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The Queen's Painter
Not yet published
Expected 18 Jun 26In her dazzling new novel, No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller Wendy Holden presents a new take on the Anne Boleyn story. The Queen's Painter traces her stellar rise and tragic fall as seen by Tudor court artist Hans Holbein. Close friend of the ill-fated queen, did he use his genius in a stunning act of revenge?
When the brilliant young Holbein arrives at the Tudor court, Anne Boleyn is among his first patrons. As she rises to the top, Hans rises with her. Courtiers clamour for his portraits of life-like accuracy; pictures which tell the truth about their subjects.
When his beloved Anne is beheaded on false evidence, Hans is heartbroken and enraged. And he's not alone. Poet and diplomat Thomas Wyatt is agonised at his own unwitting part in her tragedy. He and Hans join forces and vow revenge on the person they blame for Anne's Thomas Cromwell, the king's ruthless chief minister.
But what can a poet and painter do against the most powerful man in England? The answer comes when Henry VIII seeks a fourth wife. Cromwell turns to Holbein and Wyatt, his trusted artist and envoy, to travel across Europe to find and paint a new bride. Cromwell's position depends on a portrait of someone young and beautiful, painted with Hans' trademark truth. Anything less could bring the whole court crashing down.
It's the opportunity they've been waiting for...
When the brilliant young Holbein arrives at the Tudor court, Anne Boleyn is among his first patrons. As she rises to the top, Hans rises with her. Courtiers clamour for his portraits of life-like accuracy; pictures which tell the truth about their subjects.
When his beloved Anne is beheaded on false evidence, Hans is heartbroken and enraged. And he's not alone. Poet and diplomat Thomas Wyatt is agonised at his own unwitting part in her tragedy. He and Hans join forces and vow revenge on the person they blame for Anne's Thomas Cromwell, the king's ruthless chief minister.
But what can a poet and painter do against the most powerful man in England? The answer comes when Henry VIII seeks a fourth wife. Cromwell turns to Holbein and Wyatt, his trusted artist and envoy, to travel across Europe to find and paint a new bride. Cromwell's position depends on a portrait of someone young and beautiful, painted with Hans' trademark truth. Anything less could bring the whole court crashing down.
It's the opportunity they've been waiting for...
- GenresHistorical Fiction
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 18, 2026
About the author
Wendy Holden
36 books432 followersWendy Holden grew up in Yorkshire, and studied English at Girton College, Cambridge. She worked in magazines for many years before joining Tatler's in 1997 as deputy editor, and later moved to the Mail on Sunday’s You magazine, which she left in 2000 to concentrate on writing. She regularly writes features for newspapers and magazines on a range of social, topical and lifestyle subjects and is also a television and radio contributor.
She has now published ten novels, Gallery Girl, Beautiful People, Bad Heir Day, Pastures Nouveaux, Fame Fatale, Azur Like It, The Wives of Bath, The School for Husbands, Filthy Rich, Farm Fatale, Gossip Hound, Simply Divine, all top 10 bestsellers.
Holden is married, and lives in England with her family.
She has now published ten novels, Gallery Girl, Beautiful People, Bad Heir Day, Pastures Nouveaux, Fame Fatale, Azur Like It, The Wives of Bath, The School for Husbands, Filthy Rich, Farm Fatale, Gossip Hound, Simply Divine, all top 10 bestsellers.
Holden is married, and lives in England with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holbein was at the court of King Henry the Eighth when the fascinating creature Anne Boleyn was a lady in waiting to Queen Katherine. They had previously met at Amboise when Anne was in France, and they struck up a friendship.
Holbein moved to England, his ambition was to become the court painter, he managed to find a friend and sponsor in Lord Thomas Cromwell.
Once Holbein gained that post, he became privy to many diplomatic, romantic and courtly secrets.
Holbein was apparently known for painting the “ unvarnished truth.” Fine clothes and sumptuous furnishings can deflect from a plain uninteresting face, hidden beauty can shine out.
When Anne became Queen, Holbein renewed his friendship with her and painted and did sketches of her, the provenance of these are still being argued about today. After Anne’s death, most of these were destroyed.
In this novel, Holbein and Thomas Wyatt, poet and childhood friend of Anne want revenge upon Cromwell for the betrayal of Anne. They aim to discredit him by using an artistically truthful painting that flatters Anna of Cleves, as the next intended Queen for Henry.
A brilliant play upon vanity and truth. This book delights the senses, how could a mere painter bring about the downfall of a trusted advisor?
This book is like an art gallery guide, I have spent many hours on line looking at these sketches and paintings and seeing them in a new light. The interpretation of the smallest clues and events that surrounded these Queens is so interesting. I have had great fun and possibly went crossed eyed trying to get the image of the skull in The Ambassador’s painting to line up correctly.!
I so enjoyed this book, it stimulates the artistic curiosity and imagination so well.
Holbein moved to England, his ambition was to become the court painter, he managed to find a friend and sponsor in Lord Thomas Cromwell.
Once Holbein gained that post, he became privy to many diplomatic, romantic and courtly secrets.
Holbein was apparently known for painting the “ unvarnished truth.” Fine clothes and sumptuous furnishings can deflect from a plain uninteresting face, hidden beauty can shine out.
When Anne became Queen, Holbein renewed his friendship with her and painted and did sketches of her, the provenance of these are still being argued about today. After Anne’s death, most of these were destroyed.
In this novel, Holbein and Thomas Wyatt, poet and childhood friend of Anne want revenge upon Cromwell for the betrayal of Anne. They aim to discredit him by using an artistically truthful painting that flatters Anna of Cleves, as the next intended Queen for Henry.
A brilliant play upon vanity and truth. This book delights the senses, how could a mere painter bring about the downfall of a trusted advisor?
This book is like an art gallery guide, I have spent many hours on line looking at these sketches and paintings and seeing them in a new light. The interpretation of the smallest clues and events that surrounded these Queens is so interesting. I have had great fun and possibly went crossed eyed trying to get the image of the skull in The Ambassador’s painting to line up correctly.!
I so enjoyed this book, it stimulates the artistic curiosity and imagination so well.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an eARC for a free and unbiased opinion.
I have always enjoyed a good Tudor historical fiction and have read so many of them over the years but it never ceases to amaze me that that authors find new ways of telling stories from that period.
The Queen’s Painter describes the Anne Boleyn’s rise and fall followed by Cromwell’s fall from the point of view of the painter Holbein (Holbein’s own story wasn’t as interesting as the court intrigue!).
Henry the Eighth in this book as in all other books these days, is portrayed as a narcissistic bully enabled by the people around him, so while he never got his just punishment. Cromwell who was one of his main enablers did find himself being punished by the man who helped make powerful- the Queen’s Painter portrays this event as perhaps an event that was planned by Anne Boleyn’s friends as an act of revenge.
I loved the parts of the books where Wyatt and Holbein plot and plan to take Cromwell down, which involves the clever use of Holbein’s talent as a painter and Wyatt’s skill as an almost spy. The parts with Anne Boleyn were perhaps not so interesting to me , the Anne in this book is a plucky victim which I didn’t particularly enjoy but I loved this version of Anne of Cleves. The book has a touch of humour that it makes more enjoyable than many of the other of the books based on the Tudor period.
When the author describes Holbein’s thoughts when he is painting, I did find myself spending time to find these paintings online and will be popping into the National Portrait Gallery when I am next down in London to look at the originals.
This was an enjoyable and easy book to read with an unusual twist on a well told tale which I loved.
Perfect for Fans of
Historical Fiction set in the Tudor period
I have always enjoyed a good Tudor historical fiction and have read so many of them over the years but it never ceases to amaze me that that authors find new ways of telling stories from that period.
The Queen’s Painter describes the Anne Boleyn’s rise and fall followed by Cromwell’s fall from the point of view of the painter Holbein (Holbein’s own story wasn’t as interesting as the court intrigue!).
Henry the Eighth in this book as in all other books these days, is portrayed as a narcissistic bully enabled by the people around him, so while he never got his just punishment. Cromwell who was one of his main enablers did find himself being punished by the man who helped make powerful- the Queen’s Painter portrays this event as perhaps an event that was planned by Anne Boleyn’s friends as an act of revenge.
I loved the parts of the books where Wyatt and Holbein plot and plan to take Cromwell down, which involves the clever use of Holbein’s talent as a painter and Wyatt’s skill as an almost spy. The parts with Anne Boleyn were perhaps not so interesting to me , the Anne in this book is a plucky victim which I didn’t particularly enjoy but I loved this version of Anne of Cleves. The book has a touch of humour that it makes more enjoyable than many of the other of the books based on the Tudor period.
When the author describes Holbein’s thoughts when he is painting, I did find myself spending time to find these paintings online and will be popping into the National Portrait Gallery when I am next down in London to look at the originals.
This was an enjoyable and easy book to read with an unusual twist on a well told tale which I loved.
Perfect for Fans of
Historical Fiction set in the Tudor period
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book has the satisfaction of a glass of fine wine and a box Belgian chocolates; it is a feast for the imagination, the language rich, and the story engrossing.
The painter of the title is Hans Holbein, who came to the English court to seek his fortune and because of a infatuation with Anne Boleyn. When Anne is executed (no spoilers there!) his thoughts turn to revenge on the man who orchestrated her trial, and lifted Holbein from obscurity, Thomas Cromwell.
With Holbein in the court’s inner circle, his weapon is truth of portraiture and this is a patient, calculating type of revenge where Holbein waits Cromwell to make a mistake which can be leveraged into a dramatic fall from grace.
I loved this book. I loved the pen portrait of Anne Boleyn as a wise, witty, vivacious young woman, who is recognisable as wishing for the self-determination of a modern women. Holbein’s character as a talented but naïve artist with ‘truth’ running deep through his core, was very real and refreshing. This was a surprisingly emotional read and achieved the almost impossible, which was to bring a fresh angle to the well-worn story of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book as a clever, fresh, and interesting take on the Tudor court.
“If she’s ugly you mean?” He [Holbein] asks Jennet
It’s the wrong thing to say. She looks at him angrily.
“Ugly” she [Jennet] says hotly, “is a horrible word to use. Especially about a woman…. You of all people should know that what someone looks like in only part of the story. Not his type is what I said.”
The painter of the title is Hans Holbein, who came to the English court to seek his fortune and because of a infatuation with Anne Boleyn. When Anne is executed (no spoilers there!) his thoughts turn to revenge on the man who orchestrated her trial, and lifted Holbein from obscurity, Thomas Cromwell.
With Holbein in the court’s inner circle, his weapon is truth of portraiture and this is a patient, calculating type of revenge where Holbein waits Cromwell to make a mistake which can be leveraged into a dramatic fall from grace.
I loved this book. I loved the pen portrait of Anne Boleyn as a wise, witty, vivacious young woman, who is recognisable as wishing for the self-determination of a modern women. Holbein’s character as a talented but naïve artist with ‘truth’ running deep through his core, was very real and refreshing. This was a surprisingly emotional read and achieved the almost impossible, which was to bring a fresh angle to the well-worn story of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book as a clever, fresh, and interesting take on the Tudor court.
“If she’s ugly you mean?” He [Holbein] asks Jennet
It’s the wrong thing to say. She looks at him angrily.
“Ugly” she [Jennet] says hotly, “is a horrible word to use. Especially about a woman…. You of all people should know that what someone looks like in only part of the story. Not his type is what I said.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very enjoyable read centred around court painter Hans Holbein the Younger who befriended a young Anne Boleyn and who, after her death, became part of a plot to wreak revenge on the person they considered responsible for her demise. I read a lots of Tudor historical fiction but this is the first one from this POV. There is a small paranormal element where Anne, after her death, visits Holbein when he is wavering in his grief.
Briefly, when Holbein comes to England hoping for an appointment as the court painter he finds that someone has already been appointed. However he gains enough commissions to keep him in London and having reconnected with Anne as her star rises so does his. But when she is accused of high treason, adultery, and incest and ultimately beheaded he is heartbroken. After meeting poet and diplomat Thomas Wyatt, who he initially despised, they agree to bring about Thomas Cromwell downfall.
The plan they eventually adopt was a very clever one and relied on the honesty of Holbeins portraits which were renowned for their authenticity. I really liked two characters, Thomas Wyatt, a poet and diplomat, who played the degenerate rogue but he was clearly intelligent, conscientious and determined. And the fictional character Jennet who in the novel is apprentice and companion to the artist. The detail around the painting process and the tools used was interesting as was the court politics. It’s a fascinating look at a possible scenario relating to the death of Anne Boleyn, it certainly gave me food for thought. An enjoyable and interesting novel.
Briefly, when Holbein comes to England hoping for an appointment as the court painter he finds that someone has already been appointed. However he gains enough commissions to keep him in London and having reconnected with Anne as her star rises so does his. But when she is accused of high treason, adultery, and incest and ultimately beheaded he is heartbroken. After meeting poet and diplomat Thomas Wyatt, who he initially despised, they agree to bring about Thomas Cromwell downfall.
The plan they eventually adopt was a very clever one and relied on the honesty of Holbeins portraits which were renowned for their authenticity. I really liked two characters, Thomas Wyatt, a poet and diplomat, who played the degenerate rogue but he was clearly intelligent, conscientious and determined. And the fictional character Jennet who in the novel is apprentice and companion to the artist. The detail around the painting process and the tools used was interesting as was the court politics. It’s a fascinating look at a possible scenario relating to the death of Anne Boleyn, it certainly gave me food for thought. An enjoyable and interesting novel.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much for the publisher reaching out to me, for the opportunity to read this book pre publication.
I just love The Tudor era and especially books like this, it brings some familiarity i felt at home with the characters.
Anne Boleyn has been written about in many books, as have Holbein actually, but this story crafts a tale between them that is very readable.
I liked the fact that Anne was written so alive and vivacious, she was always the one queen of the six that fascinated me as a young girl and have grown up reading many books with her in it.
Holbein arrives in England seek his fortune, also with a flame in his heart for Anne, when he meet her previously in France, we all know that Anne came to a sticky end, but in this book Holbein decides that revenge is a dish served cold to the people / person that he believed was responsible for the downfall of his precious Anne... Thomas Cromwell.
This read well and quickly for me, I have read Holden before, so was used to her style.
Totally recommend this to anyone who wishes to read a book that is recognisable in its characters but different in the story.
Even though i have read this now, i am still getting myself a copy for my home collection :)
I just love The Tudor era and especially books like this, it brings some familiarity i felt at home with the characters.
Anne Boleyn has been written about in many books, as have Holbein actually, but this story crafts a tale between them that is very readable.
I liked the fact that Anne was written so alive and vivacious, she was always the one queen of the six that fascinated me as a young girl and have grown up reading many books with her in it.
Holbein arrives in England seek his fortune, also with a flame in his heart for Anne, when he meet her previously in France, we all know that Anne came to a sticky end, but in this book Holbein decides that revenge is a dish served cold to the people / person that he believed was responsible for the downfall of his precious Anne... Thomas Cromwell.
This read well and quickly for me, I have read Holden before, so was used to her style.
Totally recommend this to anyone who wishes to read a book that is recognisable in its characters but different in the story.
Even though i have read this now, i am still getting myself a copy for my home collection :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A historical fiction read that had me searching through the internet for more answers and gripped by every page. Starting with Anne Boleyn and ending (briefly) with Katherine Howard you are transported into the world of the Tudors and the works of Hans Holbein. The famous painter and friend of Anne but this time the story is his. The tale transports you back in time, across countries and allowed me to feel like I knew the people involved. The Queens Painter bought history to life and having previously read and loved Holdens work it was a pleasure to read this latest book.
A masterpiece itself and one I will be purchasing to have my copy for the shelves.
Thank you for the opportunity to have an advanced copy to read and review, I loved it.
A masterpiece itself and one I will be purchasing to have my copy for the shelves.
Thank you for the opportunity to have an advanced copy to read and review, I loved it.
May 17, 2026
This is a different view on Henry VIII and his wives and also the famous painter Hans Holbein however for some reason i just couldn’t get into this book .
I think it’s because I found the writing and some of the language a bit off for the period it was depicting then I got really bored after a while . I wasn’t sure about the dead Anne Boleyn talking to Holbein, didn’t feel at all right.
This could just be me as I have read a lot of Tudor period books, and as this is quite different it wasn’t grabbing my attention .i have loved all of this author’s previous works.
I did find it interesting to read all about the different paint methods, where paint colours came from and the different brush choices etc.
I think it’s because I found the writing and some of the language a bit off for the period it was depicting then I got really bored after a while . I wasn’t sure about the dead Anne Boleyn talking to Holbein, didn’t feel at all right.
This could just be me as I have read a lot of Tudor period books, and as this is quite different it wasn’t grabbing my attention .i have loved all of this author’s previous works.
I did find it interesting to read all about the different paint methods, where paint colours came from and the different brush choices etc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Queen's Painter is a very enjoyable read and is told through the perspective of Hans Holbein, the famous painter of that time. The story follows two men seeking revenge on the man they believe is responsible for Anne Boleyns death - Thomas Cromwell. I really enjoyed this read, the authors writing style is good and very engaging and I was pulled me into the story quickly. I found it fascinating learning of the drawing and painting techniques of the time and what materials were used. I think the author writes of the times well and I could picture the characters in my mind when reading. Overall a very good historical read that I would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved a different take on Tudors! Well known story of Henry's VIII wives and turbulent times in England.. But this is all told from perspective of painter, who comes from continental Europe to British Isles to become well known painter of truth and work in court and diplomatic visits on Cromwell requests. He admired Anne Boleyn and finds and unlikely friendships to help him avenge her.
It's well written and easy to read. I'm a bit unsure about language choice - for the most part it sounds veeeery modern with some older words thrown in. I would have chosen to tone down the modernity a bit more.. But other than that - what a lovely read!
Thanks to Netgalley for ARC
It's well written and easy to read. I'm a bit unsure about language choice - for the most part it sounds veeeery modern with some older words thrown in. I would have chosen to tone down the modernity a bit more.. But other than that - what a lovely read!
Thanks to Netgalley for ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this story about Hans Holbein the royal painter who tried to exact revenge for Ann Boleyn's death. Fascinating insight into life at court and the job of the royal painter. A really interesting read about life in the time of Henry VIII and how he changed rules and lives to suit himself and his needs... sadly not much has changed for some powerful people centuries later! Big thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
May 13, 2026
I really really really loved author’s writing style, and as a lover of Tudors, it’s an excellent read for me, well, I was struggling to focus on books and this book was like an absolute cure for my reading slump. I am very thankful to the publisher for sending me a digital copy of this chef-d’œuvre via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loving anything to do with the time of Henry VIII i thought this book was for me. It centres around Hans Holbein the painter of the time and his friendship with Anne Boleyn.
The opening started off promising but I quickly lost interest in the story. It just did not captivate me at all. Gave up at about page 90. So unusually for me this was a DNF.
The opening started off promising but I quickly lost interest in the story. It just did not captivate me at all. Gave up at about page 90. So unusually for me this was a DNF.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Think you know everything about the Tudors? Think again! Wendy Holden’s The Queen’s Painter shows that there are still surprises and fresh takes to be found in Tudor historical fiction.
Instead of sticking with Henry and his Queens, Holden focuses on the famous Tudor artist, Hans Holbein. Through Holbein’s story, we get a backstage pass to the world behind his masterpieces, following his path from humble beginnings right up to the dazzling court of Henry VIII.
What I loved most is that the book doesn’t just obsess over Holbein’s art. It dives deep into his personal life, showing us how the drama and politics of the Tudor court shaped him. Even if you’re a Tudor history nerd, there are nuggets in here you may not have come across before.
Then there is Holbein’s love for Anne Boleyn, which is the crux of this novel and sets him off on a mission for revenge against Master Secretary Thomas Cromwell, the man behind Anne’s downfall. Along the way, Holbein teams up with some pretty unexpected allies, finding friendship and love during his quest.
One of the quirkiest parts of Holden’s novel is Anne’s ghost. She pops up throughout the story, dropping witty remarks and egging Holbein on. Thanks to her, his quest for justice takes on a whole new vibe, and he’s pushed to use his artistic talents, especially that painting, to avenge her death.
The Queen’s Painter is creative, entertaining, and totally different from your usual Tudor novel. If you love history with a twist this one is well worth picking up.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. The Queen’s Painter is out on 18th June.
Instead of sticking with Henry and his Queens, Holden focuses on the famous Tudor artist, Hans Holbein. Through Holbein’s story, we get a backstage pass to the world behind his masterpieces, following his path from humble beginnings right up to the dazzling court of Henry VIII.
What I loved most is that the book doesn’t just obsess over Holbein’s art. It dives deep into his personal life, showing us how the drama and politics of the Tudor court shaped him. Even if you’re a Tudor history nerd, there are nuggets in here you may not have come across before.
Then there is Holbein’s love for Anne Boleyn, which is the crux of this novel and sets him off on a mission for revenge against Master Secretary Thomas Cromwell, the man behind Anne’s downfall. Along the way, Holbein teams up with some pretty unexpected allies, finding friendship and love during his quest.
One of the quirkiest parts of Holden’s novel is Anne’s ghost. She pops up throughout the story, dropping witty remarks and egging Holbein on. Thanks to her, his quest for justice takes on a whole new vibe, and he’s pushed to use his artistic talents, especially that painting, to avenge her death.
The Queen’s Painter is creative, entertaining, and totally different from your usual Tudor novel. If you love history with a twist this one is well worth picking up.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. The Queen’s Painter is out on 18th June.
Review of advance copy
Missing that Wendy spice!! Great idea unsure about execution.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews