What do you think?
Rate this book
Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery #3
The Last Queen of England
While on a visit to London, American genealogist Jefferson Tayte’s old friend and colleague dies in his arms. Before long, Tayte and a truth-seeking historian, Professor Jean Summer, find themselves following a corpse-ridden trail that takes them to the Royal Society of London, circa 1708.
What to make of the story of five men of science, colleagues of Isaac Newton and Christopher Wren, who were mysteriously hanged for high treason?
As they edge closer to the truth, Tayte and the professor find that death is once again in season. A new killer, bent on restoring what he sees as the true, royal bloodline, is on the loose...as is a Machiavellian heir-hunter who senses that the latest round of murder, kidnapping, and scandal represents an unmissable business opportunity.
The Last Queen of England is a racing thriller with a heart-stopping conclusion. It follows on from In the Blood and To the Grave but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2012
608 people are currently reading
2094 people want to read
About the author
Steve Robinson
10 books817 followersSteve Robinson is a London-based crime writer. He was sixteen when his first magazine article was published and he’s been writing ever since. A keen interest in family history inspired his first million-copy bestselling series, the Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mysteries, and with 'The Penmaker's Wife' and 'The Secret Wife' he is now expanding his writing to historical crime, another area he is passionate about.
The idea for his Jefferson Tayte series came to him in 2007, on his return from a trip to Cornwall, where the first book is set. In the five years that followed, he wrote the first three books in the series, all the while trying to find a publisher for them. In 2012 he published the books via Kindle Direct Publishing, and following their success, eighteen months later he signed a four-book deal with Amazon Publishing. The books were released in March 2014 under the Thomas & Mercer mystery and thriller imprint, and since then a further three books in the series have been published, taking the total to seven.
In December 2019 his first non-Jefferson Tayte book, The Penmaker’s Wife, was released. It was chosen as an ‘Editor’s Choice’ book, and was nominated for the 2020 Crime Writer’s Association Historical Dagger award, and the 2020 Costa Coffee book award in the ‘Best Novel’ category.
Steve can be contacted via his website, www.steve-robinson.me, or his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SteveRobinsonAuthor, where you can also keep up to date with his latest news.
The idea for his Jefferson Tayte series came to him in 2007, on his return from a trip to Cornwall, where the first book is set. In the five years that followed, he wrote the first three books in the series, all the while trying to find a publisher for them. In 2012 he published the books via Kindle Direct Publishing, and following their success, eighteen months later he signed a four-book deal with Amazon Publishing. The books were released in March 2014 under the Thomas & Mercer mystery and thriller imprint, and since then a further three books in the series have been published, taking the total to seven.
In December 2019 his first non-Jefferson Tayte book, The Penmaker’s Wife, was released. It was chosen as an ‘Editor’s Choice’ book, and was nominated for the 2020 Crime Writer’s Association Historical Dagger award, and the 2020 Costa Coffee book award in the ‘Best Novel’ category.
Steve can be contacted via his website, www.steve-robinson.me, or his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SteveRobinsonAuthor, where you can also keep up to date with his latest news.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 425 reviews
December 12, 2019
Another enjoyable entry in the Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery series, this one seeing JT back in London having dinner with friends, when his oldest friend and mentor is gunned down before him. JT is immediately on the case, thinking that whatever his friend was working on was the cause of his death. So with historian Jean Summer in tow JT investigates, finding a trail of bodies that goes back to 1708, when five members of the Royal Society Of London were hanged for high treason, a trail that could threaten the British Monarchy itself.
I do really like these books, non-stop action, history and genealogy all mixed in together in an intriguing mix. JT is a wonderful, realistic character, and delving through the past with him is a pleasure. I'm now looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended.
I do really like these books, non-stop action, history and genealogy all mixed in together in an intriguing mix. JT is a wonderful, realistic character, and delving through the past with him is a pleasure. I'm now looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended.
Read
November 27, 2012I'm the author of this book.
November 29, 2012
American genealogist and man of mystery Jefferson Tayte has a rather different and much more personal assignment in this latest book. Steve Robinson has previously given us a past and a present narrative, woven together with great skill, but this time the action all takes place in present day London. His friend Marcus Brown has been tracing the families of five people hanged in the reign of Queen Anne and JT and a history professor friend of Marcus Brown’s become embroiled in the spin-off, potentially fatally. It’s wonderful to get closer to the true feelings of our ‘loner’ hero and to feel his passion for his subject and for his friend Marcus. We also feel him grappling with his own insecurities, his shyness, his social ineptitude, as he warms to a new friend.
Steve Robinson takes a slightly different tack with this new book in that he takes the reader through a historical puzzle which is intriguing and complex. His story telling abilities are as sharp as ever and JT doesn’t work this job alone. We are introduced to an intelligent and feisty companion for this story. We are in the realms of major conspiracy theory here – and I do love a conspiracy theory. It’s not the sort of puzzle with a pat answer and we have loose threads left at the end which hint of further intrigue to come. I, for one, can’t wait!
Steve Robinson takes a slightly different tack with this new book in that he takes the reader through a historical puzzle which is intriguing and complex. His story telling abilities are as sharp as ever and JT doesn’t work this job alone. We are introduced to an intelligent and feisty companion for this story. We are in the realms of major conspiracy theory here – and I do love a conspiracy theory. It’s not the sort of puzzle with a pat answer and we have loose threads left at the end which hint of further intrigue to come. I, for one, can’t wait!
December 17, 2012
This is the third Jefferson Tayte genealogy-themed mystery book in the series. This time Tayte doesn't have an American client whose family tree he is researching, but rather is visiting his friend in London, when his friend is killed and he finds himself following the trail of his friend's research.
Like both the other books in the series, the writing is excellent--characters and settings feel real, dialogue sounds genuine, the pace was great. Tayte is a great character, and I can't wait to find out what surprises his own family tree holds!
For my taste, it was a little too much action and not enough genealogy and research, compared to the other two books. I also missed the overlapping points of view of those researching in the present and those living the history in the past. If I hadn't read those two first (and LOVED them so much), I wouldn't be spoiled and would probably give this one five stars. Nevertheless, I was completely engrossed, and couldn't put it down, and would absolutely recommend the whole series!! (In fact, it boggles the mind that these are so low-priced, when there are so many full-priced books out there not nearly as entertaining!)
Like both the other books in the series, the writing is excellent--characters and settings feel real, dialogue sounds genuine, the pace was great. Tayte is a great character, and I can't wait to find out what surprises his own family tree holds!
For my taste, it was a little too much action and not enough genealogy and research, compared to the other two books. I also missed the overlapping points of view of those researching in the present and those living the history in the past. If I hadn't read those two first (and LOVED them so much), I wouldn't be spoiled and would probably give this one five stars. Nevertheless, I was completely engrossed, and couldn't put it down, and would absolutely recommend the whole series!! (In fact, it boggles the mind that these are so low-priced, when there are so many full-priced books out there not nearly as entertaining!)
December 31, 2012
Find an eye-catching historical fact (such as Queen Anne experiencing 18 pregnancies, but having no child live beyond the age of eleven and none survive her); discover that a group of respected intellectuals were executed towards the end of her reign under mysterious circumstances; create a conspiracy theory that proof of the invalidity of the current monarchy, having been passed down the generations, is about to be used by republican sympathisers, and we should have the basis of a very readable novel. So it proves.
I enjoyed this action-packed thriller set against the background of a murderous genealogical mystery that has to be solved within tight deadlines.
After surviving numerous attempts on his life through three novels, Mr Tayte is proving as hard to kill as James Bond. May he last as long.
I enjoyed this action-packed thriller set against the background of a murderous genealogical mystery that has to be solved within tight deadlines.
After surviving numerous attempts on his life through three novels, Mr Tayte is proving as hard to kill as James Bond. May he last as long.
September 26, 2017
A genealogical plot about a potential conspiracy in 1700 about the line of succession of the British monarchy - an overly complex plot with multiple players then follows a series of murders, turning into a violent thriller where genealogy seems only a bit part. Not was good as his previous book, in my view.
November 29, 2012
This is definitely one of the best books I have read all year! I am becoming a huge fan of JT and I am eagerly awaiting his next adventure already!
JT is in London and meeting up with an old friend, who is attempting to set him up with a history expert (Jean). It is after their meeting that things start going terribly wrong, both JT and Jean are in danger and to figure it out who is behind it JT and Jean have to delve into both history and genealogy to get to the root of the scandal and if possible, try to predict the culprits next move. This is more than hidden family secrets, if JT does not get the answers in time, people die.
Robinson keeps the excitement high in this story so you never leave the edge of your seat, I couldn’t put it down and read it much quicker than I expected to because it is just THAT good.
If you buy this you won’t be disappointed, especially if you have read the previous 2 books in the series.
JT is in London and meeting up with an old friend, who is attempting to set him up with a history expert (Jean). It is after their meeting that things start going terribly wrong, both JT and Jean are in danger and to figure it out who is behind it JT and Jean have to delve into both history and genealogy to get to the root of the scandal and if possible, try to predict the culprits next move. This is more than hidden family secrets, if JT does not get the answers in time, people die.
Robinson keeps the excitement high in this story so you never leave the edge of your seat, I couldn’t put it down and read it much quicker than I expected to because it is just THAT good.
If you buy this you won’t be disappointed, especially if you have read the previous 2 books in the series.
February 28, 2013
The author is getting better. This is the third book in the series. JT Tayte uses his genealogical skills to solve a puzzle amongst murder and mayhem. I hope there is at least one more in the series, as I want to know what is in the safe deposit box that will solve his biggest mystery of all. I bought these books on my Kindle. I needed something that was not too expensive to buy and a fast read. I have read other genealogical mysteries. Again, I enjoyed the journey.
August 5, 2015
The Last Queen of England is the 3rd in the Genealogical Crime Mystery series, and I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it. Not only was the historical aspect interesting and enlightening, but Jefferson Tayte's genealogical investigation and his attempts to get away from the criminals were truly breath-taking. I'm glad I discovered this author, and hope he writes many more novels.
March 20, 2017
JT hurtling all over London to avoid an assasin, on the back of a motorcycle driven his new lady friend, in between bouts of research as he astounds the Royal Archives Society. There's something going on with treason & Jacobites & the assasin, of course. But he has his trusty bag of Hershey's miniatures for when he gets really stressed out. Great narrator. Love this series! **Kindle Unlimited
January 4, 2019
This book
I love the JT books and have always given a 5 star rating but much as I enjoyed this I thought it not as good as the others it got a little bit boring in the middle being a bit too technical.
But still an excellent book and well worth a read
I love the JT books and have always given a 5 star rating but much as I enjoyed this I thought it not as good as the others it got a little bit boring in the middle being a bit too technical.
But still an excellent book and well worth a read
June 6, 2015
This was my fist Jefferson Tayte novel. He is the main character in Robinson's historical fiction series. Tayte is 40 year old genealogist who evidently solved old family mysteries, In this case, the question is whether Queen Anne, the last of Stewart line, died without issue. In real history the Hannover succeeded Anne, and that is line still on the British throne today. Spurned on by the death of a close friend, Tayte and his new female companion, Jeanne set out to solve this genealogy mystery. As an aside, the female character in this book has the worst maternal instincts, Cersi Baratheon has more maternal yearningsTypical gun play and car chases ensue. I wonder if the Harvard History Department offer their grad students offer classes on evasive driving techniques and 101 ways to lose a tail. Destinations include a series of archives, cathedrals and churches, narrowly escaping gun toting bad guys at each turn.
While an easy read, this book falls into all the same historical fiction tropes that Dan Brown set out over a decade ago. Jefferson Tayte is infinitely more likable than Robert Langdon, but is still insufferable at times. He is always the smartest guy in the room and has a single, damaged, female partner he only just met in the first chapter. YAWN. . And like apocalyptic move directors and other alternate historical fiction writers, Robinson doesn't have the nerve to fully execute his mystery. In fact, the end of this book was particularly anti-climatic.
It's an easy read, but not a particular enjoyable one.
While an easy read, this book falls into all the same historical fiction tropes that Dan Brown set out over a decade ago. Jefferson Tayte is infinitely more likable than Robert Langdon, but is still insufferable at times. He is always the smartest guy in the room and has a single, damaged, female partner he only just met in the first chapter. YAWN. . And like apocalyptic move directors and other alternate historical fiction writers, Robinson doesn't have the nerve to fully execute his mystery. In fact, the end of this book was particularly anti-climatic.
It's an easy read, but not a particular enjoyable one.
April 22, 2014
Dan Brown look out! The new kid on the block has arrived!
The Last Queen came across the screen of my Kindle as a suggestion. To my surprise, I took it, bought it, pressed read now, and never stopped until I finished. The ultimate villain...The side kicks....The love interest....and the American favorite, it seems, a British royal angle. The beginning seemed like a standard murder-mystery, quickly evolving into something much more complicated. Add a totally off the wall love affair (or at least, potential burgeoning love affair), a few chases of multiple types around London, and after an apparent ending, a little "oops, I forgot...just this little bit so you can wonder...".
I gave the book 5 stars because I loved it. I read a lot, and often get bored in the course of a book. Just about the time I thought the next bit would get boring, the plot changed. Or I just couldn't see how they would survive the latest set-back, and apparently the adrenaline kicked in. Or a new set of characters entered (forty genealogists!!!), numerous bad guys, characters entering just to be killed....or will that one somehow survive?
The Last Queen came across the screen of my Kindle as a suggestion. To my surprise, I took it, bought it, pressed read now, and never stopped until I finished. The ultimate villain...The side kicks....The love interest....and the American favorite, it seems, a British royal angle. The beginning seemed like a standard murder-mystery, quickly evolving into something much more complicated. Add a totally off the wall love affair (or at least, potential burgeoning love affair), a few chases of multiple types around London, and after an apparent ending, a little "oops, I forgot...just this little bit so you can wonder...".
I gave the book 5 stars because I loved it. I read a lot, and often get bored in the course of a book. Just about the time I thought the next bit would get boring, the plot changed. Or I just couldn't see how they would survive the latest set-back, and apparently the adrenaline kicked in. Or a new set of characters entered (forty genealogists!!!), numerous bad guys, characters entering just to be killed....or will that one somehow survive?
February 12, 2016
Until this year the writer was previously unknown to me, and now I have just finished this 3rd book in the Jefferson Tayte series in quick succession. This book is slightly different to the previous two, in that it blends past and present into a continuous tale all set in the present day. JT is in London for a genealogy conference, rather than tracing an American client's family history, when his friend and mentor is gunned down in front of him. This causes JT to pick up the reins of his friend's current investigation, and murder and mayhem seems to abound whichever way he turns. Not only will this book appeal to those who enjoy thrillers and mysteries, but there is a great conspiracy plot running through the whole storyline.
The writing just seems to be getting better with each book, and JT is developing in to a really likeable character. There has been plenty of research done in getting things just right, and it all made for a riveting read. I think I finished reading this at 3AM this morning, as I was so reluctant to put it down.
The writing just seems to be getting better with each book, and JT is developing in to a really likeable character. There has been plenty of research done in getting things just right, and it all made for a riveting read. I think I finished reading this at 3AM this morning, as I was so reluctant to put it down.
December 26, 2012
This is the third of Steve Robinson's Jefferson Tayte books... the rather self-effacing American genealogist is again back in the UK. During his visit he loses a close friend as a result of a bullet and is determined to find out what the reason was for his murder. He teams up with a Professor of History, Jean Summer, and finds that the Jacobites have a connection to the death of his friend! The plot is fast-paced with a great many surprises... not least a connection with the Royal family. However, as is usual with Steve Robinson's books the reader is treated to at least one nugget of genealogical knowledge that is useful to the aspiring genealogist and in this case the ahnentafel is explained and used to great effect. I was hooked from the first page to the last and can recommend this book to anyone who likes a good 'page-turner'.
January 28, 2013
I wish I could give this book 6 stars! I'm not keen on history and not particularly bothered about genealogy, but I adore a really good thriller..... this is a really good thriller! I enjoyed the other two Jefferson Tayte novels, number 2 more than number 1 and am surprised that 3 could be even better, but it is. This book is set in London rather than Cornwall, which suited the pace of the story. It put me in mind of 'The Davinci Code', but I enjoyed this much more. I found it really difficult to put down as the pace is just right for me and I loved the characters. We get to know JT a little better and I couldn't help thinking that Dame Helen Mirren would make a great ''Jean''. I found the ending satisfying and left me wanting to read the next book. Get busy Mr. Robinson please!!!
April 1, 2014
American genealogist Jefferson Tayte is in London to attend a conference and to visit an old friend. When the friend is murdered JT sets out to find his killer, and the only way to do that is to continue the research that got him killed. With the assistance of historian Jean Summer JT begins to delve into a 300-year-old conspiracy that threatens British national security and the monarchy.
Of his three novels, this one has more pure genealogy, but also more action and suspense. There are visits to the National Archives, other archives and churchyards, but there was also murders, abductions, car chases, foot chases plus some very serious and quirky bad guys. If you loved National Treasure and The DaVinci Code you'll love this book. I can't wait for the next book to get here.
Of his three novels, this one has more pure genealogy, but also more action and suspense. There are visits to the National Archives, other archives and churchyards, but there was also murders, abductions, car chases, foot chases plus some very serious and quirky bad guys. If you loved National Treasure and The DaVinci Code you'll love this book. I can't wait for the next book to get here.
February 3, 2013
I could sit here and write so much about this book but I do not want to spoil it for anyone. Needless to say this book is fantastic, I have read the three books in this series one after the other and found each one better than the last. Be warned when you start reading this, you will need a clear weekend as I promise you it is one of those books you cannot put down and leave it, you will find yourself curled up with it, not doing anything else. I cannot wait for the next one I have been left wanting more, lots more.
January 17, 2017
Another fast-paced Jefferson Tayte mystery!! I'm about to catch up with the author! At least I hope he's working on another book!! J.T. Finally has a girlfriend..... After several tense days searching or being chased by a killer! "The Last Queen of England is a racing thriller with a heart-stopping conclusion". This from the back of the book, as well as "find themselves following a corpse-ridden trail that takes them to the Royal Society of London, circa 1708". I am still enthralled after finishing & unable to come up with more other than Enjoy the Trip!!!!
May 23, 2017
This is the third book in Robinson's Jefferson Tayte series. Tayte is a socially awkward American genealogist. In this book he returns to London for a family history conference and catch up with an old friend, but is catapoulted into a murder mystery and quest for truth that spans 400 years of royal records. I found it gripping and couldn't put it down, so much so that I gave myself a headache. There are now 6 books in the series...yippee!
December 5, 2012
Probably the best Jefferson Tayte mystery yet:)
December 10, 2012
love love love his books... he can't write the next one fast enough!
February 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of action, twists and turns and a good mystery. Also a bit of history and genealogy which makes it fun and interesting.
November 3, 2014
Jefferson Tayte's adventures make genealogy look way too adventurous! I enjoyed this book and the mystery.
June 17, 2015
Great Book!
It was so much fun to read. I love the genealogy piece as well as the action piece. I would definitely recommend it.
It was so much fun to read. I love the genealogy piece as well as the action piece. I would definitely recommend it.
Read
November 13, 2017I only managed 30 % of this one so I can't rate it. It's just not for me - too far fetched and not enough interest for me. Not my cup of tea!
August 11, 2018
my husband and I read this book together. it is the 3rd book on the series , I loved the first two but this one dragged on for in the middle to the end. He on the other head think it was great. I will read the next one bit if it loses its appeal I won't read books 5 , 6, and 7. it's a shame his writing is better then this.
January 13, 2018
I read the first two Jefferson Tayte novels and now have finished this one. I like it the best so far. Please do read the first two, but I just like the topic and historical time period in the plot of this one. The genealogical premise is great, and Tayte can sometimes be a vulnerable character, which I enjoy. These are fast paced novels and fun to read. I recommend!
March 16, 2019
Za mě tak 3,5 hvězdy. Začátek mě chytil, pak mě to přestalo bavit, ale akční druhá půlka to už pak zas napravovala.
Oproti předešlým dvěma knihám série to je ale trochu slabší, řekla bych. Zatím se mi nejvíc líbil předešlý Hluboký hrob.
Ale i tak se těším na dalšího J.T.
Oproti předešlým dvěma knihám série to je ale trochu slabší, řekla bych. Zatím se mi nejvíc líbil předešlý Hluboký hrob.
Ale i tak se těším na dalšího J.T.
March 31, 2019
I’m 40% in and I can’t take anymore. This book is doing zilch for me. The story line and characters are implausible and I hate books that feel the need to over explain what’s going on. Oh and the writing is doing for me. And I’m bored. No more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 425 reviews