I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. If you have not read the first title in the trilogy (The Catherine Howard Conspiracy), what are you waiting for? Go buy it, read it,and then start on this title. Spoilers for the first book follow. The Elizabeth Tudor Conspiracy picks up shortly after the end of the first book; Piper and Perdita are still in Andorra trying to keep safe from MI1. Their research continues to determine what happened to the twins Catherine Howard secretly bore; the historical part picks up in the reign of Elizabeth the Great. Elizabeth has been queen for many years, and is facing turmoil with a war in the Netherlands and a possible invasion from the Spanish and King Philip. It quickly becomes apparent that the queen has a group of trusted women (many her cousins) who act as unofficial spies to keep her appraised of what is really going on in England instead of just what her privy council wants her to know in order to manipulate her into doing what they want. Called to the death bed of Anne of Cleaves many years ago, Elizabeth was made the keeper of the secret of the twins including their identities and the proof needed to establish them as legitimate Tudor heirs. Over the years, Elizabeth has established a close relationship with her younger sister, but her brother remains ignorant of his true identity (although Elizabeth knows and likes him). I don't want to go more into the story and give anything away, but I will say there were many twists and turns that kept me both entertained and guessing until the very end.

Much like the previous novel, Ms. Walsh does an excellent job of taking historical facts and creating a very believable alternate version. What I especially like about this story is the role that Elizabeth's closest female companions play in providing her information and helping her achieve her aims despite attempts by the privy council to steer her to do their bidding. Knowing that history was normally written by men of the time, it does leave the reader wondering just how much women and their contributions have been lost to the centuries or incorrectly attributed to men of the era.

Events in the current day also proceed at a rapid clip, and the reader is given some hints as to the direction of the next book. I couldn't put this one down; it is perfect for fans of the Pink Carnation series or anyone who likes dual time lines. I can't wait for the final book in the series to see how it all ends - here's hoping I don't have to wait too long!

This is the second book in The Marquess House Trilogy. You don't have to read the first one in order to read this one but I do think it would help. Once again part of this book is set in Tudor times but his time it is about Queen Elizabeth I. Dr Perdita Rivers and her twin sister Piper try to solve a mystery that could change history that some people would like to keep quiet. My favorite time frame for historical fiction is the Tudor time frame. The thought behind the book is interesting and I am looking forward to reading the last book in the series.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Sapere Books and the author, Alexandra Walsh, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of The Elizabeth Tudor Conspiracy in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
No words can describe my excitement when I received a review copy of this book. I have read the first novel in the series and loved it, so I really wanted to see where Ms Walsh would go next.
Let me start off by saying, you could read this book as a stand alone story. There is enough of a backstory to follow this one. ( but in my opinion, you are missing one hell of a ride )
The storyline itself was well thought out and written. The changes between timelines is woven together really well. The characters are well defined and realistic in their nature. The scenery was magically descriptive. I was completely absorbed.
This book, and series, is an incredible read. If, like me, you enjoy reading about Tudor England, then this book is a "must read"
Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory, ( two of my favourite authors) you have competition.
Thankyou Ms Walsh for writing such an intriguing story. I certainly can't wait for more.
Definitely worth a read