I love this historical mystery series. Set during the Wars of the Roses with Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII, and two of her henchmen as the central characters, it's well researched and makes for genuinely exciting reading. I appreciate Doherty's portrayal of Margaret as a strong, intelligent, who can read situations quickly and understand their political ramifications.

In this volume, the Yorkists have just triumphed (for now) over the Lancastrian allies of the Tudors. The machinations get complicated here, but in a good way. I don't want to summarize much because it's dry stuff without Doherty's narrative bringing it to life. Plot is built on top of plot so that it's utterly unclear who the top schemer is and who that person is aiming to bring down.

If you enjoy historical mysteries that take the politics of the time in which they're set seriously, you'll enjoy the Dark Queen mysteries. Doherty is excellent at subtly providing context, so you can begin with any of the volumes.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own. ( )

At the Battle of Barnet the Earl of Warwick dies but there are rumours about betrayal. In order to survive his remaining brother George, a Archbishop, joins the Yorkist side, and takes up residence in a manor house in the Hertfordshire countryside. A young man pretending to be Henry Tudor appears at court and the Countess Margaret is forced to accept this cuckoo into her household and to travel to the manor as part of a celebration. However murder and intrigue are dogging their every move.
I have read a couple of novels in this series and this one is the best so far. Whilst built around the history of Margaret Beaufort, the stories are actually just well-researched medieval whodunnits and the plots are twisty enough to satisfy the reader. Here the labyrinthine politics of the mid-15th century are exposed and the brutal nature of trust in that age is shown to be fleeting. ( )

1472. Edward IV is now back on the throne and is parading a supposed imposter of Prince Henry, son of Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond. Soon Margaret, with her henchmen Christopher Urswicke, Reginald Bray, and the imposter converge on the Nevilles at The Moor house. Where Christopher is tasked with discovering a murderer.
A entertaining and interesting well-written historical mystery with its slant towards the Lancastrian cause. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its wide ranging characters. ( )

Dark Queen, dark times!

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. ( )