The Tower is Full of Ghosts Today

Six Tudor Queens #2.5

by Alison Weir

The Tower is Full of Ghosts Today by historian Alison Weir is an e-short and companion piece to the Sunday Times bestseller Anne Boleyn: A King's Obsession, the second novel in the spellbinding series about Henry VIII's queens.

Jo, historian and long-term admirer of Anne Boleyn, takes a group on a guided tour of the Tower of London, to walk in the shoes of her Tudor heroine. But as she becomes enthralled by the historical accuracy of her tour guide and the dramatic setting that she has come to love, something spectral is lurking in the shadows . . .

Contains first chapters of Sunday Times bestsellers Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen and Anne Boleyn: A King's Obsession, as well as the upcoming Six Tudor Queens novel about Henry VIII's third wife, Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen.

SIX TUDOR QUEENS. SIX NOVELS. SIX YEARS.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Tudor Period, Historical, Short Stories, Novella, Ebooks

69 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2017

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Alison Weir is an English writer of history books for the general public, mostly in the form of biographies about British kings and queens, and of historical fiction. Before becoming an author, Weir worked as a teacher of children with special needs. She received her formal training in history at teacher training college. She currently lives in Surrey, England, with her two children.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this short story that bridges two of the larger novels in Weir’s Six Tudor Queens, the reader is able to focus a little more attention on Anne Boleyn. Jo Maddox is tour guide around the Tower of London whose groups are always complimentary of her knowledge. As a historian, Jo is happy to have found a special guide to provide some of the history of Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. Leading her group towards the Tower, they encounter their guest, whose resemblance and attire parallel Boleyn quite strikingly. As the group follows and learns much of the history of this woman’s final days, Jo continues to see another woman whose dark hair and eyes are also quite like Boleyn. It is said that the Tower holds many ghosts of those slain, but could Anne Boleyn truly be appearing amongst many other tour groups? This is only the first surprise that befalls Jo Maddox. The rest is for the reader to discover herein. Weir does a wonderful job with this extremely short piece, which complements the Six Queens series and keeps fans waiting for the next full-length novel.

When I say that this is a short story, I literally mean ‘short’. A mere seven electronic pages, Weir teases the reader with a narrative that dispels many of the myths attributed to the young queen. Fans of Weir will know that her attention to detail and renowned status as one of the United Kingdom’s preeminent historians has not been offered up lightly. The piece proves entertaining and insightful, weaving fact and fiction onto the printed page. One can only hope that Weir’s full-length novels will captivate the reader as much (teaser chapters for all three full novels find their way as a sort of afterward). While I cannot find any fault with this story, I wanted to take a moment to chastise Amazon (Canada and US) for not getting in synchronicity with their UK counterpart and providing access to these lovely ‘between’ stories. It has taken me a period of real literary gymnastics to get my hands on this one and I cannot see why Weir fans across the Pond are not able to bask in the greatness of these short pieces as easily. Please remedy this soon!

Kudos, Madam Weir, for providing a lovely reprieve from the hectic aspects of life with this piece. Perfect for that morning coffee or evening tea, this story left me wanting more.

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Maven_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tower is Full of Ghosts Today by Alison Weir is a charming and atmospheric historical e-short that invites readers into the shadowed corridors of the Tower of London on a modern guided tour that blurs the line between past and present, memory and myth. Set as a companion piece to Anne Boleyn: A King’s Obsession in the larger Six Tudor Queens series, the story follows Jo Maddox, a historian and Anne Boleyn enthusiast who leads tourists through the Tower’s infamous spaces only to sense a presence that feels eerily alive, as though the echoes of Tudor history are reaching out to her in unexpected ways.

When I read this little gem I felt wrapped in the kind of quiet enchantment that comes when history feels almost tangible: the Tower itself becomes a character, its stones and whispered tales echoing with meaning and mystery long after the pages ended. The way Weir blends factual reverence for the real lives intertwined with the Tower and a gentle suggestion of something spectral left me smiling and reflective, particularly when the narrative nudges you to think about how much the past lingers in places and stories we visit. It is worth noting that the core narrative is very short, and a substantial portion of the edition consists of sample chapters from the related novels in the series, which some readers may find a bit frustrating, while others might enjoy the extra context.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. I adored the mood and historical affection in this piece, and loved how it made me see the Tower as more than a tourist site but a repository of stories that still seem to breathe. Yet I also felt it left me craving more of the ghosts and atmosphere rather than the included excerpts, which can make the reading experience feel uneven if you were expecting a fuller standalone tale. For lovers of the Tudors and atmospheric history, this feels like a lovely palate cleanser between longer novels, perfect for an afternoon’s thoughtful read.

[Eleanor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the Six Tudor Queens series so far, but I'm not really sure what the point of this was. I enjoyed the other e-books that accompany this series, but this was so short and abrupt. I felt very cheated, even though it was free, because less than a third was taken up by the actual story. The rest was filled with the first chapters of the first two books and the next one to come.

So whilst I think it was an interesting idea, I felt like Alison Weir could have taken it just a little bit further to make it a slightly more fulfilling read that added to this series. There were, supposedly, two ghosts suggested, but only one of them was ever really looked at.

However, I do like that it has an excerpt from the Jane Seymour novel in it as I am very excited for it (Jane is my favourite queen). I just feel like, even though this was a short novella, Weir could have written just a bit more, and not stuffed the entire book with the first chapters of all her other novels.

[Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve given 3 stars to all these short snippets not because they are not well written but because they are snippets and therefore I find it difficult to give a higher rating. (apologies for the run on sentence and double negative). I do enjoy reading these glimpses of one of the characters between each novel. I’m finding this series very interesting thus far and I wish my history teachers would have presented the lessons in a fashion similar to this. I’d have paid much more attention. I also would have benefitted from reading this series (and other historical novels) before visiting the U.K. a couple of years ago. All the more reason to make another trip I suppose. 😉

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a free download I thought that this book was excellent! It is just a quick read but I really, really enjoyed it!! I read it on Halloween which was quite fitting and even though it only took a short while, having a 16 week old daughter I made myself a coffee and got a slice of cake and sat and relaxed to read it - and it was bliss!! I am a massive fan of books that cover the Tudor period so this one ticked all the boxes for me - 5 stars!!

[G. Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terrible! This is a very short story, not up to Weir's best, followed by three sample chapters of other books. This is an advert disguised as a book, which I find most annoying. I'm normally a fan of Weir and that's why it gets even the two stars. Most off-putting

[Niamh · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a lovely little palate cleanser between books and i liked the eerie feeling of this one

i really like that alison weir has put shorter, captivating stories in between the more history heavy ones as it gives you a chance to relax back into the history again

[Helene Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review - I think this is the best e-short I have read by Alison Weir as a companion to the Six Tudor Queens series. I tried to write something similar myself a few years ago just to see if I could, but it was nowhere near as good as the detail that Weir managed to get here. I started reading it and was through to the end before I knew it, thoroughly enjoyable and well worth reading for any fans of the Tudors, or particularly of Anne Boleyn.

Genre? - Historical / Novella

Characters? - Anne Boleyn / Jo / Sue

Setting? - London (England)

Series? - Six Tudor Queens #2.5

Recommend? - Yes

Rating - 20/20

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun short story but agree with other reviewers who said Weir could have pushed the story a little further. There are SO many reported ghosts at the Tower of London that I think she could have been a lot more playful with the story, but I liked what was here. The ending was a little expected but didn't make it any less enjoyable for me.

A perfect piece to read on your morning commute or if you're in a reading slump and just need something quick.

[Jacm · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice little short story to breeze through after finishing Weir's second instalment of her 'Six Tudor Queens' series.

This one takes a modern ghost story bent, setting it amidst a modern tour of the Tower of London. It's a fun little sideline but not really groundbreaking.

[Victoria Frow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. This is the first companion EBook for the Second book in the Six Wives series. Easy to read, adds depth to the series. Recommend to anyone who is reading the Six Wives series.

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about Anne Boleyn’s entry and stay in the Tower of London after her arrest. Told by a fascinating narrator.

[valedecem · Rating 4 out of 5]

damn that plot twist.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was adorable and enlightening. Loved it.

[Carrie Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate that this was a free download and that such books are a marketing strategy, and that Alison Weir is a well known and respected author - one I've read, loved and owned previous works from - but I can't help but be disappointed. Presented as book 2.5 of the Six Tudor Queens series, I expected a short story, at least.

What it contains is a short vignette, followed by the opening chapters of the first three books. Don't get me wrong, I was pleased to be able to sample the novels and enjoyed them, just as I enjoyed the vignette. The latter was quirky, entertaining, and mysterious...but it was very short. And I mean short! I've read other filler books before and, whilst I've obviously not expected a complete novel, their contents have amounted to more than just a few pages. The title was in keeping with the vignette, but the opening chapters which followed the first three queens made it look even shorter. Of the three wives introduced to us, only Anne was held in the Tower, rendering the title and it's very short story as the square peg trying to fit the round hole - it's purpose apparently served before making it into the dining room, never mind taking a seat and picking up a napkin.

As I said, I appreciate that marketing was the aim for this work, but it's brevity before focusing on the main course felt a little arrogant, or even insulting; a bit like being shown a kitten and finding yourself suddenly expected to fork out for a ticket into a whole zoo. I like Alison Weir and I'd love to read more of her work, but not with a gun to my head! Had I not already been familiar with her work, I'd have gone no further and not read the opening chapters following the Tower story, I'm afraid. That's no way to induce new readership in earnest, rather it relies on an already existing reputation, which would surely make those new to her work feel a little unwelcome?

The saddest part of all was that the vignette was a lot of fun and could so easily have become a medium sized chicken, rather than a skinny sparrow. Come on, Ms Weir, you're capable of quality work and would be able to very easily hook new clientele by giving them more to chew on before bringing on the hard sell! The writing itself was excellent, but my misgivings about the approach to selling more books stand. Readers are people, not multinational corporate banks. Please don't forget how to touch the hearts and minds of those individuals you want to attract!

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly different addition to the collection of short stories that Weir wrote connected with her series of the Six Tudor Queens. This one has a modern spin of a tour of the Tower of London with an in-costume tour-guide that shows the group the highlights of Anne Boleyn's interaction with the infamous Tower. The changes in names as well as locations noted in her history but having been removed over the centuries.

This is all from the viewpoint of the leader of the tourist group and she is quite pleased with this guide - her dress (focused on the French hood a couple of times), her language, and her knowledge.

But once the reader has come to the end, you have to wonder who is the actual ghost - the pale dark-haired woman repeatedly noticed by the group leader and the guide or perhaps the guide herself. Quite the conundrum.

Weir ends with a factual speed tour of the Tower that would do for the most bored and blase tourist but only the barest particulars for anyone really interested in this notorious structure and the history it's been part of.

2021-248

[Graff Fuller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Six Tudor Queens 02.5 The Tower is Full of Ghosts Today by Alison Weir

funny informative lighthearted reflective 

Fast-paced

Plot or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters are a main focus? It's complicated

3.0 Stars

This is an interesting short story that was written about the death of Anne Boleyn...from a reenactor in the modern time (today) while visitors are visiting the Tower.

We always love going to these types of historical places...and interacting with the "players" as they stay in character and tell us tourists what actually happened.

This was not what I was expecting from this story, but it did make me think about the real events...so it worked.

[David Laflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read from the pen of Alison Weir.
It has left me hungry to read some more of her novels.
Set in the Tower of London where a group of tourists are led around the days of the life of Anne Boleyn. The guide is dressed in period costume and does an excellent tour. The host notices someone in another group who doesnt quite seem to fit in.
At the end of the tour the host goes out and is approached by a tour guide to take the group round the tower!!!

[Bethany Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but engrossing

I haven't read anything else by Alison Weir, but I do own some of her books and I love this genre. The characters were quite developed to say that it was so short, and the story interesting and engaging. I will read the chapter snippets another time, perhaps after reading Weir's other books that I already own.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One short story followed by 3 excerpts

The short story was predictable but an ok read. The 3 excerpts are from books the author has written about Henry VIII's wives.I am assuming these are the first 3 of a series as they cover Katherine of Aragon,Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour. The excerpts certainly whet the appetite for historical fiction.

[Vik · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess when I bought this I assumed that the majority of the 69 pages listed on Kindle would be the short story. It was only 18 of them. The rest of the edition was previews for three of the novels in the series. It doesn’t make me want to read any of the other short stories that are part of the broader Six Queens series.

The story itself was okay and it came with a little twist.

[kathy bracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but really enjoyable

Yes a short book but I loved it for the history of it. No spoilers but the tour guide isn't quite who you think. Also first chapters of the six Tudor queens books, well the first three of them anyway

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

With the short story being only 12% (the following 82% being either copyright, content or opening chapter to the first novels in the SIX TUDOR QUEENS series), there’s not much to say, but review coming soon but this is a free marketing ploy.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the short story, if a little confusing. How many ghosts?
Not read Alison Weir although my favourite genre. Was good to try some first chapters, but in all honesty they won't make me rush out to buy. Prefer Sharon Penman.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little e-short. You can see the denouement coming a mile away but it is enjoyable getting there. This very short story was an little taster that I read in order to reignite my love of historical fiction.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good novella. It was really interesting and kept my attention. Probably should have read the book about Anne Boleyn first, but I thought this would be a fun short read. Left me wondering at the end.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good novella. It was really interesting and kept my attention. Probably should have read the book about Anne Boleyn first, but I thought this would be a fun short read. Left me wondering at the end.

[Grant Dawes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very very short

I knew it was a short. I didnt expect it to be so short I would finish it in just a few minutes. The book is only a handful of pages long. Most of the page count is made up of samples of other books in the series.

[Bookworm with Kids · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short "ghost" story released on Hallowe'en - excellent idea!

[MRS B A WILLIAMSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet

I have often wondered if Anne's ghost walks around the tower and what it would be like other see her I guess I just found out!