The Queen's Musician

by Martha Jean Johnson

For fans of Philippa Gregor, Alison Weir and Elizabeth Fremantle, an untold story about how the plot against Anne Boleyn entrapped a gifted young musician.

A glamorous queen, a volatile king, a gifted musician concealing a forbidden romance. Everyone knows Anne Boleyn’s story. No one knows Mark Smeaton’s.

On May 17, 1536, a young court musician was executed, accused of adultery and treason with the queen. Most historians believe both he and Anne Boleyn were innocent—victims of Henry VIII’s rage.

Mark Smeaton was a talented performer who rose from poverty to become a royal favorite. He played for the king in private and entertained at sumptuous feasts. He witnessed Anne Boleyn’s astonishing rise and fall—her reign of a thousand days. History tells us little about him, other than noting his confession and execution. The Queen’s Musician imagines his story, as seen from his perspective and that of the young woman who loves him. It all takes place amid the spectacle and danger of the Tudor court.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Tudor Period, British Literature, Historical, 16th Century, Fiction

344 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Stephanielikesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb historical fiction read.

I knew a bit about Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII from reading A Man for All Seasons in high school. This present novel tells the tale of the rise and fall of Anne (and the tyrannical reign of Henry VIII) through the alternating eyes of one of the Queen’s young musicians, Mark Smeaton, as well as her young female cousin, lady-in-waiting Madge Shelton. Inspired by extensive research, the author imagines the thoughts, hopes, and fears of Mark and Madge in a believable way as they get caught up in the intrigue and political machinations of Henry VIII.

The writing flows off the page and captivated me from the outset. The novel is imbued with the 16th century sense of time and place - the descriptive writing made me feel like I was in the story with the characters. The machinations of the Royal Court and Thomas Cromwell were fascinating to learn about. The ending was written so well that I literally felt as if I were there with the characters.

Such an interesting and emotional read - I had trouble putting it down. I am in awe that this is a debut novel.

Highly, highly recommend!

[Helene Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Martha Jean Johnson for gifting me a copy of this for review.

I really enjoyed this book, based around the life of Mary Smeaton, a Tudor musician who became completely entwined in the life of Henry VIII’s second queen, Anne Boleyn. As a Tudor historian specialising in Anne Boleyn, I of course knew the history already and was prepared for quite an emotional ride with this book. I wasn’t disappointed.

The story is told from the dual perspective of Mark Smeaton, and Margaret, or ‘Madge’, Shelton, one of Anne Boleyn’s ladies-in-waiting and her cousin. There is some historical licence which the author explains in a very well-written author’s note at the end, why she made the decisions she did to fill in the gaps in the historical record. Sometimes this gap-filling can feel clunky in historical fiction when you know the sources and facts so well, but this worked really well, and I kept engaged with the story.

It was good to see Anne Boleyn through the eyes of others, one closer to her and one further away as stories of her are often told through her eyes or those of Henry VIII. Martha Jean Johnson has obviously done a lot of research in the writing of this novel, drawing from the contemporary sources as well as reading some of the secondary texts as well to get a sense of what we actually know of Smeaton and Madge, and where there are gaps to be filled. The truth is that we don’t know a whole lot about either of them, only when they have come into the public eye as a result of their links to Anne Boleyn and the royal court.

It is engagingly written, with the chapters alternating between Smeaton and Madge’s point of view, going from the fall of Wolsey to Smeaton’s death and beyond. The intrigue, uncertainty, and machinations of the time are played out and we see how people reacted differently to things, taking advantage where they could and saving themselves where they had to.

It’s a brilliant book which captures the uncertainty and fear of the late 1520s and 1530s at the Henrician court as England is turned on its head and people are forced to make choices that can save them or see them on the executioner’s block. It’s an emotional story told very skilfully.

[Helya · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗘𝗡’𝗦 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗡✨
🅶🅴🅽🆁🅴—𝐻𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 𝐹𝒾𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃
🗓ℙ𝕦𝕓 𝔻𝕒𝕥𝕖—𝕄𝕒𝕪 𝟚𝟟, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟝

✂️ P L O T L I N E
The Queen’s Musician is a historical novel that reimagines the life of Mark Smeaton, a gifted court musician entangled in the deadly politics of Henry VIII’s court. Told through his eyes and that of a young woman who loves him, it explores the untold story behind his tragic downfall alongside Anne Boleyn, in a world of forbidden romance, royal intrigue, and perilous ambition.

💭 ⓂⓎ ⓉⒽⓄⓊⒼⒽⓉⓈ
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t super excited to read this at first. I’ve been in a bit of a funk and didn’t think historical fiction would pull me out of it, but wow, I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put it down. I know a little about the Tudor Era from visiting London as a kid and again in 2015, and this book reminded me just how fascinating and wild that time was. I loved the imagination Martha brought to the story. While the romance between Mark and Madge is fictional, the writing made it feel completely believable. It’s a beautifully woven blend of history and fiction that keeps you rooting for love even as you know the tragic end. If you enjoy historical fiction or are curious about King Henry VIII’s reign, definitely add this one to your list.

📚 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
🎭Historical Drama
👑The Tudor Era
🖤Forbidden love
🪕Music talk
🥹Emotionally charged
🫣Captivating retelling
🗣️Dual POV

⚠️ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨: Miscarriages, Death.

👑𝕄𝕐 ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾👑
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

💕Q U O T E: "𝐵𝑒 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝒾𝓃 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓇𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 𝓂𝑒," 𝐼 𝓈𝒶𝒾𝒹. 𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝑜𝓊𝒸𝒽𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒. "𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝑜 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝐼 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝓉."

🙏 Thank you @booksparks and Martha Jean Johnson for sending me this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Janet Wertman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb. Full review to follow in Open Letters Review.

[Carol De · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! You can feel the fear of the men accused along with Mark Smeaton, who was especially innocent, as he came from nothing but was included with the smear campaign of other noble men.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story and made many feelings arise both for his triumphs and his failings.

[Rosie Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a must for all history lovers the story of Mark Smearton the court musician who was executed the day before Anne Boleyn

[Robyn Tocker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who knew me as a teen probably had a (very obvious) inkling that I loved any book Tudor focused, so "The Queen's Musician" was a delight to read for that reason alone. I especially liked that this book centered on Mark Smeaton, whom so little is known but whose life ended so young and so tragically. Johnson's idea that Smeaton was in love with a woman in Anne Boleyn's court may not have been factually true, but who's to say it didn't happen? I'm going to keep an eye out for Johnson's future books, as I'm interested to see who she'll write about next!

[Keylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can honestly say I enjoyed this book. I don't think I'm much of a historical fiction girl, and I don't think I would've read this book if it wasn't for Booksparks sending me this copy.

The Queen's Musician is a reimagining of Tudor history, told through the perspective of Mark Smeaton, a gifted commoner turned court musician, and Madge Shelton, a noblewoman navigating the treacherous politics of Henry VIII's court.

Mark’s rise from humble beginnings to royal favor is both inspiring and heartbreaking, especially as his fate becomes entangled in Cromwell's political schemes. Madge’s voice adds depth, revealing the limited agency of women, even those close to power. Their forbidden romance is tender and tragic, underscoring the human cost of ambition and betrayal.

This book has many parallels to today's political climate. Mark Smeaton’s rise and fall highlight how individuals without institutional power can be used as pawns in larger political games. His fate is sealed not by his actions, but by the ambitions and vendettas of those above him.

Overall, this was a very well-written book, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction.

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Queen’s Musician’ is the debut novel from the pen of American-based author, Martha Jean Johnson. She has used the inclusion technique to present her story; we join Mark Smeaton briefly in the present tense but he tells his story looking back at his time in the service of Cardinal Wolsey and then as a court musician. At the end, we again join him in the present. He shares the narrative with Margaret ‘Madge’ Shelton, who is a lady-in-waiting to her cousin, Anne Boleyn, both before Anne’s marriage and after she becomes queen.

The author doesn’t have the advantage of surprise, as any fans of Tudor history will know the outcome of Mark getting caught up in the machinations of Thomas Cromwell. However, she has presented a very believable story about two significant figures at court who have largely escaped scrutiny. Very little evidence exists about Mark Smeaton’s early life and he is very much the fifth man in terms of the pedigree of those who were found guilty of high treason. Mark was possibly the son of a carpenter of Flemish-French birth. Martha Jean Johnson has given him a plausible backstory and he comes across as a character with which we have sympathy. We know he was an outstanding musician or he wouldn’t have reached the dizzy heights of playing for the king and queen. He’s portrayed as honest, caring and somewhat naïve. Certainly the author has made up her mind that he was no more than a pawn in the game of a desperate queen and a king who wanted rid of her.

History gives us little factual information about Madge. The author has decided she is gentle, honest and romantic but this is bound up with a sense of duty. She will agree to marry a partner picked for her by the Boleyn family to consolidate their position in the court of Henry VIII, which was perfectly normal for the time.

The story is written in American-English and probably aimed at an international audience, most of whom will not question this. As a British reader reviewing a book centred on English history, I did find some of the spelling a little incongruous but that’s purely a personal observation.

The background research necessary to weave together fact and fiction has been extremely well done with all the relevant ambitious historical players in place. Alongside them we have a few fictitious characters, most of whom have malicious intent and this definitely spices up the story. The scene-setting was excellent and I particularly enjoyed the descriptive passages of the palaces and gardens. The dynamic between Mark and Madge was sensitively handled and the touching friendship between Mark and Paul was very moving.

The intrigue of the time is captured with rivalries and jealousies much in evidence. I think I hated everyone I was supposed to hate and had sympathy for those who were dispatched on the whim of an increasingly tyrannical monarch. I award five stars.

[Kelly Scarborough · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Touching and Heartbreaking Historical Novel of the Tudor Court

I’ll say it—Mark Smeaton is my new favorite character of the Tudor era. In The Queen’s Musician, Martha Jean Johnson creates an unforgettable classic hero, one for the ages. He’s talented, he’s sensitive, he’s loyal. He follows his heart, to a fault. But like many of the people who surround him, his life is not his own.

In the opening scenes, Mark witnesses the spectacular ruin of his patron, Cardinal Wolsey. It’s a fall from grace, a loss of innocence, an event that will color young Mark’s every interaction with the world. Everyone associated with the cardinal is suspected of treason, and Mark’s future is in jeopardy. He’s been raised in Wolsey’s household, having been taken from his home and family at a young age after his talents were discovered.

Without having much choice in the matter, Mark is placed in Henry VIII’s court, where he plays his lute and meets the familiar players, all touchingly and freshly portrayed by Johnson. Everyone has their moment in the sun, and everyone loses, a collective rags-to-riches-to rags story, driven by the king and Thomas Cromwell (and as we know, he will get his, well after this novel closes). There’s Madge Shelton, a lady-in-waiting trapped in her position because she’s a Boleyn relative, Anne Boleyn, doomed by her own victories, and a brilliantly drawn Francis Weston, a prisoner of his charm and appeal. And more. No matter their station, from the lowly musician to the queen, all these characters operate, and attempt to find happiness, in the very narrow sliver of their lives that they control.

When you pick up this book, you may already know the ending, but you won’t be able to put it down.

[Darcy DecantingBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Queen’s Musician gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the court from two perspectives: Mark Smeaton, a musical prodigy who escaped poverty when a powerful Cardinal heard him perform at church; and Madge Shelton, Anne Boleyn’s cousin and one of her ladies-in-waiting. Mark was a musician for the royals and often performed for the Queen, becoming very successful but trying to stay out of the politics and conflicts and just play his music. Madge is highborn and would never be allowed anywhere near Mark. So they admire each other from afar…

What an interesting perspective on the inner workings of Henry VIII’s court, the estate where Anne Boleyn spent much time as Queen, and we see the politics, the corruption, and the power as seen by two semi-insiders in their 20s. Some of it was quite eerie—seeing people demonized or even killed for disagreeing with the King, innocent people railroaded and killed without any fairness or legitimate checks on power—especially as we see some similarities with what’s going on in the world these days.

The author notes that almost nothing is known about Mark and Madge, only that they were two young, potentially attractive people who would have spent time on this estate together in their respective roles. She imagines what their story might have been while piecing together the accounts and historical notes on others in the court, the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn and her family, and the events that led to Mark’s execution and the downfall. I don’t read a ton of historical fiction but really enjoyed this one!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d read enough about Henry VIII to know about Mark Smeaton who's often pictured as effete, possibly gay, but accused of sleeping with Anne Boleyn. If you watched Wolf Hall, you’ll remember how Cromwell tricked and bullied him into a false confession. A bit player, useful and disposable.

Martha Jean Johnson’s book brings a different Mark to life - naive, musically brilliant, he catches the eye (and ear) of the king. Dazzled by the court, by his own rise, he yearns for a lady above his status (not Anne), an impossible alliance. Most touching, he buys and loves a horse, riding out to freedom, away from the court’s constrictions.

Of course, he has to die as history has decreed. Johnson gives us Mark with the other accused fornicators as they await beheading; I will never forget their conversation. As Stephanie Cowell, winner of the American Book Award, writes, “A gripping, unforgettable story of the gentle Tudor musician . . . Beautifully written and impossible to put down. I had tears in my eyes.”

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you BookSparks forthe gifted copy of The Queen's Musician. I received this as part of the Summer Reading Challenge.

I love the Tudor era, and find Henry the VIII incredibly interesting. The things he did were insane, and could you imagine if it was present day and there was a reality show about him? I would definitely be tuned in. I was excited to read this book because I didn't know much about Mark Smeaton, and was interested to learn more about him and his alleged affair with the queen.

This book had a lot of great information and was very well researched, but it read more like non-fiction than fiction to me. There were even end notes in the story, which kind of took me out of the story every time I saw one.

I struggled to get through this book. I really wanted to love it, but I couldn't connect with the characters or the story. I thought this was going to be like The Other Boleyn Girl, but it was not. I felt like it was lacking some of the drama, romance, and scandals that are often associated with Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII.

If you are wanting a book with more depth and some substance this book is for you. While it is fiction there are historical facts weaved into the story. There's a good chance you will learn something new! Martha also did a great job of citing her sources, so you will be able to find many more books to read.

[Dayanara Ryelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Usually once a year, I have a book that, instead of DNF, I do a "DNS": Did Not Start.

Out of curiosity, I researched the publisher, because "SparkPress" sounded like something I'd heard of before.

No, it was worse.

SP is a vanity publisher. One of those where you pay someone between three and five figures to edit, typeset, design the cover and publish your book. (If they promote it for you, it can cost a little more to the five end than the three.)

What's the number one rule of publishing? You don't pay to play!

I understand wanting to get your book out there. To be seen and enjoyed by everyone.

(To not be someone like me, who languishes in obscurity, because they can't market worth a crap.)

I just can't see paying $10k to do it.

[Theresa Lorenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I find this period in history very interesting and try to read as many books as I can about it. This was was so good I, literally, could not put it down.

It introduced some characters I was not familiar with in history and I would suspect that other readers are not familiar with them either. You know I don't give away any details about the books I review so don't expect to hear who they are here. Their secrets are safe with me.

Let it suffice to say that Ms. Johnson goes back and forth between two characters and brings out so much emotion and spirit that I was completely involved in their lives. She brought their lives - struggle and fortune - together in a way that will keep you reading.

A thoroughly engaging book that I highly recommend to all readers.

[Jill Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Queen’s Musician, readers are swept back to the Tudor court as King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn’s fiery romance unfolds. Told through the perspectives of Mark Smeaton, a gifted musician, and Madge Shelton, Anne’s cousin, the novel intertwines their own forbidden love with the perilous intrigues of the royal household.

Martha Jean Johnson’s meticulous research shines on every page, bringing this “what if” tale to life with vivid sensory details, richly drawn settings, and sharp, engaging dialogue. As lies, deceit, and betrayals mount, the story builds with irresistible tension—I found myself turning the pages faster and faster, right up to its heartbreaking conclusion.

I highly recommend this novel to fans of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a sweeping story of love and intrigue.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ rounded down

I don’t usually reach for historical fiction, but a recommendation caught my eye and this one was just captivating! Switching back and forth between the lives of a of a musician who had early luck and raw talent on his side and an attendant/family member of the queen during the years of Anne Boleyn’s rise and fall over about five years. Martha Jean Johnson drew from historical cues and created some beautiful and tragic storylines in a way that feels believable and adds emotion to the story.

Period details were rich enough to give a strong sense of the times without becoming overly verbose and the dialogue feels authentic without veering too far into heavy Old English.

A beautiful story of luck and love in this historical period.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

In beautiful prose, this book, offers fresh insights on Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, by telling the story through the eyes of little-known historical characters. Both are shown as trapped in court machinations, and they suffer at the whim of powerful figures, to whom they are mere pawns.

Mark's anticipation of his execution, his panic at the gruesome possibilities in vogue at the time, are gut-wrenching. I kept wishing this was merely morbid imagination, all the while knowing better.

How much has are society evolved? Are we much less cruel today?

[Latasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction but I haven’t many books about the Tudor era. But this was quite interesting. The story is based on historical events and the author filled in a lot of the blanks with fiction. I found it to be plausible as well as entertaining.

The author's notes at the end of the book helps you understand how and why she tells the story the way she does. The book is easy to read. It’s not a book to be rushed but savored. I found the characters interesting, and well developed.

[Susan Wands · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of historical fiction immerses you in a world where you care deeply about the books protagonists and Martha Jean Johnson skillfully envelopes her readers in a taut, exciting world. The author unravels the story of Mark, a composer hired into Henry VIII’s court, and Madge, Anne Boleyn’s sister, against a fascinating backdrop of murder, intrigue and politics. Mark’s musical talent is the shining hope that lives on and makes me yearn for Ms. Johnson’s next novel.

[Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is great at getting you to like characters that have no real background. Mark Smeaton and Madge Shelton aren't the most well known people of the Tudor era and they were so well characterized that I began to like them. I forgot what was gonna happen at the end because I enjoyed the journey to the story. It felt like I was reading an account of history with a hint of romance and I think I prefer that in historical fiction. I cried a little bit cause he just wanted to make music.

[Jude Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading some of the world’s great literature, you know the ending, just not how the story gets you there. Such is the case with The Queen’s Musician. With lyrical yet unadorned prose, Johnson interweaves the voices of Mark and Madge, pulling you in till the final moment. A poignant read.

[Katy Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably wouldn’t have picked up this book
if it wasn't for @bookspark’s summer challenge. However, this historical fiction story quickly captivated me and held my attention from the very first pages. I became invested in the story and didn't want to put it down. I didn't know much about this historical period, but the book reminded me how tumultuous and crazy that time was. The story is told from two perspectives and is filled with music talk, and themes of forbidden love. I think the fans of Bridgeton series might enjoy it for the court intrigues.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cried, a lot