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Lady Grace Mysteries #1-2
The Grace Mysteries: Assassin & Betrayal
Two historical mysteries starring Lady Grace in one special volume!
In the Edgar-nominated Assassin, o ne suitor is dead with a knife in his back and another is under suspicion. . . Can Lady Grace, Queen Elizabeth's favorite Maid of Honor, solve the mystery and bring order back to the Queen's court? And in Betrayal, life as a stowaway on board an Elizabethan galleon—it's no place for a lady! But when her fellow Maid of Honor disappears with a dashing sea captain, Lady Grace knows she just has to investigate.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
In the Edgar-nominated Assassin, o ne suitor is dead with a knife in his back and another is under suspicion. . . Can Lady Grace, Queen Elizabeth's favorite Maid of Honor, solve the mystery and bring order back to the Queen's court? And in Betrayal, life as a stowaway on board an Elizabethan galleon—it's no place for a lady! But when her fellow Maid of Honor disappears with a dashing sea captain, Lady Grace knows she just has to investigate.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
384 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 14, 2010
2-in-1 rerelease of the first two books from the series, which was originally titled The Lady Grace Mysteries. These books are written in the form of a diary kept by Lady Grace Cavendish, a fictional Maid of Honor to Queen Elizabeth I, as she solves various mysteries at court.
Book 1, Assassin: Lady Grace Cavendish grew up at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. When her mother died after accidentally drinking poison meant for the queen, Elizabeth takes on the responsibility of giving Grace a home at court and eventually finding her a husband. Now thirteen years old in the spring of 1569, Grace is a Maid of Honor to the queen, and the time has come for her betrothal. Even though she will not have to marry for three more years, Grace still dreads being betrothed. Elizabeth plans a lavish ball where Grace may choose her future husband from among three suitors. Everything goes as planned, until the day after the ball -- when one of Grace's rejected suitors is found dead, and the man she has chosen for her betrothed is the prime suspect! Now Grace must get to the bottom of the mystery and find the real killer so that she may clear the name of her future husband.
Book 2, Betrayal: When Lady Sarah, a fellow Maid of Honor to Queen Elizabeth I, disappears, apparently having eloped with the dashing young Captain Drake, thirteen-year-old Lady Grace Cavendish takes it upon herself to discover the truth of Lady Sarah's whereabouts. Her discoveries lead her to believe that rather than leaving of her own free will, Lady Sarah may have been kidnapped. Grace decides to disguise herself as a boy, and along with her friend Masou, a tumbler at the court, stows away aboard Captain Drake's ship in the hope of rescuing her, and finds herself facing a dangerous adventure.
I highly recommend this series to middle grade and young adult readers who love books set in Tudor England or historical fiction written as a diary (like the Dear America and Royal Diaries series). Though I'm not sure the dress on the new cover is from the correct time period (looks more 17th-18th century to me!) it is a pretty cover and I hope it will attract some new readers to the series, I am glad to see the publisher giving the series another chance.
Book 1, Assassin: Lady Grace Cavendish grew up at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. When her mother died after accidentally drinking poison meant for the queen, Elizabeth takes on the responsibility of giving Grace a home at court and eventually finding her a husband. Now thirteen years old in the spring of 1569, Grace is a Maid of Honor to the queen, and the time has come for her betrothal. Even though she will not have to marry for three more years, Grace still dreads being betrothed. Elizabeth plans a lavish ball where Grace may choose her future husband from among three suitors. Everything goes as planned, until the day after the ball -- when one of Grace's rejected suitors is found dead, and the man she has chosen for her betrothed is the prime suspect! Now Grace must get to the bottom of the mystery and find the real killer so that she may clear the name of her future husband.
Book 2, Betrayal: When Lady Sarah, a fellow Maid of Honor to Queen Elizabeth I, disappears, apparently having eloped with the dashing young Captain Drake, thirteen-year-old Lady Grace Cavendish takes it upon herself to discover the truth of Lady Sarah's whereabouts. Her discoveries lead her to believe that rather than leaving of her own free will, Lady Sarah may have been kidnapped. Grace decides to disguise herself as a boy, and along with her friend Masou, a tumbler at the court, stows away aboard Captain Drake's ship in the hope of rescuing her, and finds herself facing a dangerous adventure.
I highly recommend this series to middle grade and young adult readers who love books set in Tudor England or historical fiction written as a diary (like the Dear America and Royal Diaries series). Though I'm not sure the dress on the new cover is from the correct time period (looks more 17th-18th century to me!) it is a pretty cover and I hope it will attract some new readers to the series, I am glad to see the publisher giving the series another chance.
July 17, 2015
Quick read
Interesting, quick read. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Not a lot of depth. An easy read for younger readers as well.
Interesting, quick read. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Not a lot of depth. An easy read for younger readers as well.
February 10, 2026
4.5 stars! Such a good book! Fast paced, riveting, and such fun! I will say it felt a bit unrealistic at times, but still such an enjoyable read! Love, loved the adventure; it felt like I was there!
The only reason I didn’t give it a full five star rating is because there were some instances of using God’s Name in vain, and a few other minor swear words.
One thing I feel I should mention, considering I’m a Christian, is that there is a Muslim boy who prays to Allah in several scenes (not sure how accurate or relevant that would’ve been in the Elizabethan era, especially considering the Protestant status of the country.)He is still a favorite character of mine!
All in all, a very riveting book! It’s also clean, which I appreciated!
The only reason I didn’t give it a full five star rating is because there were some instances of using God’s Name in vain, and a few other minor swear words.
One thing I feel I should mention, considering I’m a Christian, is that there is a Muslim boy who prays to Allah in several scenes (not sure how accurate or relevant that would’ve been in the Elizabethan era, especially considering the Protestant status of the country.)He is still a favorite character of mine!
All in all, a very riveting book! It’s also clean, which I appreciated!
February 12, 2022
this book is definitely aimed at younger audiences (middle grade) but I'm a sucker for historical fiction especially when the author tries to make it as historically accurate as possible and this author did a great job of it!
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October 14, 2022I enjoyed the first adventure (technically book one), but the second book was tiresome--too far fetched, and I get tired of main characters who constantly break the rules and disobey with rarely any consequences. But, as I stated initially, I did enjoy the first story.
June 2, 2024
I enjoyed reading about Lady Grace’s adventures as well as her companions. I also enjoyed reading and learning about history of the English court in the 1560’s. I’m looking forward to reading more books in the series.
August 14, 2023
entertaining middle grade historical fiction
July 20, 2018
I was given this as a gift for my 13th birthday and I thought I wouldn't enjoy it, but I did because it was full of mystery and set in the Elizabethan era which is cool.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 17, 2016I think this book would be really great for 4th and 5th graders.
November 21, 2011
I'm a huge fan of the Tudor era so I picked this book up with no small amount of trepidation. While the author's research skills were on par with other books I'd read, something felt off about Grace herself. She seemed too able to get away with unladylike behavor and I find it hard to believe she and a fellow maid of honor would be able to go missing for a week or more without getting caught by someone.
These books a full of historical detail and a brave heroine who younger girls will adore. They just weren't for me.
These books a full of historical detail and a brave heroine who younger girls will adore. They just weren't for me.
February 2, 2012
It was predictable. There were many liberties taken with Queen Elizabeth that I just don't see as being real. Book 2 was just as predictable and irritated me a bit because of the lack of reality - while I know this is fiction, I just couldn't really like it. It was a fast read.
August 23, 2012
Court of Elizabeth I
Aqua Vitae-brandy
Clown's All-Heal-St.John's Wart
Duke of Alva- Spanish ruler in the Netherlands
Farthingale-bell shaped petti coat
Verge of the Court-anywhere within a mile of the queen's person
Aqua Vitae-brandy
Clown's All-Heal-St.John's Wart
Duke of Alva- Spanish ruler in the Netherlands
Farthingale-bell shaped petti coat
Verge of the Court-anywhere within a mile of the queen's person
June 21, 2013
I really thought these were sweet books. A fun mystery and a lovable main character. It is refreshing to read about a young girl that is not only compassionate but spunky and adventurous. I will defiantly recommend this book my young readers...
October 11, 2015
3.5- Assassin 8/2010
June 6, 2011
This is a fun series. Easy,quick and short with historical details, exciting mystery/adventure and humor. Great for middle school readers.
March 20, 2012
A lot of "blah" times, but the climax was interesting
July 7, 2012
Fun mysteries set in Queen Elizabeth I's court. Not exactly realistic but still historically accurate. And complete with glossary to explain, for example, what a quinsy is!
June 23, 2012
I loved how it gave an insight into history- I love historical thrillers!
August 30, 2012
This was a genuine good read. I found myself plowing through it, fully immersed in Elizabethan England. The MC, Lady Grace, is high-spirited and makes each story humorous and enjoyable.
October 17, 2012
It was mysterious but good at the same time!
I liked how she set up the time like a long time ago!
NICE WORK!
I liked how she set up the time like a long time ago!
NICE WORK!
February 26, 2014
Quick fun read.
September 20, 2015
The stories were OK but I did not really connect with the protagonist.
January 26, 2015
I'd give this a 2 for me, but for a young reader, a 3. The story was too predictable and simple to really enjoy, and I doubt any of it could really happen in Tudor England.
January 10, 2024
"I am supposed to use this book to write all my prayers and meditations in. (...) I'm going to write everything in it. It can be a book about me, Lady Grace Cavendish, Maid of Honour."
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews