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Ursula Blanchard #19
Forest of Secrets
Ursula travels deep into the New Forest to investigate rumours of a plot to overthrow Queen Elizabeth in this gripping Tudor mystery.
May, 1586. Ursula and her retinue return home from a lengthy trip to discover she has an unexpected visitor. Etheldreda Hope is a simple countrywoman who has come to Ursula with disturbing tales of strange goings-on in her rural village. Fearing that Etheldreda's reports of mysterious forest rites indicate a possible conspiracy to overthrow Queen Elizabeth in favour of her cousin, Mary Stuart, the queen's spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, orders Ursula to travel to Etheldreda's home to find out what's really going on.
On reaching Chenston village, deep in the New Forest, Ursula discovers an isolated, suspicious community; the locals deeply in thrall to the old pagan traditions and beliefs. But are these ancient customs harmless - or are they part of a genuine conspiracy against the queen? And, if so, who is behind it?
It's not until the night of Halloween that Ursula will discover the shocking truth.
May, 1586. Ursula and her retinue return home from a lengthy trip to discover she has an unexpected visitor. Etheldreda Hope is a simple countrywoman who has come to Ursula with disturbing tales of strange goings-on in her rural village. Fearing that Etheldreda's reports of mysterious forest rites indicate a possible conspiracy to overthrow Queen Elizabeth in favour of her cousin, Mary Stuart, the queen's spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, orders Ursula to travel to Etheldreda's home to find out what's really going on.
On reaching Chenston village, deep in the New Forest, Ursula discovers an isolated, suspicious community; the locals deeply in thrall to the old pagan traditions and beliefs. But are these ancient customs harmless - or are they part of a genuine conspiracy against the queen? And, if so, who is behind it?
It's not until the night of Halloween that Ursula will discover the shocking truth.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2021
12 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Buckley
48 books188 followersValerie Anand is a British author of historical fiction. Under the pen name Fiona Buckley she writes the series of historical mysteries, set in the reign of Elizabeth I of England, featuring "Ursula Blanchard" (whose full name is Ursula Faldene Blanchard de la Roche Stannard). Under her own name she writes historical fiction based on the royalty of England and the Bridges over Time series which follows a family from the eleventh century through the nineteenth century.
Series:
* Ursula Blanchard
Series:
* Ursula Blanchard
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 5, 2021
England, 1586. After weeks on the road investigating a possible treason, Mistress Ursula Stannard is journeying back home with her retinue. She solves mysteries and has the ear of the queen and her council. Upon her arrival home, she has an unexpected guest: Etheldreda Hope, a simple country woman who comes from the New Forest. The vicar in her area wouldn’t listen to Etheldreda, so she thought to turn to Mistress Stannard regarding some strong goings-on in her village. “She thinks these Goings On, whatever they are, could have something to do with Mary Stuart.”
Ursula is tired of hearing the name of Mary Stuart as the woman has been at the center of her life’s work as a spy. As a young woman, Ursula was employed as a lady-in-waiting to the young Queen Elizabeth, where her pay was modest and not enough to support herself and her small daughter. She welcomed any chance to earn a little extra and undertook a secret mission. Thus, began her constant employment in secret missions. Ursula is a half-sister to the queen for which she has undertaken many secret missions. “Nearly all those missions had in some way involved Mary Stuart, the exiled queen of Scotland,” who plotted against Elizabeth.
The old tradition of Midsummer is taken for granted, but Midsummer in Chenston is special. There is more to it than the old tradition, and the meetings are happening more often. Etheldreda argues that that’s not right for Christian folks. The midnight rites call for the death of an evil queen, to save an honest one. But no names are attached. Which one is evil and which one is honest? Mary or Elizabeth?
Ursula’s investigations take her not only through the feasts at midsummer, but also Lammas and Halloween. The twisty plot is full of conspiracy and tensions, with plots brewing, conspirators being executed, some talking in hushed and horrified tones, others rising in savage joy.
I found some descriptions of Ursula’s thinking process slowing the pace at times. However, if you are familiar with this series and the character of Ursula, then you may feel differently about this.
This Tudor mystery brings some fun characters, mixed with pagan traditions and beliefs, and the plot that takes twists and turns. It starts with a good hook, pulling the readers into the mystery from the first pages and continuously building intrigue.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Ursula is tired of hearing the name of Mary Stuart as the woman has been at the center of her life’s work as a spy. As a young woman, Ursula was employed as a lady-in-waiting to the young Queen Elizabeth, where her pay was modest and not enough to support herself and her small daughter. She welcomed any chance to earn a little extra and undertook a secret mission. Thus, began her constant employment in secret missions. Ursula is a half-sister to the queen for which she has undertaken many secret missions. “Nearly all those missions had in some way involved Mary Stuart, the exiled queen of Scotland,” who plotted against Elizabeth.
The old tradition of Midsummer is taken for granted, but Midsummer in Chenston is special. There is more to it than the old tradition, and the meetings are happening more often. Etheldreda argues that that’s not right for Christian folks. The midnight rites call for the death of an evil queen, to save an honest one. But no names are attached. Which one is evil and which one is honest? Mary or Elizabeth?
Ursula’s investigations take her not only through the feasts at midsummer, but also Lammas and Halloween. The twisty plot is full of conspiracy and tensions, with plots brewing, conspirators being executed, some talking in hushed and horrified tones, others rising in savage joy.
I found some descriptions of Ursula’s thinking process slowing the pace at times. However, if you are familiar with this series and the character of Ursula, then you may feel differently about this.
This Tudor mystery brings some fun characters, mixed with pagan traditions and beliefs, and the plot that takes twists and turns. It starts with a good hook, pulling the readers into the mystery from the first pages and continuously building intrigue.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
August 10, 2021
Queen’s own investigator!
1586, Ursula Stannard (Blanchard) once again does Sir Francis Walsingham’s bidding—and by extension her half sister’s, Elizabeth Tudor. This time she’s investigating rumours of pagan rites in a forest (brought to Ursula’s attention by a dame from the remote village of Chenston), and how that might or might not relate to Walsingham’s enquiries and lures around rumours of a plot being hatched by Mary Stuart against her cousin Elizabeth. Ursula is pointed straight towards Mary, albeit via a devious path.
Of course she’s also once more overseeing the education of her newest companion, a young gentlewoman of a Puritan background whom we met in the last story. I find I don’t really trust this particular young woman, Mildred Gresham. She is too eager to walk her own path, often unwisely.
Like the last adventure, we end up deep in the forests of England, in an out of the way village, where intermarriage is maybe to close, and where Christianity is surrounded by age old rituals, where danger and superstitions walk hand in hand, and can be easily manipulated.
I’ve enjoyed following Ursula’s life, the various paths she’s trodden, her quick execution of plans as danger looms. I’m exhausted and she probably is too. We can see her manservant and friend Roger Brockley is ageing, as is Dale, Brockley’s wife and Ursula’s maid. Ursula’s service for the Queen in this story is one that she will take no joy in. Though maybe one could say, who else can Elizabeth trust?
Where Ursula will go from here I don’t know. She serves at the Queen’s pleasure. Maybe it’s time for her own pleasure, time for less dangerous meanderings—raising horses, keeping an eye on her business fronts, and caring for her children and extended family group. That is, if the Queen and Walsingham will let her. But I suspect that won’t be, as is raised, if anything happened to Mary Stuart, Philip of Spain would be infuriated. The future beckons.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
1586, Ursula Stannard (Blanchard) once again does Sir Francis Walsingham’s bidding—and by extension her half sister’s, Elizabeth Tudor. This time she’s investigating rumours of pagan rites in a forest (brought to Ursula’s attention by a dame from the remote village of Chenston), and how that might or might not relate to Walsingham’s enquiries and lures around rumours of a plot being hatched by Mary Stuart against her cousin Elizabeth. Ursula is pointed straight towards Mary, albeit via a devious path.
Of course she’s also once more overseeing the education of her newest companion, a young gentlewoman of a Puritan background whom we met in the last story. I find I don’t really trust this particular young woman, Mildred Gresham. She is too eager to walk her own path, often unwisely.
Like the last adventure, we end up deep in the forests of England, in an out of the way village, where intermarriage is maybe to close, and where Christianity is surrounded by age old rituals, where danger and superstitions walk hand in hand, and can be easily manipulated.
I’ve enjoyed following Ursula’s life, the various paths she’s trodden, her quick execution of plans as danger looms. I’m exhausted and she probably is too. We can see her manservant and friend Roger Brockley is ageing, as is Dale, Brockley’s wife and Ursula’s maid. Ursula’s service for the Queen in this story is one that she will take no joy in. Though maybe one could say, who else can Elizabeth trust?
Where Ursula will go from here I don’t know. She serves at the Queen’s pleasure. Maybe it’s time for her own pleasure, time for less dangerous meanderings—raising horses, keeping an eye on her business fronts, and caring for her children and extended family group. That is, if the Queen and Walsingham will let her. But I suspect that won’t be, as is raised, if anything happened to Mary Stuart, Philip of Spain would be infuriated. The future beckons.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
May 29, 2021
Following immediately upon the events of the prior novel, as Forest of Secrets opens Ursula Stannard and her retinue are returning from Devon to Hawkswood, her home, she becomes aware that a woman has been waiting there for her return. This woman, Etheldreda Hope, had come seeking Ursula’s help. She knew something of Ursula’s reputation in helping people. Mrs Hope feared that a strange conspiracy, possibly connected in some way to Queen Mary, was involved with gatherings occurring around old pagan feast days in the Forest by her small village. Of course, if Mary is mentioned, Ursula must listen as she is always cautious around issues that might concern Queen Elizabeth. It has now become somewhat more general knowledge that Ursula is half sister to the Queen and interested in her concerns.
And so begins another mystery set in 1586 with all the trappings of the era. Information is procured by message sent with men, or boys, on horseback and received back in hours or days, not minutes. Access to areas can be limited by clothing, particularly women’s clothing as described. But Ursula has unusual access because of who she is and because she has the support of the Queen’s security leaders. They are united in protecting Elizabeth and stopping any possible conspiracies.
This is another interesting story in the series and one that can be enjoyed as a stand-alone read by someone new to the books though you would lose some details of past relationships. I find historical fiction a great way to explore earlier times. This series is a good example.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
And so begins another mystery set in 1586 with all the trappings of the era. Information is procured by message sent with men, or boys, on horseback and received back in hours or days, not minutes. Access to areas can be limited by clothing, particularly women’s clothing as described. But Ursula has unusual access because of who she is and because she has the support of the Queen’s security leaders. They are united in protecting Elizabeth and stopping any possible conspiracies.
This is another interesting story in the series and one that can be enjoyed as a stand-alone read by someone new to the books though you would lose some details of past relationships. I find historical fiction a great way to explore earlier times. This series is a good example.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 20, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I will admit it took me a chapter or two to get into the book and I was a bit concerned that I might not care for it, but then from that point on I was hooked and didn't let go. I ended up staying up late into the night (or early morning) to finish the book as I had to know the ending.
I really loved the main character, Ursula, as she was a strong, independent and compassionate woman and the fact that this was not a book about romance. I also liked Mildred and the banter between her and Ursula made me chuckle. Apparently there are other books featuring Ursula that I am not familiar with but will definitely be reading more.
The book brings in Celtic/pagan history and builds to a climax whereby as you are reading, you are trying to figure out who the man behind the mask is.
A definite recommend.
I will admit it took me a chapter or two to get into the book and I was a bit concerned that I might not care for it, but then from that point on I was hooked and didn't let go. I ended up staying up late into the night (or early morning) to finish the book as I had to know the ending.
I really loved the main character, Ursula, as she was a strong, independent and compassionate woman and the fact that this was not a book about romance. I also liked Mildred and the banter between her and Ursula made me chuckle. Apparently there are other books featuring Ursula that I am not familiar with but will definitely be reading more.
The book brings in Celtic/pagan history and builds to a climax whereby as you are reading, you are trying to figure out who the man behind the mask is.
A definite recommend.
June 18, 2021
At the point of a 19th book in a series one should be comfortable with a character: but Ursula “I Know This is a Bad Idea but I’m Going to Do It Anyway”Blanchard’s cavalier and reckless attitude toward her own and others’ safety has gotten tired for me.
January 30, 2025
Ursula and crew foil unruly villagers/pagan worshippers in the New Forest. And finally the infamous act concerning Mary takes place without much fanfare. Still, I'll plod on to the next in series.
May 13, 2021
The year is 1586 and Ursula Blanchard is on a mission to protect Queen Elizabeth I. After returning home from a previous mission, Ursula and her household come into contact with a countrywoman named Etheldreda Hope who has brought a peculiar case to the forefront. In the forest by the village that Etheldreda calls home, there have been strange rituals occurring that include reference to an evil queen. Are these rituals harmless or is there a sinister motive behind the beliefs of the pagans who meet in the forest? Will Ursula and her household solve the case in time? This is the premise of Fiona Buckley’s latest Ursula Blanchard Tudor mystery, “Forest of Secrets”.
I would like to thank Severn House Publishers and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this book. This was my first time reading a novel by Fiona Buckley and I was intrigued by the plot. I was looking for a new Tudor mystery series after finishing the Shardlake series, so I decided to give this series a try.
What I did not know when I went into this series was that this was part of the Ursula Blanchard series and it was book nineteen. Not the greatest place to start a new series, but I still decided to give it a try. Ursula is an older noblewoman who works for Sir Francis Walsingham to protect Queen Elizabeth I from threats, like Mary Queen of Scots. By her side is her loyal household who are willing to risk their lives to help Ursula solve the cases that she has been assigned by the royal court.
This particular case was given to her by a woman named Etheldreda who has an interesting problem. She has been declared a witch by her village because her mule gave birth to a foal. Because of this, no one believes her when she says that there have been peculiar rituals occurring in the New Forest. She turns to Ursula and her team to help solve this mystery.
Personally, I did have some issues with this novel. It was difficult for me to get attached to the cast of this novel. I know that this was because I started this series very late so I don’t know the relationships between Ursula and her household.
Another issue that I had was that I didn’t feel like this book was set in the Tudor times. It seems weird to say for a novel that is set in 1586, but with the jargon and the descriptions that Buckley included, you could have easily exchanged characters from different time periods and it would have made sense. When I want to read a Tudor novel, I want to feel like I am transported into the past. With this novel, I just felt like I was reading a novel not set in a particular time period.
Overall, I thought this novel was okay. Buckley has obviously written a world that is beloved, but it was difficult to navigate in that world. I think I will need to read the rest of the Ursula Blanchard series before I reread this book. If you are a fan of the Ursula Blanchard series, you will enjoy “Forest of Secrets” by Fiona Buckley.
I would like to thank Severn House Publishers and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this book. This was my first time reading a novel by Fiona Buckley and I was intrigued by the plot. I was looking for a new Tudor mystery series after finishing the Shardlake series, so I decided to give this series a try.
What I did not know when I went into this series was that this was part of the Ursula Blanchard series and it was book nineteen. Not the greatest place to start a new series, but I still decided to give it a try. Ursula is an older noblewoman who works for Sir Francis Walsingham to protect Queen Elizabeth I from threats, like Mary Queen of Scots. By her side is her loyal household who are willing to risk their lives to help Ursula solve the cases that she has been assigned by the royal court.
This particular case was given to her by a woman named Etheldreda who has an interesting problem. She has been declared a witch by her village because her mule gave birth to a foal. Because of this, no one believes her when she says that there have been peculiar rituals occurring in the New Forest. She turns to Ursula and her team to help solve this mystery.
Personally, I did have some issues with this novel. It was difficult for me to get attached to the cast of this novel. I know that this was because I started this series very late so I don’t know the relationships between Ursula and her household.
Another issue that I had was that I didn’t feel like this book was set in the Tudor times. It seems weird to say for a novel that is set in 1586, but with the jargon and the descriptions that Buckley included, you could have easily exchanged characters from different time periods and it would have made sense. When I want to read a Tudor novel, I want to feel like I am transported into the past. With this novel, I just felt like I was reading a novel not set in a particular time period.
Overall, I thought this novel was okay. Buckley has obviously written a world that is beloved, but it was difficult to navigate in that world. I think I will need to read the rest of the Ursula Blanchard series before I reread this book. If you are a fan of the Ursula Blanchard series, you will enjoy “Forest of Secrets” by Fiona Buckley.
December 17, 2021
This is #19 in a series I liked it but not enough to read the previous 18. Ursula Stannard is a half sister to Elizabeth and is used by Elizabeth as a spy. She undertakes missions that cannot be trusted to men. The book starts when an addled woman comes with a strange story about the goings on in a forest. It’s possible that the village people are behind a plot to bring Mary Stuart to the throne.
I found it interesting that the local man would make his home available to Ursula and her 6 companions for an undetermined amount of time (late May through early August as it turned out). But then it was the Queen who ordered it.
There’s a little love story with a local vicar. Ursula’s companion/lady’s maid takes an instant dislike to the vicar and I must say that I questioned him too.
Everything works out of course even if some of the people turn out to be something other than what would be expected.
Of course, Mary has to die and Ursula has to be a witness for the Queen. I was surprised that Mary wore a red dress to her execution. She did in the Shakespeare play that I saw several years ago but I thought that it was artistic expression.
I might read some other books by this author - she also writes under her real name of Valerie Anand
I found it interesting that the local man would make his home available to Ursula and her 6 companions for an undetermined amount of time (late May through early August as it turned out). But then it was the Queen who ordered it.
There’s a little love story with a local vicar. Ursula’s companion/lady’s maid takes an instant dislike to the vicar and I must say that I questioned him too.
Everything works out of course even if some of the people turn out to be something other than what would be expected.
Of course, Mary has to die and Ursula has to be a witness for the Queen. I was surprised that Mary wore a red dress to her execution. She did in the Shakespeare play that I saw several years ago but I thought that it was artistic expression.
I might read some other books by this author - she also writes under her real name of Valerie Anand
May 4, 2021
In Forest of Secrets Ursula finds herself investigating secret rituals that might just be in support of Mary Stuart...or maybe not. After meeting Ethelreda Hope who has fled from the village of Chenston because the villagers accuse her of being a witch after her mule gave birth to a filly. An unusual occurrence to be sure, but witchcraft? It doesn't help that Ethelreda is a bit wacky and odd, but nevertheless does she really deserve what the villagers want to mete out to her? And then there are the strange quarterly rituals or festivals that harken back to pagan days. Who is leading them? And what does he mean about an "evil queen"? Is it Mary or Elizabeth? Of course it's up to Ursula to figure out just what's going on and whether or not there is a threat to Queen Elizabeth, which she does in her usual competent way with her usual coterie of helpers plus a few new ones.
Forest of Secrets is an enjoyable read; if you liked Fiona Buckley's previous books you'll like this one too. Well written, fast paced, and really good and building suspense, it's definitely a page turner with some history thrown in to keep you hooked!
Forest of Secrets is an enjoyable read; if you liked Fiona Buckley's previous books you'll like this one too. Well written, fast paced, and really good and building suspense, it's definitely a page turner with some history thrown in to keep you hooked!
March 16, 2021
Paganism and Papism gone bonkers between Midsummer night and Halloween mixed with potential acts of high treason against the crown are the key ingredients in this highly entertaining Tudor whodunit, a new installment in the delightful Ursula Blanchard Mysteries.
It's 1586 and the atmosphere in England is awashed with conspiracy theories and tensions are running high. While Queen Elizabeth and her farthingales are giving in to hysterics and Sir Francis Francis Walshingham, her formidable spymaster dreams to separate Mary Stuart from her head, Mistress Blanchard, the queen half sister and genial courtesan, will be sent somewhere in rural England to investigate some weird shenanigans that might be threatening the crown......
If you are a fan of Fiona Buckley's terrific series you will enjoy this very colorful and historically accurate episode, with its twisty plot and its wonderful cast of characters.
To be enjoyed without moderation!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Severn House/Canongate Books for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel prior to its release date.
It's 1586 and the atmosphere in England is awashed with conspiracy theories and tensions are running high. While Queen Elizabeth and her farthingales are giving in to hysterics and Sir Francis Francis Walshingham, her formidable spymaster dreams to separate Mary Stuart from her head, Mistress Blanchard, the queen half sister and genial courtesan, will be sent somewhere in rural England to investigate some weird shenanigans that might be threatening the crown......
If you are a fan of Fiona Buckley's terrific series you will enjoy this very colorful and historically accurate episode, with its twisty plot and its wonderful cast of characters.
To be enjoyed without moderation!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Severn House/Canongate Books for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel prior to its release date.
July 21, 2022
I have read every one of Fiona Buckley’s Ursula novels and loved each one, some more than others. This book was a necessary transition for Ursula from danger-loving spy for her sister, Queen Elizabeth, to oldish matron of two estates with an ever growing household. Don’t get me wrong, she still loves the danger or as Brockley put it “still listened to the calls of the wild geese”, but now realizes she must slow down and really enjoy her life and family while in relatively good health. This book serves as a transition for me, it still has an engaging mystery, albeit one that you could see coming long before the end, while putting forth the reasons she really needs to start taking life a bit easier. There is a hint though of danger ahead and considering the times it shouldn’t be surprising, with more adventures for Ursula as the spy for her sister, the Queen.
September 30, 2022
I was a bit skeptical about the Tudor era for a mystery series with a woman protagonist (in case the level of mistreatment she'd get, as a woman, would turn me off!), but Fiona Buckley has created an engaging, easy to root for -- if at times frustrating -- heroine, and I'm now almost 20 books in and don't regret picking this up!
If I do have any complaints, it's that the plots get more and more fantastical with each book, but I suppose that's true of most series. The first few books were pretty low-key, plausible, suspenseful murder mysteries with political undertones. Now, we've got dubious pagan rituals and virgin sacrifices in the middle of the woods! Still, the plots remain entertaining, and the cast of characters, led by the tireless (and yet very tired!) Ursula Blanchard/de la Roche/Stannard remains strong.
If I do have any complaints, it's that the plots get more and more fantastical with each book, but I suppose that's true of most series. The first few books were pretty low-key, plausible, suspenseful murder mysteries with political undertones. Now, we've got dubious pagan rituals and virgin sacrifices in the middle of the woods! Still, the plots remain entertaining, and the cast of characters, led by the tireless (and yet very tired!) Ursula Blanchard/de la Roche/Stannard remains strong.
March 24, 2021
My thanks to Fiona Buckley, Canongate Books and Net Galley for the ARC of FOREST OF SECRETS.
What an entertaining romp through Tudor England. Ursula, a daughter of Henry VIII and half-sister to Queen Elizabeth is drawn into yet another adventure where she must use her sleuthing skills to discover who it is who is leading the strange ritualistic gatherings in a forest, and how far they will go to save Queen Mary of Scotland. Lots of Tudor research and references to characters I have read about in other stories. I loved it!
What an entertaining romp through Tudor England. Ursula, a daughter of Henry VIII and half-sister to Queen Elizabeth is drawn into yet another adventure where she must use her sleuthing skills to discover who it is who is leading the strange ritualistic gatherings in a forest, and how far they will go to save Queen Mary of Scotland. Lots of Tudor research and references to characters I have read about in other stories. I loved it!
January 12, 2022
This is the 19th book in this series of the adventures of Ursula Blanchard. I always enjoy a historical novel from this time period. I have read all of the books and it looks like Ursula will be facing a new adversary if there are upcoming adventures as Mary Stuart is executed at the end of this one. I thought some of the goings on of the village people were far fetched and wonder of people would have been allowed all fo these rituals. It was also evident that the vicar was not all he seemed to be. Still, a well written novel with an empowered woman of the 16th century as a heroine,
June 1, 2021
i didn't realize this was such a long series when i started the ARC, but i still quite enjoyed the mystery and intrigue behind the plot. i enjoyed ursula as a character, but i was also disappointed to see how little of her son was mentioned. she also rarely ever thought about him while in minstead, which i found to be odd. overall, i liked the experience of reading this style of narrative and the mystery involved.
November 8, 2022
3.5 stars. Another fast-paced Elizabethan mystery. No sooner does Ursula return home from Devon than she is off on another journey, this time to the New Forest, where odd celebrations are taking place on the old, pagan, holidays. Add in a suspicion of support for Mary, Queen of Scots, and spymaster Walsingham wants her report. Meanwhile, he has set in motion his own plot to try to incriminate Mary. How this all works out makes this book hard to put down.
October 2, 2023
The subtitle should really be "Or How Mary Queen of Scots Ruined a Perfectly Good Holiday Again". To be fair, Mildred helped with her impetuous love life and Brockley threw up a few unnecessary road blocks. The premise of the complaint that Ursula was sent to investigate was weird and not a little far fetched but it was still plausible enough to be entertaining.
Bonus points for Eddie finally getting some scene time even if he showed zero lack of self control.
Bonus points for Eddie finally getting some scene time even if he showed zero lack of self control.
August 3, 2021
A woman who has heard of Ursula has come to her home seeking help for strange things happening in the forest near her village. After consulting Sir Francis Walsingham he advises she and her faithful servants head to the village to investigate. He is concerned that it could be support for Mary Queen of Scots.
May 4, 2022
Just when I thought the Ursula Blanchard Tudor mystery books could not get any better, the ending of this one blew me out of the water with its vividness. Fiona Buckley has done a masterful job of describing a historical event and bringing the reader along to witness it through the eyes of Ursula Blanchard.
July 24, 2021
Quite enjoyable. I know enough Tudor history to say that she gets the atmosphere just right. This is one of a series that I have read before, but I think I have missed a few installments. Yippee! More books to look forward to.
May 27, 2025
Another excellent book. The green man. I love all the different words we no longer use or for items we no longer wear. A history lesson with in a good tale with all our favorite characters and some new ones.
May 27, 2025
Tudor mystery with religious and cultural dissonance
June 14, 2022
Mistress Stannard hardly gets to sit down at home these days; she is forever being asked to ride off to some other village and look innocent while seeking conspirators. This tale involves the greenwood and a simple hamlet where some folks believe an old woman is a witch, because her mule had a foal. Sometimes jenny mules do have foals, by a horse or donkey. But anything unusual is distrusted in superstitious days.
The good lady who can't avoid finding out if supposedly traditional midsummer rites in the village are actually anti-establishment (not a great case for her), tends to rearrange her retinue like pack ponies, and get them hurt. The hardworked people put up with her. I like all the horse talk in these books; horses were your mobility, wealth and status.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
The good lady who can't avoid finding out if supposedly traditional midsummer rites in the village are actually anti-establishment (not a great case for her), tends to rearrange her retinue like pack ponies, and get them hurt. The hardworked people put up with her. I like all the horse talk in these books; horses were your mobility, wealth and status.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews