Dark Queen, dark times!

Dark Queen Wary (Margaret Beaufort Mystery #4) by Paul Doherty      

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The battle for King between the Lancaster’s and the York’s before Henry VII came to power was viscous, deceitful, acquisitive and brutal. Bids for power by satellites were equally as astounding.

In the center, calmly and urgently plotting for her son’s claim was Margaret of Beaufort.

In this third in the series Margaret (the Dark Queen) has been sent to the Moor, an ex Templar haven now held by George Neville, Archbishop of York and his sister Grace. Along with her sworn companions, Christopher Urswicke and Reginald Bray. Wary she needs to be indeed.

An imposter is being hailed as her son Henry. He too, along with his companions arrives. All set in motion by Sir Thomas Urswicke, Recorder of London, Christopher’s father.

What happens here is murder most foul, betrayal and hidden death.

Margaret and her companions need all their wits about them. Treason and treachery is on all sides. Even more so as they are convinced that they and others are being shadowed and led into false paths by the Achitophel, a Judas figure who harbors and conserves information and actions, pitting friends and enemies alike against each other for his own ends.

Doherty’s author’s notes show solid research and a superior understanding of the times—complex and dark at every turn. Margaret Beaufort had to keep one step ahead of her enemies whilst appearing to be a dutiful mother, moving prayfully through the landscape, hidden but active, wherever she was sent.

A powerful novel of the times!

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.