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Read advance reader review of The Tudor Secret by C. W. Gortner, page 3 of 7

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The Tudor Secret by C. W. Gortner

The Tudor Secret

The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles

by C. W. Gortner

  • Critics' Consensus (0):
  • Published:
  • Feb 2011, 352 pages
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There are currently 43 member reviews
for The Tudor Secret
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  • Nikki R. (Irvine, CA)
    Quick Read
    I have to say I did enjoy this book although it will not go down as a favorite in the same way my last read, The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver will. I found it an easy, quick read bordering on a summer beach book. The historical aspects were present in a pleasing fashion encouraging you to pursue more in depth information. As this is apparently the first in the Brendan Prescott spymaster series I look forward to others.
  • Mary L. (Madison, MS)
    Excellent historical mysery
    I highly recommend this first in a new series set in Tudor England. The book is well written and the characters quickly become real to the reader.
  • Marion T. (Palatine, IL)
    The Tudor Secret
    I am a lover of historical fiction and I enjoyed this read. "The Tudor Secret" fulfills most of my requirements. It is a good quick read, fast moving, mix with facts, figures and intrigue. It has detailed descriptions of life in the courts and London in the period. However, it does lack character development and depth. That being said I do look forward to the next in the series.
  • Deborah J. (Rockville, MD)
    The Tudor Secret
    I enjoyed this book and it's "what if" twist to the plot, which moved quite rapidly. In fact, one of my only criticisms is that it was difficult for me as a reader to believe the abbreviated time line in the book -- how so much could happen in such a short period of time was confusing, to say the least. It also did not lend itself to what I would consider adequate character development, especially for Brendan Prescott.

    It was, however, a quick and enjoyable read. I have read a great deal of historical fiction and I think that anyone with even a moderate knowledge of the historical period involved would enjoy the "what if" twist of the historical events.
  • Deb Y. (Blanco, TX)
    Tudors - Love Them or Hate Them
    I personally really enjoyed this book, another take on Elizabeth I and her history, written in the first person, purportedly by Brendan Prescott, an orphan reared by the powerful Dudley family, who has been sent on an illicit mission to the king's sister, the then Princess Elizabeth. I am a sucker for the Tudors, the first person narrative, and historical novels - hence, a hat trick for me in this book. Another don't miss it........
  • Carol G. (Little Egg Harbor, NJ)
    The Tudor Secret
    As a lover of historical fiction and mystery, this book fit the bill. I have not read this author previously but look forward to the continuing books in this series. The book was enjoyable, and with plenty of twists. Although a complicated period of history, the author brought the characters to life in such a way for the readers to discover a world apart from the royalty of that time. I also plan to read The Other Queen.
  • Maggie P. (Redmond, WA)
    Enjoyable, but predictable
    I had a difficult time getting into the story, but after the first couple chapters it was a quick read. I loved that it was written in first person prospective. I think that gave it the intrigue it needed to be a good mystery.
    I would recommend this for book club because it gives several areas for debate and discussion. The author also provides nine reading group questions at the end of the book to help.

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