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To Kill a Queen
Enter a shadowy world of crime in Elizabethan London with this twisty historical mystery featuring a queer sleuth and a dash of romance!
When Queen Elizabeth I is nearly assassinated, the rebellious heir to a criminal legacy seizes an opportunity for a better life.
London, 1579. In the treacherous alleyways of London, Jack has left behind the life of petty crime, hoping to atone for the past by rooting out murderers. As the eldest child of a notorious and infamous figure who controls the slums, Jack has no safe place to land and dreams of a future off the streets. When an attempt is made on the Queen’s life, it falls to Jack to catch the would-be-assassin and fight for different future.
With the help of a coroner, Damian, a sultry barmaid with a secret, and the criminal connections from Jack's past, the unlikely investigator dives into the case. But the former thief's informants keep turning up dead, and every lead seems to vanish just when it feels within reach. As Jack follows the trail deeper into danger, the question who can truly be trusted?
With the promise of security and redemption hanging overhead, Jack must uncover who orchestrated the assassination attempt before time runs out in this historical mystery, perfect for fans of Tasha Alexander.
When Queen Elizabeth I is nearly assassinated, the rebellious heir to a criminal legacy seizes an opportunity for a better life.
London, 1579. In the treacherous alleyways of London, Jack has left behind the life of petty crime, hoping to atone for the past by rooting out murderers. As the eldest child of a notorious and infamous figure who controls the slums, Jack has no safe place to land and dreams of a future off the streets. When an attempt is made on the Queen’s life, it falls to Jack to catch the would-be-assassin and fight for different future.
With the help of a coroner, Damian, a sultry barmaid with a secret, and the criminal connections from Jack's past, the unlikely investigator dives into the case. But the former thief's informants keep turning up dead, and every lead seems to vanish just when it feels within reach. As Jack follows the trail deeper into danger, the question who can truly be trusted?
With the promise of security and redemption hanging overhead, Jack must uncover who orchestrated the assassination attempt before time runs out in this historical mystery, perfect for fans of Tasha Alexander.
288 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2025
25 people are currently reading
12322 people want to read
About the author
Amie McNee
14 books329 followersAmie McNee is an Australian author of both fiction and nonfiction whose work celebrates the courage and chaos of the creative life. She is the author of To Kill a Queen, a queer historical mystery set in Elizabethan London, and We Need Your Art, a manifesto for creatives. Amie has also independently published several beloved novels and journals for creatives, building a global community through her platform Inspired To Write. She lives between Sydney and Oxfordshire with her writer husband, James.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this historical murder mystery, it had that satisfying blend of intrigue, character depth, and steady escalation that keeps you turning pages. The tension builds in such a natural way that I found myself fully absorbed, especially during those quieter moments where everything feels like it’s about to shift.
I had the ALC, and I’m so glad I listened to it. The narration fit the tone perfectly steady, atmospheric, and really effective at carrying the emotional weight beneath the surface. It made both the reflective and intense scenes land just right, and it helped maintain a strong rhythm throughout. I highly recommend experiencing this one in audio.
Jack was such an engaging lead, flawed, introspective, and trying to do good even when circumstances make that difficult. His internal journey added a thoughtful layer to the story, and I’d love to see more from him in future installments.
Overall, this was a smart, well-paced mystery with emotional depth and strong character work. If you enjoy historical settings, layered motivations, and detective-style plots with heart, it’s definitely worth picking up, especially in audiobook format. Thanks to TLC book tours for the ALC.
I had the ALC, and I’m so glad I listened to it. The narration fit the tone perfectly steady, atmospheric, and really effective at carrying the emotional weight beneath the surface. It made both the reflective and intense scenes land just right, and it helped maintain a strong rhythm throughout. I highly recommend experiencing this one in audio.
Jack was such an engaging lead, flawed, introspective, and trying to do good even when circumstances make that difficult. His internal journey added a thoughtful layer to the story, and I’d love to see more from him in future installments.
Overall, this was a smart, well-paced mystery with emotional depth and strong character work. If you enjoy historical settings, layered motivations, and detective-style plots with heart, it’s definitely worth picking up, especially in audiobook format. Thanks to TLC book tours for the ALC.
July 4, 2025
Book Review: To Kill a Queen: A Novel by Amie McNee
Rating: 4.3/5
Amie McNee’s To Kill a Queen is a vibrant, subversive plunge into Elizabethan London’s underworld, blending razor-sharp historical intrigue with a refreshingly queer perspective. This isn’t just another Tudor-era mystery—it’s a defiant reimagining of who gets to be the hero in a world rigidly defined by gender and class.
Strengths & Emotional Impact
McNee’s greatest triumph is Jack, the nonbinary protagonist whose struggle for redemption crackles with authenticity. As a former criminal turned reluctant sleuth, Jack’s duality—torn between a violent past and a yearning for legitimacy—had me rooting for them from page one. The queer romance subplot (no spoilers!) is tender yet fraught, mirroring the era’s dangers without veering into tokenism.
The atmosphere is immersive: ale-soaked taverns, palace intrigues, and the ever-present threat of betrayal evoke Wolf Hall with a punkish edge. McNee’s background in 16th-century women’s history (Regrettably, I Am About to Cause Trouble) shines in her nuanced portrayal of marginalized voices. I particularly loved how the novel interrogates power—whether wielded by queens, crime lords, or those slipping through society’s cracks.
Constructive Criticism
While the pacing is generally taut, the middle act sags slightly under the weight of red herrings. A few secondary characters (like the enigmatic barmaid) could benefit from deeper development. Additionally, the climax, though satisfying, leans on conveniences that slightly undermine the gritty realism McNee so carefully builds.
Why It Matters
This book challenges historical fiction norms by centering a queer, gender-nonconforming lead without sanitizing Elizabethan prejudices. It’s a daring balance—think Gentleman Jack meets The Name of the Rose—that will resonate with fans of Tasha Alexander’s rebellious heroines.
Perfect for:
-Readers craving historical mysteries with modern sensibilities.
-Anyone fascinated by queer narratives in pre-modern settings.
-Writers inspired by McNee’s podcast wisdom (@inspiredtowrite)—her prose is as engaging as her advice.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Edelweiss for the advance copy. McNee’s work is a testament to storytelling as an act of resistance—and To Kill a Queen is a thrilling manifesto in itself.
Final Verdict:
Originality: 5/5 (A queer Tudor sleuth? Yes, please.)
Research: 4.5/5 (Rich details, though a few anachronisms linger.)
Emotional Payoff: 4/5 (Jack’s arc shines; some side plots fizzle.)
Social Impact: 4.5/5 (A milestone for inclusive historical fiction.)
A rebellious, rain-slicked gem that reclaims history one alleyway at a time.
Rating: 4.3/5
Amie McNee’s To Kill a Queen is a vibrant, subversive plunge into Elizabethan London’s underworld, blending razor-sharp historical intrigue with a refreshingly queer perspective. This isn’t just another Tudor-era mystery—it’s a defiant reimagining of who gets to be the hero in a world rigidly defined by gender and class.
Strengths & Emotional Impact
McNee’s greatest triumph is Jack, the nonbinary protagonist whose struggle for redemption crackles with authenticity. As a former criminal turned reluctant sleuth, Jack’s duality—torn between a violent past and a yearning for legitimacy—had me rooting for them from page one. The queer romance subplot (no spoilers!) is tender yet fraught, mirroring the era’s dangers without veering into tokenism.
The atmosphere is immersive: ale-soaked taverns, palace intrigues, and the ever-present threat of betrayal evoke Wolf Hall with a punkish edge. McNee’s background in 16th-century women’s history (Regrettably, I Am About to Cause Trouble) shines in her nuanced portrayal of marginalized voices. I particularly loved how the novel interrogates power—whether wielded by queens, crime lords, or those slipping through society’s cracks.
Constructive Criticism
While the pacing is generally taut, the middle act sags slightly under the weight of red herrings. A few secondary characters (like the enigmatic barmaid) could benefit from deeper development. Additionally, the climax, though satisfying, leans on conveniences that slightly undermine the gritty realism McNee so carefully builds.
Why It Matters
This book challenges historical fiction norms by centering a queer, gender-nonconforming lead without sanitizing Elizabethan prejudices. It’s a daring balance—think Gentleman Jack meets The Name of the Rose—that will resonate with fans of Tasha Alexander’s rebellious heroines.
Perfect for:
-Readers craving historical mysteries with modern sensibilities.
-Anyone fascinated by queer narratives in pre-modern settings.
-Writers inspired by McNee’s podcast wisdom (@inspiredtowrite)—her prose is as engaging as her advice.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Edelweiss for the advance copy. McNee’s work is a testament to storytelling as an act of resistance—and To Kill a Queen is a thrilling manifesto in itself.
Final Verdict:
Originality: 5/5 (A queer Tudor sleuth? Yes, please.)
Research: 4.5/5 (Rich details, though a few anachronisms linger.)
Emotional Payoff: 4/5 (Jack’s arc shines; some side plots fizzle.)
Social Impact: 4.5/5 (A milestone for inclusive historical fiction.)
A rebellious, rain-slicked gem that reclaims history one alleyway at a time.
December 28, 2025
Wonderfully written. Cleverly plotted. Can’t wait to read more of this author’s fiction!
October 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a truly fun murder mystery romp through Elizabethan England! The story was engaging and the characters leapt off the page. It felt like it would be perfect to adapt into a series and it’s vibrant enough that you can imagine every scene perfectly!
Jack’s relationship to his gender identity and everyone’s reactions (and a lot of the time, acceptance) were thoughtfully done, as were his struggles with his mental health and panic attacks, or ‘attack of the nerves’ as put by love interest, Jenny. It felt like the author had taken the time to communicate these topics sensitively yet truthfully, and were one of the better explored aspects of this book.
There were also some truly funny moments in the story (lines that I annotated simply with ‘lol’) as well as some heart wrenching moments too.
I did, however, have a few issues.
Firstly, the language was a struggle for me as sometimes McNee seemed to want to keep the language as authentic as possible, and other times it read as incredibly modern. The use of the word ‘ew’ multiple times in the first few chapters threw me off!
Unfortunately these language discrepancies continued throughout the book and did alter my immersion in the story.
I felt the ending was very rushed. This is a nearly 300 page book & we absolutely SPED through the reveal of the murderer and the aftermath. The somewhat epilogue also felt slightly ridiculous. Without giving away any spoilers, it was fairly bizarre that after everything that happened, they would all just… continue?
That’s as much as I can say without spoiling it!
I wish we had spent more time exploring Jack’s relationships. It felt like we were told, rather than shown, about the depth of his relationships, especially regarding Damian & Jenny. I would have liked to have seen more within their interactions which sometimes felt too simplistic in favour of furthering the interesting plot.
Overall though I enjoyed this book, and I would definitely pick up another if this continued into a series. I think our protagonist and this cast of characters have a lot of potential for further development and I would be interested to read more!
3.5⭐️
(It should be noted that there are numerous uses of insensitive language towards our protagonist and his friends or acquaintances, however that would have been unfortunately true to the historical time period, so this is not a criticism, more of a content warning.)
This was a truly fun murder mystery romp through Elizabethan England! The story was engaging and the characters leapt off the page. It felt like it would be perfect to adapt into a series and it’s vibrant enough that you can imagine every scene perfectly!
Jack’s relationship to his gender identity and everyone’s reactions (and a lot of the time, acceptance) were thoughtfully done, as were his struggles with his mental health and panic attacks, or ‘attack of the nerves’ as put by love interest, Jenny. It felt like the author had taken the time to communicate these topics sensitively yet truthfully, and were one of the better explored aspects of this book.
There were also some truly funny moments in the story (lines that I annotated simply with ‘lol’) as well as some heart wrenching moments too.
I did, however, have a few issues.
Firstly, the language was a struggle for me as sometimes McNee seemed to want to keep the language as authentic as possible, and other times it read as incredibly modern. The use of the word ‘ew’ multiple times in the first few chapters threw me off!
Unfortunately these language discrepancies continued throughout the book and did alter my immersion in the story.
I felt the ending was very rushed. This is a nearly 300 page book & we absolutely SPED through the reveal of the murderer and the aftermath. The somewhat epilogue also felt slightly ridiculous. Without giving away any spoilers, it was fairly bizarre that after everything that happened, they would all just… continue?
That’s as much as I can say without spoiling it!
I wish we had spent more time exploring Jack’s relationships. It felt like we were told, rather than shown, about the depth of his relationships, especially regarding Damian & Jenny. I would have liked to have seen more within their interactions which sometimes felt too simplistic in favour of furthering the interesting plot.
Overall though I enjoyed this book, and I would definitely pick up another if this continued into a series. I think our protagonist and this cast of characters have a lot of potential for further development and I would be interested to read more!
3.5⭐️
(It should be noted that there are numerous uses of insensitive language towards our protagonist and his friends or acquaintances, however that would have been unfortunately true to the historical time period, so this is not a criticism, more of a content warning.)
July 3, 2025
To Kill a Queen by Amie McNee is a fun, twisting tale that combines historical fiction and mystery. The story is well paced and the characters are complex - each trying to do their best while wrestling and, often, losing to their demons.
The plot follows Jack, a once criminal now turned detective, who is working to solve the attempted assassination of Queen Elizabeth. The twists in plot are well done and keep the reader turning pages, I had no idea who had done what until it was being revealed.
Give this book a read if you’re a fan of murder mysteries and historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.
The plot follows Jack, a once criminal now turned detective, who is working to solve the attempted assassination of Queen Elizabeth. The twists in plot are well done and keep the reader turning pages, I had no idea who had done what until it was being revealed.
Give this book a read if you’re a fan of murder mysteries and historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 3, 2026
Amie McNee’s To Kill a Queen presents an intriguing premise: a spy thriller set in Elizabethan England with sapphic undertones and political intrigue at its core. On paper, it promises tension, danger, and layered relationships against a rich historical backdrop. In execution, however, the novel feels less like a tightly woven thriller and more like an introspective character study—one that, while engaging in moments, ultimately leaves something to be desired. For me, this lands as a solid three-star read: enjoyable, but not entirely satisfying.
One of the most noticeable aspects of the book is its tone and voice. Despite being marketed as adult fiction, it reads much more like a young adult novel. The prose has a certain accessibility and emotional immediacy that leans YA, and the character dynamics—particularly the way they express themselves—feel more aligned with that category. This isn’t necessarily a flaw, but it does create a mismatch between expectation and experience. Readers going in anticipating a darker, more complex adult spy narrative may find themselves adjusting to a different rhythm.
The biggest strength of the novel lies in its characters. McNee clearly delights in crafting personalities that are vivid, eccentric, and deeply expressive. Everyone has something to say, often at length, and their voices are distinct and memorable. There’s a theatrical quality to the dialogue and interactions that makes the cast feel lively and dynamic. At times, this quirkiness is charming and even immersive, drawing the reader into the emotional landscape of the story.
However, this same focus on character comes at the expense of plot. The espionage elements, which initially seem central to the premise, take a backseat to internal reflections and interpersonal exchanges. Rather than building sustained tension or momentum, the narrative meanders through conversations and character moments. While this approach can work beautifully in a more literary or character-driven novel, here it feels slightly at odds with the expectations set by the premise. The result is a story that feels less like a spy thriller and more like an extended exploration of its protagonist’s inner world.
Another issue is the pacing—or perhaps the lack of it. The novel feels surprisingly short for the scope it aims to cover, and this brevity becomes especially apparent toward the end. Just as the story seems poised to reach a meaningful climax, it abruptly concludes. There’s a sense that the narrative cuts off rather than resolves, leaving key threads underdeveloped and emotional arcs somewhat incomplete. It’s not so much an open ending as it is an unfinished one, which can be frustrating after investing in the characters.
That said, To Kill a Queen is still a fun read. The historical setting is evocative, the sapphic elements add an appealing layer of representation, and the characters—quirks and all—are engaging enough to carry the story. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to sink into, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its initial promise.
In the end, this is a novel that offers a compelling concept and strong character work but falls short in execution, particularly in terms of plot and pacing. It’s enjoyable in the moment, but it may leave readers wishing for more depth, more development, and a more satisfying conclusion.
One of the most noticeable aspects of the book is its tone and voice. Despite being marketed as adult fiction, it reads much more like a young adult novel. The prose has a certain accessibility and emotional immediacy that leans YA, and the character dynamics—particularly the way they express themselves—feel more aligned with that category. This isn’t necessarily a flaw, but it does create a mismatch between expectation and experience. Readers going in anticipating a darker, more complex adult spy narrative may find themselves adjusting to a different rhythm.
The biggest strength of the novel lies in its characters. McNee clearly delights in crafting personalities that are vivid, eccentric, and deeply expressive. Everyone has something to say, often at length, and their voices are distinct and memorable. There’s a theatrical quality to the dialogue and interactions that makes the cast feel lively and dynamic. At times, this quirkiness is charming and even immersive, drawing the reader into the emotional landscape of the story.
However, this same focus on character comes at the expense of plot. The espionage elements, which initially seem central to the premise, take a backseat to internal reflections and interpersonal exchanges. Rather than building sustained tension or momentum, the narrative meanders through conversations and character moments. While this approach can work beautifully in a more literary or character-driven novel, here it feels slightly at odds with the expectations set by the premise. The result is a story that feels less like a spy thriller and more like an extended exploration of its protagonist’s inner world.
Another issue is the pacing—or perhaps the lack of it. The novel feels surprisingly short for the scope it aims to cover, and this brevity becomes especially apparent toward the end. Just as the story seems poised to reach a meaningful climax, it abruptly concludes. There’s a sense that the narrative cuts off rather than resolves, leaving key threads underdeveloped and emotional arcs somewhat incomplete. It’s not so much an open ending as it is an unfinished one, which can be frustrating after investing in the characters.
That said, To Kill a Queen is still a fun read. The historical setting is evocative, the sapphic elements add an appealing layer of representation, and the characters—quirks and all—are engaging enough to carry the story. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to sink into, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its initial promise.
In the end, this is a novel that offers a compelling concept and strong character work but falls short in execution, particularly in terms of plot and pacing. It’s enjoyable in the moment, but it may leave readers wishing for more depth, more development, and a more satisfying conclusion.
November 9, 2025
ALC 🎧 Book Review 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A truly enjoyable murder mystery!!
This was so fast paced, I wasn’t bored one bit.
Each page felt like an inch closer to solving the mystery, as for the mystery… I was able to solve one of them, but the other definitely eluded me.
I love a good mystery, as for this you really won’t know until the end. The possibilities of suspects was endless lol, which made this so much fun.
Although, I do wonder a bit on the part Harry played?
Perhaps I missed it towards the end, but I just felt like his introduction was rather, pointless?
And the way he just broke out of that place and never went back… Not sure where we were going w/ it.
This was def Jack’s redemption arc lol, although a few slight of hands occurred in dire times, his will to do better and be better was admirable!!
Axe (spelling?) was such a mastermind… I always felt we were 5 steps behind!!!!
I can see why Jack felt the way he did lol.
I also was lowkey heartbroken from the losses in this story, while their time was short, their characters still shined through.
Overall, this was a fun quick read that will have you guessing. Amie McNee narrating her own book?
Iconic. I look forward to a sequel w/ more mysteries!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A truly enjoyable murder mystery!!
This was so fast paced, I wasn’t bored one bit.
Each page felt like an inch closer to solving the mystery, as for the mystery… I was able to solve one of them, but the other definitely eluded me.
I love a good mystery, as for this you really won’t know until the end. The possibilities of suspects was endless lol, which made this so much fun.
Although, I do wonder a bit on the part Harry played?
Perhaps I missed it towards the end, but I just felt like his introduction was rather, pointless?
And the way he just broke out of that place and never went back… Not sure where we were going w/ it.
This was def Jack’s redemption arc lol, although a few slight of hands occurred in dire times, his will to do better and be better was admirable!!
Axe (spelling?) was such a mastermind… I always felt we were 5 steps behind!!!!
I can see why Jack felt the way he did lol.
I also was lowkey heartbroken from the losses in this story, while their time was short, their characters still shined through.
Overall, this was a fun quick read that will have you guessing. Amie McNee narrating her own book?
Iconic. I look forward to a sequel w/ more mysteries!!
December 15, 2025
3.0/5
I love Amie McNee’s previous novels; Regrettably, I am About to Cause Trouble and The Rules Upheld by No One. Sadly, this one fell rather flat for me.
I love Amie McNee’s previous novels; Regrettably, I am About to Cause Trouble and The Rules Upheld by No One. Sadly, this one fell rather flat for me.
August 3, 2025
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun Elizabethan murder mystery! Plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the page, with a varied cast of characters, likable and not, to grow attached to (or hate, in Douglas’s case). I was slightly distracted by the patterns of speech; there seemed to be places McNee was committed to authentic Elizabethan English, and others that were a bit more modern. Also, the ending felt a bit rushed, so I’ll be sad if there isn’t a sequel in the works to fully conclude our heroes’ story - I could definitely see this becoming a murder-of-the-week series. Jack is certainly a protagonist I want to see more of - his relationship with gender and mental health, and how that affects people’s interactions with him, not to mention how he sees himself - seems ripe for exploration while he tracks down the latest cad.
This was a fun Elizabethan murder mystery! Plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the page, with a varied cast of characters, likable and not, to grow attached to (or hate, in Douglas’s case). I was slightly distracted by the patterns of speech; there seemed to be places McNee was committed to authentic Elizabethan English, and others that were a bit more modern. Also, the ending felt a bit rushed, so I’ll be sad if there isn’t a sequel in the works to fully conclude our heroes’ story - I could definitely see this becoming a murder-of-the-week series. Jack is certainly a protagonist I want to see more of - his relationship with gender and mental health, and how that affects people’s interactions with him, not to mention how he sees himself - seems ripe for exploration while he tracks down the latest cad.
October 18, 2025
This was an enjoyable queer Elizabethan detective story that takes the reader on a murder investigation across London, in search of the man who attempted to assassinate the queen. It is well-paced and features a colourful rouges’ gallery of characters on variously good terms with the law. The story follows Jack, a trans man on a quest to get out from under the shadow of his father, a notorious crime lord. Intent on living life on the right side of the law, he assists the Justice of the Peace in solving cases through his extensive contact list of seedy figures around the city.
I can’t say that I devoured this book, but I did certainly enjoy my my time reading it and even had the occasional chuckle at one of Jack’s witty remarks and general antics. The story is relatively fast-paced - as is common for detective stories - but neverteless did not neglect the building up of important characters along the way.
Really, my main and only gripe is that the story never quite managed to ‘hook’ me, so to speak. I was perfectly happy to keep reading, but there was neber a moment where felt I had to keep reading. The suspense just never quite managed to reach that level for me. Though I did find that the story, the case and the characters made up for that deficit. I would have loved it if some aspects of the story were more fleshed out, but then again that would have come at the expense of the fast pace at which the plot progressed.
I really appreciated that ending, I’ve read some deeply disappointing endings lately, and this was definitely not one of them. I do not like open-ended stories and much prefer a book whose ending is neatly wrapped up with a bow. This book managed to toe the line perfectly; the case was closed, but some of the plotlines still remained open towards the future. It almost felt as if the author was setting everything up for a sequel.
----
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the ARC
I can’t say that I devoured this book, but I did certainly enjoy my my time reading it and even had the occasional chuckle at one of Jack’s witty remarks and general antics. The story is relatively fast-paced - as is common for detective stories - but neverteless did not neglect the building up of important characters along the way.
Really, my main and only gripe is that the story never quite managed to ‘hook’ me, so to speak. I was perfectly happy to keep reading, but there was neber a moment where felt I had to keep reading. The suspense just never quite managed to reach that level for me. Though I did find that the story, the case and the characters made up for that deficit. I would have loved it if some aspects of the story were more fleshed out, but then again that would have come at the expense of the fast pace at which the plot progressed.
I really appreciated that ending, I’ve read some deeply disappointing endings lately, and this was definitely not one of them. I do not like open-ended stories and much prefer a book whose ending is neatly wrapped up with a bow. This book managed to toe the line perfectly; the case was closed, but some of the plotlines still remained open towards the future. It almost felt as if the author was setting everything up for a sequel.
----
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the ARC
October 20, 2025
Well, I finished it.
This just left me disappointed. I had high hopes. A queer detective running around Elizabethan London??? Awesome. The book? Less so.
I didn't care for the writing from the jump, but I was curious enough about the mystery that I stuck around. A lot of the sentences have the same structure. The writing overall felt rather simple. We are in the 1500s, so every so often, we are thrown a Ye Olde Tyme word. Verily, the writing was poor. Verily, it made for a quick read, at least.
The mystery had such a bland conclusion. Goodness. Like, who cares? There were so many cool character setups but then no one got fleshed out. Why should I care about Jenny? About Damian? "Because Jack does" is not a good enough reason.
Jack's transness was kinda handled weird to me as well. Nothing I can really put my finger on, it just felt a bit off.
Still, this was a light read I finished in a few hours. It is always nice to have more trans protagonists. This book just wasn't for me, but it might be for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
This just left me disappointed. I had high hopes. A queer detective running around Elizabethan London??? Awesome. The book? Less so.
I didn't care for the writing from the jump, but I was curious enough about the mystery that I stuck around. A lot of the sentences have the same structure. The writing overall felt rather simple. We are in the 1500s, so every so often, we are thrown a Ye Olde Tyme word. Verily, the writing was poor. Verily, it made for a quick read, at least.
The mystery had such a bland conclusion. Goodness. Like, who cares? There were so many cool character setups but then no one got fleshed out. Why should I care about Jenny? About Damian? "Because Jack does" is not a good enough reason.
Jack's transness was kinda handled weird to me as well. Nothing I can really put my finger on, it just felt a bit off.
Still, this was a light read I finished in a few hours. It is always nice to have more trans protagonists. This book just wasn't for me, but it might be for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
September 30, 2025
I had high expectations for this book. Based on the blurb, the premise sounded interesting and like it could be an epic historical mystery, but it fell flat for me. I feel like the characters and plot needed more substance and the setting didn't feel like it was actually 16th century London. The characters' language kept flipping between period-appropriate and what felt like modern internet slang.
Overall, I was disappointed, but stuck it out in hopes it would get better, which it did not.
Thank you to Crooked Lane and Goodreads for the paperback ARC.
Overall, I was disappointed, but stuck it out in hopes it would get better, which it did not.
Thank you to Crooked Lane and Goodreads for the paperback ARC.
January 19, 2026
To view on Rainy Day's Books, Video Games and Other Writings: https://rainyday.blog/2026/01/19/book...
Rating: 2 stars
I received a digital copy of this book through the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review.
To Kill a Queen was overall an okay read for me. What I feel like I enjoyed most about it was getting to learn more about Jack and the characters and the investigation into the assassination attempt on the queen’s life. For me, these two components of the book were what I enjoyed most because they are what kept me coming back to reading this book. Everything else about the book was a disappointment to me, as it had such potential but ultimately missed the mark.
What I enjoyed about the characters in To Kill a Queen was seeing the different relationships between them. In particular, I enjoyed learning more about Jack and his past. I wanted to learn more about what had happened before the events in this book, such as what had happened to his best friend and why the two of them acted the way they did towards each other in this book, and how he managed to become the investigator we see him to be. I also enjoyed seeing his relationship with other characters in this book, such as the coroner Damian, whom he saw as more of a father than his actual father, his father Axe, and the relationship that started to develop as the story goes on with Jenny. I was really invested in seeing how all of these relationships in this book would develop as the story went on, and I feel like this book did a decent job of delivering on this somewhat for me. There are some character relationships I was really rooting for here that I found myself ultimately disappointed with how they turned out, but I’ll delve into that later on.
What I also enjoyed when reading To Kill a Queen was seeing Jack investigate the assassination attempt. This investigation had so many twists and turns that I found myself eager to see where it was all going. Add in whenever Jack came close to uncovering who was responsible for the attempt, the people who had the information turning up dead, and I found myself very eager to find out how everything would come together. Even the truth of the situation didn’t end up ruining it all for me because I felt like it made sense to what Jack uncovered as he investigated. I will say for those who are hoping for a masterful case here, this book won’t be for you because this case definitely isn’t all that masterful once the truth is finally revealed.
Okay, now onto why this book was such a disappointment to me. So, to start with, remember how earlier I had mentioned that some character relationships that I was really rooting for in this book, but that I was then disappointed in how they turned out? The biggest example that comes to mind for me is the dynamic between Jack and Damian. In the beginning of To Kill a Queen, they had such a wonderful relationship: Damian, the coroner, and Jack, his protege. Throughout the book, they got along really well as Jack saw Damian as the father he never really had, due to how he was brought up. He trusted Damian wholeheartedly more than he trusted anyone else in this book. Then, later on in the story, it’s revealed that Damian has a gambling problem and owes some really bad people a huge debt, and he goes to someone Jack has been warning him since the beginning of the book to never go to to fix his problems: Jack’s father. And because he goes to Jack’s father, Axe, to take care of his gambling debt, you can imagine how this impacts the relationship between Jack and Damian. Jack basically sees this as a betrayal and finds that he no longer trusts Damian. This also ruined for me the way I felt about their relationship, too, because I honestly was hoping their dynamic would stay intact.
Another issue I had with To Kill a Queen was the overall plot itself. The investigation into the assassination attempt was interesting to read, but the story in between was just not all that interesting to me. Yes, I wanted to learn more about Jack and find out his story, but I felt like the information the author gives in this book just wasn’t enough to keep me interested. I felt like with a majority of it, I was just thrown into the story and was expected to know what was going on. The best example that comes to mind for me is concerning Jack’s strong dislike of his father, Axe. Like, I understand his father is in charge of a criminal empire. But I never truly saw his dad as a villain when reading To Kill a Queen until he obliterated Jack’s relationship with Damian. That was the only time when I understood what Jack was talking about when he talked about his dad being a bad person who couldn’t be trusted. Which reminds me that I feel like, as a reader, it’s never explained how Jack becomes the investigator he becomes in this book. None of that backstory is ever given here, just given little snippets here and there, where I see him struggle with doing the right thing, and at times, I found that was frustrating for me, too.
Overall, To Kill a Queen is an enjoyable read if you want to read a book about a simple case with an interesting investigation and getting to see the dynamics between all of the characters. However, if you want a more complex book than I don’t recommend this one for you because it will disappoint. To Kill a Queen was published on November 11, 2025, for those interested in giving this book a read.
Rating: 2 stars
I received a digital copy of this book through the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review.
To Kill a Queen was overall an okay read for me. What I feel like I enjoyed most about it was getting to learn more about Jack and the characters and the investigation into the assassination attempt on the queen’s life. For me, these two components of the book were what I enjoyed most because they are what kept me coming back to reading this book. Everything else about the book was a disappointment to me, as it had such potential but ultimately missed the mark.
What I enjoyed about the characters in To Kill a Queen was seeing the different relationships between them. In particular, I enjoyed learning more about Jack and his past. I wanted to learn more about what had happened before the events in this book, such as what had happened to his best friend and why the two of them acted the way they did towards each other in this book, and how he managed to become the investigator we see him to be. I also enjoyed seeing his relationship with other characters in this book, such as the coroner Damian, whom he saw as more of a father than his actual father, his father Axe, and the relationship that started to develop as the story goes on with Jenny. I was really invested in seeing how all of these relationships in this book would develop as the story went on, and I feel like this book did a decent job of delivering on this somewhat for me. There are some character relationships I was really rooting for here that I found myself ultimately disappointed with how they turned out, but I’ll delve into that later on.
What I also enjoyed when reading To Kill a Queen was seeing Jack investigate the assassination attempt. This investigation had so many twists and turns that I found myself eager to see where it was all going. Add in whenever Jack came close to uncovering who was responsible for the attempt, the people who had the information turning up dead, and I found myself very eager to find out how everything would come together. Even the truth of the situation didn’t end up ruining it all for me because I felt like it made sense to what Jack uncovered as he investigated. I will say for those who are hoping for a masterful case here, this book won’t be for you because this case definitely isn’t all that masterful once the truth is finally revealed.
Okay, now onto why this book was such a disappointment to me. So, to start with, remember how earlier I had mentioned that some character relationships that I was really rooting for in this book, but that I was then disappointed in how they turned out? The biggest example that comes to mind for me is the dynamic between Jack and Damian. In the beginning of To Kill a Queen, they had such a wonderful relationship: Damian, the coroner, and Jack, his protege. Throughout the book, they got along really well as Jack saw Damian as the father he never really had, due to how he was brought up. He trusted Damian wholeheartedly more than he trusted anyone else in this book. Then, later on in the story, it’s revealed that Damian has a gambling problem and owes some really bad people a huge debt, and he goes to someone Jack has been warning him since the beginning of the book to never go to to fix his problems: Jack’s father. And because he goes to Jack’s father, Axe, to take care of his gambling debt, you can imagine how this impacts the relationship between Jack and Damian. Jack basically sees this as a betrayal and finds that he no longer trusts Damian. This also ruined for me the way I felt about their relationship, too, because I honestly was hoping their dynamic would stay intact.
Another issue I had with To Kill a Queen was the overall plot itself. The investigation into the assassination attempt was interesting to read, but the story in between was just not all that interesting to me. Yes, I wanted to learn more about Jack and find out his story, but I felt like the information the author gives in this book just wasn’t enough to keep me interested. I felt like with a majority of it, I was just thrown into the story and was expected to know what was going on. The best example that comes to mind for me is concerning Jack’s strong dislike of his father, Axe. Like, I understand his father is in charge of a criminal empire. But I never truly saw his dad as a villain when reading To Kill a Queen until he obliterated Jack’s relationship with Damian. That was the only time when I understood what Jack was talking about when he talked about his dad being a bad person who couldn’t be trusted. Which reminds me that I feel like, as a reader, it’s never explained how Jack becomes the investigator he becomes in this book. None of that backstory is ever given here, just given little snippets here and there, where I see him struggle with doing the right thing, and at times, I found that was frustrating for me, too.
Overall, To Kill a Queen is an enjoyable read if you want to read a book about a simple case with an interesting investigation and getting to see the dynamics between all of the characters. However, if you want a more complex book than I don’t recommend this one for you because it will disappoint. To Kill a Queen was published on November 11, 2025, for those interested in giving this book a read.
November 27, 2025
4.75 stars.
I loved Amie McNee's 'We Need Your Art'; would I enjoy her fiction 'To Kill a Queen' as well? (🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW)
I was thrilled to receive a free copy of this audiobook thanks to Netgalley and Spotify Audiobooks. This review is my genuine opinion.
Short answer: Yes!
Long answer: I would describe McNee's writing in both 'We Need Your Art' and 'To Kill a Queen' as thoroughly considered with just the right amount of attention to detail. Her writing flows beautifully and naturally, in both fiction and non-fiction contexts.
McNee has a strong author's voice (by her own admission in 'We Need Your Art'). If you read and enjoyed her writing in her non-fiction, I think you will enjoy her fiction writing as well.
(I was also delighted to catch a couple of minor overlaps with WNYA, such as the dedication to writers, and describing someone's work as their "divine work in the world" 😎)
🎧AUDIOBOOK 🎧
What a gift to be read a story by the author herself! McNee's narration was deeply enjoyable, full of character, and created a rich and immersive storytelling experience. I smiled often and laughed multiple times, and I am not usually one to laugh aloud when reading!
There were a very small handful of moments where a character's voice suddenly changed, mid-dialogue, as if two takes with a slightly different pitch had been edited together. This was mildly jarring, but the occurances were few in number, and so I didn't feel that it affected my enjoyment of the book overall. I have communicated these moments to the publisher so that they may hopefully be edited, if possible.
📖THE STORY ITSELF📖
Notes I made for myself about To Kill a Queen included, "it's bloody good," and, "it's wonderful". McNee somehow made the various plot points flow very naturally. Everything was delicately woven and there wasn't anything awkwardly sudden or that I didn't believe. There was a good balance of pacing between quieter moments and plot escalations.
I found it really interesting to watch our main character, Jack, slowly increase in distrust, suspicion, and panic, even while I watched myself experience the same (minus the panic, of course).
Not only was this a funny read, it also plucked at my heartstrings. I fell in love with all of our main characters, and I found Jack's own struggle with trying to be a better person in an impossible situation deeply humanising. I also really appreciated the exploration of Jack's complex relationship with gender.
Now, I am not a regular mystery reader, and therefore, definitely not adept at guessing 'who dunnit'. I can't be sure, but I feel that it's entirely possible that someone who is more adept may guess the ending of this book, at least in part. While I certainly had vague suspicions about certain characters that turned out to be founded, I didn't have any ideas about the specifics, and was therefore pleasantly satisfied by the reveal at the end.
Worth my time? 100%. And I can see myself reading more of Amie McNee's works in future.
I loved Amie McNee's 'We Need Your Art'; would I enjoy her fiction 'To Kill a Queen' as well? (🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW)
I was thrilled to receive a free copy of this audiobook thanks to Netgalley and Spotify Audiobooks. This review is my genuine opinion.
Short answer: Yes!
Long answer: I would describe McNee's writing in both 'We Need Your Art' and 'To Kill a Queen' as thoroughly considered with just the right amount of attention to detail. Her writing flows beautifully and naturally, in both fiction and non-fiction contexts.
McNee has a strong author's voice (by her own admission in 'We Need Your Art'). If you read and enjoyed her writing in her non-fiction, I think you will enjoy her fiction writing as well.
(I was also delighted to catch a couple of minor overlaps with WNYA, such as the dedication to writers, and describing someone's work as their "divine work in the world" 😎)
🎧AUDIOBOOK 🎧
What a gift to be read a story by the author herself! McNee's narration was deeply enjoyable, full of character, and created a rich and immersive storytelling experience. I smiled often and laughed multiple times, and I am not usually one to laugh aloud when reading!
There were a very small handful of moments where a character's voice suddenly changed, mid-dialogue, as if two takes with a slightly different pitch had been edited together. This was mildly jarring, but the occurances were few in number, and so I didn't feel that it affected my enjoyment of the book overall. I have communicated these moments to the publisher so that they may hopefully be edited, if possible.
📖THE STORY ITSELF📖
Notes I made for myself about To Kill a Queen included, "it's bloody good," and, "it's wonderful". McNee somehow made the various plot points flow very naturally. Everything was delicately woven and there wasn't anything awkwardly sudden or that I didn't believe. There was a good balance of pacing between quieter moments and plot escalations.
I found it really interesting to watch our main character, Jack, slowly increase in distrust, suspicion, and panic, even while I watched myself experience the same (minus the panic, of course).
Not only was this a funny read, it also plucked at my heartstrings. I fell in love with all of our main characters, and I found Jack's own struggle with trying to be a better person in an impossible situation deeply humanising. I also really appreciated the exploration of Jack's complex relationship with gender.
Now, I am not a regular mystery reader, and therefore, definitely not adept at guessing 'who dunnit'. I can't be sure, but I feel that it's entirely possible that someone who is more adept may guess the ending of this book, at least in part. While I certainly had vague suspicions about certain characters that turned out to be founded, I didn't have any ideas about the specifics, and was therefore pleasantly satisfied by the reveal at the end.
Worth my time? 100%. And I can see myself reading more of Amie McNee's works in future.
September 14, 2025
Aimee McNee’s 'To Kill a Queen' is an atmospheric plunge into the shadowy heart of Elizabethan England—a gripping blend of mystery, historical fiction, and detective noir that lingers long after the final chapter.
From the very first page, McNee foreshadows a tale steeped in darkness. Our protagonist, Jack, opens with a chilling admission of his family’s familiarity with “darkness and devilish deeds,” immediately setting the stage for murder, intrigue, and moral ambiguity. Jack, a gender non-conformist detective, quickly proves to be one of the most refreshing and nuanced narrators I’ve encountered in historical fiction. His voice is distinct, both vulnerable and street-smart, and his ability to navigate between the rich and poor—thanks to his criminal roots—makes him the perfect social chameleon in a city divided by power, class, and prejudice.
The central mystery—an attempted assassination of Queen Elizabeth I—hooks the reader instantly. With every chapter, McNee masterfully deploys red herrings, ensuring we are as consumed by the puzzle as Jack himself. What impressed me most is how this isn’t just a whodunit; it’s a deeply human story of redemption. Jack’s struggle to leave behind his father’s notorious criminal legacy while seeking to “do good” through his detective work makes him not just a character but a companion on this treacherous journey. His relationships—with Damian and Jenny, two unforgettable side characters, and with his surprisingly tender father Alex—add depth and warmth amid the grit.
McNee excels at transporting us into 16th-century London. Through rich visual, auditory, and even olfactory imagery, we hear the bustle of the streets, smell the ale-soaked taverns, and feel the looming shadow of the monarchy. Readers who cherish Agatha Christie’s clever plotting, Dickens’s layered social commentary, or the gritty atmospheres of 'Peaky Blinders' and 'Gotham' will find themselves at home here.
Themes of rich vs. poor, gender discrimination, and the struggles of queer individuals are seamlessly interwoven with the suspense, giving the novel both historical authenticity and modern resonance.
My only wish? A detailed map of 1579 London would have made the chase even more vivid. At times, the language feels a touch modern for the period, but the pace and tension more than compensate.
'To Kill a Queen' is a taut, immersive, and hauntingly human mystery. McNee has given us a detective hero who will stay with readers, and I, for one, hope this is only the beginning of Jack’s adventures.
📚❤️🍂
From the very first page, McNee foreshadows a tale steeped in darkness. Our protagonist, Jack, opens with a chilling admission of his family’s familiarity with “darkness and devilish deeds,” immediately setting the stage for murder, intrigue, and moral ambiguity. Jack, a gender non-conformist detective, quickly proves to be one of the most refreshing and nuanced narrators I’ve encountered in historical fiction. His voice is distinct, both vulnerable and street-smart, and his ability to navigate between the rich and poor—thanks to his criminal roots—makes him the perfect social chameleon in a city divided by power, class, and prejudice.
The central mystery—an attempted assassination of Queen Elizabeth I—hooks the reader instantly. With every chapter, McNee masterfully deploys red herrings, ensuring we are as consumed by the puzzle as Jack himself. What impressed me most is how this isn’t just a whodunit; it’s a deeply human story of redemption. Jack’s struggle to leave behind his father’s notorious criminal legacy while seeking to “do good” through his detective work makes him not just a character but a companion on this treacherous journey. His relationships—with Damian and Jenny, two unforgettable side characters, and with his surprisingly tender father Alex—add depth and warmth amid the grit.
McNee excels at transporting us into 16th-century London. Through rich visual, auditory, and even olfactory imagery, we hear the bustle of the streets, smell the ale-soaked taverns, and feel the looming shadow of the monarchy. Readers who cherish Agatha Christie’s clever plotting, Dickens’s layered social commentary, or the gritty atmospheres of 'Peaky Blinders' and 'Gotham' will find themselves at home here.
Themes of rich vs. poor, gender discrimination, and the struggles of queer individuals are seamlessly interwoven with the suspense, giving the novel both historical authenticity and modern resonance.
My only wish? A detailed map of 1579 London would have made the chase even more vivid. At times, the language feels a touch modern for the period, but the pace and tension more than compensate.
'To Kill a Queen' is a taut, immersive, and hauntingly human mystery. McNee has given us a detective hero who will stay with readers, and I, for one, hope this is only the beginning of Jack’s adventures.
📚❤️🍂
September 26, 2025
When we think of Elizabethan England, we tend to think of the Golden Age of England. A time of discoveries and for the arts to flourish under the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I. However, there is a darker side. It was also a time of espionage, fears of invasions from other countries, and the hatred between Catholics and Protestants. The dangers of the Elizabethan underworld have reached the queen, as there is an attempt on her life. Can Jack, the son of a crime boss, change his life and find the culprit before they find him, or will he be betrayed by those he calls his friends? Amie McNee explores the seedy underworld of Elizabethan England in her novel, “To Kill a Queen.”
I would like to thank Crooked Lane Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. I am a sucker for a good historical mystery, and if it is set in Tudor England, even better. I read the premise of this novel and decided to give McNee a try.
The year is 1579, and Queen Elizabeth I is entertaining her final suitor, the Duke of Anjou. The city is all abuzz with rumors of wedding bells. Everyone except Jack, a young coroner apprentice, who is the son of a crime boss. Jack is helping the Justice of the Peace, Ben, and his mentor, coroner Damian, try to solve a case of a wife beaten to death by her husband. It is a pretty open and shut case, so Jack was surprised to receive another case so soon. A soldier died protecting the queen from an assassin. Now, Jack, Ben, and Damian must find the assassin before it's too late.
It seems like your typical murder case set in a period setting, but that’s where McNee mixes things up. We get to meet Jack’s father, Axe, the crime boss, and we find out that Jack is not their real identity. Not many know Jack’s true identity, except for his lover Jenny and Damian. Jack’s friend Harry is a common resident of Bedlam, but he is now out, and Jack has to take care of him. When associates close to Jack end up being killed, there is a sense of urgency that Jack has to find the murderer before they find Jack. There are a lot of twists and turns, and the reveal of the whodunnit was shocking, but the conclusion of the book did not fit well with the tone of the rest of the book.
Overall, it was a decent novel, even though it felt more Oliver Twist than Tudor. It was nice to see the typical Tudors step to the side so that we can focus on other stories in Elizabethan London. If you want a detective novel with an unlikely protagonist, filled with twists and turns, and set during the Tudor age, I recommend you read “To Kill a Queen” by Amie McNee.
I would like to thank Crooked Lane Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. I am a sucker for a good historical mystery, and if it is set in Tudor England, even better. I read the premise of this novel and decided to give McNee a try.
The year is 1579, and Queen Elizabeth I is entertaining her final suitor, the Duke of Anjou. The city is all abuzz with rumors of wedding bells. Everyone except Jack, a young coroner apprentice, who is the son of a crime boss. Jack is helping the Justice of the Peace, Ben, and his mentor, coroner Damian, try to solve a case of a wife beaten to death by her husband. It is a pretty open and shut case, so Jack was surprised to receive another case so soon. A soldier died protecting the queen from an assassin. Now, Jack, Ben, and Damian must find the assassin before it's too late.
It seems like your typical murder case set in a period setting, but that’s where McNee mixes things up. We get to meet Jack’s father, Axe, the crime boss, and we find out that Jack is not their real identity. Not many know Jack’s true identity, except for his lover Jenny and Damian. Jack’s friend Harry is a common resident of Bedlam, but he is now out, and Jack has to take care of him. When associates close to Jack end up being killed, there is a sense of urgency that Jack has to find the murderer before they find Jack. There are a lot of twists and turns, and the reveal of the whodunnit was shocking, but the conclusion of the book did not fit well with the tone of the rest of the book.
Overall, it was a decent novel, even though it felt more Oliver Twist than Tudor. It was nice to see the typical Tudors step to the side so that we can focus on other stories in Elizabethan London. If you want a detective novel with an unlikely protagonist, filled with twists and turns, and set during the Tudor age, I recommend you read “To Kill a Queen” by Amie McNee.
January 11, 2026
This was a unique story for me. After reading the synopsis I was really interested in reading the book. The plot and characters descriptions had me excited on reading it. I finally had the opportunity to read it and sadly I have to say that the book is a flop for me. From out the gate the book gave off flat energy.
There was no excitement or interesting characters to connect with. I’m sure that the plot worked with the characters objectives, but did the characters work with my objectives while being lead by the plot? I believe no. This is just another bland story for me. I need a story with some jaw dropping.
Have me gasping or shook up from the amazing twist that has landed on my page in the middle of a shouting match. I need some full on action sequence at the start of the story that builds to so many of my questions that need answers like now. Like who’s that mystery character peeping out from behind those crates after the antagonist has annihilated his or her quarry? What’s that overly bulging object that was tossed into the murky fowl Thames? Have a menacing character that looks similar to a certain Lord or someone of that nature.
Have a woman give off a scream that shrieks in the pitch black dead of night. Follow through with asking questions and seeking answers to each important action that has been committed at the crime scene itself. Follow backwards in the investigation to the victim or crime that has been committed. Most importantly have and describe main characters that bring the drama and interesting personalities to the story. Try to stay from adding new modern ideas to the story and keep it to the time period of the genre. And another thing.
Don’t have the readers reading multiple chapters trying to figure if the main character is a man or a woman. I mean, sure maybe a chapter is fine, but multiple… it’s… it’d to much. It really helps the readers out. There are so many possibilities to an attention getting opening to a suspense story. There are some other things in here with the characters that I truly did not like.
That I feel takes away a lot from the liking of the character and the enjoyment and experience of reading a good suspenseful BDSM book, but I will keep it here. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There was no excitement or interesting characters to connect with. I’m sure that the plot worked with the characters objectives, but did the characters work with my objectives while being lead by the plot? I believe no. This is just another bland story for me. I need a story with some jaw dropping.
Have me gasping or shook up from the amazing twist that has landed on my page in the middle of a shouting match. I need some full on action sequence at the start of the story that builds to so many of my questions that need answers like now. Like who’s that mystery character peeping out from behind those crates after the antagonist has annihilated his or her quarry? What’s that overly bulging object that was tossed into the murky fowl Thames? Have a menacing character that looks similar to a certain Lord or someone of that nature.
Have a woman give off a scream that shrieks in the pitch black dead of night. Follow through with asking questions and seeking answers to each important action that has been committed at the crime scene itself. Follow backwards in the investigation to the victim or crime that has been committed. Most importantly have and describe main characters that bring the drama and interesting personalities to the story. Try to stay from adding new modern ideas to the story and keep it to the time period of the genre. And another thing.
Don’t have the readers reading multiple chapters trying to figure if the main character is a man or a woman. I mean, sure maybe a chapter is fine, but multiple… it’s… it’d to much. It really helps the readers out. There are so many possibilities to an attention getting opening to a suspense story. There are some other things in here with the characters that I truly did not like.
That I feel takes away a lot from the liking of the character and the enjoyment and experience of reading a good suspenseful BDSM book, but I will keep it here. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
Welcome to Elizabethan London, someone has tried to kill the titular Queen. We follow the Detective Jack as he uses the less savory contacts from his previous life of crime to gather clues and solve the case. A Prince in his own right—to a criminal empire—shifting focuses towards aiding the law has some understandable growing pains.
Kudos to this author for being honest about how genuinely gross the city was in this era, both literally and figuratively. A major pet peeve of mine in historical works is the rewriting of lived experiences in something that's been dated and can be easily researched. Before someone comments, queer people of all sorts with differing genders and sexualities have always existed, go be a bigot somewhere else.
Please be warned that prejudiced sensibilities—towards a myriad of people—and a blasé reaction to domestic violence will fill the pages if you're sensitive to such things. Additionally, our protagonist Jack has complicated feelings about his own gender for anyone who has problems with dysphoria or misgendering.
This narrative style reminds me of a Noir. The first person narration combined with heavy dialog is quite similar to that style of film. Story beats primarily follow Jack going to a location and thinking about it, then interviewing someone he meets. If you want an action-heavy thriller with loads of fight scenes, perhaps look elsewhere. Do note that the dialog will be period-typical, while Jack's mental narration more closely follows that of a 50s detective, which could be jarring to some.
I had a lovely time reading this speedy mystery. I did deduce the twists the final act unveiled, yet this felt like the culmination of piecing together clues rather than an obvious narrative turn. If you want a mystery that won't take itself or its era too seriously, give this a shot!
Welcome to Elizabethan London, someone has tried to kill the titular Queen. We follow the Detective Jack as he uses the less savory contacts from his previous life of crime to gather clues and solve the case. A Prince in his own right—to a criminal empire—shifting focuses towards aiding the law has some understandable growing pains.
Kudos to this author for being honest about how genuinely gross the city was in this era, both literally and figuratively. A major pet peeve of mine in historical works is the rewriting of lived experiences in something that's been dated and can be easily researched. Before someone comments, queer people of all sorts with differing genders and sexualities have always existed, go be a bigot somewhere else.
Please be warned that prejudiced sensibilities—towards a myriad of people—and a blasé reaction to domestic violence will fill the pages if you're sensitive to such things. Additionally, our protagonist Jack has complicated feelings about his own gender for anyone who has problems with dysphoria or misgendering.
This narrative style reminds me of a Noir. The first person narration combined with heavy dialog is quite similar to that style of film. Story beats primarily follow Jack going to a location and thinking about it, then interviewing someone he meets. If you want an action-heavy thriller with loads of fight scenes, perhaps look elsewhere. Do note that the dialog will be period-typical, while Jack's mental narration more closely follows that of a 50s detective, which could be jarring to some.
I had a lovely time reading this speedy mystery. I did deduce the twists the final act unveiled, yet this felt like the culmination of piecing together clues rather than an obvious narrative turn. If you want a mystery that won't take itself or its era too seriously, give this a shot!
December 4, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✰ (4.25)
To Kill a Queen surprised me in the best way — not because of its twists (though there are several delicious ones), but because of how human the story feels beneath all the intrigue and danger.
Set in a vividly rendered 1579 London, the novel walks the line between historical fiction and crime noir. The atmosphere is thick with tension: back-alleys filled with thieves, power struggles inside the palace walls, and a growing sense that no one — not even the Queen — is safe.
Jack is the kind of protagonist I always fall for: morally grey, deeply scarred, and desperately trying to outrun the version of himself the world still believes him to be. His involvement in the investigation feels both reluctant and inevitable. I loved the emotional vulnerability beneath his rough edges.
What stood out most to me was the book’s balance between character and plot. The mystery unfolds with careful layering, revealing secrets little by little, and the side characters — especially those tied to Jack’s criminal past — give the story real weight.
The writing is tight, atmospheric, and immersive, with just the right touch of grit. Fans of Tudor-era fiction, murder plots, and complex protagonists will absolutely devour this one.
A dark, addictive historical mystery that lingers long after the last page.
To Kill a Queen surprised me in the best way — not because of its twists (though there are several delicious ones), but because of how human the story feels beneath all the intrigue and danger.
Set in a vividly rendered 1579 London, the novel walks the line between historical fiction and crime noir. The atmosphere is thick with tension: back-alleys filled with thieves, power struggles inside the palace walls, and a growing sense that no one — not even the Queen — is safe.
Jack is the kind of protagonist I always fall for: morally grey, deeply scarred, and desperately trying to outrun the version of himself the world still believes him to be. His involvement in the investigation feels both reluctant and inevitable. I loved the emotional vulnerability beneath his rough edges.
What stood out most to me was the book’s balance between character and plot. The mystery unfolds with careful layering, revealing secrets little by little, and the side characters — especially those tied to Jack’s criminal past — give the story real weight.
The writing is tight, atmospheric, and immersive, with just the right touch of grit. Fans of Tudor-era fiction, murder plots, and complex protagonists will absolutely devour this one.
A dark, addictive historical mystery that lingers long after the last page.
March 3, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of this, and I am so glad I did. Narrated by the author herself, I felt she truly brought the characters to life the way she must have envisioned them. The setting was immersive, and the story was fast paced and full of twists but also emotional depth. I felt like I was so close to figuring out the mystery on so many occasions, but the characters were always one step ahead.
Although historical fiction is not my usual genre, I was intrigued when I saw it had a queer narrative. Told from the perspective of a morally grey, gender non-conforming sleuth in Elizabethan England, this made for an original storyline. Jack was flawed but introspective, and trying to be a better person despite the quite dire circumstances of their life. I do feel there was more room for development with the other characters in the novel, and it does feel like a shame if this remains as a standalone, as Jack’s relationship with their love interest has potential to flourish after the conclusion of this story.
I knew some people would have issues with inconsistency of the use of language in this book, however it wasn’t something that bothered me. I think in part this is due to listening to the audiobook; the tone and accent in which the author narrated the story made it harder to notice. For someone unfamiliar with this genre, the inclusion of modern language made it easy to digest and understand.
Overall, I think I would rate this a bit lower than 4 stars, but not quite a 3, so I have rounded it up. I enjoyed this a lot!
Although historical fiction is not my usual genre, I was intrigued when I saw it had a queer narrative. Told from the perspective of a morally grey, gender non-conforming sleuth in Elizabethan England, this made for an original storyline. Jack was flawed but introspective, and trying to be a better person despite the quite dire circumstances of their life. I do feel there was more room for development with the other characters in the novel, and it does feel like a shame if this remains as a standalone, as Jack’s relationship with their love interest has potential to flourish after the conclusion of this story.
I knew some people would have issues with inconsistency of the use of language in this book, however it wasn’t something that bothered me. I think in part this is due to listening to the audiobook; the tone and accent in which the author narrated the story made it harder to notice. For someone unfamiliar with this genre, the inclusion of modern language made it easy to digest and understand.
Overall, I think I would rate this a bit lower than 4 stars, but not quite a 3, so I have rounded it up. I enjoyed this a lot!
September 21, 2025
*Thank you to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for providing a digital copy to review*
The concept of historical fiction with a mystery whodunit element really intrigued me, especially one set in the Elizabethan era. I do love a good mystery, and I like it even more when I’m not able to guess it.
Did I guess it? No. There were some revelations that came out of left field that really surprised me, while others I wasn’t necessarily shocked at. If characters are being shown as important, then there’s bound to be a reason later on. And that’s on pattern recognition.
The story is shown through one POV, Jack. A reformed criminal who now solves crimes. Jack is an interesting character. Gender and mental health are issues we see him struggle with throughout the book, and we also see how it affects the way other characters act towards him. It was really interesting seeing the fluidity of how he is referred to and also how he chooses to present and act.
Something I really struggled with was the way the characters spoke. It was a mash-up of old English and modern English. It just felt confusing and disjointed, and I would have preferred if the author had just stuck with one throughout the book.
Overall, I did enjoy it, but it was just ok and didn’t have me gripped and on the edge of my seat.
The concept of historical fiction with a mystery whodunit element really intrigued me, especially one set in the Elizabethan era. I do love a good mystery, and I like it even more when I’m not able to guess it.
Did I guess it? No. There were some revelations that came out of left field that really surprised me, while others I wasn’t necessarily shocked at. If characters are being shown as important, then there’s bound to be a reason later on. And that’s on pattern recognition.
The story is shown through one POV, Jack. A reformed criminal who now solves crimes. Jack is an interesting character. Gender and mental health are issues we see him struggle with throughout the book, and we also see how it affects the way other characters act towards him. It was really interesting seeing the fluidity of how he is referred to and also how he chooses to present and act.
Something I really struggled with was the way the characters spoke. It was a mash-up of old English and modern English. It just felt confusing and disjointed, and I would have preferred if the author had just stuck with one throughout the book.
Overall, I did enjoy it, but it was just ok and didn’t have me gripped and on the edge of my seat.
September 1, 2025
Elizabethan England through the eyes of non-binary Jack who is an apprentice investigator for a Justice of the Peace and Coroner. Jack’s expertise lay in knowing the streets of London from their youth as an Artful Dodger of sorts. Now Jack must use their street wisdom to help solve the attempted assassination of Her Royal Majesty.
Wonderful to read a queer representation historical fiction. Not so wonderful that the author kept flipping between modern and time representative language, including slang such as “brown noser” which didn’t enter the common lexicon until 200 years after this story.
There were a few plot points related to Jack’s relationships with Axe and Harry that felt less than fully formed…as well as the unexplained “turns” that both Jack and Harry suffer from.
The wrap up ending felt rushed and incomplete.
If you are looking for a fun ride through the time period that includes queer representation that is more than ancillary this may be for you. If historical accuracy is your jam, there will be parts you’ll argue with the author on.
Thanks to Mystery to Me for the ARC.
Wonderful to read a queer representation historical fiction. Not so wonderful that the author kept flipping between modern and time representative language, including slang such as “brown noser” which didn’t enter the common lexicon until 200 years after this story.
There were a few plot points related to Jack’s relationships with Axe and Harry that felt less than fully formed…as well as the unexplained “turns” that both Jack and Harry suffer from.
The wrap up ending felt rushed and incomplete.
If you are looking for a fun ride through the time period that includes queer representation that is more than ancillary this may be for you. If historical accuracy is your jam, there will be parts you’ll argue with the author on.
Thanks to Mystery to Me for the ARC.
December 31, 2025
There’s a lot going on here, from court politics to power plays to the danger of being a woman in the wrong place at the wrong time. To Kill a Queen is a historical mystery that leans heavily into atmosphere and ideas, with a setting that constantly reminds you how high the stakes are for women navigating power they’re not meant to touch.
For me, this worked best when I stopped waiting for big twists and just settled into the tension. The mystery is definitely a slow burn, spending more time on suspicion, politics, and the constant sense that one wrong move could be disastrous. I wasn’t always glued to the page, but I stayed curious, especially when it came to how the story handles power, gender, and what survival actually looks like inside a court that’s stacked against you. It’s thoughtful and sharp in spots, even if it kept me a little emotionally at arm’s length.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸:
🏰 court intrigue and political tension
👀 danger, suspicion, and power dynamics
🐢 measured, slow-burn pacing
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗳: you want a fast, twist-heavy mystery or big dramatic reveals right out of the gate
Thank you to Cooked Lane Books for the gifted eARC.
For me, this worked best when I stopped waiting for big twists and just settled into the tension. The mystery is definitely a slow burn, spending more time on suspicion, politics, and the constant sense that one wrong move could be disastrous. I wasn’t always glued to the page, but I stayed curious, especially when it came to how the story handles power, gender, and what survival actually looks like inside a court that’s stacked against you. It’s thoughtful and sharp in spots, even if it kept me a little emotionally at arm’s length.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸:
🏰 court intrigue and political tension
👀 danger, suspicion, and power dynamics
🐢 measured, slow-burn pacing
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗳: you want a fast, twist-heavy mystery or big dramatic reveals right out of the gate
Thank you to Cooked Lane Books for the gifted eARC.
January 15, 2026
A big thank you to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for an advanced copy of this audiobook!
Eh.... Not for me.
I truly loved the description of this book but while reading it, it felt very flat. I was flung into this story with very little description on what was going on and I finished it not feeling connected to anyone or anything.
The emphasis on Jack being a boy or girl the whole book really distracted from the murder mystery plot. I understand being trans, even at this time, is hard but we do not need to bring it up in every chapter. It just got to the point where I was saying yes I get it, can we find the killer now?
Did they ever tell us what people were sick with or did I miss something? Was it something everyone is supposed to just know about Elizabethan England that don't remember from history class?
I feel this book could have benefited from a little more back story? like why was Jack so keen on being a better person? start the book off with how he got into solving mysteries. I just felt so left out and wanted someone to pull me into the story instead of just tell me about what's going on without catching me up.
Eh.... Not for me.
I truly loved the description of this book but while reading it, it felt very flat. I was flung into this story with very little description on what was going on and I finished it not feeling connected to anyone or anything.
The emphasis on Jack being a boy or girl the whole book really distracted from the murder mystery plot. I understand being trans, even at this time, is hard but we do not need to bring it up in every chapter. It just got to the point where I was saying yes I get it, can we find the killer now?
Did they ever tell us what people were sick with or did I miss something? Was it something everyone is supposed to just know about Elizabethan England that don't remember from history class?
I feel this book could have benefited from a little more back story? like why was Jack so keen on being a better person? start the book off with how he got into solving mysteries. I just felt so left out and wanted someone to pull me into the story instead of just tell me about what's going on without catching me up.
June 15, 2025
If you are looking for an exciting Elizabethan mystery novel then this is the book for you. I for one was hooked immediately when I read the opening sentence which was hilarious. I won't write it here because for one it is slightly offensive (still funny though) and I figured other readers should have a chance to read it for themselves. It tells the story of one young man's journey to track down the Queen’s almost assassin.
Our main focus is on a young man in Tudor England named Jack. He is the son of a man who is well known for petty theft crimes however, Jack is wanting to put that life behind him. When the Queen becomes victim for a failed assassination plot Jack immediately jumps to the chance to prove himself worthy to help track down the person. However, some of his informants end up getting killed and he wonders if it is even worth it to find the person.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
Our main focus is on a young man in Tudor England named Jack. He is the son of a man who is well known for petty theft crimes however, Jack is wanting to put that life behind him. When the Queen becomes victim for a failed assassination plot Jack immediately jumps to the chance to prove himself worthy to help track down the person. However, some of his informants end up getting killed and he wonders if it is even worth it to find the person.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
November 19, 2025
Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing an ALC.
There's a lot going on in this book, and I'm not sure how to categorize it. We have a queer, twisty Elizabethan murder mystery with a varied cast. I did have a hard time pressing pause to take a break and (gasp) deal with the real world, this would have been a page turner, I think. The cast of characters ranged from very likable to ones you hate, characters to grow attached to and hope for future books.
The ending felt a bit rushed, and some of the Elizabethan words and phrases were a bit confusing. If you have an old map of England in front of you as you read or listen, that wouldn't be a bad thing, I don't think. Something I miss when listening to audiobooks - the maps that would sometimes be included in the book! And maybe the audiobook will have a PDF, too. That wasn't offered for the ALC I received.
3.5 stars
There's a lot going on in this book, and I'm not sure how to categorize it. We have a queer, twisty Elizabethan murder mystery with a varied cast. I did have a hard time pressing pause to take a break and (gasp) deal with the real world, this would have been a page turner, I think. The cast of characters ranged from very likable to ones you hate, characters to grow attached to and hope for future books.
The ending felt a bit rushed, and some of the Elizabethan words and phrases were a bit confusing. If you have an old map of England in front of you as you read or listen, that wouldn't be a bad thing, I don't think. Something I miss when listening to audiobooks - the maps that would sometimes be included in the book! And maybe the audiobook will have a PDF, too. That wasn't offered for the ALC I received.
3.5 stars
November 27, 2025
1/5 stars: This is McNee's stand-alone Historical Mystery set in England, 1579. Featuring the rebellious heir to a criminal legacy turned sleuth who taps into all their criminal connections as well as teaming up with a coroner and a sultry barmaid with a secret to track down and catch the Queen's would-be-assassin. But when the former thief's informants keep turning up dead and every lead seems to vanish, they begin to question who can truly be trusted? With the promise of security and redemption, they must uncover who orchestrated the assassination attempt before time runs out. McNee's writing and character work are well done and features a queer MC. McNee touches on some sensitive subjects, so take care and the CWs. Unfortunately, this just wasn't a book for me; leading me to DNF it at 26%.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
December 29, 2025
I love Amie McNee, and I was excited to read listen to this audiobook, especially since Amie narrates the book herself.
Set in London in 1579, Jack is a former thief who now works as an investigator uncovering murders while trying to live outside the shadow of his infamous family. When an attempt is made on the queen’s life, Jack is drawn into the investigation, using both his current work as a detective and his old criminal connections to hunt for the culprit. Along the way, he teams up with a coroner, a barmaid with her own secrets, and people from his past, even as leads disappear and those who help him begin to turn up dead. As the search narrows, Jack has to figure out who he can rely on while piecing together who was really behind the attempt on the Queen.
I really loved following Jack through the streets of Elizabethan London and getting pulled along as the mystery unfolded. I enjoyed the natural queer vibes throughout the book, and Jack is a main character I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. The side characters are memorable and fun, each adding something distinct to the story, and the world feels lived in without being heavy or overwhelming. This is the kind of historical mystery that makes you want to keep turning pages just to see where the investigation goes next, and I had a great time riding along with it.
Thank you NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this ALC.
Set in London in 1579, Jack is a former thief who now works as an investigator uncovering murders while trying to live outside the shadow of his infamous family. When an attempt is made on the queen’s life, Jack is drawn into the investigation, using both his current work as a detective and his old criminal connections to hunt for the culprit. Along the way, he teams up with a coroner, a barmaid with her own secrets, and people from his past, even as leads disappear and those who help him begin to turn up dead. As the search narrows, Jack has to figure out who he can rely on while piecing together who was really behind the attempt on the Queen.
I really loved following Jack through the streets of Elizabethan London and getting pulled along as the mystery unfolded. I enjoyed the natural queer vibes throughout the book, and Jack is a main character I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. The side characters are memorable and fun, each adding something distinct to the story, and the world feels lived in without being heavy or overwhelming. This is the kind of historical mystery that makes you want to keep turning pages just to see where the investigation goes next, and I had a great time riding along with it.
Thank you NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this ALC.
Did not finish
June 28, 2025 Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC
Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I can't exactly pinpoint what didn't work for me except for the tone, more YA than I was expecting. "To kill a queen" does blend historical and murder mystery quite well, but it couldn't hold my attention very well despite the presence of emotional layers to the story. There was a good deal of potential behing Jack's desire to escape his father's line of work and in doing good, but it wasn't enough to make me care about the story.
Aside from the YA tone and the first person narration, I think I coudln't get behind the pacing at times.
Despite my own experience, I think 'To kill a queen' will be enjoyed by people seeking a historical murder mystery with external and personal stakes.
Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I can't exactly pinpoint what didn't work for me except for the tone, more YA than I was expecting. "To kill a queen" does blend historical and murder mystery quite well, but it couldn't hold my attention very well despite the presence of emotional layers to the story. There was a good deal of potential behing Jack's desire to escape his father's line of work and in doing good, but it wasn't enough to make me care about the story.
Aside from the YA tone and the first person narration, I think I coudln't get behind the pacing at times.
Despite my own experience, I think 'To kill a queen' will be enjoyed by people seeking a historical murder mystery with external and personal stakes.
September 2, 2025
As the heir to a powerful criminal legacy, Jack has chosen to leave it all behind and attempt to make an honest living. Those questionable connections and sneaky skills prove effective in his work as an investigator. That is until someone attempts to assassinate the queen, and Jack’s informants begin to turn up dead.
I don’t read a lot of mysteries but I was intrigued by the description, so I took a risk, and it paid off. From the first page, I was captivated by Jack, his descriptions of Elizabethan London, and the matter-of-fact yet heartfelt way that he engages with whores, madmen, and the aristocracy. It was just what I needed to get out of a romance rut, while still sneaking in a little romance. I could definitely see this appealing to fans of Alexis Hall’s period romances, with a similar level of snark and sassiness.
I don’t read a lot of mysteries but I was intrigued by the description, so I took a risk, and it paid off. From the first page, I was captivated by Jack, his descriptions of Elizabethan London, and the matter-of-fact yet heartfelt way that he engages with whores, madmen, and the aristocracy. It was just what I needed to get out of a romance rut, while still sneaking in a little romance. I could definitely see this appealing to fans of Alexis Hall’s period romances, with a similar level of snark and sassiness.
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