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The Vavasour Macbeth
Buried Shakespearean treasure from an ancestor’s tomb brings a disillusioned BBC reporter home to solve her father’s murder and restart her life with the man who has always loved her.
When Margaret Hamilton’s father rescues Elizabethan manuscripts from a flooded tomb, he asks his daughter’s former fiancé Stephen to help decipher them, bringing the couple back together again.
At first, the documents only seem to resurrect Anne Vavasour’s remarkable true story: how she came to Queen Elizabeth’s court as a sixteen-year-old Maid of Honour; was seduced by the Earl of Oxford; delivered a babe at court in the attending maidens’ chamber; was sent to the Tower; yet later flourished for twenty years as the mistress of the wealthy widower Sir Henry Lee, Elizabeth’s champion at the joust (and rumored half-brother of the queen).
But when Margaret and Stephen uncover links between the buried papers and Shakespeare’s Macbeth, ruthless art and antiquities thieves scheme to take the priceless papers at any cost.
Blending fiction with little-known facts from history and research, The Vavasour Macbeth ranges from the Elizabethan and Jacobean courts to modern-day England, revealing many mysteries of ancient handwriting, manuscripts, and playmaking along the way. Not all facts taught in school about the Elizabethan era, Shakespeare, and Macbeth are proven, and you may be surprised to learn how many questions really do remain open and unsolved.
When Margaret Hamilton’s father rescues Elizabethan manuscripts from a flooded tomb, he asks his daughter’s former fiancé Stephen to help decipher them, bringing the couple back together again.
At first, the documents only seem to resurrect Anne Vavasour’s remarkable true story: how she came to Queen Elizabeth’s court as a sixteen-year-old Maid of Honour; was seduced by the Earl of Oxford; delivered a babe at court in the attending maidens’ chamber; was sent to the Tower; yet later flourished for twenty years as the mistress of the wealthy widower Sir Henry Lee, Elizabeth’s champion at the joust (and rumored half-brother of the queen).
But when Margaret and Stephen uncover links between the buried papers and Shakespeare’s Macbeth, ruthless art and antiquities thieves scheme to take the priceless papers at any cost.
Blending fiction with little-known facts from history and research, The Vavasour Macbeth ranges from the Elizabethan and Jacobean courts to modern-day England, revealing many mysteries of ancient handwriting, manuscripts, and playmaking along the way. Not all facts taught in school about the Elizabethan era, Shakespeare, and Macbeth are proven, and you may be surprised to learn how many questions really do remain open and unsolved.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2019
2119 people want to read
About the author
Bart Casey
4 books34 followersBart is a writer living in Vermont who delights in discovering forgotten stories from history. His first book, The Double Life of Laurence Oliphant (2015-6), is a biography of an eccentric British Victorian and was chosen by Kirkus for its Best Books of 2016.
In Wonder Seekers of Fountaingrove (2018) Bart and co-author Gaye LeBaron tell the remarkable history of the mystical/sexual/occult utopian community called the Brotherhood of the New Life (1865-1934).
And in 2019 Bart re-tells the Tudor love story of Anne Vavasour and Sir Henry Lee in both a short ebook biography and a historical novel called The Vavasour Macbeth.
Bart grew up in England, studied literature at Harvard and University of Vermont, and travels frequently in search of stories.
In Wonder Seekers of Fountaingrove (2018) Bart and co-author Gaye LeBaron tell the remarkable history of the mystical/sexual/occult utopian community called the Brotherhood of the New Life (1865-1934).
And in 2019 Bart re-tells the Tudor love story of Anne Vavasour and Sir Henry Lee in both a short ebook biography and a historical novel called The Vavasour Macbeth.
Bart grew up in England, studied literature at Harvard and University of Vermont, and travels frequently in search of stories.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 10, 2019
IF I WERE TO DESCRIBE THIS BOOK WITH ONE WORD, THAT WORD WOULD BE 'AMATEURISH'
I was expecting an interesting historical mystery, but all I got was a letdown and a snoozefest. Yawn.
THE THINGS I DID NOT LIKE
Inconsistent narration: This book is narrated in the 3rd person with Stephen as the main character. However, sometimes we get some strange interjections of Stephen's thoughts narrated in the first person, but without quotations or italics. Sorry, but that's just wrong...
Unnecessary explanations: This is actually a trap that many authors, especially historians, fall into when writing historical fiction. They are so full of information and knowledge that they cannot limit themselves, they simply have to include everything. The thing is, though, that it doesn't serve any point in telling the story. So really, it is just annoying.
Characters: Stephen, the main character, and his romantic partner and 'sidekick' Margaret are flat, lifeless and wholly devoid of any kind of personality. Try as I may, I cannot think of a single word to use to describe them. Not one!
Pace: This is the main reason why I call this book a snoozefest. It was too slow! The pace was slower than a snail. It was more like a dead snail, really.
Plot: Or, to put it plainly, lack of plot. Because there was none.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
I was expecting an interesting historical mystery, but all I got was a letdown and a snoozefest. Yawn.
THE THINGS I DID NOT LIKE
Inconsistent narration: This book is narrated in the 3rd person with Stephen as the main character. However, sometimes we get some strange interjections of Stephen's thoughts narrated in the first person, but without quotations or italics. Sorry, but that's just wrong...
Unnecessary explanations: This is actually a trap that many authors, especially historians, fall into when writing historical fiction. They are so full of information and knowledge that they cannot limit themselves, they simply have to include everything. The thing is, though, that it doesn't serve any point in telling the story. So really, it is just annoying.
Characters: Stephen, the main character, and his romantic partner and 'sidekick' Margaret are flat, lifeless and wholly devoid of any kind of personality. Try as I may, I cannot think of a single word to use to describe them. Not one!
Pace: This is the main reason why I call this book a snoozefest. It was too slow! The pace was slower than a snail. It was more like a dead snail, really.
Plot: Or, to put it plainly, lack of plot. Because there was none.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
February 4, 2019
4 stars
I read the Kindle edition.
I would categorize this book as a mixed genre. It is part romantic, part mystery and has a great deal about Shakespeare and document scholarship.
A vicar's subterranean vault is flooded. As part of the cleanup, the vicar notices some documents that are in very good shape; they have weathered the storm. He contacts a friend named Stephen who specializes in old documents. Together, they discover that the papers are very valuable indeed. They are letters and other papers that have to do with Anne Vavasour and her relationship with Sir Henry Lee in the late 16th and early 17th Century. The Vicar's daughter Margaret gets involved in the adventure. She and Stephen used to have a relationship that was very serious.
The document review and further search becomes deadly when the Vicar is murdered inside his home. While the reader becomes aware of the identity of the killer and his rather sick motive for the crime, Margaret, Stephen and the police are unaware.
Some of the documents turn out to be a rare find of extraordinary importance. They are a transcript of Shakespeare's original writing of his play “Macbeth.”
Anne Vavasour and Sir Henry Lee were real people. He was quite a bit older than she was and she lived to a very old age, especially for the era in which they lived.
This is a good book in some ways. It has a tendency to wander and makes switches of focus that I had difficulty following at times. Margaret and Stephen seemed a little naive about the value of the play, especially Stephen who I assumed is supposed to know about such things. Their relationship made me tired and I more or less skipped over those parts of the book. It is, however, an interesting premise for a novel and I was intrigued by that part. I enjoyed the history that was discussed in the book and found the discussion about scholarly papers interesting.
I want to thank NetGalley and Post Hill Press for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review.
I read the Kindle edition.
I would categorize this book as a mixed genre. It is part romantic, part mystery and has a great deal about Shakespeare and document scholarship.
A vicar's subterranean vault is flooded. As part of the cleanup, the vicar notices some documents that are in very good shape; they have weathered the storm. He contacts a friend named Stephen who specializes in old documents. Together, they discover that the papers are very valuable indeed. They are letters and other papers that have to do with Anne Vavasour and her relationship with Sir Henry Lee in the late 16th and early 17th Century. The Vicar's daughter Margaret gets involved in the adventure. She and Stephen used to have a relationship that was very serious.
The document review and further search becomes deadly when the Vicar is murdered inside his home. While the reader becomes aware of the identity of the killer and his rather sick motive for the crime, Margaret, Stephen and the police are unaware.
Some of the documents turn out to be a rare find of extraordinary importance. They are a transcript of Shakespeare's original writing of his play “Macbeth.”
Anne Vavasour and Sir Henry Lee were real people. He was quite a bit older than she was and she lived to a very old age, especially for the era in which they lived.
This is a good book in some ways. It has a tendency to wander and makes switches of focus that I had difficulty following at times. Margaret and Stephen seemed a little naive about the value of the play, especially Stephen who I assumed is supposed to know about such things. Their relationship made me tired and I more or less skipped over those parts of the book. It is, however, an interesting premise for a novel and I was intrigued by that part. I enjoyed the history that was discussed in the book and found the discussion about scholarly papers interesting.
I want to thank NetGalley and Post Hill Press for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review.
February 26, 2019
Disclaimer I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
At first I really didn't want to like this because the double spaced format was driving me nuts on my eReader, made me think a lot about the essays I've written over the years... Once I got over this though, I really really enjoyed this.
I thought for the most part everything was well done. Margaret's voice could have used more work, she wasn't an airhead or anything of the sort, which some male authors often present... I just felt like she could have taken more time to deal with some of the hard situations she is dealt with, and that she made some life changing moves without taking time to think things through.
Also everything just wrapped up too well for the protagonists. Instant family just add water!!
I feel like setting the story in 1992 served no purpose other than allowing the author to use the Bosnian/Yugoslavian situation as a plot device.
Also - Macbeth doesn't make an appearance till I think it was 70% of the way through, so I feel the title could have been reworked.
The research was great, loved reading about Oxford, London and Buckinghamshire. Super neat to read the story of a lady in Queen Elizabeth's court whose never gotten the novel treatment (to my knowledge). I love me a good dual narrative, fan's of Lauren Willig and other author's who've mastered that art will probably enjoy this too.
At first I really didn't want to like this because the double spaced format was driving me nuts on my eReader, made me think a lot about the essays I've written over the years... Once I got over this though, I really really enjoyed this.
I thought for the most part everything was well done. Margaret's voice could have used more work, she wasn't an airhead or anything of the sort, which some male authors often present... I just felt like she could have taken more time to deal with some of the hard situations she is dealt with, and that she made some life changing moves without taking time to think things through.
Also everything just wrapped up too well for the protagonists. Instant family just add water!!
I feel like setting the story in 1992 served no purpose other than allowing the author to use the Bosnian/Yugoslavian situation as a plot device.
Also - Macbeth doesn't make an appearance till I think it was 70% of the way through, so I feel the title could have been reworked.
The research was great, loved reading about Oxford, London and Buckinghamshire. Super neat to read the story of a lady in Queen Elizabeth's court whose never gotten the novel treatment (to my knowledge). I love me a good dual narrative, fan's of Lauren Willig and other author's who've mastered that art will probably enjoy this too.
June 14, 2019
Bart Casey's the Vasasour Macbeth was a bunch of books in one, woven together with a deft touch that made it a delight to read and an education as well. The book was a combination mystery, history, love story and period story for living in the UK in the mid 90's. The mystery was a terrific who done it wrapped about medieval manuscripts linked to Elizabethan/Shakespearean times, with exacting yet really interesting details about the period (and documenting during the period), featuring two very likable characters who rekindle a relationship and a few not so likeable (but very compelling) characters who bring about the murder and tension in the book. A real page turner.
June 8, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Vavasour Macbeth is a fictionalized historical mystery by Bart Casey. Released 7th May 2019 by Post Hill, it's 368 pages and available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.
I've always enjoyed historical mysteries especially written around a framework of factual history. This one is told in third person, alternating the modern timeline (1992), with Elizabethan & Jacobian historical vignettes built into the story. There is a major subplot involving the situation in Bosnia at the time which struck me oddly, but the research for all of the facets of the book (modern and medieval) were impressively well done.
There were a few stereotypes with which I was somewhat uncomfortable and the female main character, Margaret, though not unintelligent, struck me as recklessly hasty and naive.
The book is undeniably beautifully written. The author has a deft touch with dialogue and pacing. The historical parts are very well researched and believably rendered and I didn't find any anachronisms or mistakes. (I'm not a historian, just a keen amateur). If the denouement was a trifle too perfect, it was at least a happy and satisfying one. It should also be mentioned that either the author is gifted with his capacity for nuts-and-bolts writing, or the editing was superlative. I was given an early eARC for review purposes and found not one single typo or mistake. I think that might be unique in my reviewing experience thus far.
The author includes a nice list of historical notes and references which leave me itching to read further. I always love author afterwords for the glimpse they give into the author's creative process. That was a big plus for me with this book.
I enjoyed this one very much and will definitely seek out the author's further work.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Vavasour Macbeth is a fictionalized historical mystery by Bart Casey. Released 7th May 2019 by Post Hill, it's 368 pages and available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.
I've always enjoyed historical mysteries especially written around a framework of factual history. This one is told in third person, alternating the modern timeline (1992), with Elizabethan & Jacobian historical vignettes built into the story. There is a major subplot involving the situation in Bosnia at the time which struck me oddly, but the research for all of the facets of the book (modern and medieval) were impressively well done.
There were a few stereotypes with which I was somewhat uncomfortable and the female main character, Margaret, though not unintelligent, struck me as recklessly hasty and naive.
The book is undeniably beautifully written. The author has a deft touch with dialogue and pacing. The historical parts are very well researched and believably rendered and I didn't find any anachronisms or mistakes. (I'm not a historian, just a keen amateur). If the denouement was a trifle too perfect, it was at least a happy and satisfying one. It should also be mentioned that either the author is gifted with his capacity for nuts-and-bolts writing, or the editing was superlative. I was given an early eARC for review purposes and found not one single typo or mistake. I think that might be unique in my reviewing experience thus far.
The author includes a nice list of historical notes and references which leave me itching to read further. I always love author afterwords for the glimpse they give into the author's creative process. That was a big plus for me with this book.
I enjoyed this one very much and will definitely seek out the author's further work.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
June 5, 2019
As in many a good mystery, the curious title of this wonderful book is deliciously revealed through the late 20th century protagonists' (and the author's) research. Both the fictional and historical characters are brought to life with great skill, leaving me wanting to know more about all of them!
Historical fictions are meant to educate and entertain. The author, Bart Casey, did just that, by illuminating performance and language practices in Shakespeare's time, and unravelling the mysteries of the life of Shakespeare through the research of scholars. He also delved into the fascinating rare book and manuscript business and institutional archive practices. So interesting!
The Tudor love story of Anne Vavasour and Sir Henry Lee during the reign of Elisabeth I is brought to life in a delightful manner, full of scandal, the Tower of London, the fury of the Queen and a long life for Anne.
It is clear that the American author knows England well. He guides the reader through the streets of London and Oxford, stopping often in pubs and eateries ( and the occasional bookshop) that in the epilog he admits to having frequented through the years.
I am looking forward to Casey's next work!
Historical fictions are meant to educate and entertain. The author, Bart Casey, did just that, by illuminating performance and language practices in Shakespeare's time, and unravelling the mysteries of the life of Shakespeare through the research of scholars. He also delved into the fascinating rare book and manuscript business and institutional archive practices. So interesting!
The Tudor love story of Anne Vavasour and Sir Henry Lee during the reign of Elisabeth I is brought to life in a delightful manner, full of scandal, the Tower of London, the fury of the Queen and a long life for Anne.
It is clear that the American author knows England well. He guides the reader through the streets of London and Oxford, stopping often in pubs and eateries ( and the occasional bookshop) that in the epilog he admits to having frequented through the years.
I am looking forward to Casey's next work!
April 30, 2019
Bart Casey "discovered" the 'Monica Lewinsky' of Queen Elizabeth's court - and turned her remarkable story into a dual time line mystery which combines a contemporary love story with fascinating historical detail. Real life courtier Anne Vavasour spent her second day as a mother in the Tower of London after giving birth to an illegitimate son - the result of a liaison the 16-year-old Queen's lady's maid had with a much older, richer, and more powerful sexual predator, the Earl of Oxford. Anne's story, while making up only a small part of the final word count, gives the narrative a depth which sets it apart from the "usual mystery." Add into the mix a court entertainment featuring Shakespeare's Macbeth which is critical to the restoration of reputations of Anne and her gallant "rescuer", Sir Henry Lee, and you've got a rich and satisfying read. The Vavasour Macbeth delivers a deliciously complex mix of true history, insights into the world of rare books and love in Tudor and contemporary times. . . Bart talks about this - and much more, in the Joys of Binge Reading podcast. https://bit.ly/2WjH6pO
July 8, 2019
I thought the idea behind the novel was really interesting and offered great potential, both for exploring a lesser known but fascinating historical figure and for introducing references to Macbeth. I would have liked to have learned much more about Anne Vavasour, her life and times and the possible theatrical connections. Likewise, there were so many opportunities to draw on the Scottish play for inspiration.
Unfortunately, the author failed to exploit the promising material and got bogged down in the rather dull romance between Margaret and Stephen, while the present-day murder mystery was somewhat predictable and the motivation not particularly convincing. The Bosnian sub-theme was also confusing and did not seem to relate much to the rest of the storyline.
Although the book is well-written and the subject matter intriguing, all in all it failed to hold my interest and I found none of the characters really believable.
Unfortunately, the author failed to exploit the promising material and got bogged down in the rather dull romance between Margaret and Stephen, while the present-day murder mystery was somewhat predictable and the motivation not particularly convincing. The Bosnian sub-theme was also confusing and did not seem to relate much to the rest of the storyline.
Although the book is well-written and the subject matter intriguing, all in all it failed to hold my interest and I found none of the characters really believable.
May 5, 2019
Unique blend of history, romance and mystery. When a Vicar (Margaret's father) rescues some documents from a vault he calls in Stephen (Margaret's ex-fiance) to help decipher the Elizabethan era documents. The documents tell the story of Anna Vavasour a 16 year old in Queen Elizabeth's court. She is seduced by a much older Earl and later gives birth at court and the next day she is in the Tower of London. The documents reveal a transcript of Macbeth which brings out thieves and murder. The Vicar is found murdered in his home. Margaret, Stephen and the police have to find the culprit. I enjoyed the blending of past and present. Of course it also doesn't hurt that Macbeth is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. Enjoyable read with history, romance and mystery.
May 31, 2019
A great new approach to the usual historical fiction fare. Margaret’s father, the vicar, finds some less than usual papers in the family vault in the church. It turns into a debacle that ultimately leads to his death. However in the interim, we find out interesting things surrounding the life of Anne Vavasour, a very interesting character from Elizabethan England. This book tackles things like the authorship of some of Shakespeares work and other interesting lore. I would highly recommend it!!
This ebook was provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This ebook was provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 7, 2020
I enjoyed it. Learned more about Shakespeare and Elizabethan England including 2 very interesting people. I found myself googling people and places to learn more as I read. The modern day plot moved slow at times but it was interesting as the historical facts unfolded. Great read for people with an appreciation for historical fiction.
June 13, 2019
Incredibly cool book for Shakespeare nerds like myself! It concerns a modern day church in England. When the crypt floods, they find some fascinating documents that lead to all sorts of intrigue. . . I don’t want to spoil the story, of course!
June 25, 2019
Vavasour Macbeth has all the qualities of an ‘unputdownable’ thriller - one of those reads that you just want to go on and on - and then regret when you finish it as the excitement is over. A right rollicking adventure - I loved it.
March 8, 2024
A modern reflection on the past. A tomb find that causes a greedy murder and yet the find also causes good things for Stephen. I liked some of the past sneaking in. Not a bad read. Also not a great one.
February 10, 2019
In “ The Vavasour Macbeth” we find a novel of mixed genres. Part mystery/light thriller, a dash of romance, intertwined with historical figures and facts. This combination makes for a well-balanced and entertaining read.
While I am still interested in mysteries, my favorite part of this Kindle addition read was the historical fiction aspect with real-life figures Anne Vavasour and Sir Henry Lee. I always enjoy learning anything new about 16th-17th century English history. That for me, sold the book.
Overall, a very enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
While I am still interested in mysteries, my favorite part of this Kindle addition read was the historical fiction aspect with real-life figures Anne Vavasour and Sir Henry Lee. I always enjoy learning anything new about 16th-17th century English history. That for me, sold the book.
Overall, a very enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2019
The Vavasour Macbeth is a mixed genre book with mystery, thriller, historical, and romance undertones. The father of Margaret Hamilton finds some Elizabethan manuscripts in a flooded vault. Not familiar with the treasure he possesses, he asks Margaret's former fiance' Stephen to help him find out what they mean. This unusual find brings the couple together again to work in close proximity. The true story of Anne Vavasour begins to unfold as the manuscripts are read. From the life of a 16 year old maid of honour in Queen Elizabeth's court, to having a baby out of wedlock and being placed in the Tower, Anne was shown to be the mistress of Sir Henry Lee, rumored to be Queen Elizabeth's half brother, for 20 years. As Margaret and Stephen further uncover the link between the papers and Shakespeare's Macbeth, their lives are in peril as thieves are determined to steal the papers at all cost.
May 14, 2019
The Vavasour Macbeth by Bart Casey. Post Hill Press, 2019.
This book tells two compelling stories. One is a well written twentieth century romance/murder mystery involving Margaret and Stephen and her father and a treasure in old documents found in his flooded church crypt. Characters are well described; even the villains have engaging backstories. The other is an equally fascinating sixteenth century partly-fictionalized account of Margaret’s ancestor, Anne Vavasour, told mainly in the form of research notes.
I would have loved this book as a parallel narrative. Anne’s story is begging to be written in the same appealing fashion as that of Margaret and Stephen. I found myself unable to stop comparing this book to Susanna Kearsley’s Winter Sea (Sophia’s Secret in the UK), a favourite book by a favourite author; it felt unfinished and my lower three-star rating reflects only this. Five stars for the writing style, characters and plot in Margaret and Stephen’s story alone would be fair.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of The Vavasour Macbeth via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book tells two compelling stories. One is a well written twentieth century romance/murder mystery involving Margaret and Stephen and her father and a treasure in old documents found in his flooded church crypt. Characters are well described; even the villains have engaging backstories. The other is an equally fascinating sixteenth century partly-fictionalized account of Margaret’s ancestor, Anne Vavasour, told mainly in the form of research notes.
I would have loved this book as a parallel narrative. Anne’s story is begging to be written in the same appealing fashion as that of Margaret and Stephen. I found myself unable to stop comparing this book to Susanna Kearsley’s Winter Sea (Sophia’s Secret in the UK), a favourite book by a favourite author; it felt unfinished and my lower three-star rating reflects only this. Five stars for the writing style, characters and plot in Margaret and Stephen’s story alone would be fair.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of The Vavasour Macbeth via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews