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Catrin Surovell Tudor Mystery #1
Shades of Death: Murder at the Court of Elizabeth I
A new crime series set in Elizabethan England! Can two young ladies-in-waiting unmask a ruthless killer?
1560
When Elizabeth Tudor first became queen, the realm rejoiced. Now, two years later, the queen has formed an attachment to Lord Robert Dudley that is causing widespread restlessness and discontent.
The tense situation threatens to become a full-blown disaster when Lord Robert’s wife, Amy, is found dead at the bottom of a staircase. Rumours fly through court suggesting Lord Robert killed her so he could marry the queen.
He is banished from court, but the queen is sure he is innocent. She sends her ladies-in-waiting, Catrin Surovell and Lucy Howard to the scene of Amy’s death, Cumnor Place, to discover as much as they can about what really happened.
Once there, Catrin and Lucy find evidence that the death was no accident, and discover that a stranger was with Lady Amy on the day she died.
And as Catrin investigates further, she finds a secret cache of dangerous documents in Amy’s handwriting, suggesting that she was part of a conspiracy against the crown.
But to find out who was responsible for Lady Amy's death, Catrin will have to put her own life in danger…
Who was the stranger with Amy Dudley on the day of her murder? Did he cause her untimely death?
And can Catrin escape this dangerous web of secrets and betrayal? An exciting historical thriller set at the court of Elizabeth I.
1560
When Elizabeth Tudor first became queen, the realm rejoiced. Now, two years later, the queen has formed an attachment to Lord Robert Dudley that is causing widespread restlessness and discontent.
The tense situation threatens to become a full-blown disaster when Lord Robert’s wife, Amy, is found dead at the bottom of a staircase. Rumours fly through court suggesting Lord Robert killed her so he could marry the queen.
He is banished from court, but the queen is sure he is innocent. She sends her ladies-in-waiting, Catrin Surovell and Lucy Howard to the scene of Amy’s death, Cumnor Place, to discover as much as they can about what really happened.
Once there, Catrin and Lucy find evidence that the death was no accident, and discover that a stranger was with Lady Amy on the day she died.
And as Catrin investigates further, she finds a secret cache of dangerous documents in Amy’s handwriting, suggesting that she was part of a conspiracy against the crown.
But to find out who was responsible for Lady Amy's death, Catrin will have to put her own life in danger…
Who was the stranger with Amy Dudley on the day of her murder? Did he cause her untimely death?
And can Catrin escape this dangerous web of secrets and betrayal? An exciting historical thriller set at the court of Elizabeth I.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2023
106 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Angela Ranson
7 books8 followersAngela Ranson is a Canadian expat who used to spend her days teaching teenagers English and History. She now enjoys living in the wild beauty of North Yorkshire and working as a university administrator. In 2014, she earned a doctorate in the history of sixteenth-century England from the University of York, and spent several years publishing non-fiction articles about the early years of Queen Elizabeth I. Most recently, she acted as editor and contributing author for the book Defending the Faith: John Jewel and the Elizabethan Church (Penn State Press, 2018).
C.S. Lewis once said: ‘Write about what really interests you, whether it is real things or imaginary things, and nothing else.’ In Angela’s case, real and imaginary things often blend into one story. Her novels attempt to recreate the atmosphere of Tudor England, exploring fresh themes and ideas by finding fictional solutions to real-life crimes and mysteries. She tries to create puzzles that the reader can solve by tracing the clues, and loves including ciphers, cryptic messages, secret treasures and hidden meanings. As in life, things are not always what they seem.
That’s what makes it interesting.
C.S. Lewis once said: ‘Write about what really interests you, whether it is real things or imaginary things, and nothing else.’ In Angela’s case, real and imaginary things often blend into one story. Her novels attempt to recreate the atmosphere of Tudor England, exploring fresh themes and ideas by finding fictional solutions to real-life crimes and mysteries. She tries to create puzzles that the reader can solve by tracing the clues, and loves including ciphers, cryptic messages, secret treasures and hidden meanings. As in life, things are not always what they seem.
That’s what makes it interesting.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 10, 2023
4★
“‘But how —’ Once again her desire for answers abruptly vanished in the realisation of danger. She turned and ran, dodging between the trees. Another arrow hissed over her head and she held in a shriek that would have betrayed her position. A stitch in her side made her breathless and her legs cramped, but still she didn’t slow down. Not until she found herself at the edge of the forest.”
Good fun! For the reader, I mean, not necessarily for feisty young heroine Catrin Surovell, whom Queen Elizabeth the First calls ‘her talisman’ (lucky charm). Catrin and best friend Lucie (Lady Lucretia Howard), are very young ladies in the Queen’s court.
Elizabeth is well known for her temper, her favourites, her enemies, and her long reign of 45 years. I have no idea how many novels and stories I’ve read about the period, but it is obviously rich ground to mine for inspiration. I don’t think today’s political rivalries and intrigue differ much from those in medieval courts.
When Catrin was 8, Lord Ashbourne came to their house and ordered Catrin and her mother to come with him to Tower Hill, to show they were loyal to Queen Mary. There, she saw her father, whom she adored, declared a traitor.
“Then the axe rose up in an arc — the blade flashing in the sun — before it fell —”
This vision reappears from time to time as she steels herself to face enemies. Her father taught her to move soundlessly, a skill which is necessary when sneaking around castle corridors. More than that, he had a collection of knives.
“She drew the knife slowly from its hidden sheath, but knew better than to test the blade. It was an Italian knife known as a ‘stiletto,’ one of her father’s collection. She had chosen it because it was so thin, so sharp, and so easily hidden. Most ladies did not carry such a weapon, but then again most ladies were protected by their fathers and brothers. She had no such champion and had learned when very young that she had to protect herself. Since then, carrying a hidden knife had saved her from a man’s overzealous attentions several times, and once from a highwayman after her purse.”
She has no father and can’t find her mother. She has heard all the gossip, that her mother ran off with a shopkeeper or stableboy or some such, but she realises it’s just something for people to talk about, to annoy her.
“Now she knew better, but still knew nothing more than anyone else. And that was simply this: soon after Catrin had taken a place at court, her mother had gone out riding and vanished, like the morning mist in the sun.”
She desperately wants to know where her mother went, and why, and it’s a desire that others play upon, saying they have information they will share with her if she will do something for them. It’s a tricky balancing act for her.
The intrigue in Queen Elizabeth’s court is no secret, nor is her affection for Robert Dudley, who has been living at court for a year while his wife, Amy, remains at their country home. It is not a spoiler (because it’s in the advertising and is an historical fact) that Amy Dudley is found dead at the bottom of the stairs at their home, so gossip is rife.
Thus begins an investigation while keeping things as quiet as possible, because everyone suspects everyone else of trying to “free” Dudley from his wife so he can marry the Queen. Catrin is part of the investigation, which leads to several life-threatening incidents.
The author explains in her note at the end that the cause of Amy Dudley’s death has been the subject of speculation for centuries, and in 2008, a coroner’s report was found that included more details. These led to even more questions, around which Ranson has written this entertaining Tudor mystery.
Both girls are young and can be silly and giggly, but Catrin is particularly alert, quick and clever. Of course, I had to take it on faith that she could do some of the things she did, but why not? The atmosphere and conditions seem real, whether she is sewing and dancing at court, galloping bareback through the forest, or tip-toeing silently around the palace.
A bright young heroine to introduce a new series that I am sure will be popular.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a copy of #ShadesofDeath for review.
“‘But how —’ Once again her desire for answers abruptly vanished in the realisation of danger. She turned and ran, dodging between the trees. Another arrow hissed over her head and she held in a shriek that would have betrayed her position. A stitch in her side made her breathless and her legs cramped, but still she didn’t slow down. Not until she found herself at the edge of the forest.”
Good fun! For the reader, I mean, not necessarily for feisty young heroine Catrin Surovell, whom Queen Elizabeth the First calls ‘her talisman’ (lucky charm). Catrin and best friend Lucie (Lady Lucretia Howard), are very young ladies in the Queen’s court.
Elizabeth is well known for her temper, her favourites, her enemies, and her long reign of 45 years. I have no idea how many novels and stories I’ve read about the period, but it is obviously rich ground to mine for inspiration. I don’t think today’s political rivalries and intrigue differ much from those in medieval courts.
When Catrin was 8, Lord Ashbourne came to their house and ordered Catrin and her mother to come with him to Tower Hill, to show they were loyal to Queen Mary. There, she saw her father, whom she adored, declared a traitor.
“Then the axe rose up in an arc — the blade flashing in the sun — before it fell —”
This vision reappears from time to time as she steels herself to face enemies. Her father taught her to move soundlessly, a skill which is necessary when sneaking around castle corridors. More than that, he had a collection of knives.
“She drew the knife slowly from its hidden sheath, but knew better than to test the blade. It was an Italian knife known as a ‘stiletto,’ one of her father’s collection. She had chosen it because it was so thin, so sharp, and so easily hidden. Most ladies did not carry such a weapon, but then again most ladies were protected by their fathers and brothers. She had no such champion and had learned when very young that she had to protect herself. Since then, carrying a hidden knife had saved her from a man’s overzealous attentions several times, and once from a highwayman after her purse.”
She has no father and can’t find her mother. She has heard all the gossip, that her mother ran off with a shopkeeper or stableboy or some such, but she realises it’s just something for people to talk about, to annoy her.
“Now she knew better, but still knew nothing more than anyone else. And that was simply this: soon after Catrin had taken a place at court, her mother had gone out riding and vanished, like the morning mist in the sun.”
She desperately wants to know where her mother went, and why, and it’s a desire that others play upon, saying they have information they will share with her if she will do something for them. It’s a tricky balancing act for her.
The intrigue in Queen Elizabeth’s court is no secret, nor is her affection for Robert Dudley, who has been living at court for a year while his wife, Amy, remains at their country home. It is not a spoiler (because it’s in the advertising and is an historical fact) that Amy Dudley is found dead at the bottom of the stairs at their home, so gossip is rife.
Thus begins an investigation while keeping things as quiet as possible, because everyone suspects everyone else of trying to “free” Dudley from his wife so he can marry the Queen. Catrin is part of the investigation, which leads to several life-threatening incidents.
The author explains in her note at the end that the cause of Amy Dudley’s death has been the subject of speculation for centuries, and in 2008, a coroner’s report was found that included more details. These led to even more questions, around which Ranson has written this entertaining Tudor mystery.
Both girls are young and can be silly and giggly, but Catrin is particularly alert, quick and clever. Of course, I had to take it on faith that she could do some of the things she did, but why not? The atmosphere and conditions seem real, whether she is sewing and dancing at court, galloping bareback through the forest, or tip-toeing silently around the palace.
A bright young heroine to introduce a new series that I am sure will be popular.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a copy of #ShadesofDeath for review.
December 25, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for giving me ARC of Shades of Death.
I requested a book because I enjoy reading about historical and royal concepts, which is why I also love reading historical manhwas. In the end, the book managed to capture my attention. However, it was difficult to concentrate at the beginning due to the complex writing style and the large number of characters introduced. It took me a week to finish reading it.
SPOILERS:
I love a golden retriever boyfriend with a black cat girlfriend but we couldn't have that. I am still devastated over Sir Nicholas, he was really sunshine and made me smile but then again it wasn't a romance genre.
Catrin was a strong character, despite her abusive stepfather. She was so strong and went through a lot without anyone's help.
Overall, It was a good read and I enjoyed it a lot. I wanna give it 3.5 stars but GoodReads doesn't have that option.
I requested a book because I enjoy reading about historical and royal concepts, which is why I also love reading historical manhwas. In the end, the book managed to capture my attention. However, it was difficult to concentrate at the beginning due to the complex writing style and the large number of characters introduced. It took me a week to finish reading it.
SPOILERS:
I love a golden retriever boyfriend with a black cat girlfriend but we couldn't have that. I am still devastated over Sir Nicholas, he was really sunshine and made me smile but then again it wasn't a romance genre.
Catrin was a strong character, despite her abusive stepfather. She was so strong and went through a lot without anyone's help.
Overall, It was a good read and I enjoyed it a lot. I wanna give it 3.5 stars but GoodReads doesn't have that option.
April 6, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and demolished it in one day.
I love anything Tudor, and Ransom did a fantastic job of transporting the reader to an Elizabethan world of intrigue, politics and authenticity. From the court of Elizabeth 1st, to the home of Robert Dudley and to woods and countryside in between, the world is believable and has plenty of variety.
Catrin was such a great character: very relatable and humorous. She wasn’t a brash or loud heroine, but was quietly confident, powerful and smart. Lucy was also a vibrant and empathetic character. The story had other great characters, including Sir Nicholas who stirred a plethora of emotions, from good to bad and demonstrated some anti-hero qualities.
The plot was kept intriguing with twists and turns, and the true killer not revealed until a dramatic end.
Although the novel had plenty of blood and dark moments, it was a very readable and easy read - one of those books that is easy to get lost in.
It felt full of energy, it was interesting and it was just an overall great historical mystery. I will be reading more in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy.
I love anything Tudor, and Ransom did a fantastic job of transporting the reader to an Elizabethan world of intrigue, politics and authenticity. From the court of Elizabeth 1st, to the home of Robert Dudley and to woods and countryside in between, the world is believable and has plenty of variety.
Catrin was such a great character: very relatable and humorous. She wasn’t a brash or loud heroine, but was quietly confident, powerful and smart. Lucy was also a vibrant and empathetic character. The story had other great characters, including Sir Nicholas who stirred a plethora of emotions, from good to bad and demonstrated some anti-hero qualities.
The plot was kept intriguing with twists and turns, and the true killer not revealed until a dramatic end.
Although the novel had plenty of blood and dark moments, it was a very readable and easy read - one of those books that is easy to get lost in.
It felt full of energy, it was interesting and it was just an overall great historical mystery. I will be reading more in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy.
August 10, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Shades of Death is the first book in a well written historical mystery series set during the Tudor period by Dr. Angela Ranson. Released 17th Nov 2023 by Sapere, it's 270 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The second book in the series is also currently available on KU.
Set in the pomp and glittering splendor of the court of Queen Elizabeth I, Catrin Surovell is a young lady in waiting with a complex background (her father declared a traitor, her mother vanished) who has to rely on her wits and resilience to keep herself out of danger as best she can. She's intelligent, practical, and appealing, in a dangerous Machiavellian setting where almost nobody can be truly trusted apart from her bosom friend and confidant Lucy.
The author is a historian, and it shows. The story is interwoven around a framework of real historical events and characters so skillfully that it's not always easy to see where fact shades into fiction. The plotting is tight and action driven, with an exciting denouement and resolution.
A second book in the series was released in Feb 2024 from the same author. It would make a good choice for a weekend mini-binge/buddy read.
Four stars. Well written, dense, and with historical verisimilitude. It's not at all derivative, but fans of Sharon Kay Penman, Candace Robb, and Susanna Gregory will likely enjoy this one as well.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Shades of Death is the first book in a well written historical mystery series set during the Tudor period by Dr. Angela Ranson. Released 17th Nov 2023 by Sapere, it's 270 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The second book in the series is also currently available on KU.
Set in the pomp and glittering splendor of the court of Queen Elizabeth I, Catrin Surovell is a young lady in waiting with a complex background (her father declared a traitor, her mother vanished) who has to rely on her wits and resilience to keep herself out of danger as best she can. She's intelligent, practical, and appealing, in a dangerous Machiavellian setting where almost nobody can be truly trusted apart from her bosom friend and confidant Lucy.
The author is a historian, and it shows. The story is interwoven around a framework of real historical events and characters so skillfully that it's not always easy to see where fact shades into fiction. The plotting is tight and action driven, with an exciting denouement and resolution.
A second book in the series was released in Feb 2024 from the same author. It would make a good choice for a weekend mini-binge/buddy read.
Four stars. Well written, dense, and with historical verisimilitude. It's not at all derivative, but fans of Sharon Kay Penman, Candace Robb, and Susanna Gregory will likely enjoy this one as well.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 7, 2024
My 11 year old son read this book in three days and has never been so excited to talk about a book before! He loves history and this is the first adult mystery he’s read. I was thrilled how captivated he was by it!
I too, was drawn in by the story. I admit, the first couple of chapters were a bit of a blur of learning names and getting used to the old English and historical terms but by chapter 3 I was hooked. The list of characters at the front of the book was very helpful so be sure to use that if you’re like me and are easily confused when multiple characters are introduced quickly.
The character development of Catrin and Lucy was really well done and I love how they complement each other. I’m looking forward to the next book and hope Lucy is along for that journey too.
Overall this was a fascinating read. I loved the characters, the intricate plot with creative codes and messages, and the constant guessing of whodunit. I’ll end with this (non spoiler) quote from the book “I cannot wade in such deep waters with such a shallow wit. Leave me now so I may think” - the queen
That’s how I ended the reading journey, wanting to talk about it and think about it more. I may read this again before the second book comes out next month!
I too, was drawn in by the story. I admit, the first couple of chapters were a bit of a blur of learning names and getting used to the old English and historical terms but by chapter 3 I was hooked. The list of characters at the front of the book was very helpful so be sure to use that if you’re like me and are easily confused when multiple characters are introduced quickly.
The character development of Catrin and Lucy was really well done and I love how they complement each other. I’m looking forward to the next book and hope Lucy is along for that journey too.
Overall this was a fascinating read. I loved the characters, the intricate plot with creative codes and messages, and the constant guessing of whodunit. I’ll end with this (non spoiler) quote from the book “I cannot wade in such deep waters with such a shallow wit. Leave me now so I may think” - the queen
That’s how I ended the reading journey, wanting to talk about it and think about it more. I may read this again before the second book comes out next month!
November 27, 2023
The court of Elizabeth in 1560 was a hotbed of intrigue. The queen was very aware that despite her popularity there were strands of dissension, kept hidden for the most part but there were several attempts on the queen’s life throughout her reign.
Her relationship with Lord Dudley was not looked on favorably because there were many suitors for her hand and a married Lord was just not acceptable. WhenDudley’s wife is found dead in her castle the suspects are her husband and the Queen who supposedly wanted Dudley for herself.
Banishing Dudley from the Court, the Queen sets up a private investigation (which was not private at all) as every move seemed to be known to their enemies beforehand). Catrin and Lucy two ladies in waiting known for their loyalty and discretion are the Queen’s agents to find out what lies behind the Lady Amy’s murder.
A web of deceit, greed and a desire to get rid of Elizabeth hold a group of courtiers together and this is the group that has to be penetrated to get to the mastermind.
Descriptive both in background as well as characters, this was a good read not just of the detective genre but history as well.
Her relationship with Lord Dudley was not looked on favorably because there were many suitors for her hand and a married Lord was just not acceptable. WhenDudley’s wife is found dead in her castle the suspects are her husband and the Queen who supposedly wanted Dudley for herself.
Banishing Dudley from the Court, the Queen sets up a private investigation (which was not private at all) as every move seemed to be known to their enemies beforehand). Catrin and Lucy two ladies in waiting known for their loyalty and discretion are the Queen’s agents to find out what lies behind the Lady Amy’s murder.
A web of deceit, greed and a desire to get rid of Elizabeth hold a group of courtiers together and this is the group that has to be penetrated to get to the mastermind.
Descriptive both in background as well as characters, this was a good read not just of the detective genre but history as well.
March 8, 2025
I had no expectations going into Shades of Death. Being unfamiliar with the author, nor having read much historical mystery fiction. Despite being a fan of historical fiction in general.
The novel was well written, and the plot was more than believable. I never found myself being dragged out of the story due to any modern interpretations of the time period. Which is always a risk when it comes to historical fiction.
Yes the main character is one of Queen Elizabeth I ladies, and she has an agency of her own. But she still has to overcome the limitations of the time. Which is incorporated into the plot in a way that feels authentic. Adding to the narrative, rather than detracting from it.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with Shades of Death. And would be more than willing to read more in the Catrin Surovell series. In fact, I have purchased the next two books in the series.
The novel was well written, and the plot was more than believable. I never found myself being dragged out of the story due to any modern interpretations of the time period. Which is always a risk when it comes to historical fiction.
Yes the main character is one of Queen Elizabeth I ladies, and she has an agency of her own. But she still has to overcome the limitations of the time. Which is incorporated into the plot in a way that feels authentic. Adding to the narrative, rather than detracting from it.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with Shades of Death. And would be more than willing to read more in the Catrin Surovell series. In fact, I have purchased the next two books in the series.
January 3, 2024
This was a Catrin Surovell Tudor mystery, the first in a series. It was set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and I have always been interested in the time period, which is why I chose this book.
I found Catrin an interesting protagonist, and I would like to read more murder mysteries featuring her as the investigator. When I read historical fiction, I hope to escape and feel as though I'm somewhere else for a little while, and this book was written in such a way that helped me to escape. It was an intriguing murder mystery, and light enough to read in one sitting, if so desired.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
I found Catrin an interesting protagonist, and I would like to read more murder mysteries featuring her as the investigator. When I read historical fiction, I hope to escape and feel as though I'm somewhere else for a little while, and this book was written in such a way that helped me to escape. It was an intriguing murder mystery, and light enough to read in one sitting, if so desired.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
November 20, 2023
Shades of death
This was a really great book, and I loved that it was a potential actual historical event that happened (Read “Death and the Virgin Queen ” by Chris Skidmore to see if it was a accident, suicide or Murder)
This book had me GLUED to the end, the characters of Catrin and Lucy, the ladies in waiting of the queen were my favorite characters in this book.
This is definitely a must read for someone loves a mix of, or well written historical fiction and mystery books. The descriptions were very well written so much that you felt like you could be there in the book right with the characters themselves.
It had the perfect balance of mystery and historical fiction, with neither one overwhelming the other. You had the historical background and still had the primary mystery of who killed Amy Dudley.
November 18, 2023
Suicide, Accident, or Murder?
Oh, what a ride! This story centers on one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in Queen Elizabeth I's reign...what really happened to Amy Dudley? There is another thread, the missing mother of the main character, lady-in-waiting Catrin. She is a terrific character, not a meek and subservient woman at all but clever and tenacious. The author brilliantly brings Elizabeth I's court to life with details of fashion, food, and customs. I read this in one sitting and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. If you are a Tudor fan, don't miss this one.
Oh, what a ride! This story centers on one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in Queen Elizabeth I's reign...what really happened to Amy Dudley? There is another thread, the missing mother of the main character, lady-in-waiting Catrin. She is a terrific character, not a meek and subservient woman at all but clever and tenacious. The author brilliantly brings Elizabeth I's court to life with details of fashion, food, and customs. I read this in one sitting and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. If you are a Tudor fan, don't miss this one.
November 24, 2023
Overall 4.5*
This is a very good example of a story set in history which is factual however the author puts lots of other twists and turns into it, thus making it an exciting murder/mystery tale. Good insights into life within the Elizabethan court and how difficult it must have been irrespective of your status to actually enjoy life with all the enemies who were about at this time. I really liked the characters - both the good and the bad -, the descriptiveness of the court and its environs and the history interwoven throughout.
Thanks to Sapere books for the ARC to review.
This is a very good example of a story set in history which is factual however the author puts lots of other twists and turns into it, thus making it an exciting murder/mystery tale. Good insights into life within the Elizabethan court and how difficult it must have been irrespective of your status to actually enjoy life with all the enemies who were about at this time. I really liked the characters - both the good and the bad -, the descriptiveness of the court and its environs and the history interwoven throughout.
Thanks to Sapere books for the ARC to review.
November 27, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look for the next in the series. The characters are engaging, the plot is believable and the historical aspects are enjoyable. The court of Elizabeth I is definitely a great place for intrigue, and the fiction blends well with the fact. Because the style is easy to read, I read it quite quickly. My thanks to Sapere Books for the opportunity to read it.
November 27, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will make sure to catch the next in the series. The author is new to me and did a very good job mixing fiction and fact in this story. The characters were interesting and the plot is full of twist turns and intrigue. The book was an easy page turner that I read in one go. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2023
Just finished reading this book and was surprised and truly impressed with the author’s ability as both a storyteller and author. She took a somewhat obscure historical mystery and developed a well written murder mystery clothed in this unique historical setting. Highly recommended and look forward to the next chapter in this series.
January 11, 2024
I always enjoy reading historical fiction and Shade of Death was right up my alley. I love how Angela Ranson wove actual events and people into the story. Amy Dudley's death remains a mystery to this day, but this book gave an interesting take on what may have happened. I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 30, 2023
Very twist and turny
This was a new Author to me and I enjoyed the book very much. I was surprised at the end and was wrong about who the bad guy was.
If you enjoy Tudor stories then you will lime this one.
This was a new Author to me and I enjoyed the book very much. I was surprised at the end and was wrong about who the bad guy was.
If you enjoy Tudor stories then you will lime this one.
May 3, 2024
Love this!
What a refreshing read about the Court of Elizabeth. I love how lady Dudley was actually helping not just murdered for no reason. I am excited to read others in this series.
What a refreshing read about the Court of Elizabeth. I love how lady Dudley was actually helping not just murdered for no reason. I am excited to read others in this series.
November 18, 2024
A good historical Tudor story, with an engaging heroine. The plot is woven around the real politics of the ear.y years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The many twists and turns keep the reader guessing, but also make the novel feel a bit scrambled.
November 24, 2023
Well above average for a Tudor murder mystery. The author is new to me and obviously knows how to engage the reader.
December 16, 2023
Conspiracy and intrigue are a huge part of life at court in this Elizabethan adventure. The book is full of rich descriptions and is a thoroughly good read. I enjoyed it immensely.
December 23, 2023
Bloody fantastic. Great characters. Great writing. It had me guessing until the end.
November 28, 2023
Reign of Queen Elizabeth, 1560. Only two years into her reign, the wife of favourite Robert Dudley Amy, has been discovered dead. Suicide, accident or murder. An investigation by Catrin Surovell uncovers a conspiracy to murder. But murder who and why.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and varied characters. A good start to this new series.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and varied characters. A good start to this new series.
December 11, 2023
Thank you to Sapere books for this ARC.
I really enjoyed this book. Interesting historical fiction about the death of Robert Dudley's wife turned into a bit of a mystery. I liked the strong female characters and it was fun hanging out in Elizabethian era England. Book was well written and researched.
Looking forward to reading more of these books.
I really enjoyed this book. Interesting historical fiction about the death of Robert Dudley's wife turned into a bit of a mystery. I liked the strong female characters and it was fun hanging out in Elizabethian era England. Book was well written and researched.
Looking forward to reading more of these books.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews