In a Treacherous Court (Susanna Horenbout and John Parker, #1)

In a Treacherous Court (Susanna Horenbout and John Parker, #1)

Michelle Diener

Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

An unconventional woman. A deadly enemy. A clash of intrigue, deception, and desire. . . . 1525: Artist Susanna Horenbout is sent from Belgium to be Henry VIII’s personal illuminator inside the royal palace. But her new homeland greets her with an attempt on her life, and the King’s most lethal courtier, John Parker, is charged with keeping her safe. As further attacks are made, Susanna and Parker realize that she unknowingly carries the key to a bloody plot against the throne. For while Richard de la Pole amasses troops in France for a Yorkist invasion, a traitor prepares to trample the kingdom from within.Who is the mastermind? Why are men vying to kill the woman Parker protects with his life? With a motley gang of urchins, Susanna’s wits, and Parker’s fierce instincts, honed on the streets and in palace chambers, the two slash through deadly layers of deceit in a race against time. For in the court of Henry VIII, secrets are the last to die. . . .Brilliantly revealing a little-known historical figure who lived among the Tudors, Michelle Diener makes a smashing historical fiction debut.

Publication Year: 2011


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  • tmelting
    Apr 02, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

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  • Capnrandm
    May 02, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    A good outline of a book, or maybe a television script? IN A TREACHEROUS COURT is missing the setting and texture that pass out a plot. I liked the vibe, though, definitely on the cusp of both historical mystery and historical romance. Still, coming right after Kiera's painting in THE ANATOMIST'S WIFE, Susanna pulling things or of her bag and going in to a fugue state at the drop of a hat seems more "magic super power" than "glimpse into an artist's process".

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