The King's Intelligencer

by Elizabeth St. John

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, confidante to Lady Mary Stuart, heir to King Charles’s throne, becomes embroiled in the royal court’s excitement over the discovery of children’s bones. Could they be the missing princes? As a devastating family secret emerges, Franny is recruited by her cousin Nan Wilmot to determine the truth behind the bones. Her investigation, complicated by an attraction to the secretive court artist Nicholas Jameson and the influence of an enigmatic royal spy, reveals a startling plot threatening the throne and England’s stability.

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 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 beloved characters and actual events together to bring a suspenseful mystery to life.

Genres: Historical Fiction

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

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.

Follow me on bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza...


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Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on my blog for Coffee Pot Book Club.

I recently jumped at the chance to read an early copy of Elizabeth St John's new novel, The King's Intelligencer, and I am excited to share it with you today. First, I should say that I LOVED The Godmother's Secret, which is kind of a prequel to this novel, though they are not technically published as a series. Besides being jealous of St John's familial connection to these historic events, I share her feelings that there are buried truths that may never be discovered about the famous Princes in the Tower.

This author does a fantastic job of taking women at the edge of well-known history and portraying them as unique, realistic, protagonists. (Did I mention they are her own ancestors? Yes, I know I did, but it's fantastic.) In The Godmother's Secret, Elysabeth St John (THEY HAVE THE SAME NAME!) is godmother to Prince Edward, better remembered as the eldest of the missing princes. I won't give away what happens, but it is well-written and historically plausible. Go read it.

The King's Intelligencer picks up almost two centuries later, during the reign of King Charles II, when a set of children's bones are discovered at the Tower of London. Right where Thomas More claimed the Princes in the Tower were buried.

I have to be honest, I had never actually considered what it was like when those bones were found. St John does a fantastic job of demonstrating that there must have been questions. Lots of questions. Did people of the 17th century accept as fact that Richard III had killed his nephews? Did they think about those little princes at all? Did they wonder who had killed them or if they had actually been killed? Since we still discuss these questions today, I'm going to venture to guess that people of that time did as well, and St John transports the reader right into the middle of it.

The era is vividly recreated with scenes of debauchery at court, Princess Mary's emotional melodrama, the scheming over who would marry the "heir to the heir," and a search for the truth about the bones found in the Tower. Franny Apsley is a descendant of Elysabeth St John, and she is thrown into investigating what really happened and what her family's role in it was.

I don't want to give anything away, but if you can't help but get caught up in debates about the Princes in the Tower, you will enjoy this look at the mystery from the 17th century perspective.

I enjoyed Franny as a main character because she had depth and flaws. She is both independent and afraid to lose royal favor. She finds herself in love but is also intellectual enough to separate lust from other motives at play. Her relationship with Mary is . . . weird, but the author has made it historically authentic. I've really not read about this era, so I enjoyed learning about it.

This book is a slow burn, with real life getting in the way of Franny's objectives, giving the story another dash of authenticity and the reader deeper understanding of 17th century life. Fictional elements of the story are expertly blended with documented history, and the author helpfully explains which is which in her author's note. (Another side note: the author's other books, The Lydiard Chronicles cover the same family through the English Civil War, so you'll want to pick those up as well if you love a great family saga.)

A highly recommended read for those who love 17th century fiction or those who typically read about the Wars of the Roses.

[Mercedes Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel takes place during the reign of Charles II, the Stuart king who came back from exile. It wouldn’t be outrageous to assume his hold on the throne was a bit fragile, considering that he was childless (legitimate children, that is) and the heir was his Catholic brother James. Religious tension was still very much in evidence. Our protagonist in this story, Franny Apsley, was a descendant of Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII, and her loyalty to her family was as unshakable as her Protestant religion:

As she traced a line from Oliver St.John and Isabel Scrope, Elysabeth St.John and John Scrope, and Margaret Beaufort, it went up the page, along to the left, and down again. And rested on the name of Ricardus III, Regini. Next to him, the name of Edwardus Sanctus. Edward V. His nephew. The eldest of the murdered princes. And above their names, beautifully illustrated crowns. The only crowns on a page full of Tudor and Plantagenet kings and queens. The only lines drawn directly to her family.

When the bones of two children were dug up in the Tower, everyone assumed they were the Princes, murdered by Richard III. Or were they? Suddenly, a secret discovery clouded this conclusion, and the possible ramifications could be devastating to the king—and to her family, by extension. Franny dedicated herself to solving this mystery before it was too late, though her efforts were complicated by the distraction of a newcomer to court. She was fascinated by the alluring art instructor, who unfortunately reeked of Catholicism and might possibly be a foreign spy. Could Franny keep her head on straight? This book is a good immersion in the political and torn loyalties of the 17th century.

[Mrs Joy Corfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing Princes

I thoroughly enjoyed this book,it came alive as I read it. Unable to put it down until I finished it.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

The right to inherit the throne depended on Edward V and Richard, Duke of York’s death. 191 years later and once again, the fate of the two princes has been called into question. Just as Sir Thomas More had stated in his unfinished biography, The History of Richard III, the bones of two children have been found at the foot of the stairs under a great heap of stones at the Tower of London. If these are indeed the two lost princes, inquiries must be made and answers must be provided.

The Stuart king, Charles II, knows all about regicide, civil war and unrest. He has risen from the ashes of his exile and has taken his rightful place as monarch. However, religious turmoil prevails and the constant fear of civil war plagues Charles’ thoughts. It is crucial for him to ascertain if these two boys are the lost princes and, if they are, who was responsible for their deaths. If it were King Richard III who had ordered the murder of his own nephews, then Charles’ throne was safe, but if it were not, if the boys were murdered on the orders of King Henry VII’s mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort, then that would mean Charles’ path to the throne is paved in innocent blood. The truth has a way of coming to light, but some truths are better left concealed under a pile of stones in the Tower of London.

By hiding the truth, one is also concealing its devastating consequences. Franny Apsley must tread carefully, for it is not only the House of Stuart that could suffer if the princes died by the hands of Lady Margaret. Position is everything and what is given by one hand can be taken with the other. Decades of political jostling, currying favours, and unwavering loyalty mean some families have risen high in the ranks whereas others have fallen by the wayside. The Apsley’s are in favour. Franny is the beloved confidante to Mary Stuart Princess Royal, the eldest daughter of James, Duke of York, and therefore the heir-of-the-heir. Franny’s father, Allen Apsley, is in charge of James’ treasury. Franny’s cousin, the infamous John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, is also a favourite with King Charles, although sometimes he acts with alcoholic inspiration, which leaves a nasty hangover and, in some cases, exile from court! But all of their futures now depend upon what happened to those two princes. Franny must uncover the truth before it is discovered by someone who does not have the king’s or her family’s best interest at heart.

In her latest literary achievement, Elizabeth St.John delivers a powerful and memorable narrative in The King’s Intelligencer. Through her storytelling, she has woven together an indelible plot that delves into the realms of family, friendship, monarchy, espionage, and love. This book has an irresistible pull that draws you into the story and the lives of those who lived so many years ago.

While we often come across stories about kings, queens, and noblemen, it is the narratives of ordinary women during these times that remain truly intriguing. The forgotten ones, unjustly overshadowed by their male counterparts, have equally compelling stories. Franny Apsley is relatively unknown, often regarded as a footnote in history, and is mainly associated with Mary II. Nonetheless, St.John has elevated her from obscurity and given her a voice. St.John has successfully blended fictional elements with historical accuracy in Franny’s life and the events of this time period.

The storyline follows Franny as she investigates the deaths of the two princes and navigates the political landscape of her time. There is a clear narrative arc, with Franny’s initial thrill of investigating the princes’ death giving way to the overwhelming magnitude of the task. The events are logically connected, with the investigation uncovering new evidence and raising questions about who can be trusted. The pacing is effective, keeping the reader engaged and moving the story forward.

Though she derives great satisfaction from her investigative work and the thrill of uncovering new evidence, Franny quickly realizes that if Lady Margaret is guilty of murdering the princes, her family’s support for the Tudors and Stuarts would be a significant source of guilt. Despite the incriminating evidence, she remains determined to demonstrate her relative’s innocence in the princes’ deaths. Yet, she is not the only one on this mission; the handsome French painter, Nicholas Jameson, is also driven to discover the truth, and together they become a formidable team. Franny and James’ relationship was expertly portrayed, making their story incredibly believable. The reader, like the characters in this book, are blindsided by James’ brilliance, but also by the investigation. The more Franny learns about the princes, the more the reader does.

The portrayal of Franny and Princess Mary is skilfully executed, showcasing their profound friendship. St.John beautifully captures the depth of their bond through their heartfelt letters and playful role-playing. St.John subtly underscores Mary’s infatuation with Franny. Mary refers to Franny as her husband many times, but the reader senses her actions are rooted in her longing for love, for her father is indifferent, and her mother is dead. Franny loves Mary deeply, albeit platonically, and genuinely wants what’s best for her. Mary, despite her royal status, is incredibly vulnerable because she is young and easily influenced by others. Franny must balance protecting Mary with living her own life, while navigating financial and parental obligations, and unravelling the truth behind the princes’ disappearance.

Throughout this book, the damaging effects of unchecked ambition are examined. Certain individuals exploit their positions to manipulate members of the royal household for personal, political and religious advantage. Betty Villiers is a thorn in Franny’s side because she longs for the same role as Franny - to be Princess Mary’s confidante. Betty is a somewhat straightforward character who doesn’t hide behind falsehoods to convey her intentions. The reader’s dislike for Betty stems from her status as a rival to Franny, albeit a somewhat insignificant one. While Betty may be bothersome, she is less harmful than other courtiers who manipulate events and influence young minds to advance their own agenda. The level of manipulation in this novel is so high that it keeps the reader constantly engaged. Who is trustworthy and who is not is a question that persists throughout the length of this novel.

The courts of King Charles II and James, Duke of York are depicted as having a false sense of wealth - money is borrowed and debt accumulates. Charles and James alike appear to be unable to be frugal, which negatively affects their loyal courtiers. Despite their seemingly shared ignorance about the consequences of borrowing large amounts from a foreign nation, it is James’ financial struggles that give the protagonists in this story reason to reflect. When it comes to the inability to keep the books in order, it is not the royal family who pays the price, but rather the individuals entrusted with managing the treasury and those who contribute to the extravagant lifestyle enjoyed by the monarchy. By delving into the complexities of debt, St.John introduces a thought-provoking aspect to the book, exposing the deceptive allure of riches.

One of the reasons this book resonates with readers is its authentic portrayal of the time period. St.John has meticulously crafted each sentence to reflect historical accuracy, no matter how small the detail, and this is why this book is so very successful.

The King’s Intelligencer by Elizabeth St.John is an exceptional work of scholarship. With its rich historical context and captivating emotional narrative, this book will keep you hooked until the early hours of the morning. This novel is undeniably successful and strongly recommended for fans of this era.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

[Pauline Calkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Franny Apsley and her family enjoyed royal favor in the court of Charles II in 1674. Franny was the favorite of Lady Mary, daughter of the Duke of York and, thus the heir to the heir of Charles. Her father was the duke’s treasurer, and her mother was lady-in-waiting to Charles’s queen. Members of her family, including her father, had served as the king’s intelligencers, spies, at one time or another . Her brother Peter was currently in Paris gathering information about potential plots by the French and Catholic to destabilize the English crown.

Royal favor was never assured, and there were always rivals jostling to take one’s place as the royal favorite, perhaps taking advantage of one’s absence to whisper a subtle slander in a royal ear. The Apsley’s were descended from the St. Johns, and because Elyzabeth and Oliver St. John were Margaret Beaufort’s half-sister and brother, they could claim kinship with the king. Her family used this relationship to cement their position as loyal relatives. It came as a surprise to Franny when her father and cousins became so upset when children’s bones—proclaimed to be those of the princes murdered by their evil uncle Richard III—were unearthed at the Tower in the very location specified by Thomas More. Franny learns that it was a secret in the family that Margaret Beaufort had saved the princes. The discovery not only cast doubt that the princes were saved, but most importantly, a piece of evidence found with the bones pointed directly at Margaret Beaufort as the murderess. The family’s position at court would be severely undermined if Margaret Beaufort’s guilt were publicly disclosed. While the king would also be negatively affected by such a disclosure—he was a direct descendant, it was clear he would distract by blaming the St. John and Apsley famil. Franny is, therefore, recruited to discover the truth about the fate of the princes—and get rid of the incriminating evidence.

What follows is a 17th century Missing Princes project. In the author’s The Godmother’s Secret, Elyzabeth Scrope (née St. John), Edward V’s godmother, was involved in trying to save them. So as I read this book I wondered whether she succeeded or whether her plans failed and her half-sister, Margaret, did get her clutches on them, did someone else. If she did succeed, whose bones were found? Combined with the mystery, is a vivid picture of court life during this time with the jockeying for position and backstabbing. A life dependent on royal patronage was a precarious one, both financially and politically; it is a never ending cycle of punishment and patronage as Franny’s father tells her. Franny (who was indeed a favorite of Lady Mary, the latter referring to referred to her as her “husband”in some correspondence) was constantly vying with the nasty Betty Villiers (“Squinting” Betty—who eventually became the mistress of Mary’s husband, William) to be first in Mary’s favor. There is also a compelling image of Franny’s cousin, the Earl of Rochester—a libertine who was in and of royal favor but ultimately is sort of a tragic figure who could have achieved so much more

Added to this is the sectarian strife between Catholic and Protestant, which takes the form Franny falls in love with a mysterious, handsome stranger (aren’t they all)—Nicolas Jameson who is a Catesby who says he wants justice. He joins Franny in the search, but she can never quite trust him with all her secrets. He is a “red letter man,” a Catholic, who has other motives to ingratiate himself with Franny and gain the confidence of Lady Mary. Franny, in turn, truly becomes a king’s intelligencer who seeks access to his world. Despite the mutual distrust and betrayals, Franny is drawn to the life he leads, independent of royal patronage. The history in The Godmother’s Secret was a little bit wonky (no mention of Warwick in the events of 1470-1471), albeit for understandable reasons, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not at all familiar with the history of this period, so I can’t tell you if there are obvious inaccuracies. But I don’t care. There are three intricately interwoven plot lines and compelling characters. An outstanding read.

[Brook Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Wendy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The King’s Intelligencer brims with mystery, hooking the reader from the first page to last with its superb storytelling and constant undercurrent of intrigue in the closing years of the reign of Charles II. Exquisitely, skilfully and often lyrically written, I also felt captivated by the threads St John weaved into this novel that connect to her previous works like The Godmother’s Secret and The Lady of the Tower.

Now St John re-creates for her readers another wonderful ancestral story, telling the story of Frances Aspley, the beloved attendant of the young Mary Stuart, the Protestant heir to Charles II. Frances (or Franny, as she is often called) agrees to discover the truth about the children’s bones found at the Tower of London at the beginning of this story, bones believed to belong to the missing princes in the Tower. But are they really? It is a mystery Franny sets out to solve, not only for the sake of her family, but for England itself.

St John paints her historical world with immense vitality and believability, with a cast of well-constructed characters that live and breathe on every page, colourful characters like Charles III, his brother James, as well as the young Princess Mary, England’s future queen, now a marriage prize and a target for plots.

Not long into the pages of this novel, we also realise that many of St John’s characters carry the soul-crushing burden of not only the recent past, but the crushing burden of the long ago past. This includes the tragic and self-destructive John Wilmot, his mother Nan St John, and Fran’s own father, Sir Allen Aspley, and the complicated, on the cusp of womanhood, Franny. She already possesses enough life experience to feel weary of a court where many live debauched and self-indulgent lives and is restless in her service to Princess Mary. The needy Mary not only craves love from Franny, but demands it.

When Franny embarks on a quest to ensure the discovery of the bones does not bring her family down, she also begins an absorbing heroine’s journey. It is a journey that sees her grow and become a wiser woman, one recognising her loyalty and love belongs to her family and is ready to give her heart to the right man. A woman mature enough to say, ‘Life is growth. Not captured, frozen in a painting, a moment in time which will never change. But do you want that? Do you want to be the same for ever? Or do you want to change and grow and reach the full potential of all you can be?’

This is a brilliant novel, and a must read for lovers of historical fiction.

[Linnea Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fate of King Edward V and his younger brother, Prince Richard, Duke of York, both last seen in 1483, is explored in The King’s Intelligencer by Elizabeth St.John. The story begins almost two centuries later in 1674, when workmen unexpectedly unearth children’s bones in the Tower of London. As a result, the mystery of what happened to the missing princes is reignited.

Franny Apsley, a confidante to Mary Stewart, heir to King Charles’s throne, is drawn into a secret mission by her cousin, Nan Wilmot, to investigate the truth behind the exhumed bones. Franny covertly becomes the king’s intelligencer, a secret spy, to gain access to locations where stored relics and documents might provide clues for solving the mystery. Her quest is complicated by her attraction to the court artist, Nicholas James, and a royal spy with cautionary warnings that a Catholic-driven plot in France could threaten the monarchy.

Author Elizabeth St.John’s impeccable research is demonstrated by her vivid descriptions of historical figures, structures, and landscapes at various locations—from London to the Lydiard residence then to Bolton Castle. The culture and the difficulties that Franny faces as a woman remain true to the period. Despite her limitations, she uses her cunning to mask her mission and to gain access to forbidden royal chambers. She bravely ventures into the glamorous façade of royal palaces and the debauchery of the king’s brothels to deliver messages to co-conspirators. Secret discoveries in castles and cathedrals provide her clues that help connect the past with the present.

The story focuses on a woman's journey to discover how ancestral lines impact future generations. Franny's investigation takes place over several months, the pacing often slower as she unveils clues. Although there are some beautifully written passages, I was sometimes distracted by the grammar error in which there was not a conjunction joining two verbs (e.g., “Franny glanced at Papa, frowned.”). Nonetheless, the overall storyline is intriguing and the unexpected ending is poignant and thought-provoking. The author's notes gave helpful insight into the historical background of events and characters in the book.

I recommend The King’s Intelligencer for its suspenseful political intrigue and historical detail during the restoration of the British monarchy following the chaotic and destructive governance of Oliver Cromwell.

[Cryssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth is back with another novel, and this time, she explores the mystery of the Princes of the Tower from another lens. And just like her other novels, she plumbs the depths of her family history for another gripping story.
The King’s Intelligencer is a companion novel to The Godmother’s Secret, this time set two centuries later. The story is set in Restoration London when the bones were found buried under a staircase in the Tower. This is a politically charged period in history. After years of crippling civil war, the country has returned to the monarchy, but anti-Catholic sentiments and the rumours of popish plots are threatening the crown and brewing discontent.
This is world that young Franny Apsley inhabits. Her family are closely connected to the royal family, and she has a coveted position as lady-in-waiting to the King’s niece and ultimate heir. The mystery of the bones propels her to investigate her own family’s involvement, and the secrets she uncovers could potentially ruin the foundation that her family’s legacy is built upon. All this while she is walking a fine line between the raging plots and political turmoil.
The Restoration comes alive in The King’s Intelligencer, with all its frivolity and decadence that teeters on the edge of disaster. There’s spying and intrigue in a court where the slightest misstep spells disaster. Franny is a fabulous heroine—smart, intelligent, and while entirely a product of her time and place, a young woman who is finding her own path. The love interest is very well done, and I kept waffling between what I wanted her to do and what I knew she should do.
One of the gems of the novel is the depiction of the Earl of Rochester, the libertine himself. St. John approaches this controversial figure with honesty, empathy and an impeccable flair. I just loved him.
This is a companion novel. While you don’t need to read The Godmother’s Secret first (and why wouldn’t you if you love historical fiction?), it does add layers to the King’s Intelligencer. It gave me an appreciation for the ephemeral nature of truth, how a narrative can be shaped by political convenience and driven by perspective.
The King’s Intelligencer is an absolute gem and a must-read for historical fiction fans!

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A real page turner' is a compliment made for many novels - in the case of The King's Intelligencer: The Discovery of the Missing Princes in the Tower it's perfectly true. I was rather pleased that I was reading on a Kindle, not a paperback, because it was so hard to resist finding out 'what happens next?' ... easy to succumb to a quick look in a book, not so easy with an e-reader!

I honestly couldn't put this one down. Apart from the magnificent writing, compulsive plot and intriguing characters, I think this was because I couldn't guess what would happen next or at the end, apart, of course, that I knew the princes are the ones acknowledged today in Westminster Abbey. But there's more to it than that - as I discovered in this wonderful novel.

I loved the way Ms St.John so expertly blended together the facts (what little there are) and the imagined fiction, and also tied this story seamlessly with her previous The Godmother's Secret. Add to that, there is the bonus that this novel is not just a romance or an historical novel, but it's a historical 'whodunit' mystery! All that in one novel! Wow!

The characters were compelling (no spoilers!) ... will they, won't they? Is he, isn't he? When Franny was tempted: "No, no, no, you silly girl...!!!"

So: compelling, engrossing, entertaining, beautifully written, food for thought... what more can I say?

How about:
"Probably the best novel of history and mystery that I have ever read, with barely a pause for breath, in a long while. Ms St.John must rank as one of our top independent writers. She's a hard act for other authors to follow."

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With The King’s Intelligencer, Elizabeth St.John delivers a tale that’s got it all: dazzling court drama, brilliant characters, stunning world-building, sizzling plot twists…and a spectacular conclusion.

The King’s Intelligencer is a marvel of plot, pacing, and characterization, and Elizabeth St.John is a master of storytelling. Each setting—from Westminster Abbey to the Tower of London to the bucolic countryside—is beautifully rendered. The characters are gorgeously wrought, and their relationships rich and riveting. And the high-stakes royal intrigue will keep you turning the pages far into the night.

Franny Apsley is a captivating heroine, confident and courageous, torn by conflicting loyalties within her own family and the royal court but dogged in her pursuit of the truth about mysterious children’s bones discovered in the Tower of London. Franny’s puzzle-solving sleuth work is nothing short of intoxicating for a mystery fan like myself. As an intelligencer, she walks a tightrope of duplicity at great personal risk, and the stakes rise with every step she takes toward the novel’s stunning conclusion.

The breathtaking reveals and revelations in the final third of the book are an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, and the novel’s spectacular finale is deeply satisfying. The King’s Intelligencer is a perfect companion to Ms. St.John’s previous novels, The Godmother’s Secret and the Lydiard Chronicles. Highly recommended.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm definitely in the minority here. The subject matter of the story absolutely called to me but I found most of the book to be boring. As this is the first book I've read by this author I'm not sure if it's her writing style or not but I may try another. For me it just seemed to drag and I really didn't care for the main character Franny. There were some salvageable sections but just not enough to keep the story interesting. 2.5 stars rounded up.

[BookAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story for Richard I and the Princess in the Tower. Elizabeth St John is descended from the great royal families that were involved and tells a wonderful tale of mystery, deceit & love, all woven around her own family. Great writing and super developed character you're instantly drawn into this superb historical tale.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations on this incredible achievement! The B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group) is a prestigious recognition for self-published books, and it speaks volumes about the quality and appeal of THE KING'S INTELLIGENCER by Elizabeth St. John. This honor places it among a distinguished group of reader-recommended works.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The King's Intelligencer immerses readers in Restoration intrigue through rich detail and a heroine who refuses to be silent.
Elizabeth St. John brings the mystery of the missing princes - and the treacherous world of 17th-century court politics - to life.
This is an engaging story full of secrets, distrust, and fascinating characters.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Another winner from this author. It looks more into the disappearance of the two princes. Be sure to read The Godmother's Secret first. In fact, if you want to learn the history of all of her ancestors, be sure to read all of her books in sequence. They are all highly recommended. Elizabeth St.John is definitely on my must buy list when one of her books comes out.

[Norah Warnock · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Not what I was expecting. It keep me rapt and awake when I should have been sleeping🤷‍♀️. Now I am looking for the next edition
Thanx for keeping me always looking for the next thread

[Lindy Scotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Highly recommended if you enjoy Tudor period.

[Janis Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great!

The characters that Liz creates become real and passionate toward a goal. Her description of places allows me to be there and observe the scene. Her family story makes excellent fodder for her writing and my enjoyment.