Macbeth's Niece

by Peg Herring

Tessa macFindlaech meets three witches on a Scottish hillside as she leaves her home to join the household of her uncle, Thane Macbeth. The weird women make predictions for her future, but Tessa sees no likelihood of truth in them. After all, the first crone claims Tessa is on her way to England, which is in the opposite direction. Surprises await that make her reconsider the prophecies. When Tessa discovers that Jeffrey Brixton, a guest in her uncle's castle, is a spy, he captures her and takes her to his home in England. There she must face the fact that her only asset is her beauty, her only friend the woman she believes to be Jeffrey's mistress. After a year in England, Tessa is married but not a wife, which the witches predicted. When Jeffrey is reported dead, she returns to Scotland. Her uncle's life has taken several ironic he gained the throne he wanted so badly but lost everything he loves. Tessa does what she can for him, but by now Macbeth is his own worst enemy. Chased by murderous outlaws, trapped in a loveless marriage with a man who will not give her up, and alone except for an elderly but faithful servant, Tessa meets the witches once more and this time finds hope in their message. Now her quest is to find love, but love is not always wise. Does the man she loves return her affection, or will he plunge her into danger again, as he has done before?Set against the backdrop of Macbeth's rise and fall from power in Scotland, this historical novel provides both romance and adventure. Like her famous uncle, Macbeth's niece Tessa refuses to settle for an ordinary life, no matter how difficult the extraordinary becomes.

Genres: Shakespeare, Historical Fiction, Scotland

343 pages, ebook

First published January 22, 2008

About the author

Peg is author of
the award-winning Dead Detective Mysteries,
the unusual Loser Mysteries,
the critically-acclaimed Simon & Elizabeth (Tudor) Mysteries,
the Kidnap Capers,
and others.
Her writing focuses on strong women, and Peg believes every book needs a central character that readers can admire, a little bit of humor, a suspenseful core, and an ending that satisfies our souls.

Peg's more recent work (DECEIVING ELVERA, SISTER SAINT, SISTER SINNER) is more mainstream fiction, though there is always a mystery to be solved.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good but wholesome book. It took an interesting focus on the Shakespeare's Macbeth mixed with the real Macbeth. I did like that aspect. This book is better for a younger generation. I just prefer more mature reading.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy Peg Herring’s Elizabeth I series but found this novel’s heroine improbably impulsive and her “hero” not very heroic, from the get go.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Peg knows how to make history pop off the page. Great characters and an intriguing plot. Can't wait for more for this new author!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical novel on a side character to Macbeth, with special appearances by Shakespeare's witches.