The Queen's Painter

by Wendy Holden

'I am in awe of Wendy Holden' Heather Morris

In 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...

Praise for Wendy

'Traces Diana's journey from shy schoolgirl to blushing bride with verve, wit and a dash of foreboding' Daily Mail

'Touching and distinctive' Rachel Hore

'Riveting, revealing, an absolute must-read' Imogen Edwards-Jones

'Perfect for fans of The Crown' Bella

'Diana is depicted as warm, empathetic and mischievous' Mail on Sunday

'Fascinating' Woman's Weekly

'Fictionalises Diana's life in riveting and tender detail' Platinum

'A compelling read' Prima

'Scurrilous, funny, sharp, shot through with pathos' Saga

'Wendy delves beneath the glamour and public persona. Fascinating' Woman

Genres: Historical Fiction

308 pages, Hardcover

Published June 18, 2026

About the author

Wendy 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.

Reviews

[Annelies - In Another Era · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hans Holbein witnesses the beheading of Queen Anne Boleyn, the woman he had painted on several occasions and considered a friend. Hans is even more shaken when he learns from Thomas Wyatt that his patron, Thomas Cromwell, was responsible for her downfall. He must—and will—take revenge.

Wendy Holden has written a number of books about the Windsors that I once wanted to read; when I saw that she had now written about the Tudor period, I decided to give it a try. I didn’t think ‘The queen’s painter‘ was a good book. Anyone who knows anything about the period will figure out after three pages what Holbein’s revenge will be. The entire book is full of archetypes and, quite often, outright historical inaccuracies…

Holden is harsh for the women. Jane Seymour is a silly little girl who still plays with dolls, Anne of Cleves is an ugly, toothless woman, and Jane Parker is a real viper. And harsh for Cromwell. And all of that just to make Hans’s love for Anne Boleyn work into the story.

It’s a shame—Hans Holbein and his artworks deserve a good story. And I truly believes Holden likes his art, ande she was able to describe his paintings very well. But this story misses the mark in too many ways. Unfortunately, I’m going to skip her books about the Windsors as well.

This novel, however, receives many great reviews, so maybe it’s just me. Feel free to give it a try ;).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

Dutch review:

Hans Holbein is getuige van de onthoofding van koningin Anne Boleyn, de vrouw die hij meermaals heeft geschilderd en tot een vriendin mocht rekenen. Hans is nog meer aangedaan als hij van Thomas Wyatt hoort dat zijn opdrachtgever Thomas Cromwell voor haar ondergang heeft gezorgd. Hij moet en zal wraak nemen.

Wendy Holden schreef een aantal boeken over de Windsors die ik ooit eens wou lezen, toen ik zag dat ze nu over de Tudorperiode heeft geschreven, besloot ik het een kans te geven. Ik vond dit geen goed boek. Iedereen die iets weet over periode snapt na drie pagina's wat de wraak van Holbein zal zijn. Het hele boek zit vol met archetypes en ook regelmatig gewoon historische onwaarheden...

Jane Seymour is een dom wicht dat nog met poppen speelt, Anne Of Cleves is een lelijke vrouw zonder tanden, Jane Parker een stuk venijn. En dat allemaal om Hans zijn liefde voor Anne Boleyn te laten werken in het verhaal.

Jammer, Hans Holbein en zijn kunstwerken verdienen een mooi verhaal. Maar dit is echt iets te veel ernaast op veel vlakken. Ik ga haar boeken over de Windsors ook overslaan helaas.

Bedankt aan Netgalley en de uitgever voor een exemplaar van dit boek in ruil voor mijn eerlijke mening.

[Fiona Higgs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always liked Wendy Holden’s writing and have enjoyed her last few books based on the Windsors. This was a different perspective on Anne Boylen and her relationship with Hans Holbein thepainter - as friends. I wasn’t aware that he had been part of Henry VIII court for that amount of time. Good read!

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

'What was it she said? Deny a man and he'll give you anything. Continue to deny him and he'll give you everything?" Cromwell rubbed his hands excitedly together. "Well then. Let's give her everything."'

Ever since I first heard about Henry VIII and his six wives at primary school the Tudor era has fascinated me, particularly the tumultuous relationship between Henry and Anne Boleyn. So when I saw the premise for 'The Queen's Painter' I was naturally intrigued. The blurb made it clear that this isn't Anne's story but the idea of a painter and poet who both cared for her teaming up to seek vengeance left me curious and I'm happy to say that it made for an interesting read throughout.

The tension of this novel's prologue instantly reeled me in and set the scene beautifully; I knew how things would end yet I still surprisingly found myself on edge. From the scaffold you then follow Hans on from that fateful day although he doesn't dive immediately into vengeance and when he does its very much a 'long game' as him and Thomas, strive to bring about Thomas Cromwell's downfall.

Hans Holbein isn't someone that I know much about; I've heard of how he famously painted Anne of Cleves but otherwise my knowledge of him is pretty sparse. 'The Queen's Painter' isn't his entire life story, although it does give readers a clear and fleshed out idea of just who Hans was and how he came to be in England. It also delves into his artistry, showing some of the finer points of painting at this point in time and shining a light on what the meaning behind some of his pieces could be. There's a very clever story behind one 'portrait' of Anne and it was fascinating to see the author's - and her family's theories - of how some of his work came to be.

The author has also done a wonderful job of showing how Thomas, now working as a diplomat, could have helped bring about Cromwell's downfall. His actions you only learn about through letters to Hans and conversations but it does feel like a narrative that could work and when playing with the past in this way its important for things to ring true.

'The Queen's Painter' is told in Hans' voice, following a mostly linear path on from Anne's demise. There are a couple of flashbacks dotted throughout which really help to flesh things out further. Seeing how he tried, and failed, to become the King's painter in France was rather entertaining whilst seeing some of his interactions with Anne helped to provide motivation for his desire for revenge. It was also lovely that it allowed Anne to grace the page more than I'd expected; something that happens in another surprising way.

For the most part 'The Queen's Painter' is a historical fiction title, although it could be argued that there's a slight undercurrent of magical realism at times. Mostly these inclusions take the form of Anne's voice in Hans' ear - something that is easy enough to dismiss as wishful longings on the artists part. There is a very brief scene that goes a little bit further with this kind of dynamic, just its not overly jarring and could probably, again, be dismissed as Hans' own imagination to anyone wanting a purely historical tale.

Given the focus of 'The Queen's Painter' there were a few scenes that felt fairly familiar to me, but that's pretty much to be expected when covering a tale that's known to the reader. There was still enough new content to keep me invested though and if anything all the familiarity has done is left me longing for a rewatch of 'The Tudors' and itching to pick up more fiction centered around this time; something that I'd say makes this successful. Similarly I'm now eager to dive down a miniature research rabbit hole to see the paintings described in this novel for myself. Any read that makes you eager to go off and look into things like this is delightful I find.

Altogether I recommend 'The Queen's Painter' to anyone whose interested in the Tudor era and wants to see an intriguing take on just what motivated Hans Holbein when it came to painting Anne of Cleves. For me it was a read which came with a sense of nostalgia, for other Tudor focused media, and has left me craving even more fiction set within this time. It told a story that was believable and compelling and made me think of the role of someone I'd previously overlooked. I'd definitely be curious to try more by the author.

[Helene Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Mountain Leopard Press and Headline Publishing for gifting me a copy of this for review.

Told from the point of view of the painter, Hans Holbein the Younger, this is an imaginative look at the years after Anne Boleyn’s execution when both Holbein and the poet Thomas Wyatt struggle to come to deal with Anne’s fate and seek revenge on the person they see as responsible – Henry VIII’s Chief Minister, Thomas Cromwell.

What stopped this being 5-star for me is that you really have to turn off your history brain to enjoy it. The novel perpetuated a lot of myths that have largely been debunked by historians. These include that George Boleyn was a homosexual, that Henry VIII called Anne of Cleves the ‘Flander’s Mare’, and that there was a deliberate destruction of everything related to Anne Boleyn. There is absolutely no evidence for any of these things at all. But I can also see that using them makes for a dramatic story. It just can be damaging to the history when people take what they see in historical fiction as fact. We should always respect the history. An author’s note would have been beneficial to highlight what is a myth and what is established history.

Writing-wise, Holden’s narrative was hugely engaging, once I had turned off the history brain and just settled in to enjoy it as a piece of fiction. It was great to see the story told from the point of view of someone more on the fringes of the court, seeing things with a different perspective. It only covers the period from May 1536 to July 1540, with an epilogue a few years later, and some flashbacks.

One incident that really made me laugh was when Holbein was sent to paint Christina of Denmark. Honestly, I’d love if that was how things really played out and why! I also really enjoyed the interjections in Holbein’s head from Anne Boleyn’s ghost – they really seemed to reflect Anne’s wit and vivacity, even her cutting tongue, as we have it reflected in the historical record. I could not, however, get on with or agree with, Holden’s characterisation of Jane Seymour. Whatsoever.

Wendy Holden’s The Queen’s Painter is a fascinating look through the eyes of a man on the periphery of Henry VIII’s court, but who lived through and witnessed some of the great events of his reign. There are some really interesting and different characterisations, and the writing is engaging. My only bugbear was the perpetuation of historical myths! But as a piece of fiction, it is very enjoyable.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendy Holden has found a fresh take on the familiar Anne Boleyn story in 'The Queen's Painter' and it's an absorbing, entertaining and fun read. Basically it's revenge drama as three of Anne's supporters seek a way to make Thomas Cromwell pay for organising her death.
Young German painter Hans Holbein arrives at the English court hoping to make his fortune as an artist and also to see again the teenage girl he met in France. That girl is now Queen Anne, her husband Henry VIII. What follows is an inventive plot organised by poet and diplomat Thomas Wyatt, Holbein and Anne's serving woman Jennet to bring about the downfall of Cromwell. Cromwell, however, proves almost indestructable. Observations of the Tudor court are familiar from the novels of Philippa Gregory, CJ Sansom etc, as are many of the real characters, but what makes this novel so unusual is the voice of Hans Holbein. At heart, this is the story of Holbein's life, some of it told in flashback, and of his profession as an artist negotiating the difficulties and subtleties of court diplomacy. Painting techniques, completed works, subjects, rival artists and his works portraying the royal court. Holbein was famed for painting true portraits of his subjects and Holden takes this fact and has enormous fun with it. Don't miss the author's 'Acknowledgements' at the end where she explains her lifelong fascination with Tudor life and Holbein's portraits.
So this is a novel portraying a historically famous period in British history featuring possibly our most famous, or infamous, queen. It is a revenge mystery, and is also funny and clever. Hans' fascination with Anne Boleyn takes on a supernatural element as her ghost pops up every now and then with pertinent, wry and witty comments that add colour to the scene and spur Hans on towards revenge.
Once I finished reading, I revisited Holbein's paintings and particularly 'The Ambassadors' which features at the beginning of the novel as Holbein's portrait-that-was-not-a-portrait of Anne.
Thoroughly enjoyable. I've read Wendy Holden since her first romantic comedy in 1999, 'Simply Divine,' and have never since been disappointed.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...

[Annette Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Queen's Painter by Wendy Holden interested me because I love historical fiction set in the Tudor era and I thought that telling the story through the eyes of royal artist Hans Holbein was a clever new perspective.
In the book's version of events Holbein is devoted to Anne Boleyn and she becomes one of his earliest patrons in the Tudor Court. He is bewitched not just by her beauty but by her charm and wit, and so when she is found guilty of treason and brutally executed he is angry and bereft. Before long he finds himself implicated in a plot to get revenge for Ann by destroying the man he believes to be behind her downfall, Thomas Cromwell. Along with fellow plotter, poet Thomas Wyatt who is carrying his own feelings of guilt about Anne's fate , he finds himself dispatched to produce portraits of some of the candidates for Henry VIII's next wife, and all it will take is a little skillful deception and hiding the truth in plain sight to bring their plan to fruition.
I really liked the premise of this book, the idea of using someone who was close to the historical figures involved to tell the story was certainly a good one, and I really enjoyed the author's depiction of Holbein as an artist, the descriptions of some of the paintings sent me down a rabbit hole to look at images and see the things she was describing brought to life. I did find that some of the dialogue choices felt wrong for the time period in which the story was set, and that did pull me out of the story on several occasions, which is a pity as overall I found the writing to be pretty immersive. I did enjoy the almost tongue in cheek tone of the plotters at times, especially when they felt like they were getting one over on Cromwell. The use of art as a weapon was a fun idea to explore and I thought the author did it well.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Acantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love art, and I really love art such as Hans Holbein's work, where there is so much symbolism, so many layers to unpick. Art as stories, as messages, are such awesome things to me, so I was really excited to read this book, told from his PoV. It charts his life as he seeks to get revenge on Cromwell for the execution of Anne Boleyn while also showing their history.

Unfortunately this is done at the expense of almost every historical character.

Jane Parker is a monster, a goggle eyed sex starved fiend who comes onto most men and never has a nice thing to say about her mistresses. Jane Seymour is a some child like woman, who plays with dolls and doesn't have a thought in her head. Anna of Cleves is as ugly as every negative propaganda paints her, rotten teeth, brown skin. She is also dim witted, just in different ways.

Then on the flip side, Anne Boleyn is an innocent victim, bold, beautiful, stunning. She doesn't do what she does out of ambition, she is kind and the most negative personality trait is she gives people nicknames, such as the all cutting 'Nosy.' I am a huge fan of Anne, and I believe she is more sinned against than sinning, but she's certainly not this innocent version.

The poor characters are at odds with the brilliant chapters about Holbein's art, the loving way in which the art is described and the way in which I could see these famous pictures come to life and picture each of them so perfectly. Reading the fictional reasons as to why and how each picture is created was a true delight. It's just hard to set that against everything else.

I struggle to think who this is going to appeal to. You need to have a deep appreciation for historical art, while at the same time be accepting of some of the most blatant incorrect historical characters I've read in a while.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Daphne Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Seriesbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hans Holbein is the celebrated German painter right at the heart of the Tudor court. His clever portraiture depicts the great and the not so good of Tudor England but it is his connection to Anne Boleyn, and his search for vengeance, following her death, which features strongly in this story.

Devastated at the callous obliterating of Anne Boleyn, Holbein joins forces with the poet Thomas Wyatt to take revenge on the one person they hold entirely responsible for Anne’s devastating downfall; namely the King’s henchman, Thomas Cromwell. Two years after Anne’s death, Henry VIII now seeks to replace Jane Seymour, so the royal families of Europe start to dread the envoy who comes in search of a potential bride for the now infamous King of England, who callously replaces lost wives.

The Queen’s Painter is a different slant on the usual Tudor court intrigue and I enjoyed learning more about Holbein and the background to some of his famous paintings. The story flows well and I found moving between European courts interesting particularly the imagined background to the famous portrait of Christina of Denmark, Duchess of Milan, once on Henry VIII’s list as a potential bride, who bravely said she would only consider marrying Henry VIII if she had two heads.

Wrecking revenge on Thomas Cromwell was never going to be straightforward and this is a clever interpretation of using art to gain the upper hand. The story is imaginative, well described and with an authentic feeling of its time and place in history. Tudor England with all its myriad intrigues comes alive and revenge, when it comes, is all the sweeter for being unexpected.

[Pippa Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.”

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Debra Davidson-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendy Holden’s The Queen’s Painter offers a refreshing lens on a historical era we all think we know. By shifting the focus away from the King’s perspective and onto Hans Holbein, the man responsible for the way we picture the Tudor court, Holden adds a layer of artistic depth that feels genuinely new. What works: The atmosphere is the book’s greatest strength. Holden captures the sensory details of Holbein’s world—the smell of linseed oil, the tactile nature of pigments, and the high-stakes pressure of capturing a likeness that could literally mean life or death. The bond between Holbein and Anne Boleyn is poignant, making her inevitable downfall feel personal rather than just a historical fact. The "revenge" plot involving Thomas Wyatt provides a driving momentum that keeps the pages turning.

What holds it back: While the pacing is generally good, the transition from the courtly drama of the first half to the vengeance-driven second half occasionally feels a bit abrupt. At times, the dialogue leans into modern sensibilities, which might pull historical purists out of the moment. The Verdict: It’s a polished, evocative historical novel that succeeds in making Holbein a hero in his own right. If you’re a fan of Wolf Hall but want something a bit more focused on the art and emotion of the era, this is well worth your time. It’s a solid, "great-for-the-weekend" read that brings a splash of color to the grey shadows of the Tower.

With thanks to the publisher and netGalley for an ARC

[Bookish Travels · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 :)

[Tony Riches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers could be forgiven for thinking there is nothing much left to write about the sad end of Anne Boleyn – then along comes a fresh perspective to make them think again. Wendy Holden’s new novel, The Queen’s Painter, tells her story through the perceptive eyes of an unexpectedly relatable Hans Holbein the Younger.

Ann Boleyn’s presence haunts the narrative, whispering in Holbein’s ear and recurring flashbacks.

I particularly liked the way the truth about the mysterious woman Jennet is revealed – a masterclass in holding back character details while offering subtle clues for best effect.

Wendy Holden surprises the reader by having her characters use occasional modern language. This helps bring the key players to life, such as her version of a devious Thomas Cromwell, a worldly-wise Thomas Wyatt, and a king who reminds Hans Holbein of ‘a decaying whale, huge, stinking and stranded, looking at Hans with nasty little blue eyes.’

I also enjoyed the well-researched details of Holbein’s paintings and techniques. I doubt I will ever look at one in quite the same way again.

2026 marks the 500th anniversary of Holbein's arrival in England, so this is the perfect time to become better acquainted with the artist. Highly recommended.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

When my eyes spotted the Tudor rose, my hand hovered over the request button … and I hadn’t even read the title, synopsis or checked out the author! To say that I love all things Tudor is an understatement.

This book will stay with me for quite some time because of the unique point of view from which it’s told, that of “the Kraut painter”, Hans Holbein. To see how an insider, an ordinary man, potentially viewed the happenings within the Tudor Court, appealed to me.

The revenge story opens at the Tower of London mere moments before Anne Boleyn’s execution and continues gathering steam until the death of Henry VIII’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. I was captivated as Holbein teamed up with Thomas Wyatt in an attempt to destroy the Tudor king.

Author Wendy Holden blends fact and fiction with elegance as she paints the portrait of a singular woman who refused to be diminished in the eyes of the most powerful man in England. Holden’s account is meticulously researched and deeply felt.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[SharleneH · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Michelle Wileman · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Lara A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perspectives of Anne Boleyn tend to be fairly binary. Some say she was a wicked schemer who all but murdered the saintly Katherine of Aragon, others that she was a vastly influential and vivacious figure only brought low by her failure to produce a male heir. Furthermore, being punished for this failure seems even more unjust from when her living child managed to rule for decades. For those in the latter category, The Queen's Painter is a story they may well enjoy, reimagining Hans Holbein and Thomas Wyatt as figures determined to make Thomas Cromwell pay for his role in Anne's demise.
There is a touch of Woo about proceedings and the odd anachronism (the term Kraut dates from WW1), but this is an engaging slice of wish fulfillment.

Thank you Netgalley for the complimentary copy.

[Gemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Queen's Painter offers an intriguing reimagining of Hans Holbein's life in the Tudor court, blending historical figures with a fictional tale of vengeance, political intrigue, and an unexpected admiration for Anne Boleyn. It's an engaging premise that moves at a good pace and makes for an enjoyable read, particularly if you like historical fiction with a touch of mystery and drama.
That said, I found I had to switch off my historian's brain to fully appreciate it. The characterisations and historical interpretations weren't ones I personally found convincing, and they didn't align with my own understanding of the Tudor court. However, once I accepted it as an alternative interpretation rather than a faithful historical portrayal, it became a much more entertaining and thought-provoking novel.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young German painter Hans Holbein has arrived in the court of Henry VIII and has found favour with Queen Anne. Through her patronage Holbein is in demand but then Anne falls through false testimony and Hans determine sto avenge his friend. Alongside Thomas Wyatt and his lover Jennet, Holbein works for the downfall of Thomas Cromwell whilst still creating wonderful art.
I liked this book on many levels. Firstly it is an interesting take on the arc of history from Anne Boleyn to Anne of Cleves through the eyes of the painter who created many of the portraits we know so well. Secondly it is filling in the background to Holbein himself. Holden writes accessible historical fiction with a fair bit of heart as well as research and this is a very readable book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jurga · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating reimagining of Anne Boleyn's downfall instigated by Thomas Cromwell and Hans Holbein and Thomas Wyatt's revenge.
Not only do we get an insight into court intrigue from a different viewpoint but Holbein's painting, his rise to fame and his reputation as painting the truth are fascinating.
Also we see a very different side of Anne Boleyn - used and abused by her father as an instrument to further his success at court. A young girl looking for love and fun. A friend to Hans Holbein.
A fulfilling and interesting take on the Tudar period.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Wendy Holden/Headline for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to mountain leopard press and Wendy Holden for kindly sending me an advance copy of the ‘Queens painter’.

I really enjoyed this! It was a refreshing take on the Tudors. Hans Holbein was an extremely talented man, and I think it was very clever to have a Tudor novel from his point of view! He of course, painted many notable Tudor figures and will have listened to a lot of court gossip.

Cromwell is also written extremely well, how he controls the king, how he helped orchestrate Anne’s downfall..

I also loved Wyatt in this, and the blossoming friendship between the painter and the poet.

A throughly good novel! I hope Wendy does more Tudor novels in the future!

[Rick Forncett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy Holden’s The Queen's Painter is a richly imagined and beautifully written Tudor drama that brings fresh life to the story of Anne Boleyn through the eyes of court painter Hans Holbein. Holden combines meticulous historical detail with compelling storytelling, creating a vivid portrait of ambition, loyalty and revenge in Henry VIII’s court. The characters feel wonderfully alive, particularly Holbein, whose perspective offers an original and fascinating angle on well-known events. Atmospheric, intelligent and thoroughly engrossing, this is a superb read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with depth, intrigue and emotional power.

[Chris L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wendy Holden's 'The Queen's Painter' is the fictionalised retelling of Hans Holbein's life as he begins a connection with Anne Boleyn. The novel is a reimagining of Holbein's place in Henry VIII's court and his friendship with Anne Boleyn. Holden has obviously done research into Holbein and she's also sought to have readers see Anne Boleyn in a different light. I thought the novel was an interesting read. I enjoy seeing historical events from a different perspective, and it's nice to see Anne Boleyn as something other than a temptress. I also appreciated learning more about Hans Holbein.

3.75

[Peter Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different point of view to Anne Boleyn's story, told within the story of Hans Holbein. I have to admit that I only knew the headlines of Hans Holbein's story before.
This story, based on what is known about the characters is told with humour, love and a deep understanding. I deeply admire Anne Boleyn now.
The characters are brilliantly portrayed, the storyline shows the events from Hans Holbein's standpoint.
The tale is told told with compassion and love.
I received a review copy of this book free of charge and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenny H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The court painter and a poet plot Cromwell’s demise. Hans Holbein and his friend, poet Thomas Wyatt, get together to plot Cromwell’s demise in revenge for his role in Anne Boleyn’s downfall and execution. Holbein had fallen for her vivacity and charm while he painted her portrait. The story goes back to ten years earlier when Holbein found an introduction to the Tudor court (and Cromwell) after painting Thomas More’s portrait. You really invest in these characters, perhaps because you see them through the eyes of an artist, rather than a courtier or royalty.