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Kit Scarlett Tudor Mysteries #1
The Gentlewoman Spy
What happens when the spymaster’s right-hand man turns out to be a woman…?
1584, London
Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster to the Tudor Queen Elizabeth has trained Kit Scarlett since she was a girl. Aware that she is able to infiltrate places that his male agents cannot, he sees her as an invaluable member of his team.
When Walsingham discovers that a rebel alliance is planning to overthrow Queen Elizabeth and put Mary, Queen of Scots on the English throne, he summons Kit immediately.
Together with loyal Scottish agent Iomhar Blackwood, Kit is tasked with finding out the full details of the treasonous plot.
Both used to working alone, Kit and Iomhar struggle to get along, but they must come together if they are to have any chance of stopping the deadly conspiracy against the queen.
Can Kit secure her place in a man’s world? Will she save Queen Elizabeth?
Or will her daring ultimately be her downfall…?
THE GENTLEWOMAN SPY is the first book in the Kit Scarlett Tudor Mysteries Series. It is a thrilling historical espionage adventure set in Elizabethan London with a feisty female lead.
1584, London
Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster to the Tudor Queen Elizabeth has trained Kit Scarlett since she was a girl. Aware that she is able to infiltrate places that his male agents cannot, he sees her as an invaluable member of his team.
When Walsingham discovers that a rebel alliance is planning to overthrow Queen Elizabeth and put Mary, Queen of Scots on the English throne, he summons Kit immediately.
Together with loyal Scottish agent Iomhar Blackwood, Kit is tasked with finding out the full details of the treasonous plot.
Both used to working alone, Kit and Iomhar struggle to get along, but they must come together if they are to have any chance of stopping the deadly conspiracy against the queen.
Can Kit secure her place in a man’s world? Will she save Queen Elizabeth?
Or will her daring ultimately be her downfall…?
THE GENTLEWOMAN SPY is the first book in the Kit Scarlett Tudor Mysteries Series. It is a thrilling historical espionage adventure set in Elizabethan London with a feisty female lead.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2022
273 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Adele Jordan
8 books27 followersAdele is a writer with a fascination for history. Her focus is fiction in the Tudor era, telling the stories of women and adventure. Whether it’s inspired by true events or created purely from imagination, she desires to write stories from this captivating era that haven’t been written before of those on the edges of society, the paupers, the spies, the workers and those who have not had a voice.
Adele studied English at the University of Exeter before moving into an eclectic career of publishing and marketing. Having worked with the National Trust’s photography department for two years, Adele travelled the country to visit the landscapes and historical places that have carved England and Wales’ heritage. When Covid struck, the job disappeared overnight, and Adele committed her time to ghost writing and authoring her own stories, returning to her childhood dream job. Since then, she has had over twenty successful books published as a ghost writer and hopes to turn that success into stories now written in her own name.
Adele studied English at the University of Exeter before moving into an eclectic career of publishing and marketing. Having worked with the National Trust’s photography department for two years, Adele travelled the country to visit the landscapes and historical places that have carved England and Wales’ heritage. When Covid struck, the job disappeared overnight, and Adele committed her time to ghost writing and authoring her own stories, returning to her childhood dream job. Since then, she has had over twenty successful books published as a ghost writer and hopes to turn that success into stories now written in her own name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 23, 2023
The book had its entertaining moments. It really spotlights the work of two characters working for Walsingham, her majesty's (Queen Elizabeth I) spymaster. How many books have I read covering Tudor intrigue? Many. There were some entertaining segments of highly improbable events, but it was a bit over the top for me.
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August 29, 2022
1584 when Sir Francis Walsingham discovers a plot to over throw Queen Elizabeth with Mary Stuart he charges his only female spy Kit Scarlett to pair up with Iomhar Blackwood and undercover the guilty parties.
An entertaining historical thriller and mystery story though I did find the character of Kit somewhat irritating.
(Not sure tobacco smoking had arrived in London by 1584, 1586 maybe)
An entertaining historical thriller and mystery story though I did find the character of Kit somewhat irritating.
(Not sure tobacco smoking had arrived in London by 1584, 1586 maybe)
August 13, 2022
A new heroine for fans of historical fiction.
Still deep in my historical spy fiction craze, I was happily devouring the SW Perry series of Jackdaw mysteries when Netgalley offered up a book set in exactly the same period. The blurb grabbed my attention so I decided to jump right in.
And what a revelation it was.
"The Gentlewoman Spy" opens in Edinburgh, in 1584 where we find lady spy Kit Scarlett scaling the walls of Edinburgh Castle, in order to retrieve an important message from a prisoner. Her hasty exit from the castle results in a hell-for-leather chase through the streets of Auld Reekie to her boat in Leith docks. Her escape is almost thwarted by a determined soldier, who she only avoids after slashing him with her knife. Some days later she is reporting to Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster to the Tudor Queen, Elizabeth. Imagine her surprise when he teams her up with a fellow spy, none other than the soldier she so recently escaped from.
What follows is a non-stop race against time, as Kit and fellow spy and Scot Iomhar Blackwood seek to uncover the plot to murder Elizabeth and restore Mary, Queen of Scots, to the throne. It's a rollicking ride, with plotters, spies, traitors and heroes. The pace doesn't let up for a minute. Glorious chases through 16th century London, narrow escapes and dubious encounters all lead to an exciting finish.
The characters of Kit and Iomhar, and their fractious relationship are a joy. Both are used to working alone, and both have secrets in their past, not all of which are revealed. But as they grow to trust each other, the reader is truly invested in their fates. The sights and smells of Elizabethan London are nicely conveyed, and there's just enough history to add context to the story.
Readers of SW Perry, Andrew Taylor or CJ Sansom should find the lighter tone and less history-laded narrative a nice change. I certainly did, and I thoroughly recommend it to fans of historical detective fiction. I was glad to receive the Netgalley ARC, but I'll be keen to get my hands on a proper copy for another read.
Still deep in my historical spy fiction craze, I was happily devouring the SW Perry series of Jackdaw mysteries when Netgalley offered up a book set in exactly the same period. The blurb grabbed my attention so I decided to jump right in.
And what a revelation it was.
"The Gentlewoman Spy" opens in Edinburgh, in 1584 where we find lady spy Kit Scarlett scaling the walls of Edinburgh Castle, in order to retrieve an important message from a prisoner. Her hasty exit from the castle results in a hell-for-leather chase through the streets of Auld Reekie to her boat in Leith docks. Her escape is almost thwarted by a determined soldier, who she only avoids after slashing him with her knife. Some days later she is reporting to Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster to the Tudor Queen, Elizabeth. Imagine her surprise when he teams her up with a fellow spy, none other than the soldier she so recently escaped from.
What follows is a non-stop race against time, as Kit and fellow spy and Scot Iomhar Blackwood seek to uncover the plot to murder Elizabeth and restore Mary, Queen of Scots, to the throne. It's a rollicking ride, with plotters, spies, traitors and heroes. The pace doesn't let up for a minute. Glorious chases through 16th century London, narrow escapes and dubious encounters all lead to an exciting finish.
The characters of Kit and Iomhar, and their fractious relationship are a joy. Both are used to working alone, and both have secrets in their past, not all of which are revealed. But as they grow to trust each other, the reader is truly invested in their fates. The sights and smells of Elizabethan London are nicely conveyed, and there's just enough history to add context to the story.
Readers of SW Perry, Andrew Taylor or CJ Sansom should find the lighter tone and less history-laded narrative a nice change. I certainly did, and I thoroughly recommend it to fans of historical detective fiction. I was glad to receive the Netgalley ARC, but I'll be keen to get my hands on a proper copy for another read.
February 13, 2023
Adele Jordan “the gentlewoman spy”
Nice , adventurous story of a woman-spy, placed at the second half of the reign of Elizabeth I.
It’s fast paced, engaging and entertaining. 1584 is marked with trouble brewing from Mary Queen of Scots supporters and threat to Elizabeth I life and crown. Strategically placed Walsingham’s intelligencers uncover and trying to thwart Mary’s supporters plots against the Queen.
The main character is Kit (Kitty, Katherine) Scarlett, brought up and taught by Walsingham himself as a spy. Unlikely paired with young Scotsman Iomhar, the fellow agent, both prove to be efficient and capable to untangle the treasonous yarn of events.
Plenty of historic details will please a history buff and entertain anybody who loves a good spy story.
Nice , adventurous story of a woman-spy, placed at the second half of the reign of Elizabeth I.
It’s fast paced, engaging and entertaining. 1584 is marked with trouble brewing from Mary Queen of Scots supporters and threat to Elizabeth I life and crown. Strategically placed Walsingham’s intelligencers uncover and trying to thwart Mary’s supporters plots against the Queen.
The main character is Kit (Kitty, Katherine) Scarlett, brought up and taught by Walsingham himself as a spy. Unlikely paired with young Scotsman Iomhar, the fellow agent, both prove to be efficient and capable to untangle the treasonous yarn of events.
Plenty of historic details will please a history buff and entertain anybody who loves a good spy story.
December 8, 2023
I read this book so you don't have to. Absolutely appalling in every sense. The plot is thinner than a terminal junkie. The characterisation is so poor that you end up caring not one whit about any of these cardboard cut-outs masquerading as leading characters. Just awful. The worst of all is the "Scottish" aspect. Ms. Jordan appears to think that using Ye instead of you, nae instead of no and finally aye instead of yes constitutes a "Scots" accent. "Bampot" wasn't used until 1960 . Arbroath Smokies were unknown in the 16th century, and "in the name of the wee man" is colloquial Glaswegian circa 1950. The "hero" has a West Highland gaelic name of Iomhar (pronounced Ifor). He would have been a Catholic. He would NOT have been a supporter of a Protestant Queen. The "heroine" of this awful tale, having been brought up in London, would not have understood 16th century Scots. Yet apparently with the liberal use of nae, aye and ye, she can pass as a Scot. Just how stupid is the gentle reader supposed to be?
If you are interested in Tudor-era based novels, avoid this heap of unadulterated crap like the plague. How on earth a commisioning editor let Ms. Jordan unleash this pile of written excrement upon us is beyond me. Do NOT, under any circumstances read this joke of a book. In real Scots, it "Biles my pish". No stars.
If you are interested in Tudor-era based novels, avoid this heap of unadulterated crap like the plague. How on earth a commisioning editor let Ms. Jordan unleash this pile of written excrement upon us is beyond me. Do NOT, under any circumstances read this joke of a book. In real Scots, it "Biles my pish". No stars.
August 25, 2022
I am rounding up from 2.5 stars. I had high hopes and the premise is fun, but the lead character is flat and often annoying. Her backstory and flashbacks are cliche and her choices as a well-trained spy are atrocious. She repeatedly makes poor decisions yet is repeatedly given more assignments. Her partner, a Scottish intelligencer, has marginally more depth of character but absolutely no purpose as an intelligencer other than to follow Kit about and banter with her. The plot felt thin and the many flashpoints too think and too contrived. The dialogue - particularly that of the heroine - also felt too modern and jarring.
I am hopeful that, as the first in a series, the following books will see character development and less clichéd writing. This is a fun premise and a fun read - there is considerable room for growth in future installments. I think part of my frustration with the book is that it was *okay* but really could have been so much more.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for the opportunity to review the ARC.
I am hopeful that, as the first in a series, the following books will see character development and less clichéd writing. This is a fun premise and a fun read - there is considerable room for growth in future installments. I think part of my frustration with the book is that it was *okay* but really could have been so much more.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for the opportunity to review the ARC.
November 29, 2024
I'm always in the market for Elizabethan era spy shenanigans... and while, yes, the protagonist makes a number of extremely idiotic choices for a supposedly oh-so-clever and welltrained spy, and sure, the plot is a little thin and hardly the most original thing in the world, this would nevertheless been largely entertaining - if not for the utterly insufferable male protagonist, whom I rather wanted to strangle throughout the entire book and whose presence made this a vastly more frustrating than enjoyable read.
May 9, 2025
This book was the most fun I've had reading something in awhile. The mystery was well-done, the court intrigue was extremely interesting, and the tension between our leads makes me want more of them immediately. This was an extremely fun read and I can't wait to read the next one.
January 29, 2024
Loved every second of this! A brilliant fresh take on Historical Fiction full of action with two absolutely brilliant main characters!
October 13, 2023
Overall, this was a fun read. Action kept me entertained, but not at the edge of my seat. There were parts where the story fell apart for me. Also, the main character kept making the same mistakes, never learning from them. But it's always nice to read about brave and clever women who built their own path. A spy is certainly an untraditional profession for a woman at the time.
March 25, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Gentlewoman Spy is a series starter in a new historical mystery series by Adele Jordan. Released 8th Aug 2022 by Sapere Books, it's 306 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series (now up to 4 books, with a fifth due out in June 2023), are also currently available on KU.
This is a spy/espionage thriller set in the Elizabethan period. Political machinations and currying favor in the court of the queen can cause dangerous, even deadly, fallout. One of the more valuable and competent operatives in the employ of spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham is an intelligent and capable female protege called Kit Scarlett.
The author is quite capable, and the characters are three dimensional and believable. The dialogue (of necessity) is written to be entirely accessible to modern readers, and happily the author has managed to avoid glaring modern anachronisms. The adventure is engagingly well written around a framework of actual people and events from the period. It's skillfully interwoven and not always easy to see where real history shades into fiction.
Four stars. With 4 books extant currently and a fifth due out soon, this would be a great choice for a series binge/buddy read. Fans of Ariana Franklin, Andrew Swanston, and SJ Parris will find a lot to enjoy here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Gentlewoman Spy is a series starter in a new historical mystery series by Adele Jordan. Released 8th Aug 2022 by Sapere Books, it's 306 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series (now up to 4 books, with a fifth due out in June 2023), are also currently available on KU.
This is a spy/espionage thriller set in the Elizabethan period. Political machinations and currying favor in the court of the queen can cause dangerous, even deadly, fallout. One of the more valuable and competent operatives in the employ of spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham is an intelligent and capable female protege called Kit Scarlett.
The author is quite capable, and the characters are three dimensional and believable. The dialogue (of necessity) is written to be entirely accessible to modern readers, and happily the author has managed to avoid glaring modern anachronisms. The adventure is engagingly well written around a framework of actual people and events from the period. It's skillfully interwoven and not always easy to see where real history shades into fiction.
Four stars. With 4 books extant currently and a fifth due out soon, this would be a great choice for a series binge/buddy read. Fans of Ariana Franklin, Andrew Swanston, and SJ Parris will find a lot to enjoy here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 23, 2022
Kit, Sir Francis Walsingham's protege, no sooner hears of a plot against the queen than she wants to be the one to prevent it. But Walsingham will permit her to be involved only if she works with a partner - specifically, Scottish agent Iomhar. The pair start off on the wrong foot and largely stay that way, though something unnameable is growing between them. Kit's secret weapon is that, as a woman, she's unlikely to be suspected - but even that may not be enough against the forces they face. Can Kit and Iomhar discover enough about the plot against the queen soon enough to be able to stop it? Time is running short and even what Iomhar considers Kit's crazy risks may not be enough...
This was the first book I've read by the author, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It ended up a bit of an 'I liked it - but...' story. Overall, I enjoyed the story itself, though there were a few parts that didn't quite ring true to me (like some of the crossbow stuff (though I'm no expert); and she seemed to learn to swim overly fast; and why did he chase her in the first chapter rather than taking advantage of the disturbance to do his own thing?). However, the writing could have done with some tightening up, and definitely needed an editor to fix the semi-occasional wrong word usage (e.g., ships have 'bows' not 'boughs' and women wear 'finery' not 'refinery'). If such things don't bother you and you find the blurb interesting, give it a try - but if you're the more picky type, it may be better to try something else. I'm undecided whether to try something more by the author myself in the hope that she's found an editor. 3.5 stars.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
This was the first book I've read by the author, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It ended up a bit of an 'I liked it - but...' story. Overall, I enjoyed the story itself, though there were a few parts that didn't quite ring true to me (like some of the crossbow stuff (though I'm no expert); and she seemed to learn to swim overly fast; and why did he chase her in the first chapter rather than taking advantage of the disturbance to do his own thing?). However, the writing could have done with some tightening up, and definitely needed an editor to fix the semi-occasional wrong word usage (e.g., ships have 'bows' not 'boughs' and women wear 'finery' not 'refinery'). If such things don't bother you and you find the blurb interesting, give it a try - but if you're the more picky type, it may be better to try something else. I'm undecided whether to try something more by the author myself in the hope that she's found an editor. 3.5 stars.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
August 18, 2022
Okay I’m addicted. I will now be a keen follower of this series and what promises to be, one amazing set of books! With this one being the first in the series, I went into it thinking what an epic plot and set of circumstances it sounded and it blew me away! I need ten more. An infinite amount more. This book really ticked all the boxes.
Historical fiction set in Elizabethan times? Yes please, what a great era to host a book in. Awesome characters you’re bound to love? Check, it has that too. Kit is one amazing lead character and one that I fell in love with instantly. You will really be rooting for her and I loved following her story as she carved her way into a mans world and flourishing in her role as spymaster (spymistress?) for the famed Walsingham.
There’s a plot afoot threatening Queen Elizabeth’s life and a ploy to place Mary Stuart on the throne. A battle against time ensues to ensure her safety and that this plot doesn’t come to fruition. The unassuming Kit is placed on the case but she isn’t alone. Walsingham pairs her with Iomhar (oh yeah, did I mention it has a sulky, dark and brooding soldier too? double and triple check).
The reluctant partnership (and subsequent banter) made for very entertaining reading and I was completely hooked and there for it. I can’t believe how quickly the pages dwindled and I was near the end before I knew it. I wasn’t ready! I want to read it all over again. Book two needed!
Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy of this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Historical fiction set in Elizabethan times? Yes please, what a great era to host a book in. Awesome characters you’re bound to love? Check, it has that too. Kit is one amazing lead character and one that I fell in love with instantly. You will really be rooting for her and I loved following her story as she carved her way into a mans world and flourishing in her role as spymaster (spymistress?) for the famed Walsingham.
There’s a plot afoot threatening Queen Elizabeth’s life and a ploy to place Mary Stuart on the throne. A battle against time ensues to ensure her safety and that this plot doesn’t come to fruition. The unassuming Kit is placed on the case but she isn’t alone. Walsingham pairs her with Iomhar (oh yeah, did I mention it has a sulky, dark and brooding soldier too? double and triple check).
The reluctant partnership (and subsequent banter) made for very entertaining reading and I was completely hooked and there for it. I can’t believe how quickly the pages dwindled and I was near the end before I knew it. I wasn’t ready! I want to read it all over again. Book two needed!
Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy of this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
September 28, 2022
Sir Francis Walsingham is a man who intrigues me so when I read the blurb of The Gentlewoman Spy I couldn't resist reading it.
The story begins with Kit undertaking her first solo mission in Scotland and returning to London where she meets another of Walsingham's agents. Much to her surprise she recognises him.
Walsingham quickly teams them up, to the disappointment of both agents, and so the humour begins.
The pair are funny as a duo with regular banter and quips making me laugh throughout.
Kit often finds herself in danger and on occasion I could empathise with Iomhar's frustration as Kit's actions cause repercussions.
This was a refreshing take on the espionage of the Tudor world. Kit and Iomhar are both strong characters and I thoroughly enjoyed how their relationship grew throughout the book as they continue to work together. Kit is definitely not what you would expect from an Elizabethan woman making this a really fun read, even with the plots and dangerous events.
The Gentlewoman Spy is certainly action packed and is fast paced throughout making you want to continue reading.
I liked Jordans portrayal of Elizabeth too, I already admire Elizabeth but it made her very endearing.
I'm really looking forward to reading more of the series and hope to see Kit and Iomhar working together once more.
The story begins with Kit undertaking her first solo mission in Scotland and returning to London where she meets another of Walsingham's agents. Much to her surprise she recognises him.
Walsingham quickly teams them up, to the disappointment of both agents, and so the humour begins.
The pair are funny as a duo with regular banter and quips making me laugh throughout.
Kit often finds herself in danger and on occasion I could empathise with Iomhar's frustration as Kit's actions cause repercussions.
This was a refreshing take on the espionage of the Tudor world. Kit and Iomhar are both strong characters and I thoroughly enjoyed how their relationship grew throughout the book as they continue to work together. Kit is definitely not what you would expect from an Elizabethan woman making this a really fun read, even with the plots and dangerous events.
The Gentlewoman Spy is certainly action packed and is fast paced throughout making you want to continue reading.
I liked Jordans portrayal of Elizabeth too, I already admire Elizabeth but it made her very endearing.
I'm really looking forward to reading more of the series and hope to see Kit and Iomhar working together once more.
September 7, 2022
The lady detectives of the 16th century - at least the ones I've read have all been ladies of the aristocracy who have the intelligence and keenness to turn their hands to detecting. In this story in 1584 the young spy is Kit a woman of no known background though one has suspicions of her lineage though nothing is said.
Walsingham Queen Elizabeth's spy master has discovered a plot which seeks to murder the Queen and place Mary Queen of the Scots on the throne. First despatched to Scotland to access a prisoner who may be able to give them clues Kit succeeds in this mission, disguised as a soldier. When the plot focuses on London she has to team up with someone whom she does not trust and finds hard to work with. Iomhar whom she has to work with is equally hesitant to work
with Kit but there is no choice in the matter.
How the aristocracy in London has penetrated the court, got easy access to the Queen and thus able to carry out an assassination is plotted through this story. Apart from the detective genre here, there is plenty of historical fiction to keep one on one's toes!
Walsingham Queen Elizabeth's spy master has discovered a plot which seeks to murder the Queen and place Mary Queen of the Scots on the throne. First despatched to Scotland to access a prisoner who may be able to give them clues Kit succeeds in this mission, disguised as a soldier. When the plot focuses on London she has to team up with someone whom she does not trust and finds hard to work with. Iomhar whom she has to work with is equally hesitant to work
with Kit but there is no choice in the matter.
How the aristocracy in London has penetrated the court, got easy access to the Queen and thus able to carry out an assassination is plotted through this story. Apart from the detective genre here, there is plenty of historical fiction to keep one on one's toes!
August 24, 2022
I love historical mysteries set in the Elizabethan time period! The Gentlewoman Spy introduces us to a young, impulsive, reckless, but ultimately likeable female spy named Kit Scarlett. Raised by Walsingham, Kit has been taught spy craft from an early age. In this first book in what I hope will become a series, Kit is tasked with thwarting an assignation plot against Queen Elizabeth.
I liked the side characters in this story and enjoyed how the time period was portrayed. The pacing of the story was even with action sequences balanced out by plot-driven dialogue.
The author has a tendency to redundancies that I found distracting but it ultimately didn't interfere with my enjoyment of this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the side characters in this story and enjoyed how the time period was portrayed. The pacing of the story was even with action sequences balanced out by plot-driven dialogue.
The author has a tendency to redundancies that I found distracting but it ultimately didn't interfere with my enjoyment of this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2023
The Elizabethan age was a dangerous time with conspiracies everywhere and deadly religious and political conflicts threatened the stability of country and the life of Queen Elizabeth. Kit Scarlett was the right-hand man of Elizabeth's spy master. When a new plot threatened to put Mary, Queen of Scots on the throne instead of Elizabeth, Kit and a Scottish agent must work together if they had any hope to stop this rebellion in time. If they didn't kill each other first...
This was quite the thrill ride. I was afraid at first it would be more romance than actual mystery/thriller but I was pleasantly surprised. Very enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
This was quite the thrill ride. I was afraid at first it would be more romance than actual mystery/thriller but I was pleasantly surprised. Very enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
June 20, 2024
I am a fan of historical fiction - so the bottom line is that it is not for me. Took it on holiday and it would have made adequate airport reading.
This is not my idea of historical fiction. It is hysterical fantasy. The plus side is that it is a pacy adventure with a dry wit from the protagonists [I can't bring myself to call them characters]
The book reads as if you are visiting the Tudor Elizabethan through a 1960's lens. All characterisation is superficial. Speech and phrases are of an entirely modern flavour. Truly historical characters are cardboard cut out and the plot is entirely OTT. In fact it reeds more like a send up of the genre than anything else.
If you like the Jane & John books, then you will recognise this as "Jane & John play Tudor spying"
This is not my idea of historical fiction. It is hysterical fantasy. The plus side is that it is a pacy adventure with a dry wit from the protagonists [I can't bring myself to call them characters]
The book reads as if you are visiting the Tudor Elizabethan through a 1960's lens. All characterisation is superficial. Speech and phrases are of an entirely modern flavour. Truly historical characters are cardboard cut out and the plot is entirely OTT. In fact it reeds more like a send up of the genre than anything else.
If you like the Jane & John books, then you will recognise this as "Jane & John play Tudor spying"
August 19, 2022
This was a full on fast past story that hooked me in from the beginning. The characters of Kit and Iomhar and their fraught relationship are wonderful they have great banter which is a nice change of pace. The details of Elizabethan London were well done and you could almost feel like you were there. It is more light hearted than some other Elizabethan series with lots of fun moments between Kit and the character's she interacts with especially Iomhar. Recommended for anyone who loves mystery's or spy stories or those looking for something new. I have already pre ordered the nest book in the series. I received a copy from NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review
September 7, 2022
Entertaining historical caper introducing Kit and Iomhar as a pair of intelligencers thrown together for better or worse. The Elizabethan descriptions made you feel like you were there, you could feel and sense the London streets. Having a feisty female heroine makes the book even more distinctive and I hope we learn more about her background in future books. The overall plot was believable and well conceived. The characters were fully drawn and you were rooting for them all the way. I look forward to some of the unanswered questions being revealed in the second book which I am greatly looking forward to.
January 15, 2023
Great beginning to a new series featuring Elizabethan spymaster Frances Walshingham. Kit Scarlett, a young woman, is Walshingham's secret weapon, a female spy in an era where a woman's primary role was to make a strategic marriage. Kit defies convention in many ways and the atmospheric setting and connections she makes along the way in pursuit of information for Walshingham make for a great read. Fans of historical mysteries will love the fresh perspective of the intrigue and precariousness of Queen Elizabeth's court.
Read
August 17, 2022There is a lively portrayal of Kit, the gentlewoman spy. She is feisty, brave and resourceful as she should be as a woman in a dangerous world normally reserved for men. I like the portrayal of the relationship with her make sidekick. Suspicious at first then with a growing respect and affection. The book had too many flashpoint incidents and not enough historical detail for me. It was more action adventure than historical fiction. Having said that, it is enjoyable as the former genre.
August 20, 2022
I loved this book. It captured me from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down. The protagonists are thoroughly likable and their banter is excellent. The story is fast-paced, with just the perfect amount of historical descriptions. There is also some humor, which I re-read a couple of times as it was that well done. Overall, this is a great book. Thank you to Netgalley and Sapere Books for the advance reader copy.
June 30, 2023
History
I couldn't really get into the book. I suppose if I was an Anglophile, I might feel differently. The idea that Queen Elizabeth I was a better person than Mary, Queen of Scots is not necessarily true. I keep thinking of all of the Catholics that were tortured and killed under Elizabeth's reign. While I wouldn't condone harming Elizabeth, I don't see her as a victim. I won't be reading any more books in this series.
I couldn't really get into the book. I suppose if I was an Anglophile, I might feel differently. The idea that Queen Elizabeth I was a better person than Mary, Queen of Scots is not necessarily true. I keep thinking of all of the Catholics that were tortured and killed under Elizabeth's reign. While I wouldn't condone harming Elizabeth, I don't see her as a victim. I won't be reading any more books in this series.
August 25, 2022
I am so thrilled that I was chosen to read this book! I found it to be q really enjoyable read. I was excited to find that although when I thought I had the ending worked out, I was proved wrong!! I love when I'm proven wrong.
I look forward to the next book and hope that this will turn into a fine little series. Thoroughly wonderful read.
I look forward to the next book and hope that this will turn into a fine little series. Thoroughly wonderful read.
January 26, 2023
Racing
The plot was well presented with many twists and turns. From the first to last pages, you were gripped with what could happen next. Kit and Iomhar are so different they are exactly perfect together. I can't wait to read the next episode... suffice to say I hope there will be more than one other episode..
The plot was well presented with many twists and turns. From the first to last pages, you were gripped with what could happen next. Kit and Iomhar are so different they are exactly perfect together. I can't wait to read the next episode... suffice to say I hope there will be more than one other episode..
April 10, 2023
This is my first novel to read from Ms. Jordan. It will not be my last.
I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. This book is hard to put down. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Recommend to readers who enjoy medieval mysteries.
I borrowed a copy from KU. I've expressed my honest opinion.
I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. This book is hard to put down. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Recommend to readers who enjoy medieval mysteries.
I borrowed a copy from KU. I've expressed my honest opinion.
August 22, 2022
A excellent story I was hocked to the story in the first two pages. Not only are the characters believable. Kit and lomher have a great repore with in the general settings of the story. Looking forward to the next installment in the series well done on your first book Adele Jordan.
September 1, 2022
This was a solid and thrilling story but I found myself drawn out of the tale by very modern phrasing and dialogue. This is a real shame because the plot was nicely paced and the premise fresh, but sentence structure seemed a little rushed and was distracting.
November 15, 2022
Kit Scarlett is a wonderful creation and you wouldn't want to mess with her! A very good sense of time and place, and the story is intricately plotted. Is well paced and the dialogue between Kit and Iomhar crackles along. An excellent debut novel.
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