Great read! Very easy to get into and a story you don't want to put down. I haven't read much about this period so it was truly interesting. Catherine was a strong woman and was more involved in the history of this country than you think a woman of her time would be. I would highly recommend this book to those who love historical fiction.

I love historical fiction. So this was a good book in my opinion. The characters were interesting, the plot is not something that I would normally come across, and although at the beginning I had a little trouble getting into it...it grabbed me and I wanted to find out how it ended. I would definitely recommend it.

The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is because it took me 100 pages to get into the book. I don't know why...but it did. I loved this book. I always enjoy a historical novel that teaches me something and this one does and has a compelling story as well. I had a hard time leaving the characters and I would advise going to the author's website to read more about the book so that you get some further insight to the time & the characters. She also has pictures of ancient Rome that connect you more to the people and the times. This book has made me interested in reading about the times ..and I will re-view "I, Claudius" as a result...to me THAT is a good read, one that makes me thirstier for more information of the times.

This is not Phillipa Gregory...should not be compared as such. I actually enjoyed the book as an easy, light, quick read. Although I could predict what was going to happen, I still enjoyed the story but probably would not ever pick up another novel by this author. What I liked about the book was the time period and the information about Cairo during that time was new to me. What I did not like was the fact that it did not have as much depth of character (which I was expecting).

Once I got past the things I did not like and just accepted it for it was (a light read) I just relaxed & enjoyed.

If you are looking for a book to pass the time & not have to concentrate, this is for you.

I received this book wanting to love it. I enjoy light hearted mysteries and this seemed like it would fit the bill. My problem? I did not enjoy the characters and the writing style. It is a little too detailed for my taste and I kept wanting to yell "Get on with the story!!" Ms. Greenwood is a very witty writer. Her characters say things that I sometimes wish I could think to say. But sometimes witty comes off as too sassy or even too self-interested. The mystery part was okay...with a twist at the end. I cannot give it a lower rating because I think the reason I did not enjoy it is more a matter of taste.

I am very impressed with the author. From the beginning, I loved the lyrical language and the character that she was able to flesh out. I knew nothing about Mata Hari, which drew me to the book. With the short chapters, it made it easier for me to pick up and put down at this busy time of year. But I found myself not wanting to put it down at all. As she tells her stories, you become totally hypnotized by this woman. If you want to learn a little, be entertained and find out what lyrical really means, pick up this book!