It is May 1560. As sinister storm clouds gather overhead, twenty-six-year-old Queen Elizabeth dispatches William Cecil, her most trusted adviser, to Scotland for crucial negotiations. Handsome, ambitious Lord Robert Dudley is at her side. But their leisurely midsummer idyll is cut short when the court's master lutenist plunges to his death from a parapet beneath the queen's window. The loyal retainers of Elizabeth's privy council do not accept the official verdict of accidental death. Their fears are borne out when another tragedy rocks the realm, and points the way to a conspiracy to bring down Elizabeth and seize the throne. As ill winds of treachery swirl around the court, and suspicion falls on those within Elizabeth's intimate circle, a vengeful enemy slips from the shadows...a traitorous usurper who would be sovereign. With The Twylight Tower, Karen Harper brings a legendary era to life, drawing us into an intoxicating world of majesty and mayhem, political intrigue and adventure...where danger is everywhere...and where a young queen journeys to greatness in the long shadow of her bloodstained past.
Still loving this series and look forward to each new book to see what mystery will be included.
Hustorical novel in the guise of a mystery
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
A year and a half ago, Elizabeth I was crowned Queen of England and has won the hearts of many of her subjects and also solved two homicide cases on the sly. In her mid-twenties, the youthful Elizabeth wants to delegate some of her responsibilities to trusted aids and release some of the anger and fear that engulfed much of her life. Childhood friend and Horsemaster Robert Dudley makes it obvious that he wants the monarch and though she denies it, she covets him too. She will not allow any man to be her consort and besides he is married.Robert and the Queen flirt, which leads to rumors and scandal that provides ammo for Elizabeth's enemies to use against her. Ultimately a disguised serpent enters Elizabeth's Eden, spreading evil that Her Highness cannot see but at times senses. Tragedy occurs that changes the Queen's life forever and she embarks on her latest sleuthing quest to ferret out a devious enemy.Karen Harper has written an exciting Elizabethan mystery that contains acceptable historical facts to enhance the feel that the Queen is conducting an investigation. Because of the meticulous research and its detail embodied in the plot, the era appears in full glamour and danger. The sleuthing is fun, but what makes THE TWLIGHT TOWER comparable to the fine works of Allison Weir is the strong writing of the author, interweaving historical tidbits into a powerful story line.Harriet Klausner
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.