Author: C.W. Gortner
Format: Paperback
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publish Date: October 21, 2014
Source: HF Virtual Book Tours
What's the Story?:
From Goodreads.com: "Upon the death of Mary I (Bloody Mary), Elizabeth I takes the throne and Brendan Prescott is called to aid the young queen amid a realm plunged into chaos and a court rife with conspiracy
London, 1558. Queen Mary is dead, and 25-year old Elizabeth ascends the throne. Summoned to court from exile abroad, Elizabeth’s intimate spy, Brendan Prescott, is reunited with the young queen, as well as his beloved Kate, scheming William Cecil, and arch-rival, Robert Dudley. A poison attempt on Elizabeth soon overshadows her coronation, but before Brendan can investigate, Elizabeth summons him in private to dispatch him on a far more confidential mission: to find her favored lady in waiting, Lady Parry, who has disappeared during a visit to her family manor in Yorkshire.
Upon his arrival at the desolate sea-side manor where Lady Parry was last seen, he encounters a strange, impoverished family beset by grief, as well as mounting evidence that they hide a secret from him. The mystery surrounding Lady Parry deepens as Brendan begins to realize there is far more going on at the manor than meets the eye, but the closer he gets to the heart of the mystery in Vaughn Hall, the more he learns that in his zeal to uncover the truth, he could be precipitating Elizabeth’s destruction.
From the intrigue-laden passages of Whitehall to a foreboding Catholic manor and the deadly underworld of London, Brendan must race against time to unravel a vendetta that will strike at the very core of his world—a vendetta that could expose a buried past and betray everything he has fought for, including his loyalty to his queen."
My Two Cents:
"The Tudor Vendetta" is a historical mystery with a lot of panache. This is the third book in C.W. Gortner's fantastic series, "The Spymaster Chronicles" and while this book is very much a standalone book, you should really go back and read the first two books in this series if you're looking for some exciting historical mysteries with memorable characters and excellent historical detail! This book is definitely not your typical Tudor fare!
Again, Brendan, Elizabeth I's spy and the main character from the first two books is at the center of this book. He is summoned from exile and has a brand new mystery to solve. This time, the stakes are even higher and the secret at the center of the book could rock Elizabeth I's new reign. This book had me engaged from the very beginning. Part of the reason is that I really, really like Brendan's character. This is one sharp guy and I loved following him as he follows clue after clue as he gets closer and closer to danger. The supporting characters in this book are wonderful as well and definitely well drawn.
I don't read a lot of historical mystery usually but books like this one make me want to read a lot more though. The way that the author gives you just the smallest clue to get you into guessing what comes next and then he suddenly flips on you and has your mind going in the completely opposite direction. I love a good surprise in books and this one has plenty of those. I hate being able to guess what's going to happen in mysteries but there was none of that with this book. I never knew where the book was going to take me next. I so did not see the absolutely wonderfully fascinating climax that happens in the book (I don't want to ruin anything so you're just going to have to read it yourself). I love a good surprise!
Overall, I was thrilled with this book. I really enjoyed it and am hoping for more of Brendan's adventures in the future. This book is definitely a thrill!
Follow the Rest of the Tour:
Monday, October 20
Review at The Maiden’s Court
Guest Post at Mina’s Bookshelf
Tuesday, October 21
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession
Spotlight at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, October 22
Review at Back Porchervations
Review at Always With a Books
Thursday, October 23
Review at 100 Pages a Day – Stephanie’s Book Reviews
Friday, October 24
Review at Bibliophilia, Please
Interview at Back Porchervations
Monday, October 27
Review at JulzReads
Review at Queen of All She Reads
Tuesday, October 28
Review at Beth’s Book Reviews
Wednesday, October 29
Review at Making My Mark
Review at Writing the Renaissance
Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews
Guest Post at Bookish
Thursday, October 30
Review & Guest Post at Drey’s Library
Review & Interview at The Copperfield Review & From Meredith Allard
Interview at Writing the Renaissance
Friday, October 31
Review at Book by Book
Monday, November 3
Review at Mari Reads
Review & Gues Post at JM Ledwell Writes
Tuesday, November 4
Review at A Bookish Affair
Wednesday, November 5
Review at One Book at a Time
Guest Post at A Bookish Affair
Thursday, November 6
Review at Booktalk & More
Friday, November 7
Review at Build a Bookshelf
Monday, November 10
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews
Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!
Tuesday, November 11
Review at A Book Geek
Review at The Lit Bitch
Wednesday, November 12
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Thursday, November 13
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews
Friday, November 14
Review at Book Nerd
Spotlight at Paranormal Book Club
Monday, November 17
Review at Broken Teepee
Review at The Never-Ending Book
Tuesday, November 18
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time
Guest Post at What is That Book About
Wednesday, November 19
Review at Kate Forsyth’s Blog
Thursday, November 20
Review & Interview at The Tudor Enthusiast
Friday, November 21
Review at Griperang’s Bookmarks
Monday, November 24
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at The True Book Addict
Tuesday, November 25
Review at Historical Tapestry
Guest Post at Historical Fiction Connection
Wednesday, November 26
Review at Flashlight Commentary
Friday, November 28
Review at Books in the Burbs
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story
The stories emanating from the Tudor era are endless. This sounds like another amazing book.
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