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Ursula Blanchard #17
A Web of Silk
August, 1582. The queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, has ordered Ursula to keep an eye on her new neighbour, Giles Frost, who is rumoured to be spying for King Philip of Spain. Arriving at Knoll House on the pretext of teaching his two daughters embroidery, Ursula’s secret mission is to feed false information to Frost to pass on to the Spanish.
Walsingham has assured Ursula that she’ll be in no danger. But events take a decidedly sinister turn when a body is found in the woods near Ursula’s home, a stained glass window is smashed and a bridal dowry is stolen.
What secrets are contained within the Knoll House … and is Ursula being lured into a lethal trap?
Walsingham has assured Ursula that she’ll be in no danger. But events take a decidedly sinister turn when a body is found in the woods near Ursula’s home, a stained glass window is smashed and a bridal dowry is stolen.
What secrets are contained within the Knoll House … and is Ursula being lured into a lethal trap?
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
18 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Buckley
47 books188 followersValerie Anand is a British author of historical fiction. Under the pen name Fiona Buckley she writes the series of historical mysteries, set in the reign of Elizabeth I of England, featuring "Ursula Blanchard" (whose full name is Ursula Faldene Blanchard de la Roche Stannard). Under her own name she writes historical fiction based on the royalty of England and the Bridges over Time series which follows a family from the eleventh century through the nineteenth century.
Series:
* Ursula Blanchard
Series:
* Ursula Blanchard
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 11, 2019
This is another interesting episode in the life of Ursula Blanchard, Mistress Stannard. As she is enjoying the late summer at Hawkswood, she once again receives a message to come to court to see Walsingham, one of Queen Elizabeth’s spymasters. His summons means another task for the sake of the Crown, something that Ursula always feels obliged to follow through.
This time her task for the Queen’s sake involves becoming closer with a new neighbor suspected of supplying information useful to Philip of Spain. This man, Giles Frost, is also believed to be a Roman Catholic which would increase his sympathy for Queen Mary. It is known that Frost wants a skilled woman to instruct his daughters in advanced embroidery and drawing. Ursula’s skills are well known and Walsingham would like her to take advantage of an anticipated invitation for the sake of her Queen, and half-sister, Elizabeth.
Enough would be happening if this were the only plot, but additionally there is the murder of a young man with ties to Hawkswood and a plot involving the theft of a valuable silver salt cellar and chest. Add to all of this an enlightening segment on 16th century stained glass creation and you have a full novel that carries you on smoothly to its conclusion.
I continue to recommend this series for those interested in historical fiction and mysteries. Someday, I would like to delve into earlier titles in the Ursula Blanchard series to watch her character develop.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This time her task for the Queen’s sake involves becoming closer with a new neighbor suspected of supplying information useful to Philip of Spain. This man, Giles Frost, is also believed to be a Roman Catholic which would increase his sympathy for Queen Mary. It is known that Frost wants a skilled woman to instruct his daughters in advanced embroidery and drawing. Ursula’s skills are well known and Walsingham would like her to take advantage of an anticipated invitation for the sake of her Queen, and half-sister, Elizabeth.
Enough would be happening if this were the only plot, but additionally there is the murder of a young man with ties to Hawkswood and a plot involving the theft of a valuable silver salt cellar and chest. Add to all of this an enlightening segment on 16th century stained glass creation and you have a full novel that carries you on smoothly to its conclusion.
I continue to recommend this series for those interested in historical fiction and mysteries. Someday, I would like to delve into earlier titles in the Ursula Blanchard series to watch her character develop.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 22, 2019
Ok cozy. This is the first Ursula that I've read and the characters are well defined. Tudor times under Elizabeth before the Armada plug into this story. I find the personalities defined but I don't feel the period in misery, smells, desperation and access quite right. It moves slowly and ponderously at times. IMHO, the brutality of the period and considering the "usual" for most any consequence- plus the fleeting length of life and placements- I think this is way too "nice" overall for that particular period for me to connect to any embedding toward a "real" tension. But I absolutely understand its success. Well earned to write so many who dun it or mystery sorting tales in a period where 40 was old, and 50 ancient. Kudos to Buckley. Just too gentle to be real and not syncing on my particular page. I'm not ever big on cozy category. This does fit that description.
September 24, 2019
England, 1582
The Spanish Armada has yet to haunt the English shores, yet Sir Francis Walsingham is keenly aware that Spain's King Philip, in his quarrel with Queen Elizabeth, is eager to conquer the fair British Isle and bring Liz to her knees. Spymaster Walsingham knows that the English Navy is not yet adequately fitted out to fight off Spain but if he could slip some false information Spain's way, then maybe Spain might think twice before launching an attack on Britain. He believes that a British ship merchant of Catholic persuasion has been slipping intel Prince Philip's way. Walsingham taps Ursula (the Queen's half-sister) to teach needlework skills to the merchant's two daughters and drop some false information into casual conversation about England's naval fleet developments. But on top of all that, a dead body is discovered just beyond Ursula's property, a church's stain glass window is smashed by a rock and someone's dowry chest has been stolen. How could so much happen all at once or are these events somehow related? Thus begins this cozy tale.
With this being the 17th book of the Ursula Blanchard Mysteries series, I wasn't certain whether I would feel hopelessly lost not having read its predecessors. What a kind author Fiona Buckley is to have provided sufficient background information on the longstanding characters to know how they all fit together. The reader is shepherded into the story and then let loose to follow Ursula on her latest mission. All in all, the book is well written; the characters are engaging; and the historic information on stain glass design and execution is fascinating. My only discomfort comes when Ursula, a respected and known to be bright woman makes an odd choice of action, (and as it turns out, a poor choice). Yet, then again, the story must go on. It certainly was an enjoyable read and at some point, I will go back and catch up from the beginning of this series.
The Spanish Armada has yet to haunt the English shores, yet Sir Francis Walsingham is keenly aware that Spain's King Philip, in his quarrel with Queen Elizabeth, is eager to conquer the fair British Isle and bring Liz to her knees. Spymaster Walsingham knows that the English Navy is not yet adequately fitted out to fight off Spain but if he could slip some false information Spain's way, then maybe Spain might think twice before launching an attack on Britain. He believes that a British ship merchant of Catholic persuasion has been slipping intel Prince Philip's way. Walsingham taps Ursula (the Queen's half-sister) to teach needlework skills to the merchant's two daughters and drop some false information into casual conversation about England's naval fleet developments. But on top of all that, a dead body is discovered just beyond Ursula's property, a church's stain glass window is smashed by a rock and someone's dowry chest has been stolen. How could so much happen all at once or are these events somehow related? Thus begins this cozy tale.
With this being the 17th book of the Ursula Blanchard Mysteries series, I wasn't certain whether I would feel hopelessly lost not having read its predecessors. What a kind author Fiona Buckley is to have provided sufficient background information on the longstanding characters to know how they all fit together. The reader is shepherded into the story and then let loose to follow Ursula on her latest mission. All in all, the book is well written; the characters are engaging; and the historic information on stain glass design and execution is fascinating. My only discomfort comes when Ursula, a respected and known to be bright woman makes an odd choice of action, (and as it turns out, a poor choice). Yet, then again, the story must go on. It certainly was an enjoyable read and at some point, I will go back and catch up from the beginning of this series.
October 25, 2021
En oerhört söt berättelse; lagom sorgsen, med lagom mycket tveksamhet över Elisabeths regering och dess kostnader. Utmärkt för att kalibrera förväntningarna på människor som människor, och på vad som är normala nivåer av tvehågsenhet och passion. Jag kommer att försöka hitta flera av Fiona Buckleys böcker.
August 16, 2019
While I usually enjoy the exploits of Ursula Blanchard, two thirds of the way through this (short) novel, she decides to do something so stupid and so irrational (for someone of her age, experience, and spymaster “ skills”), that it fundamentally tainted the character’s credibility, and the remainder of the narrative, for me.
June 17, 2019
Ursula beware!
August 1852. Once again Ursula Blanchard is thrust into a complex situation. I was caught up in the madness or intrepidness that is Ursula , half sister to Elizabeth I.
It might have been less complex if Ursula had not heard the wild geese.
Things seem to happen at once. Ill fatedness comes in threes!
Brockley's son Philip is found dead with a cross bolt through his chest.
A stained glass Judgement Window in the local church has been willfully smashed. (I found the idea of a Judgement Window, the depiction of Doomsday, fascinating BTW and I must admit to loving stained glass).
A bridal dowry chest has been stolen.
The local vicar, Dr Joynings had been talking to Ursula about the Judgement Window. He disliked it, "there’s too much blood and horror and it sometimes frightens young children …’"
Ursula decides that now is the time to commission a new church window, particularly as she also found the old one dark and sinister.
Ursula meets with Master Julius Stagg from Guildford, a designer and creator of stained glass, another merchant, John Hines who runs an old established business and a newly met at Greenwich, master classmaker from the city, named Tavener, in her search for the ideal craftsman to replace the window.
Meanwhile Francis Walsingham, the Queen's spymaster sends for Ursula with a mission that involves Giles Frost, her sea faring neighbor, whom Walsingham suspects of being in league with the Spanish. Ursula is to subtly spread rumors to Spain via Frost under the cover of teaching his daughters to embroider. (Frost's daughters have a need to learn the required gentle-womanly pursuits and practices).
I always feel that Ursula is trapped by Walsingham and her sister the Queen as surely as a fly on fly paper, "Walsingham sometimes made [her] shiver. [She] sometimes thought of him as a spider, waiting at the centre of a vast web. Waiting to pounce whenever an unwary fly … traitor … fell foul of its sticky threads."
That mission leaves Ursula trapped in the grim and dangerous position of being accused of wrongdoing. A factor that could lead to her death.
Tension as always was near to breaking point and the resolution a relief, with past actions brought to bear on Ursula's current situation.
As always Buckley provides insights into daily life and fears in Tudor times, which are both instructive and intriguing.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
August 1852. Once again Ursula Blanchard is thrust into a complex situation. I was caught up in the madness or intrepidness that is Ursula , half sister to Elizabeth I.
It might have been less complex if Ursula had not heard the wild geese.
Things seem to happen at once. Ill fatedness comes in threes!
Brockley's son Philip is found dead with a cross bolt through his chest.
A stained glass Judgement Window in the local church has been willfully smashed. (I found the idea of a Judgement Window, the depiction of Doomsday, fascinating BTW and I must admit to loving stained glass).
A bridal dowry chest has been stolen.
The local vicar, Dr Joynings had been talking to Ursula about the Judgement Window. He disliked it, "there’s too much blood and horror and it sometimes frightens young children …’"
Ursula decides that now is the time to commission a new church window, particularly as she also found the old one dark and sinister.
Ursula meets with Master Julius Stagg from Guildford, a designer and creator of stained glass, another merchant, John Hines who runs an old established business and a newly met at Greenwich, master classmaker from the city, named Tavener, in her search for the ideal craftsman to replace the window.
Meanwhile Francis Walsingham, the Queen's spymaster sends for Ursula with a mission that involves Giles Frost, her sea faring neighbor, whom Walsingham suspects of being in league with the Spanish. Ursula is to subtly spread rumors to Spain via Frost under the cover of teaching his daughters to embroider. (Frost's daughters have a need to learn the required gentle-womanly pursuits and practices).
I always feel that Ursula is trapped by Walsingham and her sister the Queen as surely as a fly on fly paper, "Walsingham sometimes made [her] shiver. [She] sometimes thought of him as a spider, waiting at the centre of a vast web. Waiting to pounce whenever an unwary fly … traitor … fell foul of its sticky threads."
That mission leaves Ursula trapped in the grim and dangerous position of being accused of wrongdoing. A factor that could lead to her death.
Tension as always was near to breaking point and the resolution a relief, with past actions brought to bear on Ursula's current situation.
As always Buckley provides insights into daily life and fears in Tudor times, which are both instructive and intriguing.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
January 29, 2020
Nice easy read. Nothing too spectacular but good enough to fill a few hours.
July 26, 2019
Gentlewoman widow gets involved in murky doings but that's okay, she keeps her head and has a group of loyal and clever servants backing her.
This loyal group tries to convince her something is wrong when she's asked to steal back a wedding gift. It could be tied to a recent murder, which I thought would be more emphasized or the story. She doesn't listen and the something wrong becomes apparent . For such a supposedly intelligent person she ignores the warnings and blunders ahead. But if she didn't we wouldn't have an adventure. It does move slowly but finally speeds up towards the end.
This loyal group tries to convince her something is wrong when she's asked to steal back a wedding gift. It could be tied to a recent murder, which I thought would be more emphasized or the story. She doesn't listen and the something wrong becomes apparent . For such a supposedly intelligent person she ignores the warnings and blunders ahead. But if she didn't we wouldn't have an adventure. It does move slowly but finally speeds up towards the end.
March 10, 2019
This is book 17th in this series set Elizabethan England and whilst it can be read as a standalone reading the previous books will give the reader a better understanding of the characters and their place in Society .
Tasked by Sir Frances Walsingham, the Queen's Spymaster, to keep an eye on her new neighbour Giles Frost she gains entry to his home by offering to teach his daughters embroidery . Frost , with his many trade deals with the Spanish . is suspected of passing on information that would be detrimental to England in a time of war .
Ursula , in the guise of everyday conversations , passes on false information supplied to her by Walsingham , with a view to determining if Frost is really a traitor .
Ursula is also determined to have a new stained glass window made and visits Julius Stagg in his workshop …….. where he deliberately shows her a chest that is part of a dowry . Why does he do this ? Who does the chest belong to ?
This book is almost in two parts - the first the plot within plots regarding Giles Frost , the second is the disappearance of the chest .
Ursula must use all her wits to solve the puzzles and keep herself safe from the dangers that abound .
The Author skills bring to life the sights , sounds of this era ……….. showing how much the Queen and England relied on the skills of her 'spymasters' to foil plots against her reign .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Tasked by Sir Frances Walsingham, the Queen's Spymaster, to keep an eye on her new neighbour Giles Frost she gains entry to his home by offering to teach his daughters embroidery . Frost , with his many trade deals with the Spanish . is suspected of passing on information that would be detrimental to England in a time of war .
Ursula , in the guise of everyday conversations , passes on false information supplied to her by Walsingham , with a view to determining if Frost is really a traitor .
Ursula is also determined to have a new stained glass window made and visits Julius Stagg in his workshop …….. where he deliberately shows her a chest that is part of a dowry . Why does he do this ? Who does the chest belong to ?
This book is almost in two parts - the first the plot within plots regarding Giles Frost , the second is the disappearance of the chest .
Ursula must use all her wits to solve the puzzles and keep herself safe from the dangers that abound .
The Author skills bring to life the sights , sounds of this era ……….. showing how much the Queen and England relied on the skills of her 'spymasters' to foil plots against her reign .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
May 22, 2019
"Web of Silk" earns 5+/5 Elizabethan Spies...Engaging Must Read!
Hop into your time machine and set the dials for 1582 England...then get ready for an intriguing page-turner of espionage, theft, and murder! This is my introduction to Ursula Blanchard and her life in Elizabethan England, but I found enough references to background and character connections to keep me in the know most of the time. Ursula is directed by the Queen Elizabeth's spymaster Sir Walsingham to keep a close eye on her new neighbor Giles Frost. It is rumored Frost is spying for the King of Spain, and Ursula is expected to casually feed him false information to trap him in his treason. Intriguing. Entertaining. A very informative experience with historical events and characters weaving through the story. Fiona Buckley's writing style included vivid descriptions, explanations, and dialogue that illustrated well the Elizabethan times, class, and mores of English society. She has penned a delightful first-person narrative from Ursula's perspective, and although the times do not afford her the independence contemporary women enjoy, she is strong, intelligent, and a fascinating character. I am absolutely hooked, and eager to read the previous book!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
Hop into your time machine and set the dials for 1582 England...then get ready for an intriguing page-turner of espionage, theft, and murder! This is my introduction to Ursula Blanchard and her life in Elizabethan England, but I found enough references to background and character connections to keep me in the know most of the time. Ursula is directed by the Queen Elizabeth's spymaster Sir Walsingham to keep a close eye on her new neighbor Giles Frost. It is rumored Frost is spying for the King of Spain, and Ursula is expected to casually feed him false information to trap him in his treason. Intriguing. Entertaining. A very informative experience with historical events and characters weaving through the story. Fiona Buckley's writing style included vivid descriptions, explanations, and dialogue that illustrated well the Elizabethan times, class, and mores of English society. She has penned a delightful first-person narrative from Ursula's perspective, and although the times do not afford her the independence contemporary women enjoy, she is strong, intelligent, and a fascinating character. I am absolutely hooked, and eager to read the previous book!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
June 10, 2019
This is the second book I have read in the Ursula Blanchard series which is set in the reign of Elizabeth 1. Ursula is a remarkable woman who is said to be the Queen's sister and as such she has a particular entre to the court and the people who frequent it - in particular to Lord Burleigh and Walsingham. Indeed Ursula is sometimes called upon to act as an agent for Elizabeth's spy master. In this tale she is called upon to pass on some incorrect information regarding the English fleet with a view to this being passed to Spain. Along with this she manages to get involved in a plot which would lead to her being accused of theft.
So this is effectively a historical novel with the added spice of a crime mystery. Now, I want to say that this isn't a brilliant plot (and I don't think it is) but the thing is, I was completely involved and wanted to see what would transpire. I find Ursula a bit smug but I quite like the way it is written in the first person and it comes across as a bit gossipy. What I did love was all the information about how stained glass windows were constructed - fascinating.
An easy, light read and for fans of the genre, it must be a winner.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
So this is effectively a historical novel with the added spice of a crime mystery. Now, I want to say that this isn't a brilliant plot (and I don't think it is) but the thing is, I was completely involved and wanted to see what would transpire. I find Ursula a bit smug but I quite like the way it is written in the first person and it comes across as a bit gossipy. What I did love was all the information about how stained glass windows were constructed - fascinating.
An easy, light read and for fans of the genre, it must be a winner.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
May 26, 2019
A Web of Silk
by Fiona Buckley
Severn House
Crème de la Crime
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 01 Jun 2019
I am reviewing a copy of A Web of Silk through Severn House and Netgalley:
This book takes us back in time to August of 1582. The queen’s spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham has ordered Ursula to keep an eye on her new neighbor, Giles Frost, who it is rumored has been spying for King Phillip of Spain. Ursula arrives st the Knoll House on the pretext of teaching his two daughters embroidery. But Ursula’s secret mission is in fact to feed false information to frost to pass on to the Spanish. Walsingham has assured Ursula she would not be in danger but that changes when events take a sinister turn when a body is found in the woods near Ursula’s home, a stained glass window is smashed and a bridal dowry stolen!
What secrets does the Knoll house hold?
I found A Web Of Silk to be an engaging read, a book that I did not want to set down until I finished so I give it five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
May 19, 2019
Oh the machinations of Elizabethean England! I read this as a standalone and was both thoroughly confused and thoroughly entranced at the same time- and that is the measure of a good mystery. Sir Francis Walshingham wants to know what Ursula's neighbor Giles Frost is up to. She cooks up a way to determine whether he's passing information tot he Spanish by teaching his daughters. At the same time, there's a thread (no pun intended) about a stained glass window and a dowry chest. It all comes together in the end in a way that left me looking forward to another in the series. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of historical mysteries.
June 9, 2019
This is the latest adventure for Ursula Blanchard as she does spying for her sister Queen Elizabeth and her spymasters. The author recreates the English countryside in great detail and I liked the side stories describing how stained glass windows were created in those times and the embroidery lessons that Ursula undertakes as part of her spying mission.Unfortunately, the main plot was hard to take seriously and that Ursula would let herself be tricked as she was.I will not write more for fear of spoilers. I still recommend this book because of the setting and the author's recreation of this historical period.
February 27, 2021
I probably shouldn’t have followed the excellent Mirror and the Light with this. I wanted to stay in the Tudor moment, and this was one of the books suggested, but I ask you- is it necessary to tell the reader that you planned to stable the coach at an Inn, tell a character as dialog, remind us two paragraphs later and then just once more- just in case we forgot- that the coach was stabled at the Inn? That’s when I returned this to the library. The introductory exposition, which I know authors of mystery series like to do, was blandly written and despite that, I tried to stay interested. I guess I left my coach at the Inn. I am planning on reading the first in the series.
August 11, 2019
Ursula once again becomes involved, at least partly against her will, in Walsingham's intrigues. Together with her companion, Sybil, she travels to the Frost family estate, to help instruct Giles Frost's twin daughters in embroidery. At the same time she arranges to have a recently broken stained glass window in the local church replaced. And before she knows it, Ursula has become deeply enmeshed in a web of deceit that could have serious consequences. Another quick, enjoyable volume in this series. Recommended.
January 17, 2021
In this book Ursuala is asked by Walshingham to take on a job in the home of a known spy to feed him inaccurate information. Ursuala and her trusted servants accompany her to help. She and Sybil Jester are there to teach the man's daughters embroidery. Meanwhile, a stained glass window is broken at the Hawkswood chapel and it just so happens a man who is a craftsman in the art arrives to offer his services to make a new one. One things leads to another and Ursula and Brockley are caught up in something they know will lead to no good.
January 26, 2020
Ok it was a bad move coming in at number 17 in a series but I didn’t realise it at the time. I found it extremely irritating that she kept revealing a litany of the outcomes of previous exploits. It was so annoying, there’s kind of no point reading books 1 to 16 now I know x marries y, y has a dastardly child they knew nothing about who held someone hostage and z is Henry viii’s illegitimate offspring. Even if I’d come to the series in order, it would be a tedious rehash. I’m so cross!
February 27, 2020
This is an entertaining book, but perhaps not as adventurous or complex as her previous works. Although I did enjoy the character studies and learning more of what makes Ursula tick, it was a very steady, ordinary part of this series. I almost would not have gone on reading the series if this had been an earlier book as it was a trifle bland. Usually her books have intrigue and adventure, but it was sorely lacking in this solid, but unexciting addition to the series.
February 6, 2025
Ursula and her close friends seldom have time to just enjoy life at home. Being a good neighbor, caring about the people in her life, figuring out puzzles and being a half-sister to the Queen leads her into another adventure with a possible Spanish spy and his daughters.
While the adventure was fast-paced and I enjoyed learning more about stitchery and stained glass, the middle of the book with Ursula and friends stealing back a large silver salt container was downright dumb!
While the adventure was fast-paced and I enjoyed learning more about stitchery and stained glass, the middle of the book with Ursula and friends stealing back a large silver salt container was downright dumb!
September 4, 2019
Well-drawn characters and an interesting look into spy games in Elizabethan times. As the plot with the stained glass and salt cellar developed, though, it was clear that the situation was a total set-up. It irritated me nearly to the point of quitting the book that Ursula, a strong and clever woman, didn’t see right through it and refuse to go along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2024
Started and finished date - 10.09.24 to 13.09.24.
My rating - Two stars.
I didn't enjoy if nearly as much as I was hoping to. Both the atmosphere and the writing was fine but the paced of plot was bit slow for my liking also the cover of book was fine. The characters was okay but I feel like they were flash out.
My rating - Two stars.
I didn't enjoy if nearly as much as I was hoping to. Both the atmosphere and the writing was fine but the paced of plot was bit slow for my liking also the cover of book was fine. The characters was okay but I feel like they were flash out.
Read
October 16, 2025Good details of the time period. I hadn't read another Ursula Blanchard book before, and it helps to know the cast of characters and their histories. Such a dangerous time to be alive. She does undertake a treacherous and ultimately stupid challenge, so it detracts somewhat from the book. And the queen is nowhere to be found.
July 27, 2019
Enjoyable. And a new author!
March 21, 2021
A good story
July 17, 2022
Very good mystery!!!
September 4, 2023
Ursula just does not know when to stop messing around. And Dale still drives me up a wall. Other than that, a very good installment.
March 9, 2025
please see my review of this book on you tube deluise book series in april
July 21, 2019
Ursula Blanchard, half-sister to Queen Elizabeth, gets herself into another fine medieval mess.
I have to say, I could not, absolutely not, see her being persuaded to locate and steal valuables from a host's home. By someone she barely knew. The author puts Ursula in this situation in order, I think, to have a good nose around a country manor house; but I actually preferred the second story thread, about a stained glass window in the small church.
If you've been following the series you'll want to grab this book and if you haven't, this would be a reasonable starting point but they each read as standalones. Have fun.
I downloaded this e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
I have to say, I could not, absolutely not, see her being persuaded to locate and steal valuables from a host's home. By someone she barely knew. The author puts Ursula in this situation in order, I think, to have a good nose around a country manor house; but I actually preferred the second story thread, about a stained glass window in the small church.
If you've been following the series you'll want to grab this book and if you haven't, this would be a reasonable starting point but they each read as standalones. Have fun.
I downloaded this e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
July 27, 2020
At age 6, Valarie Anand announced she would grow up to be a writer. She picked up a red crayon, and began her first story on a folded sheet of lined paper. She did become a writer, at first being part of the world of technical writing and editing. In 1989 she began her career as an author. Writing as Fiona Buckley, created the wonderful Ursula Blanchard series beginning with To Shield the Queen (1997). In an author interview from 2008, Buckley describes her series: "It’s essentially a mixture of mystery and Elizabethan espionage and it is more concerned with detection and mystery-solving than with violent adventure."
A web of silk is set in August 1582. Ursula is tasked with observing her new neighbor, Giles Frost. Frost may or may not be an agent for King Philip of Spain. Walsingham worries about the political ramifications if Frost is in fact threat to the crown. Ursula goes to Knoll House under the pretext of teaching embroidery. In fact she is to pass false information to Frost. Plans go awry when a body
is discovered along with a missing dowry. Will Ursula be exposed? And what part does a shattered stained glass window play in the mystery.
Told by a master this satisfying novel will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
A web of silk is set in August 1582. Ursula is tasked with observing her new neighbor, Giles Frost. Frost may or may not be an agent for King Philip of Spain. Walsingham worries about the political ramifications if Frost is in fact threat to the crown. Ursula goes to Knoll House under the pretext of teaching embroidery. In fact she is to pass false information to Frost. Plans go awry when a body
is discovered along with a missing dowry. Will Ursula be exposed? And what part does a shattered stained glass window play in the mystery.
Told by a master this satisfying novel will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews