During the reign of King James I, the Jacobean court was marked by a scandalous murder in 1613.

The book sets the story in 1615. Frances Howard, is an English noblewoman, and Robert Carr, is a favorite of the King. But there is someone else who stands in the way.

Both, Frances and Robert, get accused of murder. In alternating voices they reveal their own stories, which build up to the murder. Their voices weave through the court of intrigue, where allegiances fluctuate constantly, in this case between Howards and Essex crowd.

Frances and Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, get married at a young age. “The union was designed to mend an old rift between” both families.

The marriage is loveless, at least she tries to be pleasant, but he continues to be rough.

Robert Carr climbs the court's ladder from the bottom to the very top by becoming the King’s favorite.

After a year at Chartley castle, Frances and her husband return to the court, where she renews her spark with Prince Henry. A love spark that her Uncle (great-uncle) encouraged. “A prince in our pocket might one day serve our needs.”

Since the Essex crowd is falling out of favor with the King, now her Uncle wants her marriage annulled and have her marry Robert Carr, King’s favorite.

At the court, Frances also reunites with Anne Turner, her childhood nurse. Anne takes Frances to Dr. Forman to get a protection to avoid now unwanted pregnancy. But Frances also notices poisonous potions.

The portrayal of the court dealings and all the characters involved is very vivid. The engrossing writing captures skillfully “a living example of the wicked women so prevalent in the drama of the day.” Some facts are disputable by historians, but the author’s imagination captures intense court and its people.

The Poison Bed was a fascinating thriller I could not put down. Elizabeth Fremantle knows how to write suspense and murder. I loved this book.