Six Tudor Queens: Katheryn Howard, The Tainted Queen

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What to expect

'This six-book series looks likely to become a landmark in historical fiction' The Times

Alison Weir, historian and author of the Sunday Times-bestselling Six Tudor Queens series, relates one of the most tragic stories in English history: Katheryn Howard, Henry VIII's fifth queen.

'With characteristic verve and stunning period detail, this novel will captivate you and break your heart. Utterly sublime' TRACY BORMAN

'Conveys the heart-rending pathos of a young woman executed, whose only real crime was her naïveté and her desire to be loved... It is a profoundly moving story that lingers long after the last page is turned'
ELIZABETH FREEMANTLE

'Alison's sensitively drawn novel will change everyone's preconceptions'
SUSAN RONALD

...

A NAIVE YOUNG WOMAN AT THE MERCY OF HER AMBITIOUS FAMILY.

At just nineteen, Katheryn Howard is quick to trust and fall in love.

She comes to court. She sings, she dances. She captures the heart of the King.

Henry declares she is his rose without a thorn. But Katheryn has a past of which he knows nothing. It comes back increasingly to haunt her. For those who share her secrets are waiting in the shadows, whispering words of love... and blackmail.

KATHERYN HOWARD
THE FIFTH OF HENRY'S QUEENS.
HER STORY.

Acclaimed, bestselling historian Alison Weir draws on extensive research to recount one of the most tragic tales in English history - that of a lively, sweet but neglected girl, used by powerful men for their own gain.

History tells us she died too soon.
This mesmerising novel brings her to life.

PRAISE FOR THE SIX TUDOR QUEENS SERIES:

'Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life' Guardian

'Alison Weir makes history come alive as no one else' Barbara Erskine

'Well researched and engrossing' Good Housekeeping

'Utterly gripping and endlessly surprising' Tracy Borman

'Hugely enjoyable . . . Alison Weir knows her subject and has a knack for the telling and textural detail' Daily Mail

(P)2020 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

Critics Review

There is an Anne of Cleves we all think we know - the dumpy fourth wife so uninspiring that Henry VIII couldn't even consummate their marriage. Alison Weir gives us a radically different 'Anna of Kleve' - one who is definitely hiding some secrets under her thick, unbecoming German gown. It takes a writer of Weir's skill to make us believe her fantasia on the established story. But more importantly, it takes a historian of Weir's experience - her familiarity with the sources, and the period detail - to use this compelling fiction to cast a revealing fresh light on the real historical figure.
Sarah Gristwood
Katheryn emerges from the pages of this beautifully realised portrayal as beguiling, vivacious and, in the end, tragically naive . . .This novel will captivate you and break your heart. Utterly sublime
In this vivid and beautifully crafted portrayal, Alison Weir transforms Henry VIII's much-maligned fourth wife into a woman of passion, courage and mystery. Utterly gripping and endlessly surprising, this novel captivates from the first page to the last. It is like meeting Anna of Kleve for the very first time. A masterpiece.
Tracy Borman
Weir demonstrates her deep knowledge of the period offering fascinating detail on all aspects of Tudor life. . .It is a profoundly moving story that lingers long after the last page is turned
Alison's sensitively drawn novel will change everyone's preconceptions
This is my favourite of the series
Alison Weir is an expert at weaving together historical detail, political powerplay and the feelings of a naive woman.
Woman & Home

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