The Queene's Christmas

✍ Scribed by Harper, Karen

• Book ID: 108633875
• Publisher: Macmillan
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 260 KB
• Series: Elizabeth I 6
• Category: Fiction
• ISBN: 0312994729

✦ Synopsis

The Queene's Christmas draws readers into the magnificent realm of Elizabeth Tudor and the magic of her Court at Yuletide, circa 1564. But in the intoxicating sixth novel of Karen Harper's celebrated Elizabeth I series, the Twelve Days of Christmas are murderously interrupted when the Dresser of the Queen's Privy Kitchen is found hanged and trussed like
the peacock he'd been fashioning for the holiday feast. With foul play afoot in her Court, Elizabeth does her royal utmost to track down the poor man's killer while striving to salvage the joy of Christmas. Doomed to suspect even her most trusted courtiers, she is nevertheless determined to vanquish the Christmas culprit-who will not only strike again but has
targeted Her Majesty as his ultimate prey.

From Booklist

Harper takes readers back to sixteenth-century England with her sixth mystery featuring Elizabeth I. It is the Christmas season of 1564, and Elizabeth wants her subjects to enjoy the holidays while she attempts to outwit her devious Catholic cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, who is plotting to steal the throne of England. Elizabeth has planned an elaborate holiday feast, but the preparations go awry when Master Hodge Thatcher, Dresser of the Queene's Privy Kitchen, is found hanging in his workroom adorned with the peacock feathers meant for decorating the roasted bird. Elizabeth must solve the crime before she becomes another victim. The wonderful historical detail mixed with intrigue and authentic Elizabethan recipes enliven this story, which is a real treat for those who enjoy historical mysteries. Book-club hosts will appreciate the discussion ideas included at the end of the book. Barbara Bibel
Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

Praise for Karen Harper and Her Queen Elizabeth I Series

The Queene's Christmas
--"Lively, abundant historical color makes Harper's latest regal caper another standout. A delectable bonus: Each chapter opens with a Yuletide recipe from the period." --Kirkus Reviews
--"Wonderful historical detail mixed with intrigue and authentic Elizabethan recipes enliven this story, which is a real treat for those who enjoy historical mysteries." --Booklist

The Thorne Maze
--"Tudor England's answer to V. I. Warshawski....[a] well-researched, intrigue-filled historical." --Publishers Weekly
--"Brisk, energetic writing and terrific historical color." --Kirkus Reviews
--"Another brilliantly plotted and authentically detailed entry in a series celebrated for its vigorous characterization of the Virgin Queen." --Booklist
--"Another fine historical." --Library Journal
--"Harper is to be commended for keeping true to what we know of Tudor history...and for making the factions of Elizabeth's court clearer than many history books have done." --Chicago Tribune
--"The plot of Harper's novel is a mere diversion from its true pleasure: the re-creation of Elizabeth I's court, the manners of the day, the fetes, the sumptuous clothes, all of which Harper brings wonderfully alive." --Baltimore Sun

The Queene's Cure
--"Karen Harper weaves a thrilling blend of historical detail and intriguing mystery. Her Queen Elizabeth I . . . possesses the fine detective's instinct of Sherlock Holmes. The result is an intense reading experience guaranteed to surprise and delight." --Lisa Gardner, author of The Other Daughter

The Twylight Tower
--"Harper's exquisite mastery of the period, lively dialogue, energetic plot, devious characters, and excellent rendition of the willful queen make this a pleasure for fans of historical mysteries. Essential for all collections." --Library Journal
--"The sleuthing is fun, but what makes The Twylight Tower comparable to the fine works of Allison Weir is the strong writing of the author." --Midwest Book Review

The Tidale Poole
--"Harper delivers high drama and deadly intrigue.... [She] masterfully captures the Elizabethan tone in both language and setting and gives life to fascinating historical figures.... Elizabethan history has never been this appealing." --Newsday

The Poyson Garden
--"A walk side by side with one of history's most dynamic characters." --Anne Perry, author of Half Moon Street