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The Mind's Evil Toy: The life and death of Amy Dudley
8th of September, 1560
A body is found at the bottom of a flight of stairs at Cumnor Place, the body of Amy Dudley, wife of Robert Dudley, favourite and some say lover of Queen Elizabeth I. Was it accident, suicide or murder? Everyone knows how close the Queen and Robert Dudley are, as everyone knows that Amy was his ignored and neglected wife, a wife standing in the way of Robert marrying the Queen, to become King. As scandal erupts in Tudor England, everyone wants to know how Amy died, and not the least of them is Amy herself.
In company with Death, Amy will travel through past and present, seeking answers to her questions. Who killed her, and why?
The Mind's Evil Toy is a historical fantasy, by G. Lawrence.
The author's thanks are due to Julia Gibbs, proof reader of this work, and Betibup33 Design Studio, the cover artist.
A body is found at the bottom of a flight of stairs at Cumnor Place, the body of Amy Dudley, wife of Robert Dudley, favourite and some say lover of Queen Elizabeth I. Was it accident, suicide or murder? Everyone knows how close the Queen and Robert Dudley are, as everyone knows that Amy was his ignored and neglected wife, a wife standing in the way of Robert marrying the Queen, to become King. As scandal erupts in Tudor England, everyone wants to know how Amy died, and not the least of them is Amy herself.
In company with Death, Amy will travel through past and present, seeking answers to her questions. Who killed her, and why?
The Mind's Evil Toy is a historical fantasy, by G. Lawrence.
The author's thanks are due to Julia Gibbs, proof reader of this work, and Betibup33 Design Studio, the cover artist.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2023
54 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
G. Lawrence
50 books282 followersI am an independently published author, and proud to be so. Living in a little cottage in Wales in the UK, I love where I live as much as I love to write.
The age of the Tudors has been an obsession for me since I was a child, and many of my upcoming books will center on that time, but I also pen the odd dystopian fiction or historical fiction from other time periods. I will be releasing all my titles on amazon, for kindle and then hopefully for print later.
I studied Literature (with a capital L) at University and usually have twenty or more books I'm currently reading. Reading and writing are about mood for me, and I haven't found a genre I didn't enjoy something about so far...
You can often find me on Wattpad or Twitter when I'm not writing...
The age of the Tudors has been an obsession for me since I was a child, and many of my upcoming books will center on that time, but I also pen the odd dystopian fiction or historical fiction from other time periods. I will be releasing all my titles on amazon, for kindle and then hopefully for print later.
I studied Literature (with a capital L) at University and usually have twenty or more books I'm currently reading. Reading and writing are about mood for me, and I haven't found a genre I didn't enjoy something about so far...
You can often find me on Wattpad or Twitter when I'm not writing...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 14, 2023
What would Amy Dudley have to say to death and what would he have to say her well this account lets you imagine just such a thing.I thought it was really interesting,clever and well thought out and written.Death essentially takes her on a tour of the major events and not so major events of her life so they can be flys on the wall so to speak and look back in hindsight.Very much enjoyed.
November 6, 2023
I couldn't put this book down! The author describes this book as historical fantasy because Death takes Amy Dudley (wife of Robert Dudley) on a journey involving her death. It is brilliantly written and you, Amy and Death get to be flies on the wall for private conversations. Was it an accident, suicide or murder? If it was murder, can Death show Amy who the culprit was? You have to read this to find out. I'm such a huge fan of this author. Another homerun!
June 10, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by Gemma Lawrence. While I’m not a usual reader of historical fiction (with some exceptions), I’ve always been amazed seeing Ms. Lawrence publish so many books. Over the years only time has prevented me from sitting down with one.
When I began reading this, knowing nothing of the time, I looked up Amy Dudley (Amy Robsart) to learn a bit about her story. Immediately, I understand why the author was compelled to explore her story.
Beautifully written, this book is told by Amy, who, with Death at her side, goes back through her life … from the beginning to the end to learn how she ended up with a broken neck at the bottom of the stairs. Gripping … I’ll just say that much.
Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end — every bit as fascinating as the book itself. And the bibliography is an impressive testament to this author’s dedication to her craft.
When I began reading this, knowing nothing of the time, I looked up Amy Dudley (Amy Robsart) to learn a bit about her story. Immediately, I understand why the author was compelled to explore her story.
Beautifully written, this book is told by Amy, who, with Death at her side, goes back through her life … from the beginning to the end to learn how she ended up with a broken neck at the bottom of the stairs. Gripping … I’ll just say that much.
Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end — every bit as fascinating as the book itself. And the bibliography is an impressive testament to this author’s dedication to her craft.
October 29, 2023
Told in first person, this is an intriguing approach to the mystery of Amy Dudley's death. The poor, neglected wife of the queen's favorite, found at the foot of her stairs with a broken neck, meets with Death, who is willing to take her through all the steps leading to her demise—at her request. To do this, they travel backwards through time and observe scenes like ghosts. Amy learns much about Queen Elizabeth that was hidden from her, and reluctantly begins to understand the complicated relationship between her husband and her sovereign.
"I remember such a time, however," the Princess said, "when I was much without friends, and yet another prisoner, shut away from the world as I was, importuned me to remember that many in this country love her."
I shook my head. "That was his message?" I demanded of Death. "Did you bring me here to make me angrier?"
"You asked to know the truth," said Death.
I turned from his dark gaze and glared at my husband.
Amy learns that Elizabeth wasn't all bad, and Robin's faults became all too clear to her. Throughout, Death gives an objective commentary, and Amy becomes almost friendly with him. It is a healing experience for this murdered lady, and she comes away with an explanation for her death that the reader will find intriguing. Of course, by then, she is morphing into the afterlife and matters of the world are no longer important. The author freely admits that this story is pure speculation, hence labeled historical fantasy. It doesn't matter; the "history" as we know it is well presented, and the speculation makes perfect sense.
"I remember such a time, however," the Princess said, "when I was much without friends, and yet another prisoner, shut away from the world as I was, importuned me to remember that many in this country love her."
I shook my head. "That was his message?" I demanded of Death. "Did you bring me here to make me angrier?"
"You asked to know the truth," said Death.
I turned from his dark gaze and glared at my husband.
Amy learns that Elizabeth wasn't all bad, and Robin's faults became all too clear to her. Throughout, Death gives an objective commentary, and Amy becomes almost friendly with him. It is a healing experience for this murdered lady, and she comes away with an explanation for her death that the reader will find intriguing. Of course, by then, she is morphing into the afterlife and matters of the world are no longer important. The author freely admits that this story is pure speculation, hence labeled historical fantasy. It doesn't matter; the "history" as we know it is well presented, and the speculation makes perfect sense.
August 19, 2023
A fantastic read in the company of death Amy Robsart nee Dudley tries to find out the cause of her death was it a canker on her breast or MURDER
August 29, 2023
Interesting book about Amy Dudley, wife of Robin Dudley. He was in love with Elizabeth I.
Good story. Really love this author's books!!
Good story. Really love this author's books!!
August 31, 2023
Was Amy Dudley murdered?
Many, many books have been written about the Tudor monarchs, but this one is unique. It tells the story of the early part of Elizabeth’s reign, her relationship with her favorite, Robert Dudley, and her decision never to marry from the point of view of the ghost of Amy Dudley, Robin’s first wife. Amy Dudley was mortally ill, probably from breast cancer, but she died not from the illness but from a mysterious fall down a flight of stairs. History has never resolved the issue as to whether her death was an accident, a murder, or a suicide. This book posits a theory, and like in all good mysteries, this who-done-it ends in a surprise
Many, many books have been written about the Tudor monarchs, but this one is unique. It tells the story of the early part of Elizabeth’s reign, her relationship with her favorite, Robert Dudley, and her decision never to marry from the point of view of the ghost of Amy Dudley, Robin’s first wife. Amy Dudley was mortally ill, probably from breast cancer, but she died not from the illness but from a mysterious fall down a flight of stairs. History has never resolved the issue as to whether her death was an accident, a murder, or a suicide. This book posits a theory, and like in all good mysteries, this who-done-it ends in a surprise
November 23, 2024
This is the first novel I’ve read by Gemma Lawrence and, unlike many of her historical works, this one has a touch of fantasy – and I loved it! The story of Amy Dudley’s death is relatively well known but Ms Lawrence’s version takes us through the nitty gritty of all events leading up to her death in a unique and highly enjoyable way. Was Amy’s fall down the stairs that resulted in a broken neck a terrible accident or was she pushed and, if so, by whom?
The personification of Death is cleverly done as he guides the deceased Amy through the many scenes and/or occurrences leading up to her death. Some of the scenes show the developing relationship between her husband, Robert (Robin) Dudley and Queen Elizabeth I over the years. Other scenes focus on the complexity of relationships and intrigues within the Tudor Court, with its many visiting foreign dignitaries, each vying for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage on behalf of their royal masters. These visits enable Amy to consider the possibility of individuals other than Robin being responsible for her death. They also illustrate how an unmarried queen or princess was viewed at that time. Elizabeth’s determination to ensure that no man/husband ever takes control of her or her kingdom, and the strength of her character in general, shine through in this novel
There are many characters to love or hate in this story, and, despite his protestations to the contrary, Robert Dudley’s desire to become King of England is evident. Which makes the idea of him being responsible for Amy’s death all the more plausible. Other possible culprits could be any one of the foreign visitors who would see spreading malicious gossip of Dudley killing his wife as a way to besmirch his name with the people of England, leaving Elizabeth free to marry their own lord/master. On the other hand, already weakened by illness – possibly breast cancer – could Amy have tripped and landed awkwardly at the foot of the stairs, thus breaking her neck?
This is an intriguing story, and the true cause of Amy Dudley’s death still remains debatable. Gemma Lawrence’s book gives readers much food for thought and the fantasy element is so well done. The characterisation is superb, including that of William Cecil, Queen Elizabeth’s adviser, as well all the key players in the story.
Highly recommended
The personification of Death is cleverly done as he guides the deceased Amy through the many scenes and/or occurrences leading up to her death. Some of the scenes show the developing relationship between her husband, Robert (Robin) Dudley and Queen Elizabeth I over the years. Other scenes focus on the complexity of relationships and intrigues within the Tudor Court, with its many visiting foreign dignitaries, each vying for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage on behalf of their royal masters. These visits enable Amy to consider the possibility of individuals other than Robin being responsible for her death. They also illustrate how an unmarried queen or princess was viewed at that time. Elizabeth’s determination to ensure that no man/husband ever takes control of her or her kingdom, and the strength of her character in general, shine through in this novel
There are many characters to love or hate in this story, and, despite his protestations to the contrary, Robert Dudley’s desire to become King of England is evident. Which makes the idea of him being responsible for Amy’s death all the more plausible. Other possible culprits could be any one of the foreign visitors who would see spreading malicious gossip of Dudley killing his wife as a way to besmirch his name with the people of England, leaving Elizabeth free to marry their own lord/master. On the other hand, already weakened by illness – possibly breast cancer – could Amy have tripped and landed awkwardly at the foot of the stairs, thus breaking her neck?
This is an intriguing story, and the true cause of Amy Dudley’s death still remains debatable. Gemma Lawrence’s book gives readers much food for thought and the fantasy element is so well done. The characterisation is superb, including that of William Cecil, Queen Elizabeth’s adviser, as well all the key players in the story.
Highly recommended
August 28, 2023
Amy Dudley, neglected wife of Lord Robert Dudley, walks through the story of her life, in particular her marriage - but this journey takes place after she has departed this world. She is led through key moments by her companion: Death. her purpose is to uncover the truth behind not only her mysterious passing, but the crumbling of her once happy marriage, as the love between Dudley and Queen Elizabeth I deepens.
I'm not into the genre of fantasy at all, but this book worked for me so well. I loved it. It didn't feel like fantasy as such, I think because the events portrayed really did happen.
Amy and Death discuss the machinations of her husband and his ill-fated relationship with the queen, shown to them via their invisible presence in scenes from the past. I found this a perfect way to tell such a story; a straight fiction from the points of view of Elizabeth, Robert and Amy would not have been half so compelling.
The twist on the likely truth behind Amy's demise is clever and interesting, written in the mode of any good murder mystery, though the notes at the back of the book reveal the author's actual thoughts on the matter (I too am in agreement with the general opinion). However, this is not all the book is about. It's the story of a love that couldn't be, of ambition and deceit, of the Queen's triumph of sense over passion; it makes one ponder an abandoned woman's lot in such times, and also the value of life itself, with some wise observations from the not-at-all-demonic Death.
'The wisdom of others should never be ignored, but it should also never be followed with such slavish abandon that we forget to use the matter of our own minds'
'All things must end, that is the way of things. But other beings than me, grief, bitterness, resentment, these are the true enemies, for they steal life still there to live. They make people think life, this precious and unlikely gift, is not worth living, and the worst of it is, it is a lie and people are tricked into believing it. I am not the enemy, just the end. Those who steal away life from those still living, they are the enemy'
It is observations such as these that reiterate to me why Gemma Lawrence is so successful at her chosen profession. Well done.
I'm not into the genre of fantasy at all, but this book worked for me so well. I loved it. It didn't feel like fantasy as such, I think because the events portrayed really did happen.
Amy and Death discuss the machinations of her husband and his ill-fated relationship with the queen, shown to them via their invisible presence in scenes from the past. I found this a perfect way to tell such a story; a straight fiction from the points of view of Elizabeth, Robert and Amy would not have been half so compelling.
The twist on the likely truth behind Amy's demise is clever and interesting, written in the mode of any good murder mystery, though the notes at the back of the book reveal the author's actual thoughts on the matter (I too am in agreement with the general opinion). However, this is not all the book is about. It's the story of a love that couldn't be, of ambition and deceit, of the Queen's triumph of sense over passion; it makes one ponder an abandoned woman's lot in such times, and also the value of life itself, with some wise observations from the not-at-all-demonic Death.
'The wisdom of others should never be ignored, but it should also never be followed with such slavish abandon that we forget to use the matter of our own minds'
'All things must end, that is the way of things. But other beings than me, grief, bitterness, resentment, these are the true enemies, for they steal life still there to live. They make people think life, this precious and unlikely gift, is not worth living, and the worst of it is, it is a lie and people are tricked into believing it. I am not the enemy, just the end. Those who steal away life from those still living, they are the enemy'
It is observations such as these that reiterate to me why Gemma Lawrence is so successful at her chosen profession. Well done.
February 21, 2024
Pulp fiction, Elizabethan style
For a book that is lengthy and far too wordy, it just seems filled with redundancy and repetitive "conversations". We cannot know with any certainty what words were spoken or what rumors might have flown from one person to another, but it seemed to me the arguments and discussions were just one paragraph without adequate punctuation. The same phrases repeated endlessly did not change the outcome of the death of Amy Robsart, not one bit. Popular film and fiction have finally brought her name into the public awareness but it still remains a mystery unsolved for hundreds of years.
What I found most stifling were the phrases of the same tired suppositions, that Elizabeth feared marriage because she feared losing the power and authority of her reign. That most likely wouldn't have happened without civil war tearing the nation apart, but from a modern perspective we cannot know how that might have actually been accomplished. By means both fair and foul it most likely would have been attempted but we cannot know if it would have worked. In the end it doesn't matter because we do know she was able to keep her country and her crown for her entire life. She ruled England for some 40 years, no mean feat, given the age and its circumstances.
But I felt there could have been some more different and possibly engaging or entertaining suppositions put forth to engage the reader's imagination rather than continually just regurgitating the worn out and exhausting summation of marriage, children and continuing the Tudor dynasty , even if other scenarios or personages had to be invented out of whole cloth. All of the chatter was already the stuff of fantasy and imagination anyway so why bother endlessly hashing out the same comments and conversations just to keep a higher page count?
In truth I have read about Dudley's wife in several other versions but this one is the only one I found boring and inane.
One point for interest was giving death a persona rather than maintaining a more fairy tale quality of spectre and illusion. It was a cute tactic but not enough for me to recommend this book to others.
Fail, IMO.
For a book that is lengthy and far too wordy, it just seems filled with redundancy and repetitive "conversations". We cannot know with any certainty what words were spoken or what rumors might have flown from one person to another, but it seemed to me the arguments and discussions were just one paragraph without adequate punctuation. The same phrases repeated endlessly did not change the outcome of the death of Amy Robsart, not one bit. Popular film and fiction have finally brought her name into the public awareness but it still remains a mystery unsolved for hundreds of years.
What I found most stifling were the phrases of the same tired suppositions, that Elizabeth feared marriage because she feared losing the power and authority of her reign. That most likely wouldn't have happened without civil war tearing the nation apart, but from a modern perspective we cannot know how that might have actually been accomplished. By means both fair and foul it most likely would have been attempted but we cannot know if it would have worked. In the end it doesn't matter because we do know she was able to keep her country and her crown for her entire life. She ruled England for some 40 years, no mean feat, given the age and its circumstances.
But I felt there could have been some more different and possibly engaging or entertaining suppositions put forth to engage the reader's imagination rather than continually just regurgitating the worn out and exhausting summation of marriage, children and continuing the Tudor dynasty , even if other scenarios or personages had to be invented out of whole cloth. All of the chatter was already the stuff of fantasy and imagination anyway so why bother endlessly hashing out the same comments and conversations just to keep a higher page count?
In truth I have read about Dudley's wife in several other versions but this one is the only one I found boring and inane.
One point for interest was giving death a persona rather than maintaining a more fairy tale quality of spectre and illusion. It was a cute tactic but not enough for me to recommend this book to others.
Fail, IMO.
August 4, 2024
I’m such a big Gemma Lawrence fan that I have to restrain myself from reading her historical fiction novels back to back, so when I discovered she also writes historical fantasy, I was immediately intrigued. The Mind’s Evil Toy is Lawrence’s imagined tale of Lady Amy Dudley, real-life wife of Lord Robert Dudley, who was a favorite in the Tudor court of the Queen Elizabeth I of England. The couple wed just before Amy’s eighteenth birthday and by age 28 she was already dead under mysterious circumstances that remain unresolved to this day. To tell Amy’s story, Lawrence personifies Death and together, the two main characters examine the circumstances of her brief life. It’s a narrative that in another author’s hands might grow tiresome because there’s not much to it, but never fear. Lawrence works her magic to spin a captivating tale imbued with the sensitivity I expect from her books. As Death says, “Just because a moment is fleeting does not mean it has no meaning. Many things of the most meaning happen in a short time.” Lawrence not only proves his point but also finally gives Amy Dudley the fantasy ending that every woman deserves. Recommended for fans of historical fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, or pure fantasy.
April 18, 2024
Amy Dudley is dead - and she is angry. Standing over her body, her soul demands of Death to know why she dead before she agrees to Move On. So He shows her, not just scenes from her own life, that she can view clearer eyed now with the perspective of time, but also moments that were happening elsewhere, so she can get the Big Picture of her life.
The framework is a more interesting take on the usual framework of someone on their deathbed looking back on their life, and more honest, as the ghost of Amy rages and weeps of how much time she lost, partly due to her death, and partly due to her own actions.
There is a twist at the end, that I think works here, as we get a suggestion of What Really Happened that both aligns with the facts but also surprises.
An excellent work of Tudor historical fiction, showing just how much those in power affect others - as well as how much power a whisper can have.
December 18, 2023
"The Mind's Evil Toy" is a historical fantasy fiction novel by author G. Lawrence. The story centers around the mystery of the death of Amy Dudley, who is discovered dead at the bottom of a staircase. In the afterlife, Amy is convinced that her husband (who loves Elizabeth Tudor) is somehow responsible for her murder. But as Death guides her through the various scenes of her life, readers begin to see that all is not as it seems. Very cleverly written with a satisfying ending. Highly recommended!
November 10, 2023
Being a fan of all things Tudor, I came across this book on X. The story is unique as it is written from the viewpoint of Amy Robsart but after her death. She observes the events leading up to that fateful accident. Beautifully written book which brings the Elizabethan court to life. My first book for this author and I look forward to reading more.
October 8, 2024
I loved this.
I found it so beautifully written, a story of what happened to Amy Dudley, where she learns of her husband’s relationship with the Queen and true intentions.
I think some of us would like to see our lives and imagine if people’s intentions were as true as we thought them to be.
As a lover of historical fiction, Tudor specifically, this captivated me.
I found it so beautifully written, a story of what happened to Amy Dudley, where she learns of her husband’s relationship with the Queen and true intentions.
I think some of us would like to see our lives and imagine if people’s intentions were as true as we thought them to be.
As a lover of historical fiction, Tudor specifically, this captivated me.
September 26, 2023
Unusual
It was different from most of the stories about Amy, I enjoyed the way she could look backwards at her life, I was sorry for her but in the end she seemed to find the peace that she couldn't have with her faithless husband.
It was different from most of the stories about Amy, I enjoyed the way she could look backwards at her life, I was sorry for her but in the end she seemed to find the peace that she couldn't have with her faithless husband.
December 3, 2023
Fantastic!
I put off reading this book thinking I was done with the lives of Henry and his two girls. However I am so glad I read this book finally! It had me on the edge of my seat. I was shocked by the ending, but loved how it ended!
I put off reading this book thinking I was done with the lives of Henry and his two girls. However I am so glad I read this book finally! It had me on the edge of my seat. I was shocked by the ending, but loved how it ended!
January 2, 2025
Good read a different perspective .
This was written from the perspective of Amy and death. I always wondered if this resolution wasn't the real one.
This was written from the perspective of Amy and death. I always wondered if this resolution wasn't the real one.
December 15, 2023
Gripping from the first line!
In "The Mind's Evil Toy: The life and death of Amy Dudley" G. Lawrence delves expertly into the intriguing and often tragic life of Amy Dudley, wife of Queen Elizabeth I's favorite, Robert Dudley. The novel, set in Tudor England, dives into the tangled web of relationships and goals that surrounded the Queen's court. Amy's death, whether by accident, suicide, or murder, becomes a gripping thread that knits together the past and present as she seeks answers from beyond the dead.
Lawrence's portrayal of Amy's need for love and companionship, in contrast to Robert's ambition and Elizabeth's complicated position, provides a tragic story of unrequited love. The author looks into the darker undercurrents of power dynamics within the court, demonstrating the scheming and backstabbing that frequently accompanied the throne's quest.
Amy's struggle with breast cancer adds dimension to her character, making her awful outcome all the more heartbreaking. The author effectively navigates the historical context while creating a credible and engaging story that contributes to Amy's sad death.
This novel is a riveting historical biography that not only resurrects a forgotten historical figure, but also gives a realistic picture of the Tudor court's complicated relationships and power conflicts.
Lawrence's deft storytelling and well-researched storyline (as always) make this book a must-read for anybody interested in Tudor history and ESPECIALLY the frequently overlooked lives of people who lived on its outskirts.
Highly recommended!
In "The Mind's Evil Toy: The life and death of Amy Dudley" G. Lawrence delves expertly into the intriguing and often tragic life of Amy Dudley, wife of Queen Elizabeth I's favorite, Robert Dudley. The novel, set in Tudor England, dives into the tangled web of relationships and goals that surrounded the Queen's court. Amy's death, whether by accident, suicide, or murder, becomes a gripping thread that knits together the past and present as she seeks answers from beyond the dead.
Lawrence's portrayal of Amy's need for love and companionship, in contrast to Robert's ambition and Elizabeth's complicated position, provides a tragic story of unrequited love. The author looks into the darker undercurrents of power dynamics within the court, demonstrating the scheming and backstabbing that frequently accompanied the throne's quest.
Amy's struggle with breast cancer adds dimension to her character, making her awful outcome all the more heartbreaking. The author effectively navigates the historical context while creating a credible and engaging story that contributes to Amy's sad death.
This novel is a riveting historical biography that not only resurrects a forgotten historical figure, but also gives a realistic picture of the Tudor court's complicated relationships and power conflicts.
Lawrence's deft storytelling and well-researched storyline (as always) make this book a must-read for anybody interested in Tudor history and ESPECIALLY the frequently overlooked lives of people who lived on its outskirts.
Highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews