As an obsessive reader of historical mysteries, I love, love, love Paul Doherty's Margaret Beaufort series. The plotting is complex, the characters intelligent, and the writing is top-notch. This is the first volume in the series, but it's actually fun to read after volumes 2 and 3 because you can feed your knowledge of subsequent events into this initial tale. A great read for lovers of historical mysteries.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own. ( )

This new series starts with the Battle of Tewkesbury during the War of the Roses, and the machinations of Margaret Beaufort with her two henchman Reginald Bray and Christopher Urswick. In which Urswick is instructed by George of Clarence to find the guilty party in the deaths of four of his retainers
Unfortunately this first 60% of the book was historical fiction. (When I have wanted to read about this time period I have read history books.) So the first half was a struggle to get through, and then the mystery occurred. Basically a locked room scenario. Then the story became more interesting as did the characters. If this series develops as a mystery series (which is what the book was described as) then I could be tempted to read more.
A NetGalley Book ( )

I am conflicted on how I feel about this book, Dark Queen Rising. I chose to read this book because it was about Margaret Beaufort and I love to read about anything to do with the Plantagenet's (my guilty pleasure). I think the problem I had with the book was that I prefer books with lots of dialogue and their was more descriptive than I like and it seemed to slow the book down. Near the end of the book though it just took off and I couldn't put it down.

The author, in my opinion, thoroughly captured what we believe to be the personalities of Richard III, Margaret and George, Duke of Clarence. Overall, I would continue to read the rest of the books in the series and it is intriguing if you stick with it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book. This in no way influenced my review. ( )

The year is 1471. The War of the Roses has pitted the houses of York and Lancaster against each other. Edward of York has taken the throne, and is destroying anyone who supported the Lancasters. Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry Tudor, is forced to hide in the shadows, determined to protect her son. She and two of her men, Christopher Urswicke and Reginald Bray, are the main characters in this book, surrounded by political intrigue and upheaval, the effects of war, and lots of death and betrayal.

I think the blurb for this book was a bit off. I expected a historical mystery.....but this book is more historical fiction. Very little mystery here. And the history is definitely fictionalized. Some facts -- like Margaret Beaufort's husbands -- are off. In my opinion, even when writing a fictionalized account, the stories of real people should be spot on.....with only the daily occurrences, conversations, and events that can't be historically proven being fiction. it constantly pulls me out of a story when I have to go fact check when I suspect a historical fact has been altered.

Now, I'm not saying this isn't an enjoyable story. It is. There is a lot of action and intrigue. The book is well-written and moves along at a nice pace. For readers who liked the White Queen and other similar historical fiction novels, this boo is perfect. It tells the story from the point of view of the Lancasters and Margaret Beaufort. For me, I just wish it had been a little truer to actual events....and that it had actually provided a mystery component with Margaret and her minions doing some detective work behind the scenes. Instead there was a lot of political maneuvering, hiding and plotting.....which I am sure actually happened given the violence and upheaval of the time.

I would have given this five stars but for the historical inaccuracies. But it's a solid 4 star, even with that little ding. I enjoyed the intrigue, but I think this story just got a little confused. Is it historical fiction? Or a historical mystery? In the end, it sort of didn't hit either mark very well for me. But it had enough suspense and action to keep my attention.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Severn House via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

Unfortunately, I was unable to finish this book. I have been a avid reader of books regarding the War of Roses but couldn't grasp the concept behind this particular book. Yes, Margaret Beaufort was the central character but the others seemed to jump from place to place without continuity.

Can't recommend this book and I will not be following the future books in the series. ( )