The Queen's Lender

by Jean Findlay

George Heriot, jeweller of King James VI, bounces off the page in this thoughtfully crafted fictional narrative of a man who became richer than the king himself, but was nonetheless bound by the hardships and limitations of the times in which he lived in. Findlay produces a very human and detailed fictional account of a very real man with a very real influence, the school in Edinburgh being founded by him as one example of a strand of his influence, but throughout his life nonetheless encountered a prolonged balancing act of power between that of his own wife, the king’s, ambassadors etc. and must consequently adjust to the precarious life at court in London.

Genres: Historical Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published February 14, 2022

About the author

Jean Findlay is the author of Chasing Lost Time - the Life of C.K. Scott Moncrieff, Soldier, Spy and Translator (2014).

Reviews

[Beata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction set at the court of James VI of Scotland and his Queen who plays the main role in patronage offered to a jeweller, George Heriot, a man who seeks family happiness but for whom fortune is not gracious. What I appreciated most was the development of characters, intimate portrayals of both royals and the feeling of authenticity through Scots despite some difficulty at times understanding it. It does feel real to follow dialgues in Scots and reading them aloud helped me a lot. Following decades of George's life, seemingly quiet and uneventful, in spite of his closeness to the royal family and court, kept me engaged throughout. I believe Queen's Lender deserves the fifth star from me as a thank-you for overall joy I received while reading it.
*Thank-you to Jean Findlay, Scotland Street Press, and Edelweiss for a free copy of the book.*

[Mirrin Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work of historical narrative fiction about George Heriot, the famed goldsmith and philanthropist whom the school in Edinburgh is named after, is as brilliant and vibrant as the man himself. Findlay's incredibly detailed use and portrayal of Scots language leap out of the pages themselves and welcome you with warmth, familiarity and a great deal of character in this book that detail the important and influential life of the Scottish jeweller; a life filled with ambition, secrecy, love and the constant transferences of power and knowledge. This is a must-read for any British and Scottish history lover as well as anyone who craves to delve into the vividly human side of monarchial history.

[Rupert Wolfe-Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was wondering if this would be a "heavy" history book and was glad to find that it's anything but. It's a relatively short book, with dashes of Scots language and is a good place to start finding out about a fascinating period of Scottish history.

The start is very personal and throughout this gripping story the historical backdrop, the events of the day, are handled with a light touch. The result is that one feels close to the main character, the Queen's jeweller, George Heriot, whose name is still well-known in Edinburgh as the founder of one of our best schools.

His story is remarkable. Heriot rose from humble beginnings to become not only the Queen's favourite jeweller but a lender to her as well. His decision to follow the royal family to London when King James the VI of Scotland was offered the English throne (to become King James I of England) felt very brave. The "court" around the royal family, both in Edinburgh and London, is described (again, with that light touch) as a rather sinister place; especially for a humble jeweller who gives his most precious items to the queen, in return for credit, and one gets the impression that our hero could be bumped-off at any point as he doesn't have the protection that would come from being part of a great aristocratic family. There is a moment of dread at the end of the book when the queen dies and the question is -- will the court pay her debts? Fortunately for the great Edinburgh school he founded, as well as his own welfare, George Heriot was repaid in full. Frequent mention is made of the fact that he spent his evening doing his accounts and this, presumably, is what convinced the court that he was diligent and honest.

It's clear there was a lot of snobbery in England against King James, as well as religious intolerance, but, as a reader, I was more interested in the fate of our hero -- the kind and wise jeweller. One of the few things I remember from my own history lessons in Scotland was that the teacher described King James as "The wisest fool in Christendom", and I wonder if this is a hangover of the negative rumours spread by the English court about a King they regarded as an outsider. It was a turbulent period of history and just staying on the throne for as long as James did was a great achievement in itself: he was crowned King of Scotland as an infant, took the reigns of power aged 12, took over the English crown aged 37 and held onto it until his death at the age of 57.

There's a sense of menace and doom hanging over our hero as people were killed with such ease in those days but, again, this is handled deftly and it's more like the feeling when one has when reading a detective novel.

Some people might find the use of Scots language a bit off-putting but I welcome it as it brings back memories of characters from childhood. I'm not fluent but I know enough to understand the dialogues, many of which are in Scots. But if you've read Trainspotting or any of the other great novels by Irvine Welsh you'll find this book easy. In the Trainspotting series the Scots language is used as a weapon -- threats and curses in almost every sentence -- and this is typical in that Scots is generally used in the media and entertainment industries by villains or comedians. It's wonderful to see Scots being used not only by skilled tradesmen, but noblemen and even the king himself.

I was quite sad to end the book as I felt I'd become close to the characters and I wanted the story to go on. It's quite short. I'd be very happy to read a sequel, or a detailed political history of King James VI/I, by this wonderful writer.

[Charlie Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in beautiful, flowing prose, as concise as another book about the-present-Queen (by Alan Bennett!) and certainly not heavy reading, as another author, Rupert Wolfe-Murray, has also acknowledged..in fact it flows out of the pen of someone who has, as I know.. intimate knowledge of Edinburgh, having studied...and latterly worked at the Fringe Festival.
Jean has a straight way of storytelling that opens us up and a compassionate eye for the common touch, in her own way having supported all kinds, friends like Lala Meredith Vula a marvellous photographer..who accompanied her and Sally Hampson..now a weaver, to Paris, Berlin and other cities with Edinburgh's humbled, poorest people.
Frank observation and truthful detail combine to reveal so much (and in theatre even 'South American 'theatre of the oppressed' struggles to keep pace-but I'm now distracting from her rollicking, historically accurate book which deserves plenty of credit and attention of its own. There is subtle reference to the menace of the King's Court hunting - cantering out on horseback 'a day's ride' from Edinburgh so that they find witches, as they "cannae be both'r'd to ride further"! So all those who are burned are equidistant from Edinburgh! Interesting synchronicity!-Such deft, concise ridicule and insight is comic, damningly accurate and reveals the horror. I hope I might reread it as some writers help build one's own confidence. Riding to London with the King as Heriot does..after whom university-and school are named-is daring and children and mothers are shoved like modern refugees onto unsafe boats in precarious, dangerous swells of waters...I don't want to spoil with details..though!
The recreation of the time through Scots dialect as mentioned before is superbly vivid and flows like we are standing on the four hundred year old cobbles of Grassmarket [as the language is often relegated to comic or criminal characterisation], but is just as I remember from talking to homeless, who have the sweetest patter...if at times angry and reckless. I hope with publishers and writers like this we can embark on a New Renaissance, as I believe Godard and Branagh..spoke of.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually enjoyed this way more than I thought I would lol

[historic_chronicles · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Heriot is a name that is still very well known within my hometown of Edinburgh as the founder of one of the most prestigious schools in the city. Naturally, I was intrigued by the premise of this story from the perspective of such a well known figure from Scottish History.

George Heriot was the royal jeweller/goldsmith to King James VI/I and Queen Anne, growing in prominence as he became a close confidant to the Queen and a personal "lender" which provided him with great wealth and influence.

With a flowing prose, Findlay vividly sets the stage for a remarkable period of history as King James became sovereign of two lands.

The author has a masterful ability to create an intimate experience while reading this novel with a dedication to accuracy - I could feel the damp surroundings of Edinburgh's Old Town with its vibrant smells and sounds.

While primarily written in standard English, I truly loved the inclusion of Scots language within the dialogue which I thought was handled beautifully. I felt that it brought a whole new sense of realism to the characters and I especially found the gradual alteration of certain character's language as they lived in England to be fascinating.

The author provides a distinctive humour and lightness to the prose which is entertaining throughout but still retains the correct amount of tension and dark religious undertones required for the 17th Century Court.

This book has, without a doubt, been one of my favourite historical reads lately.

Thank you so much to @scotstreetpress for so kindly gifting me a copy to review.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Fascinating learning about the life of George Heriot and the court of King James VI. The book was gorgeously written, felt very historically accurate yet told as a vivid story that was easily digestible as a reader. It was the perfect summer read, easy to follow, absorbing. A pleasure of a book.

[Sydney Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite shows was "The Tudors," and if you're a fan of historical fiction and British history, this is a delectable read. I thought the use of actual Scots by the characters at the beginning was so interesting, and I loved Findlay's eloquent prose and dedication to historical fact. A perfect summer read, indeed!

[Shelflife · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an extraordinary mix of fiction grounded in well researched historical fact. Jean Findlay brings us a book that shows us another perspective on sixteenth century life at court as it is written from the perspective of a jewellery maker rather than a lord or royal.

George Heriot is the main character who tells us his thoughts on the royal court and their courtiers. He becomes a very important member of the court thanks to his intelligence and talent. He was appointed the Goldsmith to Anne of Denmark, the Queen Consort. Throughout the story we find out about his life and we also learn more about King James VI and I son of Mary Queen of Scots.

The narrator’s sections of the book are written in normal English as you would expect however the parts of the story containing dialogue between characters is written with a scots twist. English is not my first language but I didn’t find this too complicated to understand and felt it make the story and characters more real. Jean Findlay uses scots dialect as well as incredibly nuanced and descriptive language to really bring the different scenes and environments to the reader.

I was so intrigued with the story from the beginning and this is a book which I didn’t want to put down. I love history and this book touches on so many historical facts that it made me want to research more into it. One such topic that is mentioned repeatedly in the book and that I found particularly fascinating is witchcraft. Superstition and witch-hunting are an ongoing background detail of the story due to King James personal obsession and the society of the periods fear of witchcraft.

If you love to read historical fiction or want an entertaining way to learn more about the history of this period, I would definitely recommend this book to you.

[Wilbur M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Findlay’s The Queen’s Lender swept me into a world where jewels, politics, and languages shimmered side by side. I was immediately struck by how vividly she captures 17th-century Edinburgh and London, not as static historical backdrops, but as living, breathing spaces of ambition and tension. Her descriptions of the Scottish court, where five languages echo at once, feel almost cinematic.

George Heriot’s story is told with a quiet yet accumulating intensity. As a jeweler, he is both an artist and a witness, one foot in beauty, the other in power. I loved how Findlay doesn’t glorify him but shows his fascination and fatigue with royal life.

What impressed me most was the balance between research and imagination. The historical detail is meticulous, the fabrics, coins, even the scent of court life - but it never overwhelms the narrative. Findlay has the rare gift of writing history as though she lived it.

By the end, I felt I had glimpsed the delicate machinery behind the creation of the United Kingdom not through battles, but through art, vanity, and human desire. A beautiful, intelligent novel.

[Arthur V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always been fascinated by the early Stuart period, and The Queen’s Lender brought it to life in a way few novels have. Jean Findlay writes about the union of crowns and the shifting balance between Scotland and England with both precision and empathy. The story of George Heriot offers a new lens, one of trade, craftsmanship, and the quiet diplomacy of art.

Findlay’s prose is elegant without being distant. She captures the rhythm of speech and thought of the time while keeping the pace brisk. The court of King James and Queen Anna becomes a microcosm of ambition, language, and jealousy.

What really drew me in was the moral undertone, the sense that beauty and greed are entwined. Heriot’s jewels illuminate more than they adorn; they expose the fragility of loyalty and truth in a world built on appearances.

This is historical fiction written with moral intelligence and artistic restraint. I’ll be recommending it to readers who appreciate Hilary Mantel and Tracy Chevalier alike.

[Whitman Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Queen’s Lender. Jean Findlay takes a real person, George Heriot, and makes him feel completely alive on the page. You can tell she did her research, but what makes the book special is how real Heriot feels. He’s smart, loyal, and ambitious, but also human as he makes mistakes and struggles to balance his duty to the king with his own heart.

I liked how the story shows both sides of royal life. It’s not all gold and jewels; it’s also about power games, hard choices, and people trying to survive in a world full of expectations. Heriot’s relationships, especially with his wife and the king, make the story emotional and believable.

The writing is clear and easy to follow, and the world feels real without being heavy or confusing. It’s the kind of historical novel that makes you forget you’re reading about the past. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about ambition, loyalty, and the human side of history.

[Graeme · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a series of fictionalised episodes related to the life of George Heriot, jeweller to Anna of Denmark and James VI & I, rather than a conventional historical novel. Jean Findlay plays fast and loose with history places. The Duke of Lennox was a French Stuart, an early favourite and a patron of the arts. He was not a Calvinist zealot. George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, was from a family of minor gentry in Leicestershire, not a Scottish nobleman. The discussion of religious factions by Ben Johnson and William Drummond of Hawthornden is alleged to have encompassed Covenanters, who did not appear on the scene until the reign of Charles I. But, in the end, Findlay successfully captures the majestic vision of George Heriot's legacy to mither Edinburgh and her faitherless bairns.

[Tiffany Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Findlay’s "The Queen’s Lender" brings history to life through the fascinating story of George Heriot, jeweller to King James VI. Rather than treating him as a distant figure, Findlay shows him as a man torn between loyalty, love, and ambition. His growing wealth and influence never shield him from the emotional cost of serving those in power, and that’s what makes him so believable.

The writing is elegant and immersive full of vivid scenes of royal courts, political tension, and personal struggle. Findlay captures the fragile balance of power in Heriot’s world while keeping his humanity at the center.

This book is not just about jewels or kings; it’s about a man trying to stay true to himself amid temptation and danger. A thoughtful, well-crafted story for anyone who enjoys rich, character-driven historical fiction.

[Charlotte Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen’s Lender is a beautifully written novel that turns history into something deeply human. Jean Findlay tells the story of George Heriot; jeweller and confidant to King James VI with warmth and precision. Through him, we see both the glitter of royal life and the quiet toll it takes behind the scenes.

The tension between Heriot’s duty to the crown and his personal values drives the book, and every relationship from his marriage to his dealings at court feels real and layered. The historical setting is detailed without ever feeling heavy, and the story moves with steady grace.

Findlay’s writing shines with empathy and insight. Heriot’s life, full of ambition, generosity, and restraint, becomes a powerful reflection on what it means to live with integrity. A rewarding read for anyone who loves history told through the heart.

[Sophie Hargreaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen’s Lender surprised me in the best way. It’s not just about a man who becomes rich serving a king; it’s about what that kind of life does to a person. George Heriot is caught between power and responsibility, and you can really feel the pressure he lives under.

Jean Findlay writes in a way that makes everything come alive: the court, the jewels, the whispers behind closed doors. You can picture it all. But what I liked most was how she shows Heriot’s heart. Even though he’s surrounded by wealth and influence, he never stops trying to do the right thing.

By the end, I felt like I really knew him. The book left me thinking about how hard it can be to stay honest and kind when the world around you is ruled by money and politics. It’s a touching, well-told story that stays with you after you finish it.

[Georgina Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read and deeply moving.

[Frances · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Full of dialogue in Scots - fairly unintelligible - ended up having to skip most of it

[Elle Jay Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absorbing tale based on the life of George Herriot.

[Keith Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - it’s a good depiction of life around the time of James VI. It had a slightly slow start but I really enjoyed it!

[Emily Hartke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. I’ve read much worse, but I’ve also read better.

3/5 ⭐️

[Adri Dosi · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2,5 Za mě velká ztráta času. Ta kniha je celkem o ničem. Ano, kecání o ženách, porodech, řemeslné tvorbě, vztazích, postavení.. Ano, jmen do haleluja, ale za mě prostě ne.

[Jono Weir · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a well written book! Aw I really enjoyed this from start to finish! The Scot’s dialect was so immersive to read and the world really did come alive and feel so real! I was sad when the novel finished, both not wanting it to end and for me I very much looked into the morality of a person, their life and what it feels like as it draws to an end and what is left behind - the unknown etc which follows death. Very powerful book.

[Randy Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was interesting and I learned a lot. I’d like to thank the publisher for making this book available in a Goodreads giveaway.