This is a rethinking rather than a retelling of Lady Macbeth’s story, and really covers all the female characters in Macbeth. I respect the author’s obvious research into both Scottish history and Shakespeare that shines through every page. Even the language reflects that, although sometimes it feels like swimming through soup to read.

My main issue is that the structure of the story makes it almost impossible to build tension. So it ends up being kind of boring. But I love what the author was trying to do.

At first I found this a bit hard to get into. It took some adjusting to the style and then I had to try to remember what Macbeth was actually about. It’s been awhile since high school. However, the story started flowing and I really enjoyed this more historical, fleshed out version of Macbeth which focuses on both the backstory and current story of Macbeth and his wife. Everyone is represented in an interesting and compelling way.
It’s a short read but very worthwhile. The amount of research that must have gone into this must be incredible. I really enjoyed it and would recommend.

I was given a free advanced reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Greek myth retellings are all the rage right now. While I enjoy those, it's nice to see a different type of retelling - and a retelling of a Shakespeare story, at that. This was a nice, easy read from the point of view of one of the most infamous female characters, but more historical than theatrical. I enjoyed the switch between time periods in the narrative, it added suspense in addition to what what going on in the story. I do wish the book had been longer, there were big story points that were glossed over and opportunities that were missed and could have made the whole work better. Overall, a good story that missed some changes to better but enjoyable all the same.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Queen Macbeth by Val McDermid is a first person dual-timeline reimagining of the historical figures that inspired Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Gruoch is the queen of Angus and struggling to have a child despite their efforts. When Angus’ cousin Macbeth comes, Gruoch is drawn to him and sets in motion an upheaval of their kingdom.

One aspect that was really interesting was how Gruoch is surrounded by three women who serve her but are also her council and friends. Eithne, one of the women, is a seer and has knowledge of plants, making her and the others a bit of a stand-in for the witches from Shakespeare's play. I liked the focus on female friendship and how supportive the four women are of each other while trying to usurp Angus’ throne.

Macbeth is younger and more carefree than he is in Shakespeare's work. His real role is more as a romantic interest for Gruoch and I was really here for it. I loved that he was gentle and loving and accepting of the parts and pieces that had to be moved in order for him and Gruoch to be together.

I would recommend this to fans of reimaginings of historical figures and those looking for a short political historical set in tenth century Scotland.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Val McDermid, and Grove Atlantic for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

While Shakespeare offers up a tale about Macbeth and his adventurous life, Val McDermid explains that it was but an action-filled story with little relation to what actually happened. Choosing to pen a more realistic version of events, McDermid sets things straight in this piece, adding her own literary flourish. She explores events through the eyes of Lady (read: Queen) Macbeth, crating a much different version of events than the Bard provided those centuries ago. Told in a straightforward manner, McDermid offers up a spin on the story with unique ideas to keep the attentive reader highly entertained.

Scotland in the tenth century differed greatly from the landscape we now know. Within the bogs and hilly terrain, a woman is on the run. She seeks to protect herself with three companions, all of whom play a role in her success and continued determination to flee the enemy. Scotland is a place of war and one in which one battle won could bring about a new ruler on the throne, as lines of succession mean little when it comes to who will next sit on the Scottish Throne. At present, the protagonist seeks to find her husband and remain protected. Queen Macbeth is, at least for the time being, the wife of Scotland’s ruler. For how long that will last is up to many events that are about to unfold.

As pressures mount and enemies emerge from various shadows, Queen Macbeth will have to come to terms with the past that brought her here and the future that awaits. A forced marriage haunts her, but she could have done worse. At the heart of the ongoing battle is a woman whose charisma and determination has fuelled her. She made many sacrifices to get where she is and can only hope it was for a good reason. Otherwise, she will soon have to face the reality that she gambled and lost, leaving not only her country behind, but likely her life. McDermid delivers a piece of historical mystery and intrigue that is sure to impress some readers.

I usually quite enjoy the writing of Val McDermid, though I admit that I am not as much a fan of medieval history. She tackles that in this latest book, short though it may be. The narrative flow seems to work, at least for those who enjoy the time period and writing style that one can expect from it. Events connect and the protagonist moves from setting to setting, making herself known as well as the trouble that follows her. However, I found myself not able to properly connect to this piece, as I stumbled repeatedly to make sense of things. The narrative flow seemed off to me, as did the presentation of characters. However, I admit, I was likely not in the mindset to tackle something penned in medieval style.

There were plot points on offer and McDermid’s sense of surprises was apparent, though it did not resonate with me as much as I might have liked. I enjoy most things, but could not find myself linking aspects of the story together properly, leaving me to feel disjointed and out of touch with the themes presented. That said, it was likely just me missing something. I look forward to seeing what others thought and will stand back for their stronger reviews.

Kudos, Madam McDermid, for a piece well worth many readers’ time.

If you've ever read or watched Macbeth and thought, 'That lady is not crazy, she's just trying to make the best of a bad situation' you are going to enjoy this novella.

This is a departure of sorts for the author, who writes very good contemporary mysteries. Diving into the history surrounding the real Macbeth, McDermid focuses in particular on Gruoch (Lady Macbeth) and her life as a royal in the early days of Scotland. It tracks her tragic life, swinging from past to present, and sets the record straight.

She's not a villain. She's a product of her time and an industrious woman, who like many others, had to hide her intelligence, skills and emotions in order to pander to the egos of powerful men.

It's not an uplifting story, but it's an interesting one.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A novella shedding much light on the legendary tale of McBeth!
McDermid has researched the story and has peeled back the layers of the patriarchy to reveal the life of the first Queen of Scotland (Gruoch, not "Lady Macbeth"). Gruoch tells of her meeting of the great red Macbeth as well as her life after the death of her husband. McDermid has done an excellent job of researching and personifying a woman that has been know only for her washing of hands. I enjoyed this immensely and you will too!
#groveatlantic #valmcdermid #queenmacbeth #macbeth #gruoch

What an interesting approach to Shakespeare’s story of Macbath and his Queen, perhaps the most evil female in literature. However, Val Mcdermid takes little-known historical facts and uses them to weave an entirely new story. Many of the names remain the same. Fans of the play will recognize Malcolm, Macduff, Seward, Angus, among others, but they are not as Shakespeare depicted them. Lady Macbeth is human, brave and fearful, caring and strong, loving and vulnerable. The story moves back and forth through time, and that was a little confusing at times, but it was a fascinating story of Anglo-Saxon Scotland.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I must admit that whilst I know the general summary of what happens in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, I am limited in my knowledge due to the fact that I have never read the story beginning to end.

Despite this, I found Queen Macbeth to be an enjoyable retelling/continuation of the Macbeth story. Written from a female’s perspective, Queen Macbeth follows the Queen (Gruoch) and her closest confidants as they attempt to escape with their lives from a would-be usurper, after the death of Macbeth. Coupled with this, our narrator flicks back to the beginning of their relationship, and the conception of their child.

The book itself is very short but I don’t believe that it required more, I enjoyed the alternative ending to the Shakespearean original as well. Overall a good read, 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Val McDermid, a prolific Scottish writer renowned for her crime fiction, ventures into historical fiction with "Queen Macbeth," a captivating addition to the Darkland Tales series. McDermid crafts an immersive narrative that transports readers to unforgiving medieval Scotland. I enjoyed reading it and wish the book was longer and more detailed (during this time, in Scotland, inspired the real Game of Thrones).

This novella unfolds in 11th-century Scotland, a land rife with power struggles. The story follows Gruoch (Lady Macbeth), seeking refuge with her loyal companions after her husband's defeat. Through alternating timelines, we witness Lady Macbeth’s present-day struggles and her past, where her deep passion for Macbeth led them down a treacherous path to seize the crown.

McDermid's portrayals of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are nuanced and compelling. Macbeth, initially hesitant, succumbs to ambition, transforming into a ruthless warlord. Lady Macbeth, a complex and strong woman, emerges as the driving force behind his aspirations, her own desires and insecurities intricately woven into their schemes.

The novella explores timeless themes of ambition, power, guilt, and fate, challenging Shakespeare's “historical accuracy.” McDermid's evocative prose captures the rugged beauty of the Scottish landscape and the harsh realities of medieval life. The pacing is great, building suspense as the narrative unfolds towards its tragic climax. However, the story is not without its flaws. The character development is minimal, and the supporting characters lack growth – while well-characterised.

"Queen Macbeth" is a testament to McDermid's versatility as a writer. While reimagining Shakespeare's famous tragedy, she injects and corrects historical facts, offering a fresh perspective on their motivations. This novella is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, Scottish history, and Shakespeare enthusiasts. McDermid's masterful storytelling and psychological insight will leave readers captivated, contemplating the enduring power of ambition and the complexities of the human heart.

Many thanks to Grove Atlantic for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A masterful blend of historical drama and personal introspection, set against the harsh and tumultuous backdrop of 11th-century Scotland. McDermid's storytelling is immersive and engaging, presented through dual timelines that explore the life of Queen Gruoch and her companions—a healer, a weaver, and a seer. The character development is rich and relatable, allowing readers to form a genuine connection with the protagonists. However, the novella's brevity leaves readers wishing for a more extended exploration of these fascinating characters and their relationships. Additionally, the modern prose style, while accessible, may feel slightly out of place to some, potentially detracting from the historical setting. Nonetheless, Queen Macbeth is a triumph of historical fiction that challenges the Shakespearean myth and reaffirms McDermid's reputation as a master of the genre. For those intrigued by innovative retellings of classic tales, this novella is a must-read, leaving readers with much to ponder about the nature of ambition and the strength of women who defy the odds. Many thanks to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

I didn’t care for this book, it didn’t really feel like it had substance, very wordy but didn’t hold my interest.

Macbeth was my favorite of Shakespeare's plays in school, but learning that Shakespeare manipulated and embellished the historical story of Macbeth and his queen Gruoch made me curious about the real story. I read a novel based on Gruoch years ago, but here, McDermid gives us a different angle to the story. Told from Gruoch's point of view, the story alternates between pre-marriage to Macbeth and after Macbeth's death. The fact that historians are uncertain of the date of Queen Gruoch's death is used to the author's advantage here.

The book was fairly short, but atmospheric. The way of life in medieval Scotland was conveyed in an effective manner.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the free ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for an advanced copy of this book. I was happy to read the historical facts of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Val McDermid did an excellent job researching medieval Scotland and bringing to life the harsh reality of that time. As well as it was researched, it did at times feel sluggish.

This is a very clever retelling of one of Shakespeare’s most famous works.
Putting females at the forefront, this novella was engaging and entertaining.

A retelling of Macbeth from the lady's point of view, this fast=paced quick read will delight those who love Shakespeare, Scotland, and witchy undertones. Val McDermid's research in the political and social settings shows through in the development of her plot and characters. This rewrite of the Bard's version of the story will delight those looking for an exciting and atmospheric read!

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

(This review contains spoilers for the book!)

An atmospheric and more historically-inclined take on the story of Macbeth with a strong beginning and middle, but which, unfortunately, didn't manage to stick the landing.

One of the things that Queen Macbeth really succeds at, is how McDermid manages to create a strong sense of the cultural and political landscape of feudal Scotland and how these affect the characters and the plot. It's clear that McDermid has done a ton of research into medieval Scottish history, because it really shines through the majority of the book.

Now, note that I say "majority". And that I chose the words "historically-inclined" rather than "historically accurate". I really loved everything about the book, and how much closer it stuck to the probable historical events, until I hit around the 75% mark. Suddenly, the captured Gruoch and her ladies are saved by the dead Macbeth, who is apparently not dead at all and has somehow managed to stay in hiding for years. And who somehow manages to spirit away Gruoch to safety among the Viking settlers in Ireland, before they together quit the British Isles completely to retire as deposed monarchs in Rome. Colour me surprised and confused. Also, the flashbacks were generally my favourite parts of the story, but the final flashback was some kind of weird, long-ass recital of all the events throughout Macbeth and Gruoch's 17-year-long reign, and it was so boring and very out of place. It read as if the author had run out steam at that point and simply no longer cared to weave those parts of the history seamlessly into the rest of the story. It was quite jarring, frankly.

Maybe it's just me, but one of my favourite things about the story of Macbeth is just how tragic it is, so I find myself extremely let down by McDermid's chosen ending. It felt to me very hollow and undeserved, to the point that it ruined my whole reading experience to such a degree that I have to bump my rating down from a full 5 stars to a mere 3.5 stars.

Queen Macbeth is a big departure from Val McDermid’s normal choice of genre. In this novella, McDermid seeks to tell the truth about the first queen of Scotland. Using a dual timeline, the story tells us of Gruoch after Macbeth’s and her son Lulach’s deaths when she is forced to go on the run with her three companions, along with her memories of first meeting Macbeth through his final battle with Malcolm.
Writing using the vernacular of the day, at times this was a slow slog to understand. (There is a glossary in the rear which would be better placed in the beginning.) But McDermid paints a detailed portrait of medieval Scotland, especially its patriarchal society.
The book was ok, but I can’t say it really grabbed me. It’s interest to me was purely in learning the true story. I hadn’t realized that Shakespeare’s play was not historically accurate.
My thanks to netgalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance copy of this book.

3.5 stars

Val McDermid tells us Shakespeare had it all wrong and in her new novella, she tries to set the historical record straight. When Macbeth was killed in battle, Queen Gruoch and her three closest companions sought sanctuary among the monks. Upon learning her son Lulach has been killed and Malcolm's men are hunting for her, they flee for their lives.

The present action is interspersed with Gruoch's memories of how she and Macbeth met while she was married to his cousin Gille Coemgáin and what he did to claim her as his own and proclaim himself King of Scotland. Very interesting and well told!

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of her novella. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

An unusual portrayal. I hated reading Macbeth in high school. I found it boring, but this was a great read. I think they should offer this as an alternative ead your junior year!

Loved it.

Recommend.