In To Shield the Queen, we were introduced to Ursula Blanchard, lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I and one of the most entrancing mystery heroines to come along in many a season. Having once saved the Virgin Queen from political disaster, now young Ursula faces an even greater challenge. Some of her old acquaintances may be plotting to overthrow Elizabeth in favor of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the reestablishment of the Catholic faith. Secretary of State Sir William Cecil needs a spy in the Mason home, and Ursula is the obvious choice.
Torn between her devotion to Elizabeth and her longing to be reunited with her exiled Catholic husband in France, Ursula makes a difficult bargain that balances personal happiness against duty to her queen and country. Her journey takes her into dangerous territory, and whatever happens, she will never again be quite as trusting or secure.
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"Great story, but the constant recapping of events earlier in the narrative were annoying. A good device to use when refering to past books in a series, but I can remember the fundamental events of 5 chapters ago. I will continue with the series and hope the writing evens out." — Kevin (4 out of 5 stars)
"Great story, but the constant recapping of events earlier in the narrative were annoying. A good device to use when refering to past books in a series, but I can remember the fundamental events of 5 chapters ago. I will continue with the series and hope the writing evens out."
“Buckley pens an intricate tale rich in period detail and vivid characters.”
“[A] Sixteenth century mystery series as complicated and charming as an Elizabethan knot garden.”
“Buckley’s imaginative sense of quotidian life in Elizabethan England is delightful.”
“[McCaddon] offers an outstanding reading. She has a decided British accent, appropriate to the reading. Her voice is clear, well measured and well cadenced. She has distinct and appropriate voices for each character and keeps the book moving along quickly.”
" Good book, a little predictable at times. Nice quick read. Looking forward to the next in this series. "
" Another solid Ursula Blanchard mystery. Domsetic upheaval, sesual intrigue, and religious strife, with a little poison for good measure. "
" I'm enjoying this series so far. "
" This was a fun, but not too complex mystery that I enjoyed. Ursula is the main draw to the book because she is such a strong character. I loved her interactions with Queen Elizabeth. Fun stuff. "
" This series is easy to like. Ursula is a great character, even when she does dopey things, and the mysteries feel plausible and interesting. "
" Fun historical mystery. The book was poorly edited, but the story itself kept me coming back. "
" Fun series. Nice blend if history and mystery. "
" I really enjoy these books - I learn about Queen Elizabeth's court and the main character is a strong woman. The mysteries are usually pretty good, too. "
Fiona Buckley is a powerful voice in historical crime fiction, praised for her precise research and finely crafted writing. She lives in England.
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.
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