As a new queen, Elizabeth I faces two great dangers. The French threaten to invade Scotland. But more perilous still is her passion for the convicted traitor, Robert Dudley. Dudley is already married. Amy, his wife, refuses to set her beloved husband free to marry the queen, but she cannot prevent him from becoming the favourite of the plotting, pleasure-seeking court. Yet the queen must marry.
Her wisest councillor, William Cecil, knows it must be for policy, not for passion; meanwhile, Elizabeth’s uncle hates Dudley and swears he will murder him rather than have him as part of the royal family. Behind the triangle of loves, the factions take up their places: the Protestants, the priests, the assassins, the diplomats and the moneymakers.
Then, someone acts in secret, and for Elizabeth, Dudley and the emerging kingdom, nothing will be as planned.This is an interesting book for me since the logic of the narrative and the characters involved in the story made me look at the real life evidence for the accidental death of Amy Dudley. When I was writing the novel it was widely accepted that she had broken her neck as a result of a fall. It seemed to me that murder was a far more likely cause, and you can read the novel to see who I suspect. It was very exciting when, long after publication, the original documents of her inquest were found showing that she died from blows to the head made by a weapon. Amy Dudley was indeed murdered, but we still don't know who was the murderer.
Released in 2004
This is an interesting book for me since the logic of the narrative and the characters involved in the story made me look at the real life evidence for the accidental death of Amy Dudley. When I was writing the novel it was widely accepted that she had broken her neck as a result of a fall. It seemed to me that murder was a far more likely cause, and you can read the novel to see who I suspect. It was very exciting when, long after publication, the original documents of her inquest were found showing that she died from blows to the head made by a weapon. Amy Dudley was indeed murdered, but we still don't know who was the murderer.
Book opens in 1558
Upon his unexpected early death in 1553, King Edward VI nominated his cousin, a committed Protestant, Lady Jane Grey as his successor. Just nine days after she was crowned, Edward's sister Princess Mary had raised supporters and persuaded the Privy Council to switch their allegiance - declaring her the rightful queen and imprisoning Jane. Queen Mary began to reverse the Protestant reformation of her father, restoring Roman Catholic bishops and persecuting Protestants. Despite several reported pregnancies, Mary's marriage to Philip of Spain produced no children. So on her death, her sister the Protestant Princess Elizabeth succeeded her to the throne.
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Reviews
"Gregory infuses her character with such life and personality that I nearly forgot how it was all supposed to end....A rich, enthralling novel of passion, betrayal and power: what reader could ask for more?"
Historical Novel Society Full Review
"A book to lose yourself in….a simmering mixture of intrigue, lust and betrayal at the court of Elizabeth I, it breathes new life into the suspected love affair between the young queen and Robert Dudley"
Daily Mail
"Convincing and entertaining"
Daily Telegraph
"An enjoyable read, and Gregory’s energetic writing carries one along"
Sunday Telegraph
"Gregory is one of the best chroniclers of the ups and downs of the turbulent Tudors….This superbly plotted drama unfolds like an exquisitely embroidered Tudor ruff"
Sainsbury's Magazine
"No lover of Elizabethan history should be without this novel, nor will any fan be disappointed with the meticulous research and marvelous portraits of Elizabeth, Dudley, and the court."
RT Book Reviews Full Review
"While steeped in history, The Virgin's Lover highlights the foibles of human nature that still ring true today. A sure winner."
BookPage Full Review
"inspiring and sumptuous....The characters are well drawn and the storyline spot on."
Lovereading Full Review
"Bestseller Gregory captivates again with this expertly crafted historical....readers addicted to Gregory's intelligent, well-researched tales of intrigue and romance will be enthralled, right down to the teasingly tragic ending."
Publishers Weekly Full Review
"[A] gripping novel that brings Tudor England to life....Historical fiction at its best"
Choice magazine
