Harriet Klausner's Review Archive
Susanna is less than thrilled with the regal visit as she must get her estate ready which entails plenty of hard work and incredible costs. She also hates working with Brian Tymberley, who insures that the Queen is comfortable at any of her respites. Brian and his servant Miles threaten to reveal information that locals want kept secret. However, instead of extortion money, someone kills Miles though most people including Susanna’s magistrate lover Nick says it is an accident. When Nick’s servant dies, he and Susanna conclude murder and search for a killer.
Although it has been way too long between Lady Appleton novels, this is one of the best of the long running enthralling Elizabethan mystery series. The audience obtains a first hand seat into a meticulously researched tale in which blackmail and murder occur, but who the killer is remains just out of sight until the climax. Kathy Lynn Emerson’s historical descriptions surfaces throughout the tale, but especially when watching the manor prepare for a royal visit (reminds me of when my beloved late mother-in-law would be arriving to see her grandson). Amateur sleuth history fans will appreciate this fine tale.