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In To Shield the Queen, we were introduced to Ursula Blanchard, lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I and one of the most entrancing mystery heroines to come along in many a season. Having once saved the Virgin Queen from political disaster, now young Ursula faces an even greater challenge. Some of her old acquaintances may be plotting to overthrow Elizabeth in favor of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the re-establishment of the Catholic faith. Secretary of State Sir William Cecil needs a spy in show more the Mason home, and Ursula is the obvious choice. Torn between her devotion to Elizabeth and her longing to be reunited with her exiled Catholic husband in France, Ursula makes a difficult bargain that balances personal happiness against duty to Queen and country. Her journey takes her into dangerous territory, and whatever happens, she will never again be quite as trusting or secure.. show less
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Member Reviews
I got about half way through the first chapter of this book. The first in the series (which I see I haven't reviewed) looks at the death of Amy Robsart, which is not something that I've seriously lost sleep about, but which is one of those historical mysteries that is discussed in most serious studies of Elizabeth I. It had enough research and period feel to hold my interest. But by the time we were getting set to go in this book, I remembered how much I disliked the protagonist. To my taste, she is unpleasant company.
This series has fans, and it may be that Ursula gets less irritating as she goes, or it may simply be that this isn't for me.
This series has fans, and it may be that Ursula gets less irritating as she goes, or it may simply be that this isn't for me.
Good book, a bit predictable at times. Nice quick read. Looking forward to the next in this series.
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Books Read in 2012 (Numbered)
168 works; 6 members
Books Read in 2012
815 works; 34 members
Author Information
44+ Works 3,256 Members
Some Editions
Series
Work Relationships
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Doublet Affair
- Original publication date
- 1998
- People/Characters
- Ursula Blanchard; Katherine Ashley; Alexander Bone; Roger Brockley; Mildred Cecil, Lady Burghley; William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley (show all 18); Nicholas Chrichton; Fran Dale; Elizabeth I, Queen of England; Mattie Henderson; Rob Henderson; Ann Mason; George Mason; Leonard Mason; Penelope Mason; Barnabas Mew (Master Clockmaker of Windsor); Alvarez, Bishop de Quadra; Matthew de la Roche
- Important places
- London, England, UK; Whitehall Palace, London, England, UK
- Important events
- Tudor Era (1485 | 1603); Elizabethan Era (1558 | 1603)
- Dedication
- This book is for Gwyneth Rowlands with affection and gratitude.
- First words
- "Gently now, gently."
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Matthew was gone forever and the sooner I accepted that the better.
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Statistics
- Members
- 330
- Popularity
- 95,906
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (3.74)
- Languages
- English, French
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 16
- ASINs
- 6
