Murder mystery set in and around Whitstable
Historical novel set around LONDON and SOUTHERN ENGLAND 16th Century
24th June 2026
The Boleyn Secret by Alison Weir, historical novel set around London and Southern England in the 16th Century.
#Audiobook narrated by Genevieve Gaunt, who does a great job of finding different voices for the characters, both male and female.
Ever since school, when we were (to be honest) swamped by details of the Tudors, I have nevertheless maintained a curiosity and interest in this period in history.
The story opens as Anne Boleyn is taken to the Tower of London and then beheaded. In attendance is a young girl, Anne’s niece, twelve year old Kate Carey, who is traumatised to witness the fate of her Aunt. She is then entrusted with serving her motherless cousin, Elizabeth and an enduring love and friendship between the two youngsters stretches into adulthood. When Kate’s mother lies on her deathbed, she reveals a secret to her daughter and for Kate, with this revelation, many things suddenly fit into place.
Kate marries Francis Knollys (pronounced Knowles), and theirs is a pretty happy union that comes under terrific pressure when Kate is summoned back to court to attend Elizabeth, as she moves towards becoming Queen. Kate struggles to be separated from her husband and her innumerable children (and goodness, it was 14 who survived I think, though I may have missed a few).
Kate has a great dislike for Henry VIII and of course, this is a very different take on what I learned about him at school – then he was portrayed as the swashbuckling, charming, educated man who had everyone in his thrall – oh, and who beheaded a couple of his wives, which all added to the colour of his personality. Yet, of course, if one objectively considers his dealings with women and those not in his favour, then his autocratic and bullying nature is perfectly evident if one cares to look. He proves to be an imperious and autocratic ruler, resembling several men who hold sadly power today.
I found this a compelling storyline, based on very detailed research, which the author goes on to highlight at the end. None of the scenarios are plucked out of thin air but are based on highly likely scenarios which the author spotted during her research.
The audiobook was 20+ hours and I always looked forward to resuming from where I had left off. The texture of the times, the characters and the delightful rendition by the narrator kept me hooked right up to the end. A terrific novel.
Tina for the TripFiction Team
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