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Darkland Tales
Rizzio: Darkland Tales
From the award-winning Denise Mina comes a radical new take on one of the darkest episodes in Scottish history - the bloody murder of David Rizzio.
This breathtakingly tense work is a tale of sex, seduction, secrets and lies, one that looks at history through a modern lens and explores the lengths that men - and women - will go to in the search for love and power.
It's Saturday evening, 9th March 1566, and Mary, Queen of Scots, is six months pregnant. She's hosting a supper party. Outside, Edinburgh is bustling. It’s full of the great and the good and the idiot sons of the rich, here for a Parliament that will take Scotland by the shoulders and turn it from England to face Europe.
Mary doesn't know that her palace is surrounded - that, right now, an army of men is creeping upstairs to her chamber. They're coming to murder David Rizzio, her friend and secretary, the handsome Italian man who is smiling across the table at her. Mary's husband wants it done in front of her, and he wants her to watch it done....
This breathtakingly tense work is a tale of sex, seduction, secrets and lies, one that looks at history through a modern lens and explores the lengths that men - and women - will go to in the search for love and power.
It's Saturday evening, 9th March 1566, and Mary, Queen of Scots, is six months pregnant. She's hosting a supper party. Outside, Edinburgh is bustling. It’s full of the great and the good and the idiot sons of the rich, here for a Parliament that will take Scotland by the shoulders and turn it from England to face Europe.
Mary doesn't know that her palace is surrounded - that, right now, an army of men is creeping upstairs to her chamber. They're coming to murder David Rizzio, her friend and secretary, the handsome Italian man who is smiling across the table at her. Mary's husband wants it done in front of her, and he wants her to watch it done....
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First published September 2, 2021
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About the author
Denise Mina
109 books2,518 followersDenise Mina was born in Glasgow in 1966. Because of her father's job as an Engineer, the family followed the north sea oil boom of the seventies around Europe
She left school at sixteen and did a number of poorly paid jobs, including working in a meat factory, as a bar maid, kitchen porter and cook.
Eventually she settled in auxiliary nursing for geriatric and terminal care patients.
At twenty one she passed exams, got into study Law at Glasgow University and went on to research a PhD thesis at Strathclyde University on the ascription of mental illness to female offenders, teaching criminology and criminal law in the mean time.
Misusing her grant she stayed at home and wrote a novel, 'Garnethill' when she was supposed to be studying instead.
She left school at sixteen and did a number of poorly paid jobs, including working in a meat factory, as a bar maid, kitchen porter and cook.
Eventually she settled in auxiliary nursing for geriatric and terminal care patients.
At twenty one she passed exams, got into study Law at Glasgow University and went on to research a PhD thesis at Strathclyde University on the ascription of mental illness to female offenders, teaching criminology and criminal law in the mean time.
Misusing her grant she stayed at home and wrote a novel, 'Garnethill' when she was supposed to be studying instead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 665 reviews
December 2, 2021
"Rizzio doesn't know [the conspirators are] planning to kill him tonight. He hears rumours, and sees the whispering; he knows something is going on, but something is always going on: that's the essence of royal court life." -- the omniscient narrator, on page 5
Captivating novella that dramatizes the evening of the attempted coup in 1566 of the very pregnant Mary, Queen of Scots (in which her scheming husband, the power-hungry but weak Lord Darnley, was disgustingly aiming for her to miscarry their baby) with the brutal slaughtering of her beloved secretary / confidante David Rizzio as the flashpoint. I thought author Mina did an exceptional job in bringing this slice of intrigue to life via believably recreated conversations, the well-defined cast of characters (the one extremely eccentric but dangerous co-conspirator's attire is described thusly "Ruthven's outfit resembles confusion screamed in high C by a panicked goat"- ha!), and crisp expository paragraphs. Seriously, there was a fair amount of detailed history being presented in here, but to the author's credit she made it very accessible for a reader with no background knowledge of it.
Captivating novella that dramatizes the evening of the attempted coup in 1566 of the very pregnant Mary, Queen of Scots (in which her scheming husband, the power-hungry but weak Lord Darnley, was disgustingly aiming for her to miscarry their baby) with the brutal slaughtering of her beloved secretary / confidante David Rizzio as the flashpoint. I thought author Mina did an exceptional job in bringing this slice of intrigue to life via believably recreated conversations, the well-defined cast of characters (the one extremely eccentric but dangerous co-conspirator's attire is described thusly "Ruthven's outfit resembles confusion screamed in high C by a panicked goat"- ha!), and crisp expository paragraphs. Seriously, there was a fair amount of detailed history being presented in here, but to the author's credit she made it very accessible for a reader with no background knowledge of it.
September 10, 2021
Denise Mina has the coolest covers for her books. I read The Less Dead earlier this year, and it has an almost fluorescent green cover. I bought Conviction, and it’s a delicious gold, and now we have this 128 page novella cutie (well, minus the blood spatter, it’s so cute in size and color!). Denise Mina is famous for her crime thrillers (check them out if you love those; they are GOOD!), and Rizzio is historical fiction involving a famous crime.
It’s the story of the assassination of David Rizzio, the secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots. One night, on a whim, he was murdered - not just by one person, but by a group who came together for this purpose. The story is tense, gritty, and dark. It feels like an historical crime thriller because this really happened even though all the details aren’t known. Also, Mary, Queen of Scots? She’s one of the most fascinating historical figures of which I’ve read, and I never tire of stories surrounding her life.
Rizzio is a twisty little gem you won’t be able put down until you’ve devoured it.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
It’s the story of the assassination of David Rizzio, the secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots. One night, on a whim, he was murdered - not just by one person, but by a group who came together for this purpose. The story is tense, gritty, and dark. It feels like an historical crime thriller because this really happened even though all the details aren’t known. Also, Mary, Queen of Scots? She’s one of the most fascinating historical figures of which I’ve read, and I never tire of stories surrounding her life.
Rizzio is a twisty little gem you won’t be able put down until you’ve devoured it.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
May 19, 2021
I’ve been reading this author for ages, ever since I picked up her Garnethill books more than 20 years ago. Whether it’s a short story or novel, contemporary or historical, she has a knack for making you feel as if you’re smack dab in the room with her characters. That continues with this novella that gives us her take on an infamous event during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Mary remains one of the most intriguing & divisive characters in royal history. There was no shortage of drama in her short life but one of the most compelling incidents was the murder of her private secretary David Rizzio. Maybe because one of the ringleaders behind the plot was her snivelling weasel of a husband, Henry Stuart (Lord Darnley).
At the time, Holyrood Palace was a quagmire of secrets, political intrigue & treasonous plots (you could argue not much has changed…). Mary’s enemies were mostly noblemen who stood to lose their estates & more importantly, their power. As far as they were concerned, Mary had 2 fatal flaws. She was Catholic. And a woman. To make matters worse, she was also 6 months pregnant with the all-important heir.
It’s the evening of March 9, 1566 & Mary is hosting a small dinner party in her private chambers. In a couple of days, she will enact controversial laws that will consolidate her power. Then she can safely begin her confinement until she gives birth. Tonight is a chance to drop the facade & relax among friends, including Rizzio, her right-hand man.
What follows is an atmospheric account of a long & bloody night that will go down in history. We all know how it ends so the challenge for any writer tackling a true story is to somehow make it compelling. Mina has done this in spades. Well defined characters, sharp dialogue, descriptions of clothing & food…..all these combine to give you a seat at the table.
My best advice is grab a drink & eat quickly. Things are about to get messy. Because the story unfolds in “real time”, there’s an immediacy to the narrative that adds to the building tension. Turns out the death of Rizzio is really just the beginning of a chain of events that end Mary’s reign. As for Darnley, he’ll be dead before his 25th birthday.
Don’t forget to read the epilogue. Years ago, I visited the scene of the crime in Holyrood Palace & Mina’s wry comments about Mary’s chambers made me smile. It’s a riveting tale perfect for fans of historical/royal drama & those of us waiting for Confidence to arrive.
Mary remains one of the most intriguing & divisive characters in royal history. There was no shortage of drama in her short life but one of the most compelling incidents was the murder of her private secretary David Rizzio. Maybe because one of the ringleaders behind the plot was her snivelling weasel of a husband, Henry Stuart (Lord Darnley).
At the time, Holyrood Palace was a quagmire of secrets, political intrigue & treasonous plots (you could argue not much has changed…). Mary’s enemies were mostly noblemen who stood to lose their estates & more importantly, their power. As far as they were concerned, Mary had 2 fatal flaws. She was Catholic. And a woman. To make matters worse, she was also 6 months pregnant with the all-important heir.
It’s the evening of March 9, 1566 & Mary is hosting a small dinner party in her private chambers. In a couple of days, she will enact controversial laws that will consolidate her power. Then she can safely begin her confinement until she gives birth. Tonight is a chance to drop the facade & relax among friends, including Rizzio, her right-hand man.
What follows is an atmospheric account of a long & bloody night that will go down in history. We all know how it ends so the challenge for any writer tackling a true story is to somehow make it compelling. Mina has done this in spades. Well defined characters, sharp dialogue, descriptions of clothing & food…..all these combine to give you a seat at the table.
My best advice is grab a drink & eat quickly. Things are about to get messy. Because the story unfolds in “real time”, there’s an immediacy to the narrative that adds to the building tension. Turns out the death of Rizzio is really just the beginning of a chain of events that end Mary’s reign. As for Darnley, he’ll be dead before his 25th birthday.
Don’t forget to read the epilogue. Years ago, I visited the scene of the crime in Holyrood Palace & Mina’s wry comments about Mary’s chambers made me smile. It’s a riveting tale perfect for fans of historical/royal drama & those of us waiting for Confidence to arrive.
September 19, 2022
An explosive retelling of the murder of David Rizzio. Shocking, frank, and dramatic, Denise Mina expertly portrays the rollercoaster of mob mentalities, guilt, scandal, and treachery that is the ever changing but always present struggle for power, the right to control history’s narrative. A dynamic novella.
May 3, 2023
This did a really good job of showing Mary Queen of Scots hopelessness and desperation during one of the many turbulent times throughout her reign. I have a bit of a soft spot for Mary. She was born in the dead of winter as a beacon of the future, a queen of France, only to be countlessly shackled and disrespected by Lairds who only saw her as a woman, not a monarch. Add in a useless, craven husband and you can sort of see where it all went wrong for Mary. She certainly helped pave the way for her illustrious English cousin, who could see what was happening north of the border and fashioned herself as a paragon of the monarchy.
If you have an interest in Mary Queen of Scots, I'd highly recommend. It's short and gets straight to the point, meaning it's probably better to already have some idea of who the key players are before reading, but it doesn't compromise on plot.
If you have an interest in Mary Queen of Scots, I'd highly recommend. It's short and gets straight to the point, meaning it's probably better to already have some idea of who the key players are before reading, but it doesn't compromise on plot.
May 11, 2023
Modernising history?
This novella is a fictionalised re-telling of the real-life murder of David Rizzio, a favourite of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1566. The event is well known in Scotland and most tourists to Edinburgh will have shivered over the “bloodstains” in Mary’s chambers in Holyrood Palace. However the reasons for the murder were murky even at the time and different theories have been put forward ever since. One of the many rumours was that Rizzio was Mary’s lover and that the child with which she was pregnant, who later became James VI of Scotland and I of England, was Rizzio’s rather than her husband, Darnley’s. Mina absolves Mary of this charge (I’m no expert, but I think most historians agree that it was a false rumour), and weaves a political conspiracy that the murder was done by the Protestant Lords to usurp power from the Catholic Mary and set Darnley up as a puppet King in her stead. I’d think that’s more likely than the jealous lover theory, myself. Mina also goes along with the theory that in fact Darnley and Rizzio had been lovers, a theory agreed to, I believe, by eminent historian and biographer of Mary, John Guy.
So I felt the basic story Mina sets out to tell is as likely to be true as any other. However, the novella is part of a series called Darkland Tales from Polygon, an imprint of independent Scottish publisher, Birlinn. The publishers say: “In Darkland Tales, the best modern Scottish authors offer dramatic retellings of stories from the nation’s history, myth and legend. These are landmark moments from the past, viewed through a modern lens and alive to modern sensibilities.” The “modern sensibility” Mina has used is the idea of misogyny and the subjugation of women to the control of powerful men. Again, I have no problem with this – all of the Queens of that Queenly era had to navigate the patriarchal society with great care to hold onto their power. Some did it by marrying powerful men, like Bloody Mary; some by remaining unmarried, like the Virgin Queen; and it is generally agreed that a lot of Mary QOS’s problems arose from her penchant for marrying unsuitable men.
Where Mina began to lose me was with her modernisation of the thought processes of her characters – they began to feel as if they were too 21st century. I’m not sure that Mary would ever have had a thought that we would recognise as feminist. These Queens fought for their own power and the passing of that power to their sons if they had them, not to liberalise the world for other women, not even their daughters. They did not challenge the patriarchy – they upheld it. Not that Mina has Mary out in the streets with “Votes for Women” placards, but when she (Mina, not Mary) sneered that the Lords were all men, white and entitled, I was forced to grit my teeth. Of course they were “entitled” – they were “titled”. Entitlement in that era wasn’t pejorative as it is now – it was aspirational and came about through loyalty and service to the monarch of the day. Of course they were men – it was a patriarchy that worked on the basis of male primogeniture. And, oh dear, of course they were white. What other colour was there in 16th century Scotland? People of colour were not oppressed or marginalised in Scotland in 1566, for the simple reason that there were none. The issue of white entitlement only becomes a thing when society is not 100% white. Even today, Scotland is 96% white. While some of Mary’s problems were undoubtedly exacerbated by her sex, how many Kings were usurped and murdered too in those days? Her Catholicism was at least as much of an issue as her sex, and she was just as white and entitled as her Lords. So I found the modern sensibilities grated rather than adding any enlightenment to the history.
I also wasn’t sure how well this would work for someone who doesn’t have a working knowledge of this time. In the short space available in the novella form, Mina had to keep background explanations to a minimum, which is fine if the reader knows a little about it. But I didn’t feel she really explained who Rizzio was or what role he had played in Mary’s court, or why the murder happened at that time, or why Mary’s Catholicism was an issue. There are some things that she gives as facts that are really more rumours and/or theories (bearing in mind that some leeway should be allowed in a fictionalised account) and some facts that are simply wrong, for example, that Darnley lived for two years after the murder – in fact, he was dead less than a year later. Theories can be played with – easily verifiable undisputed facts should be correct.
Having said all that, it’s interesting enough and well written, and if treated with caution as to its historical accuracy, it is a tense and vivid account of the event. For that reason, I’d still recommend it, with reservations. 2½ stars for me, so rounded up.
* * * * *
I would not, however, recommend the audiobook. The narration by Katie Leung is one of the worst I’ve heard. She mangles the pronunciations of names that are familiar, surely, to all Scots – like Mary of Guise or Lord Ruthven. She’s a Dundonian – there’s no excuse for incorrect pronunciation of well-known names from our history. And her characterisations of the Lords are awful. Sure, they wouldn’t have sounded like BBC presenters but they wouldn’t have sounded like parody drunken Glaswegians in a sketch show either. Thank goodness it was short.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
This novella is a fictionalised re-telling of the real-life murder of David Rizzio, a favourite of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1566. The event is well known in Scotland and most tourists to Edinburgh will have shivered over the “bloodstains” in Mary’s chambers in Holyrood Palace. However the reasons for the murder were murky even at the time and different theories have been put forward ever since. One of the many rumours was that Rizzio was Mary’s lover and that the child with which she was pregnant, who later became James VI of Scotland and I of England, was Rizzio’s rather than her husband, Darnley’s. Mina absolves Mary of this charge (I’m no expert, but I think most historians agree that it was a false rumour), and weaves a political conspiracy that the murder was done by the Protestant Lords to usurp power from the Catholic Mary and set Darnley up as a puppet King in her stead. I’d think that’s more likely than the jealous lover theory, myself. Mina also goes along with the theory that in fact Darnley and Rizzio had been lovers, a theory agreed to, I believe, by eminent historian and biographer of Mary, John Guy.
So I felt the basic story Mina sets out to tell is as likely to be true as any other. However, the novella is part of a series called Darkland Tales from Polygon, an imprint of independent Scottish publisher, Birlinn. The publishers say: “In Darkland Tales, the best modern Scottish authors offer dramatic retellings of stories from the nation’s history, myth and legend. These are landmark moments from the past, viewed through a modern lens and alive to modern sensibilities.” The “modern sensibility” Mina has used is the idea of misogyny and the subjugation of women to the control of powerful men. Again, I have no problem with this – all of the Queens of that Queenly era had to navigate the patriarchal society with great care to hold onto their power. Some did it by marrying powerful men, like Bloody Mary; some by remaining unmarried, like the Virgin Queen; and it is generally agreed that a lot of Mary QOS’s problems arose from her penchant for marrying unsuitable men.
Where Mina began to lose me was with her modernisation of the thought processes of her characters – they began to feel as if they were too 21st century. I’m not sure that Mary would ever have had a thought that we would recognise as feminist. These Queens fought for their own power and the passing of that power to their sons if they had them, not to liberalise the world for other women, not even their daughters. They did not challenge the patriarchy – they upheld it. Not that Mina has Mary out in the streets with “Votes for Women” placards, but when she (Mina, not Mary) sneered that the Lords were all men, white and entitled, I was forced to grit my teeth. Of course they were “entitled” – they were “titled”. Entitlement in that era wasn’t pejorative as it is now – it was aspirational and came about through loyalty and service to the monarch of the day. Of course they were men – it was a patriarchy that worked on the basis of male primogeniture. And, oh dear, of course they were white. What other colour was there in 16th century Scotland? People of colour were not oppressed or marginalised in Scotland in 1566, for the simple reason that there were none. The issue of white entitlement only becomes a thing when society is not 100% white. Even today, Scotland is 96% white. While some of Mary’s problems were undoubtedly exacerbated by her sex, how many Kings were usurped and murdered too in those days? Her Catholicism was at least as much of an issue as her sex, and she was just as white and entitled as her Lords. So I found the modern sensibilities grated rather than adding any enlightenment to the history.
I also wasn’t sure how well this would work for someone who doesn’t have a working knowledge of this time. In the short space available in the novella form, Mina had to keep background explanations to a minimum, which is fine if the reader knows a little about it. But I didn’t feel she really explained who Rizzio was or what role he had played in Mary’s court, or why the murder happened at that time, or why Mary’s Catholicism was an issue. There are some things that she gives as facts that are really more rumours and/or theories (bearing in mind that some leeway should be allowed in a fictionalised account) and some facts that are simply wrong, for example, that Darnley lived for two years after the murder – in fact, he was dead less than a year later. Theories can be played with – easily verifiable undisputed facts should be correct.
Having said all that, it’s interesting enough and well written, and if treated with caution as to its historical accuracy, it is a tense and vivid account of the event. For that reason, I’d still recommend it, with reservations. 2½ stars for me, so rounded up.
* * * * *
I would not, however, recommend the audiobook. The narration by Katie Leung is one of the worst I’ve heard. She mangles the pronunciations of names that are familiar, surely, to all Scots – like Mary of Guise or Lord Ruthven. She’s a Dundonian – there’s no excuse for incorrect pronunciation of well-known names from our history. And her characterisations of the Lords are awful. Sure, they wouldn’t have sounded like BBC presenters but they wouldn’t have sounded like parody drunken Glaswegians in a sketch show either. Thank goodness it was short.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
September 25, 2021
'You lied to me.'
'I can lie, just as well, to them....'
Everything I have read by Denise Mina has been brilliant and I am pleased that this is no different. Set during the Palace of Holyrood, Edinburgh, it is the 9th March, 1566 and a bloody coup is planned. This begins with the bloody murder of David Rizzio, the Queens personal secretary; but it is the young Queen and the baby she carries in her womb that are the real prize.
Although this is a historical novella and the facts are known, the author manages to make this a realistic, tense and emotional read. We see Mary regretting her marriage to the handsome, but shallow, weak, selfish and arrogant Lord Darnley. However, she is every inch a Queen, capable of doing all she can to protect the child in her belly and maintain their safety. This is an enticing tale of intrigue, violence and historical events made into a captivating - and very human - novella.
'I can lie, just as well, to them....'
Everything I have read by Denise Mina has been brilliant and I am pleased that this is no different. Set during the Palace of Holyrood, Edinburgh, it is the 9th March, 1566 and a bloody coup is planned. This begins with the bloody murder of David Rizzio, the Queens personal secretary; but it is the young Queen and the baby she carries in her womb that are the real prize.
Although this is a historical novella and the facts are known, the author manages to make this a realistic, tense and emotional read. We see Mary regretting her marriage to the handsome, but shallow, weak, selfish and arrogant Lord Darnley. However, she is every inch a Queen, capable of doing all she can to protect the child in her belly and maintain their safety. This is an enticing tale of intrigue, violence and historical events made into a captivating - and very human - novella.
September 9, 2022
I’m becoming more and more fond of the novella as a form for fiction, and this book is an example of why. Anything longer would be too much, but a short story wouldn’t be enough.
Rizzio is the first in a series called Darkland Tales, “dramatic fictional retellings of stories from history” - but with a 21st century attitude. In 1566 David Rizzio, the private secretary of Mary, Queen of Scots, was murdered in her presence by a cabal of Scottish nobles hoping to overturn her rule. It’s a famous (or more rightly, infamous) story, the subject of another book I’ve read, The Italian Secretary.
Mina’s approach is concerned with recreating the essence of the evening of the murder and its aftermath. It’s told in present tense, vividly imagining the sounds and smells of the rooms in Holyrood Castle, the ambitions and attitudes of Mary’s perfidious husband Darnley, her ladies in waiting, Rizzio, the leaders of the coup, and any number of peripheral players. And, most of all, Mary’s inner strength. There is a dark humor to many of the portraits, but somehow they are invariably sad as well.
It’s really more like a brilliantly executed portrait of a brutal moment in time than a story. I was captivated and I loved it. I listened to the narration by Katie Leung, who used a very thick Scots accent to set the tone.
Rizzio is the first in a series called Darkland Tales, “dramatic fictional retellings of stories from history” - but with a 21st century attitude. In 1566 David Rizzio, the private secretary of Mary, Queen of Scots, was murdered in her presence by a cabal of Scottish nobles hoping to overturn her rule. It’s a famous (or more rightly, infamous) story, the subject of another book I’ve read, The Italian Secretary.
Mina’s approach is concerned with recreating the essence of the evening of the murder and its aftermath. It’s told in present tense, vividly imagining the sounds and smells of the rooms in Holyrood Castle, the ambitions and attitudes of Mary’s perfidious husband Darnley, her ladies in waiting, Rizzio, the leaders of the coup, and any number of peripheral players. And, most of all, Mary’s inner strength. There is a dark humor to many of the portraits, but somehow they are invariably sad as well.
It’s really more like a brilliantly executed portrait of a brutal moment in time than a story. I was captivated and I loved it. I listened to the narration by Katie Leung, who used a very thick Scots accent to set the tone.
December 9, 2021
This is an absolutely brilliant book! I am deeply interested in Mary Queen of Scots, yet have never managed to finish any of the many books about her. Denise Mina, who has written a number of crime novels set in gritty Glasgow, was the perfect person to pen the story of the murder of David Rizzio, servant and confidant of the Queen.
The year 1566 was a tumultuous time in Scotland. Mary is 24-years-old and about to give birth to her first child. Her husband Darnley has his eyes on the throne, and is untrustworthy. This account is short but packed with the terror and intrigue of the time in Edinburgh, set in Holyrood Palace. Mina's account communicates the depth of the plots against Mary, and the danger that surrounded her for much of her reign. It reminds us that the religious wars and struggles for power between Protestants and Catholics dominated this period in history, particularly in Scotland and England.
This is a book you can read in a day. It is impactful, and will stay with you, Highly recommended.
The year 1566 was a tumultuous time in Scotland. Mary is 24-years-old and about to give birth to her first child. Her husband Darnley has his eyes on the throne, and is untrustworthy. This account is short but packed with the terror and intrigue of the time in Edinburgh, set in Holyrood Palace. Mina's account communicates the depth of the plots against Mary, and the danger that surrounded her for much of her reign. It reminds us that the religious wars and struggles for power between Protestants and Catholics dominated this period in history, particularly in Scotland and England.
This is a book you can read in a day. It is impactful, and will stay with you, Highly recommended.
March 22, 2024
Wonderful reimagined short story of a brutal evening in Scotland’s history. Usual problems with dickhead men and religion. Packs a punch.
September 17, 2025
Drawen Swerdis in Ther Handis*
A review of the Polygon paperback (February 3, 2022) of the Polygon hardcover original (September 2, 2021).
Denise Mina tells the story of the murder of Italian born David Rizzio (1533-1566), a counsellor and friend of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587) by a group of Scottish lords in what was an attempted coup d'etat by the Calvinists vs. the Catholics. The plotters had Mary's then husband Lord Darnley as their puppet and acted in a manner emulating the death of Julius Caesar with each agreeing to strike a single blow. Rizzio died from 57 stab wounds.
In the end, Mary was able to escape the situation and to assemble a group of loyalists and reassume her position, although a resultant scandal from the murder of Darnley eventually forced her to flee to England and a not-so-benevolent imprisonment and eventual execution by Queen Elizabeth I.
"The Murder of David Rizzio," a painting (1787) by John Opie (1761–1807). Image sourced from Tudor Society.
Crime novelist Denise Mina brings this all alive with several subplots ranging through various conspirators and loyalists. There are heroes and clowns and bravery and cowardice on display throughout.
Thank you to GR friend Barbara and her review which alerted me to this further chapter in the Darkland Tales of Scotland series!
Footnote, Trivia and Links
* The lede for this review was found in the following text:
"When the Quen was at hir supper in hir cabinet, a nomber of armed men entrit within the closs before the closing of the yetis, and tok the keyes from the porter. Ane part of them passit up throw the Kingis chamber, conducted be the Lord Ruthven and George Douglas; the rest remanit in the close, with drawen swerdis in ther handis, crying ‘a Douglas, a Douglas,’ for ther slougern; for it was in the glomyng of the evenyng. The King was past up to the Quen of before, and was leanin upon hir chair, when the Lord Ruthven entrit with his knappisca [headpiece] upon his head, and George entrit in with him and dyvers uther, sa rudly and unreverently, that the burd [table] fell, the candelis and meat and plaitis fell. David tok the Quen about the waist, and cryed for marcy; bot George Douglas pluckit fourth the Kingis dager that wes behind his bak, and strak him first with it, leavyng it sticking within him. He geving gret skirlis and cryes, wes rudly reft from the Quen, wha culd not get him saif. He wes forceably drawen fourth of the cabinet, and slain in the utter hall, and her Maieste keped as captyve…"
A contemporary account of the murder by Sir James Melville. Text sourced from The National.
Rizzio is part of the Darkland Tales (2021 - ongoing?) series in which "the best modern Scottish authors offer dramatic retellings of stories from the nation's history, myth and legend. These are landmark moments from the past, viewed through a modern lens and alive to modern sensibilities. Each Darkland Tale is sharp, provocative and darkly comic, mining that seam of sedition and psychological drama that has always featured in the best of Scottish literature."
A review of the Polygon paperback (February 3, 2022) of the Polygon hardcover original (September 2, 2021).
Blinded and alone, Rizzio is stabbed in the neck, the arm, the stomach and legs. Blood slides from his wounds and he's gone.
But they keep stabbing him. It takes quite a long time for everyone to have a go. Men queue up, men move forward and bend down and retreat.
This is a roll call of Scotland's great men.
Denise Mina tells the story of the murder of Italian born David Rizzio (1533-1566), a counsellor and friend of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587) by a group of Scottish lords in what was an attempted coup d'etat by the Calvinists vs. the Catholics. The plotters had Mary's then husband Lord Darnley as their puppet and acted in a manner emulating the death of Julius Caesar with each agreeing to strike a single blow. Rizzio died from 57 stab wounds.
In the end, Mary was able to escape the situation and to assemble a group of loyalists and reassume her position, although a resultant scandal from the murder of Darnley eventually forced her to flee to England and a not-so-benevolent imprisonment and eventual execution by Queen Elizabeth I.
"The Murder of David Rizzio," a painting (1787) by John Opie (1761–1807). Image sourced from Tudor Society.
Crime novelist Denise Mina brings this all alive with several subplots ranging through various conspirators and loyalists. There are heroes and clowns and bravery and cowardice on display throughout.
Thank you to GR friend Barbara and her review which alerted me to this further chapter in the Darkland Tales of Scotland series!
Footnote, Trivia and Links
* The lede for this review was found in the following text:
"When the Quen was at hir supper in hir cabinet, a nomber of armed men entrit within the closs before the closing of the yetis, and tok the keyes from the porter. Ane part of them passit up throw the Kingis chamber, conducted be the Lord Ruthven and George Douglas; the rest remanit in the close, with drawen swerdis in ther handis, crying ‘a Douglas, a Douglas,’ for ther slougern; for it was in the glomyng of the evenyng. The King was past up to the Quen of before, and was leanin upon hir chair, when the Lord Ruthven entrit with his knappisca [headpiece] upon his head, and George entrit in with him and dyvers uther, sa rudly and unreverently, that the burd [table] fell, the candelis and meat and plaitis fell. David tok the Quen about the waist, and cryed for marcy; bot George Douglas pluckit fourth the Kingis dager that wes behind his bak, and strak him first with it, leavyng it sticking within him. He geving gret skirlis and cryes, wes rudly reft from the Quen, wha culd not get him saif. He wes forceably drawen fourth of the cabinet, and slain in the utter hall, and her Maieste keped as captyve…"
A contemporary account of the murder by Sir James Melville. Text sourced from The National.
Rizzio is part of the Darkland Tales (2021 - ongoing?) series in which "the best modern Scottish authors offer dramatic retellings of stories from the nation's history, myth and legend. These are landmark moments from the past, viewed through a modern lens and alive to modern sensibilities. Each Darkland Tale is sharp, provocative and darkly comic, mining that seam of sedition and psychological drama that has always featured in the best of Scottish literature."
March 16, 2023
David Rizzio, an Italian, was private secretary to Mary Queen of Scots, and on March 9, 1566, he was stabbed to death in the Queen's chambers, in front of the pregnant Queen, by dozens of Scottish noblemen, each of whom had a go so none could be singled out and prosecuted for the murder.
All of that is known and familiar to anyone who has ever seen the movie version. This novella is an imagined depiction of that night and the following days, written with a crime-novelist's eye for details and motivations.
The political motivations are complex, and further weighted by animosity between Calvinists and Catholics. Poisonous rumours suggested Riccio was too close to the Queen, but the physical intimacies he shared were with her bisexual English husband, Lord Henry Darnley.
This makes for a short, suspenseful tale, even though the main plot points are known ahead of time. Somehow, though, I was expecting more of a historical fiction approach bringing the characters to life. Everything is quite dry and factual here, although of course the events are horrendous. It's well done, and focused, but the result is so brief it feels a little lacking.
All of that is known and familiar to anyone who has ever seen the movie version. This novella is an imagined depiction of that night and the following days, written with a crime-novelist's eye for details and motivations.
The political motivations are complex, and further weighted by animosity between Calvinists and Catholics. Poisonous rumours suggested Riccio was too close to the Queen, but the physical intimacies he shared were with her bisexual English husband, Lord Henry Darnley.
This makes for a short, suspenseful tale, even though the main plot points are known ahead of time. Somehow, though, I was expecting more of a historical fiction approach bringing the characters to life. Everything is quite dry and factual here, although of course the events are horrendous. It's well done, and focused, but the result is so brief it feels a little lacking.
August 17, 2022
Four stars only because I wished it to be longer. The style is much like Mantel's Wolf Hall trilogy, but where as that suffered from verbosity, Rizzio suffers from too much brevity, brushing over a lot of history and moments that deserved a longer explanation. Something in between would be ideal. What is here though, is exquisitely written and well worth the couple of hours reading time.
February 16, 2025
Really enjoyed this novella about the murder of Mary, Queen of Scots’ secretary/favourite. The tight timeline, present tense, modern language, and pointed character observations made the most of the limited page count. Despite being the Queen, Mary is hemmed in by misogyny and physically vulnerable as she enters the last trimester of her pregnancy surrounded by rebellious Lairds eager to reassert their dominance. Her weak, unsatisfactory husband is easily flattered into collusion, but an alliance with an over-looked older woman may save her. Probably more effective because I was familiar with the key figures, but a good snowy day read. It would be great to see it incorporated into a broader story.
March 2, 2022
I saw this book in Waterstones as the Scottish book of the month and decided to give it a go without knowing anything at all about it. It seems to have been a mistake as I also don't remember much about Scottish history (not a proud moment for me) and it seemed like this book expected me to have this knowledge as I felt lost at times.
The book seems like it is trying to be fiction and biographical account at the same time but succeeds in neither.
The book didn't give me enough information about the characters and it didn't set the scene, so I didn't root for any of the characters in particular. I didn't care who lives, who dies, who tells their story. I didn't really understand who David was and why he was important, didn't have the backstory why Mary should be overthrown (in case I was supposed to be rooting for the other side) etc. Many parts seemed patched together without smoothing the edges.
Then for a historical account there were too many tiny details, feelings and unimportant bits that no one probably has ever recorded for them to be factually accurate. Which would make them unnecessary then and bad historical material as it is full of unimportant bits.
I think this story had a very good potential if it would have gone the fictional or the historical route, doing both didn't work out for me as a non-Scott without a background information in the characters. The writing was good and polished, the contents weren't quite there for me.
The book seems like it is trying to be fiction and biographical account at the same time but succeeds in neither.
The book didn't give me enough information about the characters and it didn't set the scene, so I didn't root for any of the characters in particular. I didn't care who lives, who dies, who tells their story. I didn't really understand who David was and why he was important, didn't have the backstory why Mary should be overthrown (in case I was supposed to be rooting for the other side) etc. Many parts seemed patched together without smoothing the edges.
Then for a historical account there were too many tiny details, feelings and unimportant bits that no one probably has ever recorded for them to be factually accurate. Which would make them unnecessary then and bad historical material as it is full of unimportant bits.
I think this story had a very good potential if it would have gone the fictional or the historical route, doing both didn't work out for me as a non-Scott without a background information in the characters. The writing was good and polished, the contents weren't quite there for me.
April 10, 2024
A dark, impressionistic fictionalized retelling of the sordid murder of Mary Queen of Scots' Italian secretary David Rizzio in Edinburgh in 1566. The style and quality of the prose is evocative of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall books, and admirably at that. Scottish actress Katie Leung (whom you may recall as the unfortunately named character Cho Chang in the film versions of Harry Potter) does a great job narrating the audio version.
February 1, 2023
"Lord Ruthven wanted him killed during this tennis match but Darnley said no."
🩸⚔️🩸⚔️🩸⚔️
Rizzio, a dark tale of sex, secrets, and lies, examines a horrifying historical murder through a modern lens—and explores the extremes to which men and women will go in their pursuit of love and power.
Rizzio is a bold and enthralling new literary classic.
🩸⚔️🩸⚔️🩸⚔️
Rizzio, a dark tale of sex, secrets, and lies, examines a horrifying historical murder through a modern lens—and explores the extremes to which men and women will go in their pursuit of love and power.
Rizzio is a bold and enthralling new literary classic.
November 2, 2022
Well written and executed (ha - pun) but just not very memorable. Reads more like historical fiction than historical mystery which was what I hoped for
November 9, 2021
We all know Mary Queen of Scots got her head chopped off, eventually. And some of us know she had her second husband blown up. But very little is known of the man called Rizzio, Mary’s secretary and beloved friend and supposed lover; the man violently murdered under her own roof, under the orders of her own husband. Denise Mina discussed this book with me on series 3 of Big Scottish Book CLub and you can catch our chat on BBC iPlayer now.
Rizzio reads like a classic crime novel. Not just the violence and the act but the way she uses it as lens to look at the time and place. Very true-crime--no thees, thous or privies. yet it's totally of the moment and set over Saturday evening, 9 March, 1566. Mary’s palace is surrounded. All action takes places over that day and night. I had no idea Rizzio and Darnley were 'involved'! And Mina properly centres the women--even though the book is called Rizzio. I won't give away the spoiler!
The religious and polticial fervor of then seems very now...here is Yair raging at Catholics (he was one himself until recently): ‘How can they hold on to broken ideas? How can they live with themselves?’ It made me imagine John Knox thundering on Twitter! And then this fatal line: ‘Yair was always a killing spree looking for an excuse’.
It's the first of the Darkland Tales- short reimaginings of Scottish history by Scottish writers. Coming up in the series: Jenni Fagan! I can't wait for more and I'm now wondering which moment in history I'd zoom in on if I was writing one...
Rizzio reads like a classic crime novel. Not just the violence and the act but the way she uses it as lens to look at the time and place. Very true-crime--no thees, thous or privies. yet it's totally of the moment and set over Saturday evening, 9 March, 1566. Mary’s palace is surrounded. All action takes places over that day and night. I had no idea Rizzio and Darnley were 'involved'! And Mina properly centres the women--even though the book is called Rizzio. I won't give away the spoiler!
The religious and polticial fervor of then seems very now...here is Yair raging at Catholics (he was one himself until recently): ‘How can they hold on to broken ideas? How can they live with themselves?’ It made me imagine John Knox thundering on Twitter! And then this fatal line: ‘Yair was always a killing spree looking for an excuse’.
It's the first of the Darkland Tales- short reimaginings of Scottish history by Scottish writers. Coming up in the series: Jenni Fagan! I can't wait for more and I'm now wondering which moment in history I'd zoom in on if I was writing one...
May 13, 2024
THIS is how history should be taught! Just wow! My Garmin shows me my heartrate was elevated the whole time I was listening to the fabulous Katie Leung telling this exciting tale - Denise Mina's version of the betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots. (Luckily it wasn't much more than 2 hours haha)
I'm so glad the launch of Val McDermid's new novella, Queen Macbeth, brought this series to my attention. I'm planning to be all over it.
I'm so glad the launch of Val McDermid's new novella, Queen Macbeth, brought this series to my attention. I'm planning to be all over it.
September 22, 2021
Ever since reading the brilliant crime trilogy 'Garnethill' several years ago, I have been an ardent fan of Denise Mina.
This time out, she has penned a novella that brings Scottish history vividly to life like no history text could ever do.
A young Mary Queen of Scots witnesses the brutal murder of her private secretary David Rizzio during the bloody coup of Holyrood Palace in March of 1566.
Mary Queen of Scots became a real person, and the writing of this book portrayed her in an authentic way. Set a few years after the Reformation, it depicts the brutal murder of David Rizzio and the violent coup of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland. At this time Mary Queen of Scots witnessed the brutal and bloody murder of David Rizzio when she was heavily pregnant and only twenty-three years old.
This is a vivid depiction of one of the major events in Scottish history. Recommended!
4.5 stars rounded up
This time out, she has penned a novella that brings Scottish history vividly to life like no history text could ever do.
A young Mary Queen of Scots witnesses the brutal murder of her private secretary David Rizzio during the bloody coup of Holyrood Palace in March of 1566.
Mary Queen of Scots became a real person, and the writing of this book portrayed her in an authentic way. Set a few years after the Reformation, it depicts the brutal murder of David Rizzio and the violent coup of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland. At this time Mary Queen of Scots witnessed the brutal and bloody murder of David Rizzio when she was heavily pregnant and only twenty-three years old.
This is a vivid depiction of one of the major events in Scottish history. Recommended!
4.5 stars rounded up
October 8, 2021
The soap opera that comprised the life of Mary, Queen of Scots is painfully tragic and heartbreaking. Mary was not a ‘bad person’ but rather a victim of terrible circumstances/ordeals; and is certainly undeserving of the distaste she still receives hundreds of years later. One of these notable events was the bloody coup and assignation of Mary’s secretary, David Rizzio, spearheaded by none other but Lord Darnley: Mary’s own husband. A murder that took place inches from Mary’s own person! Denise Mina re-imagines that sinister evening in March 1566 with the novella, “Rizzio”.
Diehard history enthusiasts (such as myself) may understandably meet “Rizzio” with a fair share of trepidation and reluctance; as “Rizzio” is not a typical, fleshed-out historical-fiction novel re-telling history. Instead, Mina presents a unique take on the murder of David Rizzio that combines elements of a modern-day satire, psychological thriller and historical character study that reads like the premise synopsis of a stage play. Yet, “Rizzio” is successful and impactful achieving a level of emotion that many historical fiction novels fail at even in longer lengths.
Mina’s foremost accomplishment is focusing on one singular event that generally fails to elicit primary attention and is often simply included in the queue of events in Mary’s life. “Rizzio” highlights several figures involved in the fateful evening and therefore truly provokes thought and alternative perspectives to those readers familiar with the history and additionally clarifies details.
Novellas routinely run the risk of having one-dimensional characters that lack proper character development due to the short length of the piece. This isn’t the case with “Rizzio” as each character has a strong personality that jumps off the pages and feels individualistic and memorable.
“Rizzio” is a simple novella but still manages to be surprisingly gripping and ‘deep’ in an effortless way. The pages contain a certain level of pizzazz that can’t be pinpointed but it drives the novella and satisfies history lovers. There is an essence of stream of consciousness that adds complexity to “Rizzio”.
There is a modern-take to “Rizzio” with some contemporary literary devices, descriptors and even an omnipresent narrator but this ‘works’, as well. Mina’s writing is intricately-woven and perfectly-balanced allowing her to get away with more than the typical author.
The conclusion of “Rizzio” is emotional with doses of foreshadowing but is almost disappointing in the sense that readers won’t want the novella to end and desire more pages. “Rizzio” is absent of an “Author’s Note” explaining historical liberties taken on behalf of Mina which could have been useful for new readers of the subject.
“Rizzio” is a super-quick but quite engaging piece offering a fresh and insightful look at the murder of David Rizzio. There is definitely a noticeable spark. “Rizzio” is recommended for those readers interested in Mary, Queen of Scots and/or Stuart Scotland.
Diehard history enthusiasts (such as myself) may understandably meet “Rizzio” with a fair share of trepidation and reluctance; as “Rizzio” is not a typical, fleshed-out historical-fiction novel re-telling history. Instead, Mina presents a unique take on the murder of David Rizzio that combines elements of a modern-day satire, psychological thriller and historical character study that reads like the premise synopsis of a stage play. Yet, “Rizzio” is successful and impactful achieving a level of emotion that many historical fiction novels fail at even in longer lengths.
Mina’s foremost accomplishment is focusing on one singular event that generally fails to elicit primary attention and is often simply included in the queue of events in Mary’s life. “Rizzio” highlights several figures involved in the fateful evening and therefore truly provokes thought and alternative perspectives to those readers familiar with the history and additionally clarifies details.
Novellas routinely run the risk of having one-dimensional characters that lack proper character development due to the short length of the piece. This isn’t the case with “Rizzio” as each character has a strong personality that jumps off the pages and feels individualistic and memorable.
“Rizzio” is a simple novella but still manages to be surprisingly gripping and ‘deep’ in an effortless way. The pages contain a certain level of pizzazz that can’t be pinpointed but it drives the novella and satisfies history lovers. There is an essence of stream of consciousness that adds complexity to “Rizzio”.
There is a modern-take to “Rizzio” with some contemporary literary devices, descriptors and even an omnipresent narrator but this ‘works’, as well. Mina’s writing is intricately-woven and perfectly-balanced allowing her to get away with more than the typical author.
The conclusion of “Rizzio” is emotional with doses of foreshadowing but is almost disappointing in the sense that readers won’t want the novella to end and desire more pages. “Rizzio” is absent of an “Author’s Note” explaining historical liberties taken on behalf of Mina which could have been useful for new readers of the subject.
“Rizzio” is a super-quick but quite engaging piece offering a fresh and insightful look at the murder of David Rizzio. There is definitely a noticeable spark. “Rizzio” is recommended for those readers interested in Mary, Queen of Scots and/or Stuart Scotland.
October 30, 2023
I had to take a break at midnight because I feared my tired brain would not digest what I read properly (despite the suspense). Otherwise this is definitely a one sitting read. Basically every other review tells what it's about so I'll keep mine short and sweet, which is a lot like this book and the opposite; it's short - a bit too short for my liking - and it's definitely not sweet! I just love Denise Mina's writing and I enjoyed this very much. Signing off with that and now you have plenty time to read a much better review that I enjoyed very much: Leah's review of Rizzio.
January 7, 2022
Good historical fiction does not need to be long. This is a snappy little novella about the assassination of David Rizzio, private secretary to Mary Queen of Scots, in 1553. It is written as a good literary 'political/true crime novel'. It focuses on the crime and the killers and you get a rough understanding of the power dynamics and clash of religions in 16th century Scotland. It is by no means exhaustive, but that's fine - if you want to know more there is Wikipedia to help.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
November 3, 2021
The 3.5 stars is not because it wasn’t well-written, because it absolutely was! This is a thrilling story based on the true story of Mary Queen of Scots and her friend Rizzio. Denise brings you full into the story and frame by frame takes you through that horrific night. It is so sad and disturbing and that is why I rated it what I did. I do definitely recommend it if you’re interested in Scottish history, thrillers, and/or historical fiction.
November 8, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I am quite fascinated by Mary Queen of Scot's story so it was cool to focus on one particular moment in her wild history. I felt that Denise Mina did an astounding job in the short word count that she had. You definitely need to know a little bit about Mary & this story to get fully invested and involved in this novella. There is a bit of world-building and you can go in blind, but I think I would have been so hyperfixated on the history if I didn't previously know the story. Instead, I got to enjoy the delicious, poetic writing, the eerie setting, the "real-time" pacing, wandering through Edinburgh with Yair, the references of Mary's past and future, and of course, witnessing this horrific murder once again.
I think if you've seen any film or read anything about Mary Stuart's life, you will enjoy this book. It's short, it's emotional, it's gory, it's bloody, and it's unlike anything else I've read.
I think if you've seen any film or read anything about Mary Stuart's life, you will enjoy this book. It's short, it's emotional, it's gory, it's bloody, and it's unlike anything else I've read.
March 12, 2025
Bloody and gripping with an execution scene of a type I’ve never read before. If you have the time I’d recommend reading in one sitting to give the real time narrative the justice it deserves.
November 29, 2022
An unusual book from Denise Mina, this is a spectacular read. It dissects out (fictionally) intricate details of the brutal murder of David Rizzio, a close confidant and friend of Mary, Queen of Scots. It is short, riveting, emotional and engaging.
June 29, 2022
I’m not sure where the idea came for Mina’s reimagining of the murder of David Rizzio (in her afterword she suggests Jamie Crawford from her publisher as having ‘commisisioned’ it), but from her pen, and in her very dark style, it works wonderfully well.
It is the first in a series from Polygon called Darkland Tales, using what they call, the best of the country’s contemporary writers.
It’s a sort of Horrible Histories for adults. For those, like me, whose knowledge of the history of the day may have fallen away somewhat since schooldays, it is a thoroughly entertaining couple of hours of reading.
Rizzio was private secretary to Mary Queen of Scots, and the tantalising opening salvo concerns a tennis match between him and his nemesis, Mary’s husband, Lord Darnley.
I’ve read much of what Mina has written, and always enjoyed it, but this format brings out the very best of her, the grizzly and the gruesome stirred in with occasional pinches of dark humour.
As the conspirators murmur..
The result, is a fascinating glimpse into the human psyche, Mary trying to outwit the Protestant nobles guilty of the killing, as she imagines their plans for her are not dissimilar.
It may attract critics concerning its historical accuracy, but this is fiction. How much of it is true, we will never know, but it leaves me enthralled, and hoping that Mina may do something more along these lines.
It is the first in a series from Polygon called Darkland Tales, using what they call, the best of the country’s contemporary writers.
It’s a sort of Horrible Histories for adults. For those, like me, whose knowledge of the history of the day may have fallen away somewhat since schooldays, it is a thoroughly entertaining couple of hours of reading.
Rizzio was private secretary to Mary Queen of Scots, and the tantalising opening salvo concerns a tennis match between him and his nemesis, Mary’s husband, Lord Darnley.
I’ve read much of what Mina has written, and always enjoyed it, but this format brings out the very best of her, the grizzly and the gruesome stirred in with occasional pinches of dark humour.
As the conspirators murmur..
“Got David Rizzio's blood all over his brand-new velvet hose"
"Blood? That's never coming out.”
The result, is a fascinating glimpse into the human psyche, Mary trying to outwit the Protestant nobles guilty of the killing, as she imagines their plans for her are not dissimilar.
It may attract critics concerning its historical accuracy, but this is fiction. How much of it is true, we will never know, but it leaves me enthralled, and hoping that Mina may do something more along these lines.
March 28, 2023
This was a immersive 2 hours of audio. You are there in the castle with Mary Queen of Scots as her pregnancy is nearing its end, her husband betrays her, her trusted confidant Rizzio is murdered and a coup is attempted. Wow, what a brilliant historical recount.
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