, I couldn't really feel a connection with them and even thought the book is supposed to be more a mystery than a romance, the way their relationship develops felt far too forced to me.
Also, I had hoped the plot would keep my attention for at least a couple of hours, but that didn't really happen, and even though some people may like it,...more
I thought the premise of this novel was interesting coming from a period that is so widely written about. Susanna being an independent female painter in a man's world and John, a lone wolf operating as the King's man in a dangerous court of intrigue. However, the plot was astoundingly awful. For such rich character development I was hoping for more context and banter, instead this book had the reader running from one botched assassination attempt to the next. It truly felt like John was saving S...more
“A quick and easy read, fun and action-packed.
Susanna Horenbout travels from Belgium to England to join the court of Henry VIII as his personal painter. En route she unwittingly becomes entangled in a treasonous Yorkist plot and her life is in danger. She and her protector, John Parker, must discover who is behind the plot and who is trying to kill them.
There is lots to like in Diener's first novel. Susanna is a likable heroine, capable and assertive, yet without 21st century pretensions, and Jo...more
Susanna Horenbout travels from Belgium to England to join the court of Henry VIII as his personal painter. En route she unwittingly becomes entangled in a treasonous Yorkist plot and her life is in danger. She and her protector, John Parker, must discover who is behind the plot and who is trying to kill them.
There is lots to like in Diener's first novel. Susanna is a likable heroine, capable and assertive, yet without 21st century pretensions, and Jo...more
I loved the first two seasons of Showtime's THE TUDORS . Despite its historcial inaccuracies, it was a visual treat with the ornate costumes, beautiful music, and hunky nobleman (especially Henry Cavrill). Yet I have never read any historical fiction from the Tudor era, fearing that the complicated alliances and heavy "ye old" language would distract me from the story.
Michelle Diener's IN A TREACHEROUS COURT cured me of those fears.
Diener delivers an intriguing tale based on two real people fro...more
Michelle Diener's IN A TREACHEROUS COURT cured me of those fears.
Diener delivers an intriguing tale based on two real people fro...more
Full review to be posted soon:
I rarely read mysteries but I do love this setting and time period. Susanna and Parker were fantastic characters and I loved how unconventional they were compared to the courtiers and nobles in the royal court of King Henry the 8th. Parker being a self made man who went up the ranks to the King's yeoman and Susanna being a court artist and illuminator, added a different dimension to the usual roles I have read and it was interesting to note they were based on real p...more
I rarely read mysteries but I do love this setting and time period. Susanna and Parker were fantastic characters and I loved how unconventional they were compared to the courtiers and nobles in the royal court of King Henry the 8th. Parker being a self made man who went up the ranks to the King's yeoman and Susanna being a court artist and illuminator, added a different dimension to the usual roles I have read and it was interesting to note they were based on real p...more
Excellent read, very entertaining
This book is set in the court of Henry the eighth. The story is based on a plot to remove the king from the throne. It is peopled with real characters including the main characters. The author has researched two people who are little known but were part of the court of Henry the eighth. There is a lot of action in the story as well as romance. It would have benefited with a little more historical background for readers who are not that knowledgable about the times.
I was interested in this book because of the description (based on real people, set in the 1500s, court plotting). I definitely got that. But. This book was 90% action and only 10% characterization. It moved briskly, even frenziedly, without so much as a pause to breathe. Considering the pace, I was surprised that Parker and Susanna had time to fall in love, let alone lust. The mystery and frantic pace I could believe, but the "romance" felt a bit forced. Given that Parker and Susanna were marri...more
One of the most awesome aspects of being a book blogger are all the awesome titles you’re introduced to by publishers, authors, and other readers. I was recently sent a copy of In A Treacherous Court by Michelle Diener due to my interest in all things relating to the Tudor period. Philippa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl gets the credit for my introduction into that period of British history. That being said, I was excited to see what Diener had in store from this fascinating time period.
Susanna...more
Susanna...more
I heard of this book via a blog about historical undergarments and romance writing, of all places, and it sounded interesting so I picked it up yesterday after it was released. The story is set in the early part of King Henry VIII's reign, when he's still married to Katherine but before he takes up with Anne Boleyn. The story is anchored by historical figures Susanna Horenbout and John Parker, who did exist and were married, though not much other information about them survives. The author does...more
The book takes place in Henry VIII's court and covers both a plot to overthrow Henry VIII and a love story between the two main characters. The plot is reasonably credible, and the characters are well drawn. There are some improbable plot twists, but nothing that makes my eyes roll too much. My major quibble is that the author relies too heavily on Alison Weir's histories of the period (I have some issues with the quality of Ms. Weir's research) and draws conclusions about certain historical cha...more
N A TREACHEROUS COURT combines the lives of a Flemish painter, Mistress Susanna Horenbout and John Parker, the King's Keeper of the Palace of Westminster and his Yeoman of the Crossbows, one of Henry VIII's most trusted courtiers, or perhaps more simply, he's the "King's Man."
Susanna comes from a family of illuminators, studied under her father who painted for Margaret of Austria, and though equally talented, has lived in the shadow of her brother, Lucas. Until her father allows her to travel to...more
Susanna comes from a family of illuminators, studied under her father who painted for Margaret of Austria, and though equally talented, has lived in the shadow of her brother, Lucas. Until her father allows her to travel to...more
Rating: 3.75/5
IN A TREACHEROUS COURT is Michelle Diener's exciting debut novel. The story is set in the court of Henry VIII when he was still married to his first wife Catherine of Aragon. John Parker, one of the king's most trusted and loyal courtiers, is sent to meet the king's new court painter arriving by ship from the Netherlands. He is surprised to learn that the Flemish artist is a young woman named Susanna Horenbout, and that she was the witness to the murder of a spy. The secret message...more
IN A TREACHEROUS COURT is Michelle Diener's exciting debut novel. The story is set in the court of Henry VIII when he was still married to his first wife Catherine of Aragon. John Parker, one of the king's most trusted and loyal courtiers, is sent to meet the king's new court painter arriving by ship from the Netherlands. He is surprised to learn that the Flemish artist is a young woman named Susanna Horenbout, and that she was the witness to the murder of a spy. The secret message...more
Historical fiction, I have read and enjoy. Fiction surrounding the infamous Henry VIII is always something I enjoy. Except now that statement has been proven false. In A Treacherous Court is merely a cheesy romance and love story set in Tudor England, I think, merely to sell the book as something more than a Harlequin Romance book. Which at its core, it is.
The dust jacket sells the idea of a mystery surrounding the royal court, something very common. However, the bricks upon which the story was...more
The dust jacket sells the idea of a mystery surrounding the royal court, something very common. However, the bricks upon which the story was...more
This was my first book by Michelle Diener and my first historical romance. To be honest, I was not sure if I would like it. I always shied away from historical romance because growing up, I hated learning about history and I hated the books we had to read in English class. I just couldn’t follow them with their weird language. I wasn’t sure if I would have the same feelings with historical romance. However, I recently have been made aware of some books that sound interesting and this was one of...more
A murder and conspiracy mystery set during the reign of Henry VIII, just on the eve of his infamous 'Great Matter'. I was intrigued by the summary, and picked it up from my library.
(view spoiler)...more
(view spoiler)...more
This book was such a happy surprise for me.
It moves. Fast. Ms Diener wastes no time in getting her characters into trouble. The book opens with John Parker, a courtier in Henry VIII's court and a deadly fighter, being summoned to a ship that has recently arrived with some trouble aboard. Susanna Horenbout is the daughter of a master painter and is quite talented herself. Her father had sent her to Henry's court to be his new royal painter and while on the way to London, a man with a secret dies...more
It moves. Fast. Ms Diener wastes no time in getting her characters into trouble. The book opens with John Parker, a courtier in Henry VIII's court and a deadly fighter, being summoned to a ship that has recently arrived with some trouble aboard. Susanna Horenbout is the daughter of a master painter and is quite talented herself. Her father had sent her to Henry's court to be his new royal painter and while on the way to London, a man with a secret dies...more
The story takes place in 1525 England. Susanna Horenbout finds herself in an unusual predicament. She is on her way to England to serve as an artist for King Henry VIII. During the journey, however, a man dies in her arms with no one else around. He leaves her with his last words which are an important message for the King.
John Parker works very closely with the King and is one of his men. He comes across Susanna because the man who died in her arms also worked for the King. Parker tries to get...more
John Parker works very closely with the King and is one of his men. He comes across Susanna because the man who died in her arms also worked for the King. Parker tries to get...more
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I have pretty high standards when it comes to reading books that fit within that genre. I especially love books written in the era of King Henry VIII.
I started this book with high hopes after seeing the amazing reviews other people had left, but was left wishing it had had more. More history, more connections and more believablility. While I liked the characters as individuals, the relationship between Susanna and Parker seemed somewhat forced...more
I started this book with high hopes after seeing the amazing reviews other people had left, but was left wishing it had had more. More history, more connections and more believablility. While I liked the characters as individuals, the relationship between Susanna and Parker seemed somewhat forced...more
Author Michelle Diener bursts onto the historical fiction scene with an exciting and wonderfully-written read about a virtually unknown woman from Tudor-era England. Her name is Susanna Horenbout, a young woman who is sent the court of Henry VIII from Belgium to serve as the king's personal illuminator. After an attempt is made on Susanna's life, she is put in the care of courtier John Parker, who she eventually develops feelings for. But, of course, their romance isn't that simple. After discov...more
Jinkies, this is not the book for me.
My library reserves weren't in, so I did some browsing on the historical fiction shelf and decided to take a chance on this. It looked less bodice-ripper-y than others and I thought it might be somewhat more accessible than the Dorothy Dunnett I'd also checked out.
This was a little too accessible, bordering on the inane, with a very modern sensibility, a plot-driven mystery, and two characters who are perfect in their imperfections (and thus wholly uninviti...more
My library reserves weren't in, so I did some browsing on the historical fiction shelf and decided to take a chance on this. It looked less bodice-ripper-y than others and I thought it might be somewhat more accessible than the Dorothy Dunnett I'd also checked out.
This was a little too accessible, bordering on the inane, with a very modern sensibility, a plot-driven mystery, and two characters who are perfect in their imperfections (and thus wholly uninviti...more
Jan 27, 2012
Terri Pray
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Historical Suspense fans
Shelves:
romantic-suspense,
historical-romance
When Susanna Horenbout is sent to England from Belgium to be Henry VIII's personal illuminator, she isn't expecting to be thrown head first into the intrigue of the Tudor court. But the death of a fellow passenger and his dying words given only unto her ears, place her life in danger before she's taken a dozen steps on English soil.
John Parker finds himself charged with keeping her safe, but there's something about the young artist that draws him. And the plot that risks the throne draws them c...more
John Parker finds himself charged with keeping her safe, but there's something about the young artist that draws him. And the plot that risks the throne draws them c...more
First in the Susanna Horenbout and John Parker historical suspense series set in 1525 at the Court of Henry VIII of England. And it's suitable for young adults.
My Take
I am somewhat prejudiced to liking this because it combines history with a working artist and it's nicely done with a blend of real people and Diener's characters creating a suspenseful treasonous plot against Henry VIII. Diener provided a well-blended backstory on her principal characters. She sets her historic scenes well enough...more
My Take
I am somewhat prejudiced to liking this because it combines history with a working artist and it's nicely done with a blend of real people and Diener's characters creating a suspenseful treasonous plot against Henry VIII. Diener provided a well-blended backstory on her principal characters. She sets her historic scenes well enough...more
I had great hopes for this book but found it a luke warm romance...the time frame was too tight...4days ...something's didn't seem consistent...halfway through it was suddenly winter in earnest with drifts, etc...without a mention before ... And then it was coming spring?? ...4days... It was interesting to read about the author research, but it made it seem that she tried to compact too much into to little time....every now and then a bunch of names and facts would be thrown in without enough ba...more
I liked this historical fiction mystery/romance set in the English court of Henry VIII, but I did not love it. I felt like the writing and plot were somewhere between a YA novel (except for the sex scenes) and a Harlequin romance (which I don't read). The novel is based on Dutch painter Susanna Horenbout and courtier John Parker, two little-known real-life historical figures. Truly, the characters felt very thin and flat to me and their relationship was not very compelling at all. I think I'll s...more
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Michelle Diener writes historical fiction. Her Susanna Horenbout and John Parker series starts with IN A TREACHEROUS COURT. Set in the court of Henry VIII, it features the real historical figures of artist Susanna Horenbout and Henry’s Keeper of the Palace of Westminster and Yeoman of the King’s Robes, John Parker. It was followed by KEEPER OF THE KING'S SECRETS, also featuring Susanna Horenbout a...more
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