Dark Queen Watching

October 1, 2021
Margaret Beaufort's third adventure features a locked-room murder and a plethora of evil machinations. Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, and her son in exile, Henry Tudor, are the last remnants of a historic family. The death of her husband leaves Margaret even more exposed to the Yorkist powers that want her dead. She relies on the only two people she can trust: Master Reginald Bray and especially Christopher Urswicke, whose cleverness has helped keep her alive and plotting. A battle invisible to most is raging between the Garduna, a secret organization of killers who work for whomever will pay them, and the Luciferi, who act for the French Crown. Someone has paid the Garduna to harass Margaret, and her London house becomes a dangerous place as vicious broadsheets accuse her of unspeakable deeds. Having secretly sent for her son to come to England in disguise, she plans to seek sanctuary at her country estate and nearby Chertsey Abbey. Before she can leave London, though, a Frenchman is poisoned in a locked room of her house, and Christopher adds solving the murder to the list of things he must do to protect Margaret. He's well aware of the fact that the attacks on Margaret are almost certainly planned by his own father, whom he must outsmart if the House of Lancaster is to survive. A deep dive into an exciting historical period replete with action-filled sequences and nefarious plots.

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Starred review from October 25, 2021
In 1471, the House of York is ascendant, and Margaret Beaufort, countess of Richmond and a leading Lancastrian, is not only out of power but in serious danger, in Doherty’s outstanding third Margaret Beaufort mystery (after 2020’s The Stone of Destiny). The bloodshed begins with the murder in a tavern of a French royal clerk, who was trying to chase down an ominous rumor. Other homicides follow, as well as a massacre in an English forest. It becomes clear that there’s a political point to the trail of death. Why is someone trying to drive the countess out of England? Who would benefit? Meanwhile, Beaufort’s trusted henchman, Christopher Urswicke, who’s fighting various family demons, investigates the murders and mischief surrounding Beaufort. What makes this stand out from other mysteries set during the Wars of the Roses is how it draws in formidable players from outside England. Particularly frightening is a highly trained group of assassins from Spain, based on historical fact. This entry’s devious and deadly plots and conspiracies make Game of Thrones look like a game of patty-cake.

December 1, 2021
It's 1471, and the British House of York has defeated the House of Lancaster, leaving the French worried about a possible English invasion. Meanwhile, Margaret Beaufort, the Countess of Richmond, is determined to see her son, Henry Tudor, become king of England. This is a tale of major political intrigue. Readers may need to make themselves a scorecard to keep track of all the corrupt nobles, French and Spanish mercenaries, and scheming clergy. Doherty captures the period atmosphere well, effectively portraying Margaret's determination to protect her son and her land, aided by some of her faithful retainers, who risk death to support her. Margaret's clerk, Christopher Urswicke, is in a very precarious position since his father, the Recorder of London, is plotting against the Countess. Readers will eagerly follow the intricate plot to determine who will prevail. Historical-mystery fans and those who enjoy strong female protagonists will love this fine thriller.

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