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Ursula Blanchard #23
To Seize a Queen
Pirates in Penzance? Queen Elizabeth's half-sister and secret agent Ursula Blanchard takes on a dangerous new mission involving mysterious disappearances and murder in Cornwall in this gripping Tudor mystery.1594. Ursula Blanchard is attending on her half-sister, Queen Elizabeth, when she receives an urgent summons from Sir Robert Cecil. Cornishman Master Roskilly was fished out of the sea by Sir Francis Godolphin, and has a shocking tale of being snatched by pirates and put on a slave vessel to Constantinople before his audacious escape. And he's not the only one . . . Folk in Cornwall are mysteriously disappearing. But why are only exceptional or unusual individuals being kidnapped, and could there be a link to two recent murders?With the queen's annual progress stalled, Ursula agrees to go undercover to unmask those responsible, knowing that Queen Elizabeth would be the most prized captive of all . . .
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
About the author
Fiona Buckley
64 books193 followersValerie Anand is a British author of historical fiction. Under the pen name Fiona Buckley she writes the series of historical mysteries, set in the reign of Elizabeth I of England, featuring "Ursula Blanchard" (whose full name is Ursula Faldene Blanchard de la Roche Stannard). Under her own name she writes historical fiction based on the royalty of England and the Bridges over Time series which follows a family from the eleventh century through the nineteenth century.
Series:
* Ursula Blanchard
Series:
* Ursula Blanchard
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 27, 2024
To Seize a Queen is the 23rd episode in Fiona Buckley’s series of Ursula Stannard’s life in Tudor England. She is half sister to the Queen, and has been called to attend to the queen for one of her regular court appearances. While there, she is summoned to meet with Sir Robert Cecil. Also there, Sir Francis Godolphin of Cornwall, with a story of a terrible crime that seems underway in his home county. People are disappearing. Random individuals or couples or small families have gone missing without notice of any kind. There are rumors of slave takers. Possibly taking individuals based on their skills. Ursula is asked, in her capacity as assistant and occasional agent for the Queen, to help with the plan to seek out those behind this horror against the queen’s people.
A plan is made and Ursula’s household moves forth to Cornwall to implement the plan worked out at Court. Then the story just goes and goes with many people introduced and no one definitively ruled in or out as suspicious. Ursula, Brockley, Dale, and Christopher are to work to identify possible organizers of this slave-taking system. Unlike past episodes, To Seize a Queen suffers from the lengthy time in the story spent thinking and talking about possible wrongdoers and fruitless searches. On the positive side, there are excellent scenes of cultural events of the time. But I did wish for an historical footnote about the subject, slavery to order from England, something I have never previously read or heard of.
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for an early copy of this book. This review is my own.
A plan is made and Ursula’s household moves forth to Cornwall to implement the plan worked out at Court. Then the story just goes and goes with many people introduced and no one definitively ruled in or out as suspicious. Ursula, Brockley, Dale, and Christopher are to work to identify possible organizers of this slave-taking system. Unlike past episodes, To Seize a Queen suffers from the lengthy time in the story spent thinking and talking about possible wrongdoers and fruitless searches. On the positive side, there are excellent scenes of cultural events of the time. But I did wish for an historical footnote about the subject, slavery to order from England, something I have never previously read or heard of.
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for an early copy of this book. This review is my own.
September 6, 2024
Fiona Buckley « To seize a queen »
Ursula is not young anymore, nevertheless adventurous by duty. Quiet living in her childhood home at Faldene does not last. In Cornwall people are disappearing - skilled professionals - grooms, musicians, singers, learned men. Enough cases happens to understand that disappearances are not random, but pinpointed. Who is behind them?
Elizabeth sends her half-sister to investigate, in (as often) perilous and dangerous situations.
Her faithful Brockleys are accompanying as well as Christopher Shelton, posing as a groom and being her majesty’s agent as well. Is there a danger for the Queen? For a queen, for sure.
I really enjoyed this book, it has all adventures, danger, but not as gruesome as last one in the series felt.
Ursula is not young anymore, nevertheless adventurous by duty. Quiet living in her childhood home at Faldene does not last. In Cornwall people are disappearing - skilled professionals - grooms, musicians, singers, learned men. Enough cases happens to understand that disappearances are not random, but pinpointed. Who is behind them?
Elizabeth sends her half-sister to investigate, in (as often) perilous and dangerous situations.
Her faithful Brockleys are accompanying as well as Christopher Shelton, posing as a groom and being her majesty’s agent as well. Is there a danger for the Queen? For a queen, for sure.
I really enjoyed this book, it has all adventures, danger, but not as gruesome as last one in the series felt.
May 22, 2024
Firstly thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy of the book. These opinions are my own.
This is my first book featuring Ursula Stannard and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I am a huge fan of historical fiction particularly the Tudor period. The story never got boring and kept you gripped throughout and I wouldn’t hesitate to read another one in this series . A great mix of pirate tales smuggling and being from Bristol great Cornish folklore.
This is my first book featuring Ursula Stannard and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I am a huge fan of historical fiction particularly the Tudor period. The story never got boring and kept you gripped throughout and I wouldn’t hesitate to read another one in this series . A great mix of pirate tales smuggling and being from Bristol great Cornish folklore.
July 26, 2024
I enjoyed this novel more than the last few in the series. Ursula is starting to more realistically feel (and act) her age.
July 4, 2024
Still an awesome series…
When a series has been going for more than 20 years and more than 20 books, I imagine it might be hard for the author to keep coming up with intriguing plots; to keep the characters feeling real while still allowing them to develop and grow; and to keep the backgrounds familiar enough to create a sense of continuity, yet still have something a bit new to draw the reader in. But somehow, Fiona Buckley manages it all in book after book of her Ursula Blanchard series, including in the latest, To Seize a Queen.
In this case, the familiar background is still England and still the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and yet a part of England with a decidedly different feel: Cornwall, with its Celtic heritage and remote location. Remote enough, in fact, that English citizens apparently are being snatched with impunity by pirates for the slave trade. As we find out in the second chapter (so not much of a spoiler), Elizabeth has become aware of this, and half-asks/half-orders Ursula, her illegitimate half-sister and former spy, to investigate. And although Ursula for once would rather just go home after her time at court, she instead heads off to Cornwall, pretending to be a cousin of one of the missing men. Of course, mysterious goings-on and adventures (some quite scary) ensue.
But I find that I almost appreciate the smaller and somewhat timeless details in Buckley’s books more than the big sweep of the plot. Early on, for example, Ursula disagrees with her son, Harry, over how he’s running his household, but keeps her mouth shut. Who among us, old enough to have adult children, hasn’t done that? And the quarrel over stabling space for her horses when Ursula first arrives at Hampton Court reminded me so much of the quarrels over parking places at work today – and in the end, got resolved the way that many such quarrels have throughout the ages, with the application of a little rank and status. Or even simply the worries, familiar to everyone, over how to come up with enough food when unexpected guests arrive. Each of these has its own twist for its time: after all, Ursula’s unhappiness with Harry is over his keeping too many servants – not a problem many folks have today. But the small details are familiar, and thus believable, and add immensely to the depth of the story.
So, on many levels, To Seize a Queen is well worth the read. And even if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series, Buckley fills in the background well enough that you won’t be lost. But after reading this, you may decide you need to read the previous 22 titles! (I’m simultaneously thrilled and bummed when I find a new author this way: thrilled to have a bunch more good books to read, but bummed when my TBR pile grows by so many titles all at once…) And finally, it’s kind of nice to see, with this book’s title, To Seize a Queen, a nod back to the beginning of the series, when ten of the first eleven books similarly had “Queen” in the title.
And my thanks go to Severn House and NetGalley for the review copy. And I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the series!
When a series has been going for more than 20 years and more than 20 books, I imagine it might be hard for the author to keep coming up with intriguing plots; to keep the characters feeling real while still allowing them to develop and grow; and to keep the backgrounds familiar enough to create a sense of continuity, yet still have something a bit new to draw the reader in. But somehow, Fiona Buckley manages it all in book after book of her Ursula Blanchard series, including in the latest, To Seize a Queen.
In this case, the familiar background is still England and still the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and yet a part of England with a decidedly different feel: Cornwall, with its Celtic heritage and remote location. Remote enough, in fact, that English citizens apparently are being snatched with impunity by pirates for the slave trade. As we find out in the second chapter (so not much of a spoiler), Elizabeth has become aware of this, and half-asks/half-orders Ursula, her illegitimate half-sister and former spy, to investigate. And although Ursula for once would rather just go home after her time at court, she instead heads off to Cornwall, pretending to be a cousin of one of the missing men. Of course, mysterious goings-on and adventures (some quite scary) ensue.
But I find that I almost appreciate the smaller and somewhat timeless details in Buckley’s books more than the big sweep of the plot. Early on, for example, Ursula disagrees with her son, Harry, over how he’s running his household, but keeps her mouth shut. Who among us, old enough to have adult children, hasn’t done that? And the quarrel over stabling space for her horses when Ursula first arrives at Hampton Court reminded me so much of the quarrels over parking places at work today – and in the end, got resolved the way that many such quarrels have throughout the ages, with the application of a little rank and status. Or even simply the worries, familiar to everyone, over how to come up with enough food when unexpected guests arrive. Each of these has its own twist for its time: after all, Ursula’s unhappiness with Harry is over his keeping too many servants – not a problem many folks have today. But the small details are familiar, and thus believable, and add immensely to the depth of the story.
So, on many levels, To Seize a Queen is well worth the read. And even if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series, Buckley fills in the background well enough that you won’t be lost. But after reading this, you may decide you need to read the previous 22 titles! (I’m simultaneously thrilled and bummed when I find a new author this way: thrilled to have a bunch more good books to read, but bummed when my TBR pile grows by so many titles all at once…) And finally, it’s kind of nice to see, with this book’s title, To Seize a Queen, a nod back to the beginning of the series, when ten of the first eleven books similarly had “Queen” in the title.
And my thanks go to Severn House and NetGalley for the review copy. And I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the series!
July 7, 2024
Fiona Buckley's To Sieze a Queen, is book number twenty-three in the Ursula Blanchard series, where Ms. Blanchard is a middle aged spy in the Elizabethan Age, and just happens to be Queen Elizabeth's half-sister as well.
To Seize a Queen is rather fast paced, and the history is (surprisingly) quite accurate, but one major flaw I noticed while reading was there was no Elizabethan English (or Shakespearian English) used in the book which would have made the story a lot more authentic, even if the words were used sparingly.
Another thing I noticed, is while Ursula is a noble woman, and widowed twice, she still tends to tell other males - even those of the same or higher status - what to do, even if that is not Ms. Buckley's intention. But, given this is the time of Queen Elizabeth, Ursula would not dare attempt tell a male other than her young child what to do.
A third third issue is while Ms. Buckley gives a bit of back story on the characters, there doesn't seem to be any true warmth between them, nor does she seem to give them much depth.
That being said, the plot is quite detailed and very well thought out. Ms. Buckley does an amazing job bringing the entire story to life. The descriptions used, and easy flow of the plot, make the story easy to follow along with, and give the reader a sense that they are a part of the story and not merely a bystander watching (reading) to pass the time away.
Ms. Buckley is quick of wit, giving the characters, though the main female character especially, a bit of humor
which makes the book much more enjoyable to read.
If you like historical stories, and strong female leads, giving To Seize a Queen a try is an absolute must. While you may not learn any Elizabethan English words, you could learn quite a bit of history and enjoy a decent story at the same time.
To Seize a Queen is rather fast paced, and the history is (surprisingly) quite accurate, but one major flaw I noticed while reading was there was no Elizabethan English (or Shakespearian English) used in the book which would have made the story a lot more authentic, even if the words were used sparingly.
Another thing I noticed, is while Ursula is a noble woman, and widowed twice, she still tends to tell other males - even those of the same or higher status - what to do, even if that is not Ms. Buckley's intention. But, given this is the time of Queen Elizabeth, Ursula would not dare attempt tell a male other than her young child what to do.
A third third issue is while Ms. Buckley gives a bit of back story on the characters, there doesn't seem to be any true warmth between them, nor does she seem to give them much depth.
That being said, the plot is quite detailed and very well thought out. Ms. Buckley does an amazing job bringing the entire story to life. The descriptions used, and easy flow of the plot, make the story easy to follow along with, and give the reader a sense that they are a part of the story and not merely a bystander watching (reading) to pass the time away.
Ms. Buckley is quick of wit, giving the characters, though the main female character especially, a bit of humor
which makes the book much more enjoyable to read.
If you like historical stories, and strong female leads, giving To Seize a Queen a try is an absolute must. While you may not learn any Elizabethan English words, you could learn quite a bit of history and enjoy a decent story at the same time.
May 20, 2024
I thank NetGalley and Severn House for an advance reader copy of To Seize a Queen. All opinions and comments are my own.
I’ve enjoyed the Ursula Blanchard/Stannard stories in the past (this is the twenty-third entry in the series), with their exciting espionage/spy backgrounds and glimpses at the Tudor court of Elizabeth I. That being said, To Seize A Queen didn’t leave me with the same feeling. People disappearing, presumably being thrown in slavery, and human trafficking sounded like a great premise, with the Cornish setting offering up lots of possibilities for great action scenes. Then, nothing really happens. Oh, Ursula and her cohorts do a lot of looking around, investigating this and that, there’s an interesting twist involving the Queen, and Ursula finds herself in a bit of danger. Then the ending wraps up in record time, the bad guys get what’s coming to them, and that’s about that. Won’t talk about what’s left out/changed of the historical accuracy of the narrative; some of that would be spoilers, and besides, you can look it up for yourself.
Maybe this was just a chance for Ursula to take a break. Everybody gets one of those. As always, I look forward to further adventures for Ursula and her companions.
I’ve enjoyed the Ursula Blanchard/Stannard stories in the past (this is the twenty-third entry in the series), with their exciting espionage/spy backgrounds and glimpses at the Tudor court of Elizabeth I. That being said, To Seize A Queen didn’t leave me with the same feeling. People disappearing, presumably being thrown in slavery, and human trafficking sounded like a great premise, with the Cornish setting offering up lots of possibilities for great action scenes. Then, nothing really happens. Oh, Ursula and her cohorts do a lot of looking around, investigating this and that, there’s an interesting twist involving the Queen, and Ursula finds herself in a bit of danger. Then the ending wraps up in record time, the bad guys get what’s coming to them, and that’s about that. Won’t talk about what’s left out/changed of the historical accuracy of the narrative; some of that would be spoilers, and besides, you can look it up for yourself.
Maybe this was just a chance for Ursula to take a break. Everybody gets one of those. As always, I look forward to further adventures for Ursula and her companions.
July 16, 2024
This is the Author's latest book in the series featuring Ursula Blanchard , half sister
to Queen Elizabeth Tudor .
Often used by the Queen to discover who is plotting against her and to investigate
deaths that might impact on her world Ursula goes undercover to investigate mysterious
disappearances of talented people in Cornwall ...... is the Queen herself a potential victim ??
Are the kidnapped victims being sold into slavery or is there a more sinister reason ?
Ursula's adventures during her investigation can be scary at times but she has the resolve
and determination to find the truth of just what is going on .
The Author manages to stay fresh and relevant in her writings bringing to life the sights ,
sounds and politics of Tudor England ,,,,,,,,,,,, little known historical events peppered throughout
enhancing the story .
I don't think reading the previous books is necessary to the enjoyment of this one but it would
help set the characters in place .
As long as the Author keeps producing books of this quality then I will be a willing reader .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
to Queen Elizabeth Tudor .
Often used by the Queen to discover who is plotting against her and to investigate
deaths that might impact on her world Ursula goes undercover to investigate mysterious
disappearances of talented people in Cornwall ...... is the Queen herself a potential victim ??
Are the kidnapped victims being sold into slavery or is there a more sinister reason ?
Ursula's adventures during her investigation can be scary at times but she has the resolve
and determination to find the truth of just what is going on .
The Author manages to stay fresh and relevant in her writings bringing to life the sights ,
sounds and politics of Tudor England ,,,,,,,,,,,, little known historical events peppered throughout
enhancing the story .
I don't think reading the previous books is necessary to the enjoyment of this one but it would
help set the characters in place .
As long as the Author keeps producing books of this quality then I will be a willing reader .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
June 11, 2024
This was my 1st book by Fiona Buckley and it won't be my last. I have always been interested in well written Tudor history and this was one. The plot, while giving a strong hint at the beginning was filled with unseen twists and turns that kept me glued to the finish.
It gave a good background to the previous books without being repetitive, beautiful descriptions of the scenery and the historical figures well depicted. The finish was a bit short, and sometimes a little uneven in giving some deeper details than other areas, otherwise, I enjoyed it and will be starting at the beginning of the series. I highly recommend it to those looking for a Tudor era book filled with suspense, surprises and a strong and likable female protagonist. Enjoy!
I thank NetGalley and Severn House for an advance reader copy of “To Seize a Queen.” All opinions and comments are my own.
It gave a good background to the previous books without being repetitive, beautiful descriptions of the scenery and the historical figures well depicted. The finish was a bit short, and sometimes a little uneven in giving some deeper details than other areas, otherwise, I enjoyed it and will be starting at the beginning of the series. I highly recommend it to those looking for a Tudor era book filled with suspense, surprises and a strong and likable female protagonist. Enjoy!
I thank NetGalley and Severn House for an advance reader copy of “To Seize a Queen.” All opinions and comments are my own.
August 12, 2024
3.5 stars. 1594. Ursula is once again sent on a mission by Queen Elizabeth, this time to Cornwall, where a surprising number of people have disappeared. It is suspected they have been kidnapped by pirates, to be taken to Constantinople, from the story of one such victim who managed to escape while the he was on was still in the English Channel. Ursula poses as a cousin of one victim, and is accompanied by Buckley and his wife, as well as another agent, Christopher Spelton. The mystery proves hard to crack, and Ursula and her companions end up in danger themselves. Not the best book in this series, especially since it contains a number of what I would call "continuity errors."
August 25, 2024
I’ve read many of the books in this series - some I’ve liked and some have been kind of meh. However, To Seize A Queen is Fiona Buckley at the top of her game. The plot grabs you right from the beginning, it moves quickly and it kept my attention. As always, the historical detail is excellent and poor Ursula- even at age 60 she keeps getting dragged into secret plots! It was very inventive and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
May 22, 2024
Great historical novel based on the Elizabethan era. Really compelling story set in Cornwall with pirates and smuggling involved. Would definitely read another book in this series.
July 8, 2024
Good story
Like all if her books, thus one was well written. Good twists and turns to keep up interest. I have highly recommended Fiona Buckley to my friends.
Like all if her books, thus one was well written. Good twists and turns to keep up interest. I have highly recommended Fiona Buckley to my friends.
January 16, 2025
Great story, very suspenseful
October 29, 2025
it was ok.
August 17, 2024
Another change of scene in the series featuring Ursula Stannard. Now middle aged and feeling the cold, this lady is summoned to aid her half-sister Queen Elizabeth I once more. The action is mainly in Cornwall, as people smugglers are enslaving workers on the sparsely populated peninsula, carrying them off to warmer climes. Ursula has to pretend to be the heir of a missing scholar in a cliffside stone house, in order to spy out the land and meet anyone who might be connected to the evil trade.
The first half is getting set up and meeting everyone, after which the action proceeds apace. We also see a Royal Progress, a way that the monarch travelled around the country and spared herself the expense of feeding the Court. Plenty of research fills this crime novel and while it's long, it's hearty and full of character. I love the mules.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
The first half is getting set up and meeting everyone, after which the action proceeds apace. We also see a Royal Progress, a way that the monarch travelled around the country and spared herself the expense of feeding the Court. Plenty of research fills this crime novel and while it's long, it's hearty and full of character. I love the mules.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
December 8, 2024
this is why I should not start a series on book 23, I didn't know anyone
i went back and read the ENTIRE SERIES,
SEE MY NEW REVIEW of this book on my youtube channel deluisebookseries IN APRIL 2025
i went back and read the ENTIRE SERIES,
SEE MY NEW REVIEW of this book on my youtube channel deluisebookseries IN APRIL 2025
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews