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Elizabethan Mysteries #3
Murder in the Queen's Garden
The author of Murder at Westminster Abbey and Murder at Hatfield House is back with an absorbing and surprising new Elizabethan Mystery…
1559. Elizabeth has been on the throne for six months, and life in England seems newly golden. But for the Royal Court, murder and betrayal are foretold in the stars....
Kate Haywood, the young queen’s personal musician, has been keeping busy playing for a merry round of summer parties where famed astrologer Dr. John Dee and his fantastic horoscopes are all the rage. However, Elizabeth’s favorite stargazer fails to predict the discovery of a skeleton in the queen’s garden—and that the victim’s identity will call his own innocence into question.
When the doctor’s pupil is the victim of a second murder, the concerned queen enlists her trusted Kate to clear the accused killer of wrongdoing. But will the stars align to light Kate’s path through a tangled thicket of treachery to save Elizabeth’s prized astrologer and protect the queen from those who threaten her reign?
1559. Elizabeth has been on the throne for six months, and life in England seems newly golden. But for the Royal Court, murder and betrayal are foretold in the stars....
Kate Haywood, the young queen’s personal musician, has been keeping busy playing for a merry round of summer parties where famed astrologer Dr. John Dee and his fantastic horoscopes are all the rage. However, Elizabeth’s favorite stargazer fails to predict the discovery of a skeleton in the queen’s garden—and that the victim’s identity will call his own innocence into question.
When the doctor’s pupil is the victim of a second murder, the concerned queen enlists her trusted Kate to clear the accused killer of wrongdoing. But will the stars align to light Kate’s path through a tangled thicket of treachery to save Elizabeth’s prized astrologer and protect the queen from those who threaten her reign?
283 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published February 3, 2015
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511 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 2, 2015
I was sent this book to review and it is the first in this series that I have read. I don’t know that I would have picked it out for myself. Actually, I know I wouldn’t have. Historical mysteries aren’t something I normally read. That being said, I’m very happy I was given the chance to read MURDER IN THE QUEEN’S GARDEN. It was an enjoyable detour from my normal modern day cozy mystery reads.
This was a very well written, interesting mystery, with much intrigue and a great plot. Every chapter had me wondering what was around the corner.
Ms. Carmack has created a very likeable character in her series lead, Kate Haywood. Kate is personal musician to Queen Elizabeth and a trusted member of the Queen’s court. She is also quite smart and strong for a woman of this time period.
If you are a fan of historical mysteries you will really love this book. If you haven’t tried historicals, and you’re looking for something a little different, give MURDER IN THE QUEEN’S GARDEN a try.
This was a very well written, interesting mystery, with much intrigue and a great plot. Every chapter had me wondering what was around the corner.
Ms. Carmack has created a very likeable character in her series lead, Kate Haywood. Kate is personal musician to Queen Elizabeth and a trusted member of the Queen’s court. She is also quite smart and strong for a woman of this time period.
If you are a fan of historical mysteries you will really love this book. If you haven’t tried historicals, and you’re looking for something a little different, give MURDER IN THE QUEEN’S GARDEN a try.
April 23, 2019
I could hardly put this book down!
This is book 3 in the Elizabethan Mystery series. We have young (26 years) Queen Elizabeth in the year 1559. Kate Haywood is the Queen's musician, and has been helpful to the Queen in the two prior books. As summer is in full swing, the Queen and her entourage travel to Nonsuch Castle for what is supposed to be 2 weeks of parties, hunting, and other royal activities. But the discovery of a skeleton in the Queen's garden ultimately leads to murder.
From a historical perspective, this book seems correct for the time period. We have characters that really existed in the Queen's court present in the book. Alchemy plays a large part, as so horoscopes and of course, palace intrigue.
I was totally caught up in the book. I normally do not like period pieces, but this one was so well written. The dialog was modern enough to easily follow (pray prithee and all that forsooth being thankfully absent for the most part). And of course, given that the characters really did exist, it all felt so real. Weaving in the superstitions of the day worked so well and actually was a big part of the story. I am going to continue the series, and highly recommend this series.
I had not read the first two books, and while there were references to mishaps that transpired in earlier books, it did not detract from or confuse this one. It worked as a stand alone.
This is book 3 in the Elizabethan Mystery series. We have young (26 years) Queen Elizabeth in the year 1559. Kate Haywood is the Queen's musician, and has been helpful to the Queen in the two prior books. As summer is in full swing, the Queen and her entourage travel to Nonsuch Castle for what is supposed to be 2 weeks of parties, hunting, and other royal activities. But the discovery of a skeleton in the Queen's garden ultimately leads to murder.
From a historical perspective, this book seems correct for the time period. We have characters that really existed in the Queen's court present in the book. Alchemy plays a large part, as so horoscopes and of course, palace intrigue.
I was totally caught up in the book. I normally do not like period pieces, but this one was so well written. The dialog was modern enough to easily follow (pray prithee and all that forsooth being thankfully absent for the most part). And of course, given that the characters really did exist, it all felt so real. Weaving in the superstitions of the day worked so well and actually was a big part of the story. I am going to continue the series, and highly recommend this series.
I had not read the first two books, and while there were references to mishaps that transpired in earlier books, it did not detract from or confuse this one. It worked as a stand alone.
July 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this book - it is really good. I give this book 5/5 Stars. I highly recommend this book and this Series.
Happy Reading :)
Happy Reading :)
February 20, 2016
Loved this book! I'm reading them out of order so I can't wait to read the first 2 in the series next!! Highly recommend!
February 21, 2021
Kate Haywood is still compassionate, but she has grown a bit more worldly wise and less trusting by this book. She finds herself suspecting everybody of keeping secrets and lying among the Court. Rob Cartman brings his traveling entertainment troupe in hopes of getting a permanent sponsor. Rob is a scoundrel with a good heart. Hard working Anthony Elias winds up visiting on business for a legal client and takes a few opportunities to assist Kate. Robert Dudley is a historical figure used in the story who really was Elizabeth's favored who oversaw her security, and was her regular dance partner. Astrologer Dr. John Dee is another historical figure in the story. It is a challenge to use historical figures in a story, but these are handled very well along with Queen Elizabeth.
Nonsuch Palace (because there was none other like it) was a Tudor royal palace, built by Henry VIII in Surrey, England; it stood from 1538 to 1682–3. The palace is used in the story to provide delicious Gothic touches giving it a cursed or haunted feel since Henry leveled the existing town to make way for his palace and once it was completed he was married to his fifth wife Catherine Howard, who he beheaded before two full years together. Her fate hangs over the story along with the disappearance/death of Dr. Macey.
The plot has a good murder mystery with the never-ending danger of a scheme to eliminate Elizabeth, which was a lurking real threat at the time. I felt the pacing was even throughout and kept moving. The climax had some good chases and confrontations with an impressive villain resolution that burns in the mind. The ending clears the path for the next adventure and I already am anticipating the next book.
Miss Carmack has delivered yet another engrossing murder mystery with misdirecting plot twists and sensitive character portrayals that brings history alive and delivers the dangers of royal court life. Bravo.
Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list, if you haven't already.
Nonsuch Palace (because there was none other like it) was a Tudor royal palace, built by Henry VIII in Surrey, England; it stood from 1538 to 1682–3. The palace is used in the story to provide delicious Gothic touches giving it a cursed or haunted feel since Henry leveled the existing town to make way for his palace and once it was completed he was married to his fifth wife Catherine Howard, who he beheaded before two full years together. Her fate hangs over the story along with the disappearance/death of Dr. Macey.
The plot has a good murder mystery with the never-ending danger of a scheme to eliminate Elizabeth, which was a lurking real threat at the time. I felt the pacing was even throughout and kept moving. The climax had some good chases and confrontations with an impressive villain resolution that burns in the mind. The ending clears the path for the next adventure and I already am anticipating the next book.
Miss Carmack has delivered yet another engrossing murder mystery with misdirecting plot twists and sensitive character portrayals that brings history alive and delivers the dangers of royal court life. Bravo.
Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list, if you haven't already.
March 26, 2019
From the back cover:
"1559, Elizabeth has been on the throne for six months, and life in England seems newly golden, but for the royal court, murder and betrayal, are foretold in the stars.....
Kate Haywood, the young Queen's personal musician, has been keeping busy playing for a merry round of summer parties where famed astrologer, Dr. John Dee and his fantastic horoscopes are all the rage. However, Elizabeth's favorite stargazer fails to predict the discovery of a skeleton in the Queen's garden (Nonesuch Maze)--and that the victim's identity will call his own innocence into question (I didn't get that at all).
When the doctor's pupil is the (well deserved) victim of a second murder, the concerned Queen enlists her trusts Kate to clear the accused killer of wrongdoing (not exactly). But will the stars align for Elizabeth's prized astrologer and protect the Queen from those who threaten her reign?"
Is that how they put it? I didn't see how the Queen or John Dee were threatened. What I saw was greed, position, & jealousy...
But I did like the book, it was a fast & interesting read.... I even liked the characters.
"1559, Elizabeth has been on the throne for six months, and life in England seems newly golden, but for the royal court, murder and betrayal, are foretold in the stars.....
Kate Haywood, the young Queen's personal musician, has been keeping busy playing for a merry round of summer parties where famed astrologer, Dr. John Dee and his fantastic horoscopes are all the rage. However, Elizabeth's favorite stargazer fails to predict the discovery of a skeleton in the Queen's garden (Nonesuch Maze)--and that the victim's identity will call his own innocence into question (I didn't get that at all).
When the doctor's pupil is the (well deserved) victim of a second murder, the concerned Queen enlists her trusts Kate to clear the accused killer of wrongdoing (not exactly). But will the stars align for Elizabeth's prized astrologer and protect the Queen from those who threaten her reign?"
Is that how they put it? I didn't see how the Queen or John Dee were threatened. What I saw was greed, position, & jealousy...
But I did like the book, it was a fast & interesting read.... I even liked the characters.
June 11, 2017
It's super dangerous to be Kate's friend!
This book wasn't my favorite in the series, but it was still a pleasant read and I continue to enjoy Kate and Elizabeth. The continuing development of Kate's relationship with is interesting. It still feels a bit like fanfiction (insert beautiful talented young lady into historical setting and make all the cool people best friends with her), but hey, I'm not knocking that when the setting and stories are as engaging as Carmack's.
I continue to dislike and to wish that would go away and never return, haha.
I will say that knowing the historical fates of the courtiers around Elizabeth can tend to give a sense of impending doom. Oh .
This book wasn't my favorite in the series, but it was still a pleasant read and I continue to enjoy Kate and Elizabeth. The continuing development of Kate's relationship with is interesting. It still feels a bit like fanfiction (insert beautiful talented young lady into historical setting and make all the cool people best friends with her), but hey, I'm not knocking that when the setting and stories are as engaging as Carmack's.
I continue to dislike and to wish that would go away and never return, haha.
I will say that knowing the historical fates of the courtiers around Elizabeth can tend to give a sense of impending doom. Oh .
May 27, 2024
I liked this book quite a lot. I didn't read the first two books in the series befor reading this one, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment. It could almost be a stand-alone with the story taking place in one setting [for the most part] and everything told in a short timespan. The nice thing about historical fiction novels are the possibilities of the characters meeting, interacting, chatting with actual people from history. This one was even better, being historical mystery and in Queen Elizabeth's royal court, full of intrigue on any given day already.
It was a bit anachronistic with more or less modern speech, but I didn't mind and I think it helped move the story at a good clip. I liked the premise of the main character being the personal musician to the Queen and acted as her eyes and ears in the court.
I am looking forward to the rest of the series as I find them and I will be looking for them. I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
It was a bit anachronistic with more or less modern speech, but I didn't mind and I think it helped move the story at a good clip. I liked the premise of the main character being the personal musician to the Queen and acted as her eyes and ears in the court.
I am looking forward to the rest of the series as I find them and I will be looking for them. I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
June 30, 2019
Be prepared for a slow start and a lot of women named Kate and Catherine as well as a large cast of characters in general in this mystery set in the first year of Queen Elizabeth's reign. Keeping all the players straight is something of a challenge in the opening chapters, but the action picks up once old bones are discovered and a 'divination' takes place. The Tudor court of Elizabeth is no less full of spies and plots than her father's court, and Kate Heywood, court musician, is tasked with keeping her eyes open for anything that could potentially harm the queen. Hard to do when everyone wears 'masks' and keeps their intentions and alliances hidden. Lots of historical detail and a good mystery despite the slow start.
September 11, 2018
This series gets betters with each book. Carmack takes us to a place most of us haven't heard of. (Unless you are a real Elizabethan history buff.) And the setting and intrigue are complex and engaging.
January 6, 2018
Fast and easy read mystery!
February 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this book
January 31, 2021
Murder in the queens garden
Wow this is such a great series. The author leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. Hope to see more of Anthony in the next book.
Wow this is such a great series. The author leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. Hope to see more of Anthony in the next book.
December 16, 2021
A huge improvement over what I remember of the second book. I enjoyed this.
June 10, 2015
Murder in the Queen’s Garden is the third book in the Elizabethan Mystery Series by Amanda Carmack. It is 1559 and Elizabeth has been on the throne for six months, enjoying summer parties at Nonsuch Palace, where in 1541 famed astrologer to King Henry, Dr. Timothy Macey disappeared. Astrology and horoscopes are as much the rage as masquerades, pageants, banquets, hunts, and games. When the body of Dr. Macey is discovered and then that of another astrologer, the queen calls on her personal lute player, Kate Haywood, the heroine and sleuth of the series to “unofficially” investigate. Kate starts to make inquiries only to discover that astrology and horoscopes are lethal and at the root of ambitions, betrayals, and the murders.
Murder in the Queen’s Garden is a cozy Elizabethan mystery. Amanda Carmack paints a very vivid and impressive picture of the time, the places, the people and the conditions. No detail goes unnoticed, which brings the period to colourful life. Kate is a spunky and headstrong heroine, who goes where ladies of the time aren’t supposed to go or see or do. She even has two unofficial suitors, who are trying to become worthy of her and sometimes take on the role of her bodyguard.
Murder in the Queen’s Garden is a fun read with a solid mystery and a determined and likeable heroine.
Reviewed for the Historical Novels Society
The Witch's Salvation
Murder in the Queen’s Garden is a cozy Elizabethan mystery. Amanda Carmack paints a very vivid and impressive picture of the time, the places, the people and the conditions. No detail goes unnoticed, which brings the period to colourful life. Kate is a spunky and headstrong heroine, who goes where ladies of the time aren’t supposed to go or see or do. She even has two unofficial suitors, who are trying to become worthy of her and sometimes take on the role of her bodyguard.
Murder in the Queen’s Garden is a fun read with a solid mystery and a determined and likeable heroine.
Reviewed for the Historical Novels Society
The Witch's Salvation
October 7, 2015
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language Content Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: Minimal
Murder in the Queen’s Garden is the third book in the Elizabethan mystery series by Amanda Carmack. Set in the 1500’s this series focuses on Kate Haywood, Queen Elizabeth’s personal musician, who also doubles as a secret investigator for the queen.
While the summer parties, games and masquerades are abundant, there is an undercurrent of mystery and deception, starting with the mysterious disappearance of a famed astrologer about twenty years before.
When that astrologer later turns up sneaking around Queen Elizabeth (as witnessed by Kate), and later found murdered, the stakes are raised. Soon another murder takes place and the Queen asks Kate to investigate.
Kate is an interesting heroine, who takes her position of personal musician seriously. She works hard to protect the Queen and solve the mysteries facing the court, all while trying to discover her own heritage and its possible link to royalty.
Murder in the Queen’s Garden is a decent read, which most historical fans will enjoy. I found it a little difficult to get into especially at the beginning, but the pace picked up about half-way through. The mystery is light and there is a touch of a romantic triangle with Kate and two suitors, which will probably be explored further in a future book. Overall, it is a decent read.
-- WENDY
February 15, 2015
The third in the Elizabethan Mystery series where a court musician serves double duty as Queen Elizabeth's spy and plot thwarter. I am starting to question how Kate's secret duties are staying secret given how many people she has said the Queen sent me to, but nonetheless the mysteries are entertaining. This book starts with the death of Catherine Howard and the court astrologer some twenty years previously. As the court returns to the scene of the court astrologer's disappearance at Nonsuch along with Dr. Dee, astrology takes center stage. Kate must sort through romantic entanglements and actual plots to get to the bottom of what is happening at court. I can't say I found this to be an actual danger to the queen, but did enjoy the unfolding drama. Seems to be super slow going on character discovery for poor Kate both in who she really is and her suitors. Excited to see there are two more novels already in the works so maybe eventually we will discover more.
February 17, 2015
Kate is back in this tale set at Nonsuch Palace, and what a thrilling ride it is.
I can't fault Amanda, she immerses the reader into the Elizabethan period seamlessly. Her descriptions are corking, and as a reader I am loving this series. What is particularly great about it, is the back story running through it, using characters from history that have only ever been touched on.
This time the storyline centres around a mystery occurring during the reign of Henry VIII and his then queen Catherine Howard. It is clear that a lot of research has gone into this and for that I take my hat off to Amanda.
Again, Kate's relationship with Anthony is touched on, leaving the reader (me) wanting more, desperately hoping they will get together and that Good Queen Bess will approve.
Roll on the next book. Can't wait
I can't fault Amanda, she immerses the reader into the Elizabethan period seamlessly. Her descriptions are corking, and as a reader I am loving this series. What is particularly great about it, is the back story running through it, using characters from history that have only ever been touched on.
This time the storyline centres around a mystery occurring during the reign of Henry VIII and his then queen Catherine Howard. It is clear that a lot of research has gone into this and for that I take my hat off to Amanda.
Again, Kate's relationship with Anthony is touched on, leaving the reader (me) wanting more, desperately hoping they will get together and that Good Queen Bess will approve.
Roll on the next book. Can't wait
July 20, 2015
Kate Haywood is back in this 3rd book in Amanda Carmack's Elizabethan Mystery series. This time she is traveling on the Queen's tour of her new kingdom, following her coronation. She is staying at Nonsuch Palace, which was built by Elizabeth's father Henry VIII, but is not standing today.
It is a magical location and ideal for a summer idyll, but the magic may also spell danger when the case of a long missing royal astrologer rears its head. It is a perfect location for all the intrigue raised by the belief in astrology and what some people will do to keep an unfavorable seeing kept secret.
Kate manages to get herself into a lot of danger, but luckily her friends are there to see her safe, but not without some close calls.
I really love this series and will definitely read the next one, slated for November 2015!
It is a magical location and ideal for a summer idyll, but the magic may also spell danger when the case of a long missing royal astrologer rears its head. It is a perfect location for all the intrigue raised by the belief in astrology and what some people will do to keep an unfavorable seeing kept secret.
Kate manages to get herself into a lot of danger, but luckily her friends are there to see her safe, but not without some close calls.
I really love this series and will definitely read the next one, slated for November 2015!
November 20, 2016
The books are all pretty much the same. There is some kind festival,dancing etc and a plot to overthrow queen. There is a murder ,Kate overhears something investigates ,gets hurt and is still not acknowledged by the queen as her cousin ,despite being almost killed in every book. Meanwhile the lukewarm Anthony and timid Rob go back and forth on their unrequited feelings for Kate whom her self seems to be oblivious to everything but music and mayhem.
June 26, 2015
In August 1559, Queen Elizabeth is on her first progress, and stops at Nonsuch, once one of her father's palaces. Accompanying her is her personal musician, young Kate Haywood, who quickly notices odd occurrences and a strange atmosphere in the air. And when she nearly stumbles over a body in the maze, Kate becomes personally involved in solving murders both past and present.
February 12, 2015
A new adventure for Kate
Always well written and cleverly plotted, Amanda Carmack's novels are always satisfying. The history is good, or as good as a historical novel can offer. I am a fan.
Always well written and cleverly plotted, Amanda Carmack's novels are always satisfying. The history is good, or as good as a historical novel can offer. I am a fan.
March 22, 2015
It took me almost a quarter of the book before I was able to get into the story but when I did I really enjoyed it. It was great to read the way the characters interacted, the mores of the time and how the main character struggled against some of them. Interesting.
September 20, 2015
I enjoyed this entry in the series. Kate is a good detective, and her unusual family ties make her odd role more likely. The palace of Nonsuch is legendary in English history, and it's nice to see such lavish descriptions of it.
April 21, 2015
Generally I like historical novels, and love Good Queen Bess, but this one - just couldn't get involved in the mystery, or the characters.
However, the historical setting was excellent, and Dr. Dee the astrologer as a serious advisor was also well done.
However, the historical setting was excellent, and Dr. Dee the astrologer as a serious advisor was also well done.
June 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, not just for the mystery, but for the descriptions about daily life during the reign of Elizabeth I. This was a great addition to this series and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
May 23, 2016
Well written. Narrative smooth and easy to follow. Love the Tudor period setting. I love the Dr Dee references as well as his mentor. Would like more novels with his characters included. Who-done-it that kept me guessing. Good Read!
April 3, 2016
Another excellent historical whodunit starring Kate, the musician to Queen Elizabeth. Great details, love that the author is so clever at revealing the darker sides of court as well as the fun and fancy decor side.
March 2, 2016
I like this series. I like the heroine. But I don't know if I can read any more of the books because the love triangle is just....argh. Shades of Twilight. Frustrating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews