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Elizabeth I #2
The Tidal Poole
It is the crowning day of twenty-five-year-old Bess Tudor's life as she returns from exile to become England's queen. But even as her magnificent procession wends its way to Westminster Palace, a shot rings out, muffled by the jostling crowd.
Within moments of becoming England's ruler, Elizabeth learns of the brutal murder of a highborn lady of the court, the sister of one of her dearest friends. Elizabeth cannot refuse her friend's request to find the killer -- especially since the prime suspect is too close to the crown -- and her friends -- to overlook.
Elizabeth must be circumspect. Trust can be deadly. So she summons her small band of loyal retainers and plunges into a cauldron of conflicting loyalties and deadly intrigue.
From the pomp, pageantry, and insidious gossip of the court to the lethal tidal pools swirling under London Bridge, the passionate young queen must seize the reins of her empire -- and find a killer determined to destroy the crown itself....
Within moments of becoming England's ruler, Elizabeth learns of the brutal murder of a highborn lady of the court, the sister of one of her dearest friends. Elizabeth cannot refuse her friend's request to find the killer -- especially since the prime suspect is too close to the crown -- and her friends -- to overlook.
Elizabeth must be circumspect. Trust can be deadly. So she summons her small band of loyal retainers and plunges into a cauldron of conflicting loyalties and deadly intrigue.
From the pomp, pageantry, and insidious gossip of the court to the lethal tidal pools swirling under London Bridge, the passionate young queen must seize the reins of her empire -- and find a killer determined to destroy the crown itself....
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 11, 2000
7 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Karen Harper
78 books1,500 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides her American settings, Karen loves the British Isles, where her Scottish and English roots run deep, and where she has set many of her historical Tudor-era mysteries and her historical novels about real and dynamic British women. Karen's books have been published in many foreign languages and she won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2005. Karen has given numerous talks to readers and writers across the county. Her most recent books include THE SOUTH SHORES TRILOGY (CHASING SHADOWS, DROWNING TIDES and FALLING DARKNESS.) Her latest historical is THE ROYAL NANNY. Please visit her website at www.KarenHarperAuthor and her fb page at www.facebook.com/KarenHarperAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 11, 2024
3 as a book; 4 as a feeling
Imagine, if you will, that Queen Elizabeth I has enough time on her hands to solve the murder of a distant relative that happens on her coronation day. Apparently, there's a whole series of Bess (as her friends and fam call her) solving crimes.
I enjoyed it. The family tree and history timeline is so convoluted (and historical) and then Harper fits in fictional characters and events. I really can't keep track of all the 3rd cousins and people who want to get Bess off the throne.
Anyway, I read this for two reasons, and neither of them were because it's my kind of book. I like the Tudor history stuff enough, but again, there's so much and when I have to flip back to the family tree to know who we're dealing with, I get annoyed. My brain is old and tired.
But my reason #1 is my mom. She ate this shit up. She knew more about British history as a non-academic person than anyone you'd ever meet. She knew the line of succession and royal families and especially liked the Tudor era. This was her kind of book.
It makes me wonder if she read it. It was published in 2000 and she died in 2010, so of course it's possible.
Which leads to reason #2: Harper is from Columbus, Ohio, where I grew up and my mom lived. Which makes it even more likely that she would've come across this author, who wrote a bunch of series and standalone mysteries.
I found this library discard copy at a used book sale and bought it for nostalgia. And as I read it, I imagined my mom reading it (she would've had the family tree and timeline memorized) and comparing it to her favorite series, the Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett. And *that* is worth 4 stars.
Imagine, if you will, that Queen Elizabeth I has enough time on her hands to solve the murder of a distant relative that happens on her coronation day. Apparently, there's a whole series of Bess (as her friends and fam call her) solving crimes.
I enjoyed it. The family tree and history timeline is so convoluted (and historical) and then Harper fits in fictional characters and events. I really can't keep track of all the 3rd cousins and people who want to get Bess off the throne.
Anyway, I read this for two reasons, and neither of them were because it's my kind of book. I like the Tudor history stuff enough, but again, there's so much and when I have to flip back to the family tree to know who we're dealing with, I get annoyed. My brain is old and tired.
But my reason #1 is my mom. She ate this shit up. She knew more about British history as a non-academic person than anyone you'd ever meet. She knew the line of succession and royal families and especially liked the Tudor era. This was her kind of book.
It makes me wonder if she read it. It was published in 2000 and she died in 2010, so of course it's possible.
Which leads to reason #2: Harper is from Columbus, Ohio, where I grew up and my mom lived. Which makes it even more likely that she would've come across this author, who wrote a bunch of series and standalone mysteries.
I found this library discard copy at a used book sale and bought it for nostalgia. And as I read it, I imagined my mom reading it (she would've had the family tree and timeline memorized) and comparing it to her favorite series, the Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett. And *that* is worth 4 stars.
November 17, 2008
I'm biased because I adore this particular genre and time period, and I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series of books by Karen Harper. They are written very similarly to Fiona Buckley's Ursla Blanchard Mysteries.... almost confusingly so. This series focuses on Queen Elizabeth I, herself, solving the murders of her subjects. Absolutely fictitious activities frequent the books (Elizabeth leaving the castle in disguise to chase down clues and criminals). But, this is why it is Historical "Fiction". Although not historically accurate, they did hold my interest with their depth of character, plot, and historical abundance.
November 15, 2008
A better mystery than the first novel, although the detection is still quite mushy. Better writing than the first novel, although still not great -- but if this is as good as it gets, well, I'll put up with it. The characterisation of Elizabeth was a little less interesting -- the author only knows how to talk about desire in 21st century ways -- but she does try, and as the historical scene gets more complicated, my patience for her challenges increases. Good characterisation of the secondary characters, and only a minor amount of 'Why didn't you just say something about that to begin with?'.
March 25, 2010
so-so. Will not continue with the series as there are too many other books I want to read!
July 21, 2023
Elizabeth Tudor is being crowned Queen of England. An historical event that covers some diabolical dealings: murder, espionage, intrigue and double dealing that run rampant through the royal court.
Elizabeth has her public persona to maintain, but she also has a private side with her Privy Council, which is made up of people she knows she can trust. Her companion, Kathrine Ashley, Lord Robert Dudley – Master of the Horses, Mrs. Margaret Milligrew – who could pass as the Queens twin, Ned Topside – the Queens’s Fool, who is smarter than is thought, William Cecil – Principal Secretary, and Baron Henry Carey. They have been with her for a while and have proved themselves. Members of the court and royal family are another story. Lady Frances - Dowager Duchess, mother of Lady Jane Gray is a scheming, pushy woman with plans of her own, as does a few others in regards the throne.
When Lady Maldon is found murdered, wheels start turning. With a reputation of being a major flirt, there are plenty of lines of thought on who and why the Lady was murdered.
Elizabeth is requested to find the killer, by an old and trusted friend. She can’t turn the request down, but it also can’t become known she is investigating such a situation. With her Privy Council, she is able to access the tight net and gossip lines that are woven into life at the court and life in the lower ranks of London.
Set in Elizabethan England, with language and descriptions, it adds to the enjoyment of the read. This is the first book in the series.
Elizabeth has her public persona to maintain, but she also has a private side with her Privy Council, which is made up of people she knows she can trust. Her companion, Kathrine Ashley, Lord Robert Dudley – Master of the Horses, Mrs. Margaret Milligrew – who could pass as the Queens twin, Ned Topside – the Queens’s Fool, who is smarter than is thought, William Cecil – Principal Secretary, and Baron Henry Carey. They have been with her for a while and have proved themselves. Members of the court and royal family are another story. Lady Frances - Dowager Duchess, mother of Lady Jane Gray is a scheming, pushy woman with plans of her own, as does a few others in regards the throne.
When Lady Maldon is found murdered, wheels start turning. With a reputation of being a major flirt, there are plenty of lines of thought on who and why the Lady was murdered.
Elizabeth is requested to find the killer, by an old and trusted friend. She can’t turn the request down, but it also can’t become known she is investigating such a situation. With her Privy Council, she is able to access the tight net and gossip lines that are woven into life at the court and life in the lower ranks of London.
Set in Elizabethan England, with language and descriptions, it adds to the enjoyment of the read. This is the first book in the series.
June 23, 2023
This is quite a fun series, which I’ve read totally not in order. In this book, Elizabeth is just crowned but during her procession, a young woman is found raped and murdered in a room just above where friends of the new Queen are watching the crowds. As the story progresses, it seems that the murderer had also tried to kill the queen by firing at her but had hit an innocent bystander. Ina tense climax, Elizabeth faces her would-be killer and finds out why she was the target. I thought the story was well told and the characters, although not as well developed as they are in later books, are still interesting enough to keep the plot moving forward
December 9, 2020
An enjoyable read, However, I feel that I should have started with the first volume in the series instead of this sec0nd one. I had the feeling or impression that perhaps I was missing some of the nuances or history of why Queen Elizabeth 1st of England wold be involved in solving a murder. I don't really know if there is an explanation, just a feeling on my part.
February 11, 2019
Set in the days just as Elizabeth I begins her reign as Queen, this fantasy may be based on some facts, but I honestly cannot see Elizabeth, even as a teenager, engaging in some of the exploits that take place in this book. Nonetheless, it was a fun read.
May 10, 2025
I’ve read this before (as I realized not soon after I started reading). This time, I just found it full of historical and linguistic errors. I didn’t find the idea fun and interesting, it just struck me as kind of lame.
September 13, 2018
I liked this one better than the first one. It worked better, and the writing flowed a lot better.
May 31, 2021
DNF. lost interest early on.
January 23, 2022
A good story, but there were (in my opinion) some unnecessary additions to the plot that added nothing to the story.
May 28, 2022
Entertaining and interesting, but rather shallow overall. I enjoy the characters, particularly Meg, Bett, and Gil, so I'll be happy to read the next installment for their further adventures.
November 29, 2009
The previous volume of this series introduces us to Queen Elizabeth I of England who solves mysteries or murders that may or may not be connected to her royal self. It wasn't the best books I've read this year and this one follows its footsteps. Yes, in this volume one can feel himself in the sixteenth century, but the characters continue to be a real bore. Queen Elizabeth I, the main character, still leaves much to be desired, and believe me when I say it does not improve in the following book and which I'm about to finish reading.
This time the story begins with Elizabeth's coronation ceremony, and on the same day that she is shown to the people of London as the new queen of England, the sister of one of her dearest friends (that we learn to have been by her side when Elizabeth was imprisoned in the Tower of London) is discovered dead in a non conventional position for a lady of the court. Fearing that her friends are involved in this crime and that it hides an even greater crime, an attempt on her life, Elizabeth and her "Privy Plot Council" set themselves to solve the mystery and catch the real culprit.
The story is quite predictable and once again the characters are not that interesting, although we find out something more about Meg's history, and leave much to be desired. The only positive point of this book was to know a little of the political games of the court, but even that is very superficial.
I'm really thinking of putting this series away. It will only be good for those who really like mysteries and this period of history, for those who have nothing to read, or those looking for a reading that does not require much of the reader.
This time the story begins with Elizabeth's coronation ceremony, and on the same day that she is shown to the people of London as the new queen of England, the sister of one of her dearest friends (that we learn to have been by her side when Elizabeth was imprisoned in the Tower of London) is discovered dead in a non conventional position for a lady of the court. Fearing that her friends are involved in this crime and that it hides an even greater crime, an attempt on her life, Elizabeth and her "Privy Plot Council" set themselves to solve the mystery and catch the real culprit.
The story is quite predictable and once again the characters are not that interesting, although we find out something more about Meg's history, and leave much to be desired. The only positive point of this book was to know a little of the political games of the court, but even that is very superficial.
I'm really thinking of putting this series away. It will only be good for those who really like mysteries and this period of history, for those who have nothing to read, or those looking for a reading that does not require much of the reader.
July 14, 2013
First sentence: "I swear I can still hear cannon booming in my ears from our entry to London," the queen said when her presence chamber cleared of courtiers and Kat closed the door behind them.
Elizabeth has now become Queen of England, but that does not mean she is safe. During her coronation procession, a girl is smothered in an attic. Now the Privy Plot Council must investigate if this is an isolated incident or if the Queen may be in danger yet again.
I found this book to be a quick, fun read, and there were some improvements over the first in the series. I did like that Elizabeth does not cry in this book, which is good because all she did was cry in the first one. I also liked that it was easier to figure out who done it in this one. Although, it is hard for me to suspend my disbelief that Elizabeth could get away with all that she got away with in this book as Queen, it's still a fun little, cozy mystery romp.
Alphabet challenge: K
Elizabeth has now become Queen of England, but that does not mean she is safe. During her coronation procession, a girl is smothered in an attic. Now the Privy Plot Council must investigate if this is an isolated incident or if the Queen may be in danger yet again.
I found this book to be a quick, fun read, and there were some improvements over the first in the series. I did like that Elizabeth does not cry in this book, which is good because all she did was cry in the first one. I also liked that it was easier to figure out who done it in this one. Although, it is hard for me to suspend my disbelief that Elizabeth could get away with all that she got away with in this book as Queen, it's still a fun little, cozy mystery romp.
Alphabet challenge: K
May 17, 2011
Book #2 in the Elizabeth I mystery series by Karen Harper. The queen has been crowned and blessed with the holy oil. She's had her coronation and a triumphal procession in the streets of London. But there are dangerous plots going on close to her golden crown and her new reign has barely begun before it may abruptly end!
My favorite person in this book was Gil, the mute lad who was traumatized by an explosion at a saltpeter factory that nearly took his life. Firearms were an infant industry at this time in history and safety precautions needed around gunpowder were not well known. Fires, explosions and death were commonplace. But in the never-ending arms race between the major powers of the time, having the latest and greatest military weapons were considered necessary. It would be many centuries before governmental safety laws would come into play to protect people like Gil.
My favorite person in this book was Gil, the mute lad who was traumatized by an explosion at a saltpeter factory that nearly took his life. Firearms were an infant industry at this time in history and safety precautions needed around gunpowder were not well known. Fires, explosions and death were commonplace. But in the never-ending arms race between the major powers of the time, having the latest and greatest military weapons were considered necessary. It would be many centuries before governmental safety laws would come into play to protect people like Gil.
December 18, 2015
I started this series with book #2 as I could not lay my hands on book #1. I think that reading the first book would have helped with understanding the characters and I might have missed a lot by skipping it. The story really felt like I had jumped into a book halfway through. That said, I was not intrigued enough by this book to consider going back and starting at the beginning.
We meet Elizabeth I right as she is being crowned queen. During her procession a lady is murdered and Elizabeth, along with her companions and loyal supporters try to find out how and why this happened.
I liked the concept of having Elizabeth solve crimes and her group of helpers are an interesting bunch but somehow the mystery fell short. I felt disappointed in the conclusion and neither the story nor the writing is enough to convince me to continue the series.
We meet Elizabeth I right as she is being crowned queen. During her procession a lady is murdered and Elizabeth, along with her companions and loyal supporters try to find out how and why this happened.
I liked the concept of having Elizabeth solve crimes and her group of helpers are an interesting bunch but somehow the mystery fell short. I felt disappointed in the conclusion and neither the story nor the writing is enough to convince me to continue the series.
January 21, 2016
I couldn't put this novel down. A thrilling mystery set in England, The Tidal Poole takes place at Queen Elizabeth I's coronation. When she discovers one of her subjects has been murdered during the parade beforehand, Elizabeth's inquistive nature leads her to gather her closest friends--along with some new, unexpected ones--and take the investigation of the death into her own hands. To make matters worse, Elizabeth dredges up old memories and must deal with long-hidden emotions, some of which may interfere with the investigation.
Harper certainly knows how to keep her audience reading and always yearning to see what happens next. Quick-paced and exciting, The Tidal Poole is a great book for lovers of historical mysteries.
Harper certainly knows how to keep her audience reading and always yearning to see what happens next. Quick-paced and exciting, The Tidal Poole is a great book for lovers of historical mysteries.
November 8, 2010
This is the second book in the Elizabeth I mystery series. It is the continuing story of Elizabeth Tudor, who has just been crowned queen of England, and her loyal companions as they solve another mystery. This time, a woman close to the queen is murdered during her coronation procession through London, and Elizabeth vows to find the killer. This novel will have you guessing until the end. One interesting twist is when Meg finds her mother living in London and a few other people she didn't know existed. There is also the introduction of a possible romance between Robert Dudley and Elizabeth, which I hope to see more of in the next book.
December 18, 2011
Again, Harper shows us that it's not all fun and games to be royalty. Elizabeth is finally crowned Queen of England, but her woes aren't over. There are many other Tudors about, not to mention the Seymours, so she must be on the watch for those plotting to overthrow her. Because of this, she cannot have anyone near her whom she cannot trust. Even those who suffered with her during her rural exile must not give her any cause for suspicion.
The reader is in for some highly unbelievable races against time and elements, but the "stage dressing" and manners of the time are what make this series good.
The reader is in for some highly unbelievable races against time and elements, but the "stage dressing" and manners of the time are what make this series good.
January 1, 2009
This is the second in the series and the second one I've read. I still can't decide if I really like the books or not. They're not bad but I feel they're too long. It seems as though there's not much action for several chapters and then it's helter skelter activity for 10 pages. I've started reading another of the series (not in order b/c my library didn't have book 3 at the time - really annoying) and I'm sure I'll finish it but I don't know that I'll seek out anymore.
November 22, 2009
Well, ummm...how to begin. This book is mildly interesting and the story is paced like person running a marathon (slow yet steady), but I really don't think I'll continue reading the rest of the books in this series anytime soon. Found myself having minor bouts of narcolepsy while reading it. Those who prefer prolonged whodoneit stories might find these books more enjoyable. Am, regretfully, vaguely interested in finding out what happens in the future with some of the characters.
May 8, 2013
The second in a series featuring Queen Elizabeth I this book is set shortly after she becomes queen. During her coronation procession a woman is killed. Queen Elizabeth wants to determine if the murder had anything to do with her. Her double, Meg, finds out some more information about who she really is. A man from Queen Elizabeth's past comes back and she learns the hard way not to trust someone because of who his or her parents are.
January 10, 2009
Not the most plausible series, but it is entertaining and that's why it's called fiction. I did enjoy the first book better, but The Tidal Poole kept me reading and the mystery was well-done. If you're a history buff, better skip it, but if you enjoy reading just for the sake of reading, I recommend the series. :)
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
August 4, 2010
Often the second in a mystery series gets kind of old and boring. I found the second installment in these Elizabeth murder mysteries really didn't get old for me. I still like the characters and though, okay, a little less plausible that the Queen of England is solving mysteries, still quite enjoyable.
September 24, 2010
Well, this was an OK book, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book in the series. Also read a Xmas mystery about the first Queen Elizabeth by this same author. Perhaps I am just getting tired of the series. It is a bit of a stretch having the queen be the detective. Interesting because of the time period, and the historical figures that are in the book.
November 17, 2014
I would have given this book a 2 and 1/2 if I could have. Lively writing. Fairly good suspense. Author did a good job of describing the time & place. But I found the villain unconvincing at the end. He seemed one way in most of the book, then lost it at the end. I might read another in this series. It was entertaining and generally a good read.
July 28, 2015
I was looking for some lighter entertainment when I came across this book in a library sale. I had fund with Elizabeth I playing the role of amateur sleuth solving a murder mystery. The Tudor era historical characters added to the enjoyment. The family trees and chronology at the beginning of the book were a vital help.
May 21, 2014
Excelent mystery, as well as an intriguing story. Slightly predictable-which I knew going in, and so was prepared for that aspect. As one who loves tudor england & historical fiction, this was a thuroughly enjoyable read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews