Boleyn Traitor Philippa Gregory: One Woman’s Fight to Survive the Deadliest Court in England

by Justin Cole

150 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2025

Reviews

[Valerie Whyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read, even though the reader very likely knows what is going to happen next.. so the surprise element isn't a feature of this novel.
This is the first time I have read a sympathetic, even admiring portrayal of Jane Boleyn/Lady Rochford. It was interesting to gain a new perspective of her, and to read a novel that spans years rather than lifetimes of individual queens, providing more context to the tumultuous Tudor court.

[Pauline McPartlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philippa Gregory once again brings the Tudor court to life by telling the story through the eyes of the women who had to survive it. ‘The Boleyn Traitor’ focuses on Jane Boleyn and her careful (and often uneasy) attempts to navigate the dangerous politics of Henry VIII’s court. As the king becomes more volatile and tyrannical, the tension steadily builds, and it’s clear that no one is ever truly safe. I really liked the portrayal of Katherine Howard, it brought depth and sympathy to a figure so often dismissed or judged harshly. To create further empathy attention is often drawn to her youth ( she was 16/17) and her marriage to an overweight, unhealthy king old enough to be her grandfather. In the end, the novel leaves a timely reminder of what can happen when people are too afraid to say no to a tyrant.

[Stuart Haining · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10 4% FPHB. A very enjoyable romp through the medieval courts of Henry VIII. Presumably a fairly accurate telling of the history of the day with some fictualization of Anne Boleyn sister Jane - the hero of the book - but an interesting, enjoyable and educational read. Only one small criticism - a tad repetitive but that’s Henry’s fault for having so many wives to dispose of somehow. Not a nice man.

[Lisa Glanville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a Tudor tale. I like that this portrayal of Jane Boleyn is much more nuanced than she's usually portrayed as.