Yes, I am a huge historical fiction fan, with the cherry on top being anything Tudor! So I was fairly confident I would find something in this book ... and I did. The Catherine Howard Conspiracy is first in a trilogy, ‘The Marquess House’ and combines a dual narrative with a mystery/thriller component. What we have here is a truly intriguing piece of literature that, similar to Laura Anderson’s The Boleyn Trilogy, offers a sensible spin on what could have been. Love it!

“How we view ourselves as a nation comes from the way we regard our collective history. But what if it were wrong? What if the version of history we have all been taught, that academics have studied for centuries, is in fact nothing more than a huge fabrication? That we have all been duped into believing lies, and that it’s all been done with the collusion of successive governments.”

What I found most impressive here is the extensive research Alexandra Walsh has undertaken. Although a work of fiction, it reads like an accurate recount of King Henry VIII court except a new creatively inspired twist on the well known tale of his wives. I was also impressed with how the two narratives worked so well together, creating a seamless jigsaw puzzle to be put together by the end. For history buffs, you will LOVE what Walsh has done here and how she has used historical facts to support new and exciting interpretations. You will ponder and reflect on how events may have transpired given situations and characters of Henry’s court in the 1540s. I should have probably scored this as a 4.5* given the far fetched conspiracy of the modern day and with the ending being a little fantastical, but I was prepared to suspend disbelief as it’s such a rollicking good tale!

‘Suddenly, she realised the true helplessness of her situation. Although her betrothment to the king had elevated her status at the court, to her family and, most particularly, her uncle who was the head of the Howards, she remained a puppet to be used in order to help him achieve his own plans and ambitions.’

Catherine Howard is probably the weakest and most flighty wife of the six wives, but here, Walsh gives her a real voice and takes the commonly accepted facts, twisting them in an absolute refreshing way to provide an utterly sympathetic tale of what might have been. This is not an easy path, rather, a complex and well thought out thriller produced with a plot that will keep you going right to the very end. Take your Tudor knowledge and turn it on its head! How fascinating! I can’t allude to much without giving away the turn of events, but suffice to say I fully embrace this new version of Catherine Howard and find it to be supported with some realistic fiction.

‘What had captured her imagination was the possibility that there was a different version of events leading up to Catherine’s death. One that suggested she had not been the spoilt, promiscuous child so many biographies hypothesised but, rather like her cousin Anne Boleyn, was the innocent victim of her scheming and powerful male relatives.’

Although the first in a trilogy, this story does reach some satisfying conclusions, whilst providing me with enough incentive to want to continue the journey for the follow up. I can only congratulate the author on her creativity and unique way of weaving historical facts with well thought out fiction. The research and imagination blend perfectly for a most thrilling read. Highly recommend for historical fiction fans.

“But if that’s the case and Catherine Howard wasn’t executed,” said Perdita, “where did she go and what happened to her?”



This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

The Catherine Howard Conspiracy was a fascinating story and well written. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I would love to read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sapere Books, and Alexandra Walsh for the electronic ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a solid 4.5 stars. This is my favorite period in history, so I was excited to read a new take. I love the "What if?" aspect, especially since Walsh bases her fiction on well known facts as well as holes in established Tudor history. I'm not a fan of conspiracy theories, but that aspect of this book drew me in even more!

The story alternates between present day Perdita, granddaughter of renowned feminist historian Mary Fitzroy, and the Henry VIII Tudor reigns of Anne of Cleves & Catherine Howard. My only fault with the time shift was I thought it could have alternated more during the first two parts. I think it was absolutely essential to tell the story both detailing what Perdita was dealing with in the present as well as through the eyes of Catherine and her contemporaries. The story Walsh tells through Catherine is very believable, even to someone like me that is well read in Tudor history. The fact that many aspects don't match with the accepted version of history blends well with the ones that do. Henry VIII is a well established tyrant that is widely believed to have sent Anne Boleyn and her associates to their deaths to suite his purposes. To portray him to committing private violence against his subsequent queens (and those of base status) is not a far stretch. While I recognize & accept the premise of the book and the lasting fall out Walsh writes about is not true, she definitely makes you wonder about history as it is told to us!

I loved this debut novel so much, but I am admittedly very stingy with 5 star ratings. I will not round up 4.5 stars as I will 3.5 or 2.5. This book was so close to a 5 star rating & I cannot wait to read the Elizabethan second part of the trilogy. While the book doesn't end in a cliffhanger & without giving too much away, I'm very excited to learn what comes after Catherine & her family!

Such a well written, enjoyable book! Historical fiction at its best. Catherine Howard, 5th wife of Henry VIII, may be the least written about of the Tudor wives. Alexandra Walsh writes a spellbinding story, twisting and turning with unexpected clues and events that will surprise the reader in its ingenuity and reality. An eye opener into the character of Catherine Howard, and recommended reading.

This was a very exciting and clever story, with lots of action and anticipation. The historical background was excellent and the characters were all believable. One of the can't put down books and I enjoyed every minute. Waiting in anticipation for the next in the series.

To begin with, I loved the duality of this novel, the two time lines - Tudor era and present day. I enjoyed the way that Ms. Walsh seamlessly moved between the two. Although a work of historical fiction, she obviously did research the time of King Henry's rule. It was a fascinating look at Court rivalries between the Howards and the Seymours and their political intrigues and power struggles. The characters are well-developed and the story moves along smoothly. I enjoyed the different interpretation of Henry's lovely and very young fifth bride. What if?

I look forward to the next book in the trilogy and seeing what's in store for Perdita, Piper, Kit and company.

* I would like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*

Fasten up your seat belts for The Catherine Howard Conspiracy by Alexandra Walsh! You are in for an exciting Da Vinci Code style chase though history for answers. Via the treacherous muddy waters of The Tudor era. This is such a me-book, that I was wired from the moment I read the blurb. And the book delivered all the conniving, slippery moves that I wanted.

MY THOUGHTS ON THE CATHERINE HOWARD CONSPIRACY BY ALEXANDRA WALSH

The first three words that come to my mind for this book are fun, exciting, thrilling. I loved all The Tudor politics, the scheming and plotting. And this alternate version of history was a fun (but also creepy) take on Catherine Howard’s life. I loved watching the author join the dots to show how this might have happened using a mixture of historical facts and artistic licence.

I was less invested in the contemporary characters, but I did enjoy how everything connected. Perdita is the main character in this storyline, and I was fascinated by her research skills as she investigated the conspiracy theory and just how it might connect to her own life. Of course Catherine is the main character in the Tudor thread, and it was interesting to see her portrayed as a thoughtful, kind-hearted woman for once. Instead of the foolish girl that we are more used to hearing about.

What always strikes me about the Tudor period and always gives me all the rage is how women were pawns moved about by the whims of powerful men. So I appreciated that we had some decent men in both the past and current storyline for a little balance. Not to mention the slow but steady development of a promising romance.

Most of all, I’m delighted it’s a series. Especially as it left on an exciting note, with lots of scope for developing the characters and the storyline. Bring on book 2 ASAP!

WHO SHOULD READ THE CATHERINE HOWARD CONSPIRACY BY ALEXANDRA WALSH

I’d highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, especially the Tudor period. Fans of the Philippa Gregory series should enjoy, I know I found it fitted in perfectly with my reading of those books.

What an enjoyable book about 'what could have been ' this turned out to be! As we learn of the tragedy surrounding poor Catherine Howard 's fate, we travel through the courts of King Henry VIII as we learn more about this mysterious fifth queen. She was the second and last of his wives to lose her head and was pushed upon the King during a troublesome time for him mostly by her uncle, who had some grandiose plans for himself in the court. Said plans quickly escalated at an alarming rate. A lot of this book brings to life Catherine's family, who we don't read about normally and that is a very interesting perspective in which to weave this novel. For fans of history, Henry VIII, and historical fiction/mystery alike. This is sure to be enjoyed by many.

*Many thanks to Alexandra Walsh, Sapere Books and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
I am afraid I will be in the minority regarding the praise of this novel ...The dual timeline chosen for this novel may sound like an intriguing idea, however, I was not intrigued ... It may be that I do not enjoy thoroughly this type of storytelling. Also, I struggled while reading the passages describing King Harry's violence. There are several theories regarding the change in Henry's personality in his later life, and there is no denying that he had a mind of a tyrant, but I suppose the author's imagination went a bit too far even though I understand that his extreme violence served its purpose in the plot development. In my opinion, Catherine Howard is far too mature in this novel for intriguing at the Tudor court as we know that it was carelessnes that lay at the foundations of her downfall and execution. While reading HF I probably look for a good story set in the period with a decent dose of factual information, hence my little disappointment.

This book is absolutely riveting. If you love anything Tudor then this is the book for you because it is so much more than a story about the Catherine Howard, Henry VIII's fifth wife. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it was true. I particularly enjoyed the story from Catherine's point running alongside Perdita Rivers story. It was so interesting the way the author weaved the known facts into the story. It certainly left you wanting more so it would be great if there was a follow up to the story. A great read.

I like stories with two separate time lines. This one from the very present modern pair of twins in an exquisite setting of the Marquess House and then we go back centuries to the time of the Tudor King Henry VIII and yes some of his wives.



1539 and Catherine Howard is a simple girl just arrived at the court. She wasn't to know that she would catch the rapacious eye of the King who just did not like his Queen - Anne of Cleves. She was too "plain" for him and he wanted someone younger, more pliant than a maturer woman. Catherine fitted the bill. That she did not like the King, and that she was coerced into the relationship is obvious from the start.

On the other hand we have Perdita and Piper who have been estranged from their grandmother who they believe cut them out of her life when her only daughter was killed in a car accident. Just days after her grandmother died, the twins are amazed to know that not only was their father in a very good relationship with their grandmother, but that their grandmother had followed every detail of their lives minutely and that both of them were her only beneficiaries of her estate.

How the two disparate stories come together is very well told in this epic story. History to a great extent, factual and very much part of the story and then the fiction crept in and what a story. It would change the history of the British Royals if factually true!

This was history, family saga, mystery and of course a fair amount of murder considering that we are talking of Henry VIII.

I am a huge fan of the Tudors. Thus, I was happy when there was a thriller about Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s tragic queen. I thought that this was a well-done thriller that kept me reading till late at night. Overall, I recommend this for fans of The Da Vinci Code.

The 1st book in the new Marquess House Trilogy by Alexandra Walsh is a great read that keeps you guessing until the end. Walsh deftly unravels the mystery of Catherine Howard and the present day plot to keep her fate a secret. The Catherine Howard sections of the novel, read more easily to me than the present day sections. Can't wait to read the 2nd book in the series and have already pre-ordered a copy of it.

Title: The Catherine Howard Conspiracy
Author: Alexandra Walsh
Publisher: Sapere Books
Rating:📖📖📖.5 / 5

When you think about the wives of Henry VIII, there are definitely certain names that are most memorable such as Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. But for the lesser known wives, books such as these can be enlightening. Although fiction, <i>The Catherine Howard Conspiracy</i> does help to paint a picture of what life could have been like for Catherine Howard. The queen with such a short rule can often be overlooked as not much seems to be known about her. In Walsh's book, we are shown that not everything you read in history should be viewed at face value. There can be a little mystery in anything.

Perdita Rivers and her sister Piper are thrown into chaos when they find out that their estranged grandmother has died and they are left her hefty fortune which includes Marquess House. Marquess House is full of history and art, along with their grandmother's research and unfinished manuscript of her latest book about Catherine Howard. Following the clues left behind, the girls and their new acquaintances soon find that maybe the documented fate of Catherine Howard is not in fact true. And not only that, but there may be outside forces that are trying to cover up any discoveries Perdita uncovers.

<i>The Catherine Howard Conspiracy</i> is a good introduction to Walsh's new trilogy. Walsh does a good job of introducing the characters involved as well as the setting and the history of what Perdita is uncovering. The story could have used a bit more background into who Catherine was, for those readers who may not be as familiar with Tudor history. Though, when information is sparse, perhaps this is the best that could be done. I found myself wishing for the Howard chapters more than Perdita's chapters.

I don't feel as if the mystery in the present day was built up enough to hold my interest. It wasn't until the last 10% of the book that the intrigue and the real "action" heated up. I couldn't get a real feel for what Perdita was doing as she uncovered the clues. They seemed to fall too easily into her lap. However, I felt more invested in Catherine and her plight than the people that were trying to find out more about her. However, as the first installment, I do believe that Walsh did a good job of building the suspense and I am for sure going to seek out the next book to figure out what happened to Catherine and the mystery surrounding her. Tudor buffs should check out this book for sure!

#catherinehoward #tudors #history #mystery #mrsmadonnareads #currentlyreading #books #henryviii #alexandrawalsh #saperebooks

This book is historical fiction and suspense wrapped into one. It takes place in England and Wales during two time periods: the 1540's during King Henry VIII's reign and present day. What seems at first like two completely separate stories is masterly woven into one by author Alexandra Walsh. I personally am fascinated with Tudor history and this book has offered me yet another glimpse at what life really was for the queen and members of Henry's royal court; in short the opposite of everything my younger self dreamed it had been. To be part of Henry's court did not offer the security you would expect to come with such privilege, especially if you were queen.

As the saying about Henry's wives goes...divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived. When the main character Perdita, discovers her recently deceased grandmother's research into one of Henry VIII's wives, she discovers that perhaps this history that has been handed down is false? What if one of those outcomes mentioned in this rhyme is wrong? What if one of his wife’s lives didn't end as everyone has now thought for hundreds of years. And why has the truth been hidden? As she dives deeper into her grandmother's research, she is astonished at the revelations within and wonders why her grandmother deserted it and never had it published. But not long after she begins to ask why the research was abandoned, she learns the all to dangerous reason. As she gets closer to the truth of what happened to Henry's fifth wife, Catherine Howard, the more real the threat on her own life becomes. And soon the race is on to discover the truth before her own life is brought to an end by those still fighting to keep the truth hidden.

The thing I loved most about this books is how plausible the fictional conspiracy really is. With power like Henry's and those who were part of his court, how do we know that what we've been taught is the truth? It would be so easy for Henry and his nobles to pass the "truth" they wish onto us, keeping hidden the secrets that would change our view of them. The constant lying and plotting that took place within Henry's court could just as easily have been used to create the historical "facts" we've all been told.

I really enjoyed this book!! I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because as much as I enjoyed it, I did find some major plot twists predictable and saw them coming a mile away. But I would still recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction and suspense like myself, because it is still a great read!

This is the first in a planned trilogy by Alexandra Walsh, and it pretty much wears its heart on its sleeve all the way through. Perdita Rivers and her twin sister Piper inherit a fortune when their estranged grandmother dies, leaving them everything. Their grandmother Mary had been an historian, and has left behind the text of an unpublished book revealing the ‘truth’ behind the story of Henry VIII’s fifth wife, Catherine Howard. The book alternates in time between the present day and the period 1539-42, showing life in Henry’s court and the marriage between Henry and Catherine.

Firstly, you get exactly what it says on the tin with this. It’s a conspiracy theory, Dan Brown-esque romp, throwing common sense and logic out of any ornately-patterned window it can find. It’s blindingly obvious how the trilogy will work out – we will no doubt learn the true identity of Perdita and her twin sister (as if the clue ‘Perdita’ wasn’t enough!!). I have no problem with this at all. What I take umbrage at is the astonishing portrait of Henry VIII the book gives, showing him to be a thug, a rapist and a murderer. I’m all for proto-feminist retellings of stories but this seems a bit heavy handed. And it jars completely with the other half of the story, and the descriptions of the main characters (which could be taken out of any Mills and Boon novel); you will get sentences like this: ‘For a moment, her mind wandered to her fiancé: tall, athletic, tanned and, despite her shock and grief, she felt a flutter of lust.’ Oh dear. In general, the characters are 2-dimensional, secondary to the plot throughout.

Anyway, the book rattles along at a decent pace at times, but at points there is a lot of conversation as Perdita and the dashingly handsome Kit (who has ‘piercing blue eyes’, of course) explain their theories to each other. There is a shady government organisation called MI One, whose role is to ensure that ‘official’ history only is allowed; there are menacing figures in dark clothes hiding in the shadows; there are clues and ciphers and a hidden tunnel; there is a murky plot to put them in danger and they plan an escape…. You get the picture.

It’s fine; nonsense, but fine, with little literary worth. Will I read the next two in the trilogy? Perhaps, if only to see what new outrages to history can be dreamt up. This might be great for some readers, but not for me, I’m afraid.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

Well this turned into a train wreck two thirds of the way through. I hated this after the 70% mark and felt that it took a turn towards the unbelievable. The premise had so much to offer and it simply did not deliver. This should be marked as a fantasy as there is no way this is based on the world as we know it. The only redeeming quality was the writing and I did care about Perdita and Kit's relationship but these were the only redeeming factors.

Dr Perdita Rivers receives news that her estranged Gramdmother has passed away.  Strangely, despite having no contact with Perdita or her twin sister since they were children, Granny Mary has left her estate to the two girls.  The estate is far more vast than they could ever imagine, but more interestingly, Mary has also left them her life's works as an historian, including an as yet unpublished work investigating Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII.  This research could not only hold the key to why Mary abandoned the girls, but could also change history as we know it.  Told from both a 2018 and a 1539 point of view this story gives us an interesting twist on well known Tudor history.

I requested this from NetGalley because I'm a sucker for historical adventure novels.  I know they aren't necessarily historically accurate, and this one states in the blurb that it is giving an alternate version of Tudor history. I still love reading about different times though, and the lifestyles that people have (or potentially could have) had over the years.  This book definitely hit the mark.

The book shifts between 2018 and the 1540s, but not on an alternating chapter basis.  The book is split into 7 parts, each one with several chapters, allowing us to really get a feel for the timeline and what is happening.  I thought this worked, because each time you become immersed into that timeline and story arc.  Each time the book changed to the next part and the other timeline I was both disappointed that the part I was reading was ending, and also excited to get back to the other characters and find out what was going on with them.  Each part ends on a mini cliffhanger, so as a reader you're keen to see what happens.

Character wise I thought there was some really strong characters in the book.  I loved how Catherine Howard was portrayed, and felt we really got to know her as a character.  Henry VIII was portrayed as vile and repulsive, violent and mad.  I know this isn't a historically accurate novel, but I could fully imagine this being true.  I didn't think we got quite as much of an insight into Perdita, but she still came across as likeable, and as a strong and resilient woman.  I liked her ability to focus on the task at hand, and her self reliance.

In terms of the storyline I thought it was fascinating.  I loved reading about the Tudor history and how the courts worked.  Again I know this isn't necessarily historically accurate, but it felt believable and that made it interesting to read.  Following Perdita as she unravels her family history was also interesting.  If I had a drawback it would be that the 2018 sections didn't feel like they had as much depth and drama as the 1540s did.  Towards the end especially I felt there could have been more danger to really put the reader on the edge of our seats.

Overall I thought this was a brilliant read, and the richness of detail in the Catherine Howard sections is exceptional.  The only thing that stopped this being a 5* read was that I felt the ending was a little weak, the author could have ramped up the tension here.  It's still a great read though, and I recommend it for anyone who likes reading about different time periods.  I would also just mention that some of the topics covered in the 1540s parts are quite brutal and some readers may find them distressing. Personally I will definitely be looking out for the second book and finding out what happens next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Spare Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this, and am looking forward to the sequel.

It is very much a female-driven novel - the main characters, the most 'written' characters, the sympathetic characters are all women. It is set now, and in the 1540s, and gives a different slant to what is commonly known about Catherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII. Although the author states it is a work of fiction, aspects of the mystery are plausible.

Would definitely recommend it.

What a fantastic read. Anyone who loves historical novels and conspiracy will be in seventh heaven.
This book grips you from the first page and trust me you will not be able to put it down.
The first book in a trilogy with a very clever stance on the Tudor dynasty which will leave you craving for the next instalment and like me ordering the next book and waiting impatiently
Role on the 2nd June
It has to be one of the best books I have read this year