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Read advance reader review of The Tudor Secret by C. W. Gortner, page 6 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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Page 6 of 7
There are currently 43 member reviews
for The Tudor Secret
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  • Cheryl W. (Faribault, Mn)
    Tudor disappointment
    I found this book unappealing. Also I think this is a republish of another book title. I struggled to enjoy the characters and found myself skimming through this book.
  • Jane A. (Lakeport, Ca)
    ....a fanciful imagination...
    The Tudor Secret is a swashbuckling story embroidered superficially on the rich tapestry of England after the reign of Henry VIII. My personal feeling is that this period of history needs no such embellishment. For those who enjoy a fast-paced hypothetical romp thru English history, this book is just the ticket.
  • Carol T. (Ankeny, Iowa)
    The Tudor Secret
    Interesting point of view -- a young male servant -- and good feel for the times in the pacing and language, but a little unbelievable that a young servant would so quickly become enmeshed in intrigue, particularly when the young Princess Elizabeth knows so very well that her life is at stake.
  • Elizabeth L. (Salem, Oregon)
    Not His Best
    The premise of the book - behind the scenes Tudor England between Henry VIII and Elizabeth I - is very promising and the book is well written. However I found it off putting that the main character - a squire - would be introduced to so many luminaries and become part of their plots in just a few hours (literally). Perhaps this will be less jarring as the series continues.

    I do recommend Gortner's other books, particularly The Last Queen.
  • Amy H. (Benbrook, TX)
    Predictable
    I really enjoy reading about this time period, and I'm always excited when a new piece is published about the Tudor family. I found parts of this mystery entertaining, but not necessarily interesting. The plot felt both stale and rushed, and by Chapter 17 I had it figured out. His book about Catherine de Medici was much better!
  • Georgette I. (Oxford, GA)
    The Tudor Secret
    The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner is a fun read but not a great read. As a historical novel it has a good bit of fact and enough fiction to keep the reader interested. However, the fiction is predictable and about mid-way through the book I found myself skimming pages to find a twist or “aha moment.” The basic premise lends itself to suspense and intrigue but the novel fails to produce what could have been a unique experience.
  • Mindy (Alabama)
    The Tudor Secret
    Although fast-paced and interesting, this book was lacking in depth and character development. I did enjoy learning more about the historical figures of the period, particularly about William Cecil. It was written in the first person from the viewpoint of a young man, aged 20, and for this reason I recommend it for that age group.

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