The Captive Queen of Scots

Mary Stuart #2

by Jean Plaidy

“Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.”— The New York Times

“Burn the murderess!”

So begins The Captive Queen of Scots, the epic tale of the Scottish Queen Mary Stuart, cousin to Queen Elizabeth of England. After her husband, Lord Darnley, is murdered, suspicion falls on Mary and her lover, the Earl of Bothwell. A Catholic in a land of stern Protestants, Mary finds herself in the middle of a revolt, as her bloodthirsty subjects call for her arrest and execution. In disgrace, she flees her Scottish persecutors for England, where she appeals to Queen Elizabeth for mercy, but to no avail. Throughout Mary’s long years as the Queen’s prisoner, she conceives many bold plans for revenge and escaping to freedom—but the gallows of Fotheringhay Castle loom . . . 

Set against royal pageantry, religious strife, and bloody uprising—and filled with conspiracies, passion, heartbreak, and fascinating historical detail— The Captive Queen of Scots is an unforgettable tale of the intense rivalry between two powerful women of noble blood.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Scotland, British Literature, 16th Century, Royalty

441 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Eleanor Alice Burford, Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.
-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ended up enjoying this one as much as the one about the first half of her life. I loved all the contrasts between Mary and Elizabeth I. I'm definitely going to read Plaidy's take on Elizabeth I soon.

[Mirah W · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess my lesson from this is "be careful what you wish for." When I read the prequel 'The Road to Fotheringhay' I was wishing there was more detail about Mary's life as a prisoner of Elizabeth. Well, this book delivered that and it was painful. It was a constant back and forth between manors, castles, and keeps where Mary was held...one failed escape after another...childish "she's prettier than me" slaps from Elizabeth. I was so bored after the half way point....this book needed some major revisions. I don't know what the editor was doing when going through this manuscript...well, he or she probably fell asleep and decided Plaidy's previous works could vouch for her...well, I don't think so.

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Plaidy's best! She left nothing out of Queen Mary of France and Scotland's life. She was just too tender, too sentimental, too trusting to live the life of a military royal, which one had to be at that time in history. She wanted everyone to be friends. That's not how any of this works. AND for someone who wanted to trust people she sure did intrigue in spades.

[Tabatha García · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anoche tuve el gusto de terminar este espectacular libro de Victoria Holt con el seudónimo de Jean Plaidy, sobre la vida de María Estuardo a quien he admirado desde siempre.

Las injusticias y humillaciones que vivió la reina de Escocia por parte de sus enemigos no tiene nombre. Sin duda una investigación magistral y lo mejor sin ninguna escena sexual cosa que agradezco enormemente.

Un libro netamente histórico con una escritura impecable.

Muy recomendada para los amantes de la novela historica.

[Thalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first introduction to Jean Plaidy and only my second fiction read on the Queen of Scots. Being that I didn't read book one in this series of two I had a bit of a go getting into the story for the first couple of chapters. I was, however, impressed by the detail and by the end of the book relieved at the lack of "intimate" scenes as the cover of my vintage copy looks very much like a bodice ripper. I found the story a bit repetitive but then the story was I suppose - captured, plot to escape, discovered, moved to another castle/prison, plot, discovered, move castles, plot, discovered...we you get the idea. I look forward to trying some of her other Tudor work.

[La Bruja Lectora (Tata) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reseña Completa: https://labrujalectora1.blogspot.com/...

Hoy les traigo esta novela histórica de la escritora Jean Plaidy más conocida por el seudónimo Victoria Holt (entre otros), este tesoro lo encontré en una fundación de adopción de libros y realmente me he encontrado un tesoro.

Es el segundo de una biología sobre María Estuardo, a quien admiro desde muy joven. Esta novela esta muy bien escrita y documentada


Si te gusta la historia este libro es ideal para ti.

[Kiesha ~ Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Elizabeth I; I've never quiet tried to see Mary Queen of Scots side of the story because of the love for Elizabeth I... However, lately, I've been reading a lot of fiction and non-fiction with historical research in between reading and I'm more of a fan of Mary now more so than I ever thought I would be. Historically and from a leaders perspective, I understand Elizabeth's decision. However from a modern perspective, I can't help but side with Mary. How many of us would sit by idly whilst being imprisoned by someone who really didn't have the authority to do so?

Then there's her life as a whole--I'm not sure she really stood a chance. Although her mother thought she was helping her, she all but ruined Mary to be a true Queen of Scots by sending her to be raised in France and thus heavily influenced by those who had an agenda. She was taught to forget her Scottish roots and ancestry. She didn't have great counselors or even a mother/father to guide her. Those who did mostly had an agenda.

Politically, Scotland was turbulent during her lifetime--it was not a place for a novice or naive person. It's as if this baby queen was doomed from birth. I see a woman who wanted to enjoy life, be loved and give love in a return; I don't think she was overly ambitious. Mind, I don't think Mary was a saint but she felt more human than other monarchs and perhaps that is why I suddenly feel so connected to her. I think that she was a better person than Elizabeth but Elizabeth was a better monarch.

I can't help but wonder if Mary would have done better to be more of a tyrant like Elizabeth at times? To not forgive so easy, to not be as tolerant of religion--particularly regarding Knox who was such a big part of shaping how the common folk perceived viewed her. One thing she lacked that Elizabeth had was LOYAL counselors, counselors who had been with her for years, through the good and bad... Although, I don't think tyranny was in her nature.

This book was really sad--it starts out with her imprisoned in Scotland, to imprisonment in England to finally her death on the scaffold. The book was interesting though; it was nice to compare this to other historical fiction about Mary--my favorite is still Mary Queen of Scotland and The Isles by Margaret George as it's primarily historical with fiction thrown in here and there. This book I felt was more fiction with some history but enjoyable all the same. I've really come to love Jean Plaidy.

Jilly Bond's narration was great but the way she pronounced Mary Seton's name sounded like "Satan" instead.

[Marjorie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written in 1963, this book certainly reflects the beliefs about women; rape unlocks women's sexuality, a woman is either cold and self centered (Elizabeth) or sweet, sunny, and a stupid judge of character (Mary). Men were fooled by her love of the arts to think that Mary was an airhead. All very popular notions about women at the time. She could always be cheered up by a little music. Duh. Since the places, timeline, and outcome are all known, it got tedious to continue so I stopped. Yet another dismal prison castle.

[Aravind NG · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, Seton. I sometimes wonder if Jean Plaidy wrote it from the Tutbury castle itself for it is dull and dragging. The only good thing about the book is that I learned a lot (through Wikipedia) about royal and noble ranks, and peerage. I wouldn't recommend this book unless you're imprisoned and must pass time somehow, and this is the only book available to read.

[Louisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. Poor writing, and little character development by page 100. Not worth finishing.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can't force myself any further, dry and not at all engaging.

[Val Fournier · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, but this was horrible. The dialogue was forced, the story jumped all over and the characters were flat.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting to read this during quarantine and feeling (sorta) like a prisoner. I loved the description of the castles, countryside and clothing and the nuance of royal politics, in particular.

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Plaidy brings history alive in a remarkable way. This second chapter in Mary’s life takes us through the years of captivity initially in Scotland at the hands of her jealous half brother who covers her crown but can only ever hope to hold it as regent to her son James, and then for over 15 years at the hands of Elizabeth I from whom she expected sympathy and help.
An entrapment plot finally achieves the means to try and convict of treason.
Throughout, the love, humour, kindness, loyalty and respect of Mary for all those that help her and the love and devotion she earns in return are a testament to her. Undoubtedly my favourite historical heroine.

[Gena Lott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jean Plaidy's narratives and her deep research which brings to life this time generations ago.
One of the travesties of history is the Story of Mary, Queen of Scots. This deep and thorough book details Mary's experience.

[Janet Wertman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sigh. The story was good, so was the writing, but Plaidy definitely slanted events in Mary’s favor….and got so very much wrong (Mary in love with Norfolk and seeking his permission to plot?!?!).

[Kili · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Royal fiction

[Marie Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Plaidy has written herself another fun-to-read novel and this was a follow up to her "Royal Road to Fotheringay". I found this book to have a sympathetic view on Mary more so than usual. Mary does not want any harm to come to Elizabeth I, her captor for almost 20 years, and in this (fiction) book that is repeated continually in order to propose the more innocent side of Mary.
As I have not ready many non-fiction or in-depth books specifically on Mary and her involvement in the many plots that sprang up in order to promote her release, I can not say for sure how involved she was.
In this book, Elizabeth is portrayed as indeed wanting Mary to die as soon as possible, because of the religious strife that England had undergone. Before Elizabeth, there was her older half-sister, Mary who had ruled England as a Catholic nation and persecuted the "heretics" with zeal. Smithfield became the place where the executions were taking place and caused so much fear that Protestantism had to be practiced behind closed doors. After Mary I's death, Edward VI was crowned King at 9 years old, allowed Protestantism again through the rule of his Advisers. At Edwards' death, Lady Jane Grey was queen for nine days and finally we come to Elizabeth. She was crowned in 1558, and she was a Protestant.
Mary Stuart was very Catholic, although she vowed she would allow her people to freely pray regardless of their beliefs, since that one God was the same God between the two. Due to this tolerance, some of the English would not have minded Mary Stuart being an heir to the throne, and of course, many of the Scottish believed Elizabeth had no right at all to the throne since Elizabeth's mother was Anne Boelyn, who was beheaded and no friend to the Catholic Church. The Catholics liked to call Elizabeth a bastard and therefore felt that Mary Stuart, as a great-granddaughter of Henry VII, had a stronger claim to the throne.
It was because of these facts that Elizabeth felt a very strong threat from Mary Stuart, and kept her imprisoned for almost 20 years. The book shows how Mary tried to escape several times. The Babington Plot existed due the arrogance and stupidity of Anthony Babington, for it was just a ruse set up by Walsingham, Elizabeth's agent. Babington was executed, as was the Duke of Norfolk for an earlier plot who wished to marry Mary, although they had not met. In this book, it is portrayed as Mary trying not to have a lot of responsibility in the plots, but that she indeed wanted out of captivity. In reality, she was probably much more shrewd and willing to stop at nothing to get herself out of Elizabeth's grip, and to rule Scotland and England together as eventually Mary's son did. There were many plots created in her name, but not endorsed by Mary.
Elizabeth is shown much less sympathetically in this book and is eager to find a way to do away with Mary for good without making it look like she ordered it done.
Eventually Elizabeth gets her wish at the end of this book, and a very solemn Mary is beheaded at Fotheringay. There are some who like to believe that Elizabeth did not know she was signing a Death Warrant for Mary, as it was with 'a pile of papers.'
I will be eager to read more non-fictions books on the Queen of Scots and try to see where the line is between the truth and fiction regarding her involvement in the many plots, and if she truly loved Bothwell or the Duke of Norfolk. And did George Douglas's love for her exist?
I give "The Captive Queen of Scots" 5 stars, of course.

[Phil Syphe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I’m English, it doesn’t stop me having the utmost sympathy for Mary, Queen of Scots. In some ways she resembles Marie Antoinette, whom I’m also sympathetic towards. Both had their faults, but they each had a good heart.

I really like Jean Plaidy’s version of Mary. Near the end of the book, I was close to tears, and few novels have that affect on me, and it’s all down to the author making me care about Mary and those closest to the unfortunate queen.

I would’ve given “The Captive Queen of Scots” five stars, but as always, this author has elements of weakness in her writing style. I wish she’d spent more time revising her novels as opposed to writing as many as possible.

As usual, we get the passive voice: “the arms of Eleanor” and “the bridle of her horse”, when the active voice would’ve enhanced the narrative: “Eleanor’s arms” and “her horse’s bridle.”

We also have a lot of reported speech, which is passive:

“Melville said he thought this would be desirable. So Sir William turned to his mother and asked that wine should be sent to his small private chamber, and there he would confer with the visitor.”

Had the author put the above quote in dialogue, it would’ve been much more engaging.

Most passive of all is “telling”, not “showing”:

“Mary showed her relief.”

“Cecil looked shocked.”

“Mary was startled. She had not known that change was contemplated. She was alarmed.”

The above examples – and there are many others – could all have been “shown” to offer a better reading experience.

A typical Plaidy trait, which annoys a lot of her readers, is repetition. One phrase in particular crops up often in this authors books, and it’s greatly overused in this one, namely “without delay”. The number of times this phrase appears shows a lack of imagination, and suggests that the manuscript didn’t receive nearly enough revisions. A keen author would look at replacing an over-repeated phrase with several alternatives.

It’s as if the author has the phrase stuck in her head, as sometimes it sounds unnatural, like in this case:

“‘I will burn this without delay.’”

The character who says the above line then carries on talking for a while, which is in itself a delay. Also, it’s more likely she would’ve said something like, “‘I'll burn this as soon as possible.’”

Another example of the phrase sounding unnatural:

“‘Who else is with you in this enterprise?’”
“‘Certain gentlemen whom you shall meet without delay.’”

Again, wouldn’t it be more likely that he’d say, “‘Certain gentlemen whom you’ll meet shortly”? Also, the character doesn’t meet the gentlemen at once, so again there is a delay, which makes the overused phrase sound silly. I wish the author had spent time making every word count.

Anyway, apart from the stylistic issues, I enjoyed this novel very much.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am convinced Plaidy could make wallpaper interesting. This book had no right being as fun as it was when its protagonist is a prisoner for the entire book and essentially schlepped from one prison to another. Yet, each page was brimming with intrigue and romance. I don't mean to say Mary Stuart was romancing everyone she interacted with so much as the story had romanticism. For one reason or another, people flocked to her cause. She was an alluring and tragic historical figure, and Plaidy draws out each plot for readers to enjoy.

In this book, Mary is depicted as an overly trusting, naive woman. She thinks everybody has her best interests at heart, no matter what their actions say. She thinks her half-brother Jamie is just looking out for her. She thinks Elizabeth will sympathize and help her as a fellow queen. Obviously, none of this is true, but it takes Mary years to figure it out. Because she is so guileless, she is incapable of suspecting anyone around her of intrigue. Of course, Norfolk would want to marry her purely because he loves her and not because of his ambition. In fact, it's because of her overly trusting nature that she repeatedly forgoes various escape plans because it might reflect badly on someone she knows, and she couldn't bear that.

Whether this is an accurate portrayal of Mary's personality or not, I'm not sure. Personally, it seems too idealistic. There's no way someone in Mary's position could be that naive. It made for frustrating reading at times because everyone else is able to see the pieces on the chessboard, and Mary just cannot. I suppose Plaidy needed to find a plausible excuse for why someone repeatedly made poor decisions and excessive naivety was as good as any.

Everyone else in the novel is a treat to read about. A plethora of historical figures cross the page. Their desires and actions clash with Mary's and drive the suspense. There's Robert Dudley analyzing a potential threat to Elizabeth while simultaneously assessing his best chances of gaining a crown. Bess Hardwick is an efficient jailor, but she's cunning and can be lenient when it suits her needs. Even Elizabeth, Mary's primary antagonist, is shown with complexity. She is jealous of Mary's accomplishments, conscious of the risk she poses to her rule, yet shrewd enough to keep Mary alive for many years because of what her death would signify. The supporting cast is phenomenal.

Overall, this is an illuminating look into a dreary period of Mary Stuart's life. It's never dull, and the pacing is great. Plaidy did a great job of balancing research with narrative storytelling, so the book doesn't feel like a history lesson. I highly recommend this book for all Tudor/Elizabeth lovers out there.

[Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: "Burn the murderess!"

This novel of Mary, Queen of Scots begins after the defeat of Mary and Bothwell's troops at Carberry Hill and ends with her execution. It covers the 20-odd years she spent in captivity in Scotland and England and the many abortive escape attempts and conspiracies she took part in. It tells this story with great historical accuracy and the entertainment value of a prime time TV drama.

I picked up this book not knowing it was covering just the last 20 years of Mary's life, what I have always thought of as the boring years where she was just moved by Elizabeth I from one castle to another until Elizabeth could find a reason to have her executed. I am much more partial to the story of Mary's early life: growing up in the French court, her husband Darnley's brutal murder, and her relationship with Bothwell, Darnley's murderer. However, this book was surprisingly interesting and entertaining.

Jean Plaidy brings a lot to the table in this book. The secondary characters are very relatable and have their own personalities and side stories within the book. I liked this looking beyond Mary. I immensely enjoyed George and Willie Douglas, Mary Seton, and Bess of Hardwick. The author also did a good job of pacing the novel. A lot of books I've read about Mary Queen of Scots (both fiction and nonfiction) either drag the captivity part out or rush through it. In this book it does not feel too slow or too fast. I feel I gained more knowledge of what actually went on in Mary's captive years from this book than others I have read, even more than the biographies I read.

The author's take on the two queens, Mary and Elizabeth, was very biased towards Mary. Mary is shown as an innocent victim of everyone else who is not responsible for anything that happens to her. Elizabeth is shown as someone akin to The Evil Queen in Snow White, who cannot stand thinking that there is someone prettier than her in the kingdom and will stop at nothing to destroy such beauty. Like any historical figures, there is more than meets the eye with these two women and I would have liked to see a more 3 dimensional version of these characters. This book is also apparently part of a series (which I didn't know when picking it up). Since I knew enough about Mary, Queen of Scots, I could follow the story quite well, but for people who aren't as familiar with the story they might want to picked up the first book first.

[Helen Robare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book as a teenager many decades ago. I saw this book on the sale shelf at the library .50 for hardcover and I just had to buy it and the one that goes along with it "Royal Road to Fotheringhay". They were well worth the $1.00 I paid for them both.

This author invoked all the emotions in my 62 years body just as they did when I was 13. Though I'm a lot wiser and bowed by life, this book still invoked the same questions the other day as they did when I was a teen. Why did Mary go into a country for shelter where she knew its monarch didn't like her? Why didn't Mary take advantage of the Spanish king's ships to sail away to Spain? Did she really believe she was the true Queen of England? Of course, these are all questions that will never be answered (unless someone invents the time machine) but they are fun to ponder. Mary was not a stupid woman but she definitely made some mistakes in her life. I believe Mary's problem was that she thought with her heart while her adversary, Elizabeth I, thought with her head/brain. This is my Elizabeth survived to give her name to an entire age while Mary has gone down in history as the poor deluded simpleton when the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Jean Plaidy's books are perfect for beginners who are new to the vast history of England but they are also entertaining for those who have a good background knowledge of British history as well as being an excellent stepping stone to more thorough and involved authors of English history.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having never read anything specifically about Mary, Queen of Scots, I was interested to see how this book portrayed her. From what I've read in other books, she was portrayed as being a conniving, sly, loose woman who felt she was the true heir to the English throne and wanted it no matter what, but people of her own faith almost worshiped her and thought she was like the Virgin Mary on Earth. This book portrays her as a very forgiving, trusting woman who only wants her freedom, her kingdom, and her son back, with no thoughts to the English throne. She also doesn't come across as so completely devoted to the Catholic faith in this novel, as at one point, she entertains the idea of converting to Protestantism in order to marry Norfolk. The descriptions of some of the castles she was held in are quite detailed and I couldn't help but feel sorry for the woman every time she had to return to them.

While I'm not as interested in Mary, Queen of Scots as I am her cousin, Elizabeth, it was interesting to see another side to the story. It is well written, as all of Plaidy's books have been so far, and a good read.

While these two portrayals of Mary are quite different, I tend to believe that she probably fell somewhere in between the two - not a completely sneaky, sly woman, probably very giving and kind to those around her, but probably involved in the most of the plots to rescue her and regain her throne along with England's.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fourth Jean Plaidy read, and her best yet. This one's a follow-up to ROYAL ROAD TO FOTHERINGAY and charts the rest of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots once she's taken prisoner to Lochleven Castle.

This is an absolutely splendid story and a real page-turner, even if you already know what's going to happen. The level of suspense and increasing foreboding is incredible as the story progresses to its inevitable and tragic climax, and I was absolutely hooked in the details. I love the way Plaidy takes the historical facts and puts her own spin on them, leaving the reader caught up in a very realistic and believable world.

The best thing I'm finding about this author's novels is that the characters are so realistic. History has a tendency to be dry and boring in the wrong hands, but Plaidy brings her characters to life in a way few authors can. It's as if she has some special insight into what makes people tick. In this novel, Mary and her companions are as believable as your next-door neighbours, which makes their story so enthralling.

The result is a novel that's so good, I'm itching to pick up another Plaidy offering and I know it won't be long before I do.

[Deb Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this concurrently with a non-fiction book about Queen Mary's captivity. As a novel it contains many of the elements that make a gripping story- murder, mystery, intrigue, secretive plotting and potential rebellion. By reading it alongside the non-fiction I was able to see that it accurately portrayed many of the players in Mary's life, while taking liberties with the timing of some events and apparently creating a few events to better tell an already gripping story. When I see the liberties that Mary was allowed while prisoner, I'm surprised the escape attempts were usually thwarted. She was able to go out riding, hunting, participated in feasts and dances, and had a full staff attending to her. If the portrayal of Mary is accurate, her downfall was being too trusting and naive, especially in her relationship with Elizabeth. Hers is a tragic story, the captivity and death of a woman who only wanted to be true to herself and her religion.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, fast read and the second in the series about Mary, Queen of Scots. I thought this volume was actually a lot more interesting than the last, but that might be because I know less about the period of Mary's captivity than I do about her more dramatic earlier years. Most of the movies and books I've read tend to gloss over her captivity but her plots and escape attempts are actually pretty interesting all on their own. Again, I think the biggest weakness in the book was the whitewashing of the more negative (and probably more interesting) aspects of Mary's personality. She was probably a much more fiery and much less saintly person than portrayed in these books. Still, an interesting read and more surprisingly more enjoyable than the first book, which is when all the crazy drama of Mary's life happened.

[Khadija · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers so beware!
When I was younger and more naive, I really liked Mary Queen of Scots. Now that I am older and wiser I pity her. The whole book was just painful to read because poor Mary with her optimism and nativity caused most of her own problems.
The beginning just made me want to slap her for being so incredibly stupid.
The ending was the sort that should have brought me to tears but I just could not cry.
Jean Plaidy is an incredible writer and I definitely would not have been able to read the whole book had she not written this. Its the reality that truly bugged me.
Elizabeth despite being the antagonist has all my respect and admiration while Mary only has pity.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Jean Plaidy is my favorite author on historical fiction I would be disappointed if it was anything less than 5 stars! This book mainly covers the years of Mary's imprisonment at the hands of Queen Elizabeth. The way she writes the book you can feel the years drag on and the madness that had to be the feeling of being free but not. Don't get me wrong it is not boring by any means. Mary's kindness and trustworthiness to others is what did her in, but I cannot fault her as I blame this on her upbringing. While the majority of her childhood was in France, they never taught her to be a ruling monarch so she had no idea how to handle the terrible situation she was forced to be in. Great read and not to be missed.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book focuses too much on creating fictional intrigues for minor characters and takes some of the people who were actually pretty complex (like Elizabeth I) and reduces them to shallow, simplistic individuals. The editing is atrocious, with many missing commas and several words used incorrectly. The book reads as if spellcheck was run on the manuscript, and nobody bothered to check the grammar. Read an actual biography of Mary Stuart; it will give much more detail and development of the main characters, like he two Queens!

[Beth]

What a turbulent time in British history. Although there are versions of Mary Stuart's life and possible plots against Elizabeth I there seemed little proof that she was a symbol for others to plot for her escape and placement on the throne of England. Listening to this well written historical novel was difficult in the final scene and in the execution of the Babbington plotters, it was a real slice of history