The Catherine Howard Conspiracy

This was a fantastic book. It was rich, complex, and beautiful. Twin sisters discover they've inherited a large estate from their grand-mother they hardly knew and their father refused to discuss. Nothing is as it seems and the trip the author takes us on is marvelous.

I loved this book it is a Tudor story but with a terrific twist.
If you don't mind your history being tweaked a bit this is the book for you the two time frames between the 14th century and now blend seamlessly I cannot wait for the next book.
Brilliant!!

The Catherine Howard Conspiracy is a great read for historical fiction fans. I always felt sorry for poor Kitty Howard. Being related to Anne Boleyn probably doomed her right from the start. So young and naive in a nest of vipirs that she never really had a chance at being queen for very long. The story is fascinating and well researched. Bits of historical truth mixed with bits of fiction create an engaging story. It's so complicated that sometimes I wonder how anyone knows what really happened. That does make for a thrilling suspenseful story, though. I recommend for anyone with an interest in Henry VIII and his wives. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a great choice for those who like well-researched historical novels and mystery novels. Henry VIII and his life is a rich historical period that offers so many opportunities. The book is obviously well-researched and the author chooses to deviate from known history in logical and believable ways. Sure, this is a mystery novel so some suspension of disbelief is needed, but it is all plausible enough not to take you out of the story. I am buying this one for my mother, who is a huge fan of historical mysteries.

I absolutely loved this book!

It's interesting and clever and so well written that despite the author openly stating it is a work of fiction, I'm totally on-board with the conspiracy theories! It's half Alison Weir, half Dan Brown.

Eminent historian Mary Fitzroy dies and leaves her estranged granddaughters, twins Perdita and Piper a vast estate once owned by Anne Boleyn. She also leaves her unpublished research - a book about Henry Vlll's fifth wife, Catherine Howard.

Perdita starts to unravel the mysteries of Marquess House - why did her grandmother abandon them all those years ago? And what really happened to Catherine Howard?

Catherine Howard is often portrayed as young, foolish and completely manipulated by her family, but Walsh gives her a clear and much more sympathetic voice. This is the first part of a trilogy and there are already some big hints as to where it is heading. To be honest I'm surprised someone as intelligent as Perdita hasn't spotted them herself!

I really enjoyed this book and hopefully it won't be too long to wait for the next installment.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy in return for a review.

The Catherine Howard Conspiracy is a riveting historical thriller. Alexandra Walsh’s novel questions the validity of the acknowledged historical account of the fate of Henry VIII’s fifth wife, Catherine Howard, imagining an alternate outcome with far-reaching present day consequences. Whilst researching her recently inherited historical home from her maternal grandmother, Perdita Rivers uncovers a a family secret. Hidden for generations and at threat of exposure, the government is determined to stop the information surfacing and risking turning the nation’s safety on its head.

This was my first ever ‘ARC’ type read, after signing up to Net Galley recently. I was a little trepidatious as I really wanted to make sure this was something I wanted to read, not just because I may have the change to read it for free. When this popped up, I immediately gravitated towards the cover as it reminded me of Phillipa Gregory. I was obsessed with Gregory’s books when I was a teenager, and when you think of historical fiction is the go-to author usually. I haven’t really read much historical fiction outside of her work, as I often haven’t found them as fun to read. They tend to get too hung up on the historical details and don’t put as much effort into the plot and characters.

I am happy to say that the Catherine Howard Conspiracy, however, not only matched my experiences with Philippa Gregory but possibly surpassed them! This was due, I think, to the added twist of the different time periods giving it an extra mysterious edge. As you can see in the synopsis, the book is set in 2018 and the mid-1500s. The Tudors are one of my favourite periods of history, so my interest was officially piqued, and I decided to give it a go. I read it in a couple of days, flying through and not wanting it to end. I’m happy that it seems to be the first in a trilogy, but I’m already anxious to keep reading! Please write faster Walsh!

So, you know I liked it a lot, but let’s have a look at why.

The novel began properly in 2018 with Perdita, who was instantly likeable and a really well-formed character that grew throughout the book. The 1539 portions were from the point of view of Catherine Howard, and it was interesting to read more about this time period, as I didn’t know as much about her as Henry VIII’s first few wives. I’d say there was an immediate shift in the atmosphere, and there was a great balance of description and plot. You really related to this young fifteen-year-old reluctantly coming to court and having her life spin completely out of her control. You really got to know her family and friends around her and got a real sense of the hustle and bustle of court life.

Far from jarring, I enjoyed the back and forth between time periods. It was funny though, as I was just getting into one part of the story it would switch back and I’d be both disappointed to leave Perdita or Catherine, but then excited to be joining the other again! I think it only flipped about 4 or 5 times, so they were long enough to really get hooked, and then short enough to leave you wanting more.

I liked that while based on history, the entire concept of the book is asking whether history is really the truth, and so as time went on there was more artistic licence but still felt very believable. In fact, by the end, I was convinced by some of the theories! Once they laid out the facts, there are so many anomalies and inconsistencies, so it was so fun to discover them alongside Perdita as the book went on. But the impact of her discoveries was so much more powerful due to how much it affects Perdita and her twin Piper, the only family she has left. There were so many emotional layers to unravel, for both Perdita and Catherine, and the mystery was only heightened by them.

There were so many more twists and turns than I expected too – they just kept coming. My mouth kept falling open as the intrigue got deeper and deeper. I loved how visually descriptive It was too, and I think it would suit a screen adaptation. Ideally, a TV show, so as to really show the details and depths of the story.

Looking forward to book number two!

Alexandra Walsh is my new favorite Author!
The Catherine Howard Conspiracy, is an amazing book. I loved how you got Kitty's perspective and Perds. The Tudor Reign is one of my favorite part of history and I have always felt the Catherine Howard was not given enough credit. But this book gives you a wonderful perspective of the what if??
I can not wait for book 2 and see what happens to my new favorite characters.

The Catherine Howard Conspiracy is the first book in The Marquess House Trilogy by Alexandra Walsh. It's a British historical conspiracy/thriller with a dose of mystery and suspense thrown in for good measure. This book is structured using 2 distinct time periods. each telling an equally compelling story.

In 2018, Pembrokeshire, Wales: Dr. Perdita Rivers, a respected historian, has just learned that her estranged grandmother has died. Her grandmother was a renowned Tudor historian in her own right. Perdita and her twin sister, Piper, have inherited everything in their grandmother’s estate. This includes the Marquess House and a mystery dating back to the reign of King Henry VIII.

In 1529, Whitehall Palace, England: The 2nd timeline quickly pulls readers into the drama of King Henry’s court, Catherine Howard, a cousin of Anne Boleyn, is a young girl when she arrives at court as a maid of honour in the household of the new queen, Anne of Cleaves. She is quickly swept up in the intrigue of court life. thanks to her ambitious uncle, who is eager to place a Howard heir on the throne.

The shift between the timelines in The Catherine Howard Conspiracy was very easy to follow, thanks to clear chapter and section headings. Like books by Dan Brown, the conspiracy in The Catherine Howard Conspiracy, is completely made up by the author, so don’t expect a lot of hard history, here. But, you do get a wonderful taste for the Tudor time period and a fantastic mystery.

It was painful to see what women endured at the hands of a maniac king. This brings me to the blush factor part of my review. The Catherine Howard Conspiracy definitely made me blush at some of the things King Henry VIII did. I would caution readers who are sensitive to issues of rape or abuse; these things took place in King Henrey VII's court. The author described them, when necessary, as an integral part of the story. It wasn't gratuitous but did turn my stomach. It should. Treatment like that is sickening. The language in the book was clean with the exception of one effen-heimer.

I enjoyed the characters in The Catherine Howard Conspiracy with the exception of Perdita’s twin, Piper, who didn’t seem to serve much of a purpose in this book. My guess is that she will play a larger role in the next 2 books in The Marquess House Trilogy, which I look forward to reading. I appreciated that while The Catherine Howard Conspiracy is part of a trilogy, it can be read as a stand-alone book and still leave readers feeling satisfied. That said, I am eagerly anticipating the remaining books in The Marquess House Trilogy. 

I would recommend The Catherine Howard Conspiracy to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with intrigue. It will be published on March 28, 2019, and is currently available for presale.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A gripping historical mystery come thriller. Really couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next part.
What if the history we all learnt at school is a lie? We all know history is written by the victor and can be altered to suit the times.
Supposing Catherine Howard wasn't executed but survived?
Perdita suddenly inherits her estranged geandmother's estate and starts to investigate a long abandoned manuscript. What had Mary uncovered about Catherine and why does Perdita need to be kept safe?
This book combines 2 of my literature loves Tudors and mystery and I really enjoyed reading it.

Thank you so much, NetGalley and Sapere Books for sending this e- ARC of this book. I really enjoyed the book. 
I will post this same feedback on my blog (I will update the link in few days) and on my Goodreads account. 

Summary: 
 
Dr. Perdita Rivers is an archaeologist, specializing in jewelry and its significance in the medieval period. She and her twin sister, Piper, lost their mum at a very young age. 

When Perdita learns her grandmother died, she feels a lot of things but it's mostly anger and sadness that surrounds her at that moment.
 
Her grandmother cut them off after their mother’s death and never once called or asked for their well-being. Perdita gets a call from the estate asking them to meet at the estate for urgent matters, leaving her perplexed.
 
What can be so important? Why is she needed now after so many years? With the questions, she arrives at her grandmother estate only to delve into a deeper mystery that might be 500 years old. 


My take on the book: 

History, we know, is someone’s perspective. What if there’s more to the story than meets the eye? We cannot change history but we can imagine an alternative ending.  
 
A lot of us know Henry VIII. He was a ruler of England, sometime around 1500 AD.  He had six wives, of which Catherine Howard was one. Many of us know that they executed her for treason in 1542.

But there’s more to it…. 
 
The book merges the fact with the fiction. And that’s one of the best things about the book. That also makes it an exciting read. This shows the author has put commendable efforts to research the facts on Catherine Howard then blend it with the fiction.  
 
The author wrote the book in the present and past format. This shuttling keeps the pace and the suspense going throughout the book. It was a complete page-turner. 
 
The emotions of each of the major characters, may it be, Perdita, Catherine Howard or any other contemporaries, could be felt through the words. The alternate aspect to the infamous Catherine was quite a different take. The pain, the sadness was also evident in the storyline.
 
Sometimes the story slumped in between the chapters, but the writing and the suspense brought the reader back from the slump in no time. 
 
I loved the way the book moved towards the ending. It didn’t drag it, rather it had the thrilling race to what happens next! This paved its way for the next book (which I am waiting to read).

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with an ARC of this novel! I was on the hunt for some new historical fiction this past month and requested this on impulse – and it turned out to be a really good decision! A historical thriller with some Da Vinci Code style mystery, The Catherine Howard Conspiracy is a ‘what if’ novel, positing that the tale of Henry VIII’s fifth queen is not quite what it seems.

I’ve read my share of Tudor era historical fiction about the six wives of Henry VIII, and personally I’ve always found those revolving around Catherine Howard to be very sad. In every book I’ve read so far, Catherine Howard is portrayed in one of two fashions: as a silly child caught up in the pomp and grandeur of court, easily led astray or as a girl used as a pawn by her powerful family and manipulated in the games of powerful and dangerous men.

Walsh, however, lends Kitty Howard a unique voice, working around the commonly accepted facts regarding the reign of Henry’s fifth wife to weave a refreshing and sympathetic tale that, wonder of wonders, actually sounds like it might have a semi-happy ending for this unfortunate queen. As interesting as this twist on history was, it was even better to see it unfold from the present day viewpoint of Perdita Rivers. I am very fond of stories that run on parallel timelines as I’ve always found that the back and forth between the time periods provides a much better perspective to the tale. There are few things I enjoy more than a good mystery, and this had two! What caused Perdita’s grandmother, the historian Mary Fitzroy, to cut off contact all those years ago? And what really happened to Catherine Howard?

When it comes to the other characters, I have to say, the Tudor era characters were much better written than the modern day ones, possibly because the present characters were so completely focussed on unravelling Mary’s research that there didn’t seem to be adequate time for their own stories. Two Tudor era characters that surprised me most (apart from Catherine) were the Duke of Norfolk, whom I have always seen depicted as a figure who put ambition and power first, and Henry VIII himself, in the most unflattering and utterly horrifying portrayal I have yet to read. It was also really heartwarming to see Kitty’s family and friends rally around her when she needed it the most – again, something I’ve never really come across in any version of her story before this.

There were a few minor points I found a little annoying. The biggest reveal of the book was too easy to guess. With the amount of detail in the present day timeline, I had a good idea far too early and it reduced the suspense value towards the end. And speaking of the ending, there was way too much happening in the last part. The pacing was perfect up until then, and it wouldn’t have hurt to add a few more chapters to give the big reveal the page time it deserves. Still, this is a trilogy, and I’m sure the surprises are only beginning. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series!

Alexandra Walsh’s take on Catherine Howard melds historical facts with some pretty realistic sounding and well thought-out fiction. Well researched and imaginative, this is a thrilling and thoroughly engrossing read that fans of Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory are sure to enjoy.

This book was absolutely amazing. I love alternate history. I was worried at first with the current time chapters being at the beginning but it wasn't long until I was hooked. I could not put this book down! As I went about fact checking different things I learned a great deal about Katherine Howard that were somehow unknown to me. I cannot wait for the next installment.

Absolutely loved this book! Can't wait for the next installments in the series. I love history, especially the Tudors, and it was great to have one of Henry VIII's wives as the centre of the plot. Of course, it's fiction but very well done and great interweaving of the make believe past and present. Highly recommended!

After having no contact with her grandmother throughout her life, Dr Perdita Rivers is shocked to discover that on her death, she has inherited Marquess House, her vast estate in Pembrokeshire. Finding herself wealthy beyond her wildest dreams, Perdita sets out to discover the reason behind her estrangement from her grandmother. She soon realises that something is afoot at Marquess House after discovering documents claiming that the fifth wife of Henry VIII was not, in fact, executed, but instead managed to escape his tyranny. Will Perdita discover the fate of the Tudor Queen and find out just how her grandmother is connected?

I am a fan of fiction containing a dual timeline and so The Catherine Howard Conspiracy was definitely a book that appealed straight away, especially with its Tudor link – another of my interests. I was intrigued to read about Henry VIII’s fifth wife, as she is one of the Tudor Queens that I know least about and I loved how the author has merged historical fact with fiction, to the point that I began to wonder which parts were real and which were not!

History has perceived Catherine as a flirtatious, naive young woman but Alexandra Walsh paints a completely different picture of the ill-fated queen. In The Catherine Howard Conspiracy, we see her constantly in fear of her husband, whose behaviour is becoming increasingly erratic. Several scenes were truly heartbreaking as we see how she is being mistreated and I was willing her to escape his clutches. I particularly enjoyed the relationship she had with Henry’s previous wife, Anne of Cleves, the only other woman who truly knew what it was like to be married to the king.

Perdita, I found, to be quite a complex character and my feelings towards her changed throughout the book. I did, however, find myself incredibly envious of her having all of that priceless historical documentation at her disposal! I admired her tenacity when, faced with a potential life-threatening situation, she was determined to uncover the truth about what had happened to Catherine Howard.

As I knew that this was the first in a trilogy, I couldn’t wait to see how the author would end this first installment. I liked how, although the main mysteries in the book had been solved, there is a clear indication of what is going to happen in part two.

This is a fantastic read and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. The first book in a trilogy, the Catherine Howard Conspiracy switches between current day and 1539-1542 England. The current day timeline features Dr. Perdita Rivers, archaeologist specializing in jewelry who unexpectedly inherits an enormous sum of money and Marquess House from her estranged grandmother. Upon her arrival at Marquess House, the mystery behind the estrangement between her grandmother and father after her mother's death deepens when she is greeted by the staff as a beloved family member. Her grandmother had kept an eye on Perdita and her twin Piper from a distance over the years. Her grandmother, a well regarded historian focusing on women in the Tudor Era was working on a book about Catherine Howard that she had shelved around the time of Perdita's mother's death. Why had her grandmother stopped working on the book and what had she recently discovered that had convinced her that she should finish the book? And what is the connection to Perdita's mother's death and current danger stalking the twins?

The historical portion focus's on Catherine Howard's life from the time she joins Henry the VIII court through her short reign as Queen Consort. History portrays Catherine as a young, silly, and frivolous, but could there be more to the story than anyone knows? Ms. Walsh does a wonderful job with the historical portion of the book giving the readers rich historical details about court life during this period including Henry's increasing madness and violent behavior. The alternate version of Catherine in this story is incredibly engaging and the reader can't help but dread the end of her reign knowing that how her story ends.

I couldn't put this story down even though some portions of the mystery are fairly easy to guess, but how it is all put together kept me engaged throughout. I can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy to see what happens next in both timelines.

The Catherine Howard Conspiracy by Alexandra Walsh is a dual time Historical Mystery, 1540 to 2018 with twists. If you are a fan of English History, Tudors, Alison Weir, Philippa Gregory, Tracy Borman and other great historical authors this is a book for you. There are historical what if’s, constant plots, fears, thrills and mysteries that keep the reader on edge. I immediately purchased this book and can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I have a new favorite author and series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

This book is written in two time periods, one being the 1540’s, the other being 2018. It’s about a woman named Dr Perdita Rivers, who learns about the death of her estranged grandmother, a well-known historian, and discovers that everything has been left to her and her twin sister Piper. Perdita sets herself the task of discovering why her grandmother abandoned them, and is also drawn to documents in the house that claim the records of Catherine Howards execution at the hands of her husband Henry VIII were falsified. I loved this book. I was so drawn in by the title alone I had to request it as soon as I read the description and I was really excited when I saw that I had been accepted to read & review it. Both time periods in this book are written in third person and they mesh together so well. When it switches time periods it is linked in such a seamless way. I managed to get through this book a lot quicker than I thought because I was so engrossed in it! I loved the writing & the plot and conspiracy really intrigued me and it’s honestly made me want to research more into Catherine Howard’s life as the fifth wife of Henry VIII. It was so well researched and thought up and I honestly already can’t wait to read the next book in this trilogy. This book is labelled as a thriller & historical fiction mixture and I would most definitely agree with it. Alexandra Walsh is incredible at writing these new characters, some you love, some you hate, but also she is amazing at writing these characters based on what we know of these real life people such as Catherine Howard, Henry VIII, Thomas Howard etc and it’s just so well done. The chapters felt really quick to get through and because the story is so engrossing and you’re always learning new things and something is always happening in either time period, this book really is a quick read despite its 464 pages. It honestly didn’t feel that long at all! I’ve also found this book to be compared to books by Philippa Gregory & Alison Weir, both authors I have not read but are thoroughly interested in delving into at some point. If you at all are interested in those authors mentioned, Tudor history or find conspiracies about history intriguing then I definitely recommend getting this when it comes out which is at the end of this month!

This book was fascinating, intriguing, far fetched, at times preposterous (when Henry confessed all in one of his mad fits), predictable, pretentious (the names Perdita and Piper!) frustrating and at the same time very, very readable! I also add confusing to the list as the author talked about Perdita moving into Marquess House in a fortnight’s time only to move in ‘tomorrow’ in the next paragraph. This was closely followed by a similar instance of Piper arriving in two week’s time and suddenly being there! Being a Richard III fan, I enjoyed the contraversial points mentioned regarding the time and finding of his remains. I felt the author wrote better when in the past than in the present but am already eagerly awaiting the sequel!

I sometimes enjoy a good conspiracy thriller and this one wasn't bad. The historical mystery was far-fetched, but presented plausibly. I felt that the historical flashbacks were a bit of a weakness, as they seemed somewhat anachronistic - particularly the language. The government conspiracy bits were far-fetched to the point of madness, but that isn't unusual with this genre. The biggest problem is that the central secret doesn't seem major enough to justify the intensity of the conspiracy... That said, I suspect that the remaining two books in the series will be building on the secrets and making the conspiracy angle more understandable. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

This book was received as an ARC from Sapere Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am very familiar with the story of Henry VIII and his marriage to Anne Boleyn but I never have read the secret tale of Catherine Howard, Anne Boleyn's cousin and next wanted criminal of Henry VIII. I love historical fiction when there is an unknown tale of a supporting figure within a major historical event. Then transferring ahead thousands of years we meet Dr. Perdita who has a grandmother that is a renowned Tudor historian and after cutting communication with Perdita and her sister but when she passes and leaves her historical house to the both of them, Perdita discovers papers from Catherine Howard and uncovered the truth of what really happened to her and how her death was unjust. I was in love with the story and my eyes were glued from beginning to end. We have a lot of people wanting to read Historical Fiction for projects and this one is by far my favorite that I have read so far.

We will consider adding this title to our historical fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

“Good books don't give up all their secrets at once.”
― Stephen King

And so it is with The Catherine Howard Conspiracy - the author slowly reveals her secrets, leaving the reader breathless with anticipation!

With dual timelines, the story begins in 1539, at Whitehall palace, under the rule of King Henry VIII. Catherine Howard, newly appointed maid of honour to the new queen, Anne of Cleves, makes a somewhat nervous entrance to Court, but as she becomes used to her new surroundings, she becomes aware of the subterfuge and danger which is a part of daily life, especially with a King as unpredictable as Henry.

Catherine soon catches the eye of Henry - the thought of which terrifies her, but she’s encouraged by her uncle, who is eager to see an Howard heir on the throne.

The second part of the storyline is located in Pembrokeshire, Wales in 2018, where we meet Dr Perdita Rivers, who receives both good and bad news - firstly her estranged grandmother, renowned Tudor historian Mary Fitzroy has passed away, and with it comes the news that Perdita and her twin sister Piper have inherited Mary’s not inconsiderable estate which includes the very grand Marquess House. The thing that puzzles Perdita is, why on earth would her grandmother leave everything to them, when in life she’d ignored their very existence?

Perdita begins a search to determine why Mary acted as she did, and it’s during her search that she discovers ancient documents, letters, and diaries suggesting that records relating to Catherine Howard’s execution were false!

Perdita continues investigations into the life of Catherine Howard started by Mary, but it will prove to be a most dangerous assignment that puts the lives of everyone involved at risk - after all, this is a secret that could change the entire history of the monarchy.

Author Alexandra Walsh writes with an accuracy, informed perhaps by extensive research of the Tudor Period, and although this is a work of fiction, it certainly gives an accurate account of the workings of the court of King Henry VIII, and more importantly the rivalry and ambition between the Howard’s and the Seymour’s.

Though complex, this well plotted thriller holds the reader in its grasp, especially relating to Catherine Howard, and even though most of the secrets and mysteries were concluded in a satisfying manner, it’s clear that there will be a follow up, and I for one would be more than happy to read it, after becoming totally absorbed in this unique storyline.

I loved this book! It's a great historical fiction, enjoyable and entertaining.
I loved the plot, full of twists and turns, the fleshed out characters and the setting.
The historical background was well researched and fascinating.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions are mine.

What a great book, a great historical mystery about Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s much maligned fifth wife. The story is a dual time with twin sisters, Perdita and Piper in the present who inherit the huge estate of their Grandmother. The twins were estranged from their Grandmother since the death of their mother, this adds to the mystery of the story. Why did their Grandmother stop visiting them when she obviously loved them? Why did she stop publishing her historical nonfiction books about the Tudors and the Stuarts after the twins mother died? I really love the storyline of Catherine Howard. She has alway been portrayed as a ditzy teenager who stupidly had an affair with Thomas Culpepper setting up the reason for her grizzly end. This story portrays Catherine as an intelligent woman, who marries Henry with much trepidation and knowledge of what her future could be (cousin Anne Boleyn anyone). What really happened to Catherine Howard? This book really makes one think outside the box. I highly recommend this book.

A brilliant novel with two parallel stories - one set in 1538 and the other in 2018. In the past we learn of how young Catherine Howard a teenager Maid if Honour joins the Court to support the new Queen, Catherine Howard. In the present, Dr Perdita Rivers is working on an archeological dig on the wreck of a Tudor ship and learns that her estranged grandmother, renowned Tudorhistorian, Mary Fitzroy has died unexpectedly and left Perdita and her twin Piper her massive estate with Marquess House at its centre.
Catherine Howard is as much a pawn in her Uncle, Lord Howard’s game to have a Howard heir on the throne. In the background we learn of how her cousin Anne Boleyn was also manipulated by her uncle to be Henry’s second Queen which lead eventually to her execution
after a trial in which Howard persecuted her.
Likewise all is not as it seems to Perdita that the estrangement from Piper and her Grandmother was not as they believed. Her mother’s death seems linked to a mysterious branch of the British Secret Service who seem to threaten both sisters and there is more to the documents that Mary and the family who protect her that may suggest that what we believe about Catherine Howard is completely false.
A fantastic read - cannot wait for next two volumes of the trilogy.

In this first volume in what is announced as a trilogy, we meet Perdita when she discovers that with her twin she inherits all of their estranged grandmother’s possessions. She’ll go from one surprise to another while trying to understand this estrangement and discovering the historical researches the deceased was doing.

In this novel we follow two stories in parallel: on one side Perdita’s story in the present, on the other the story of Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife. As there are several chapters in a row for each story the back-and-forth aren’t confusing or annoying and don’t disturb the reader in following both stories.

In the present we’re mostly focused on Perdita (I can’t with this name, sorry for the author but for me Perdita is the female Dalmatian dog in Disney lol). When she discovers her grandmother has died and left them her possessions, she’s disappointed because she always hoped they could reconcile someday, and extremely surprised by the amount of the inheritance (and with good reasons!). I was frequently as annoyed as she is by the reactions of her grandmother’s lawyer/ head of security/ loyal friend who regularly prefers to keep quiet about certain things when she asks questions about her grandmother instead of frankly saying what he knows – especially as some events force him most of the time to reveal these things sometimes later anyway. She’s fascinated by the historical researches her grandmother was doing about Catherine Howard and by the theory that the queen had in reality survived the fate written in History books. Perdita decides to carry on the researches with the help of Kit, the lawyer’s son. We see them slowly get closer through the novel and I guess at some point in the trilogy they’ll end up being in couple. I liked how the discoveries and deductions come one after the other to lead to the final revelation. However there are at time some lengthy passages and easy options that can make one roll his eyes.

In the past we follow a Catherine Howard totally different from what History tells us. Far from the unfaithful featherbrain who died on the chopping block, the author depicts a nice, considerate, intelligent and very young woman terrified by the aging and bad-tempered husband she was forced to marry. We see in her relatives all the names we can see on the Internet pages dedicated to her life, but not necessarily with the same part. Henry VIII’s behavior shown in this novel could match without much stretch of imagination what we know of the king’s state of health at this time, so what happens to Catherine seems unexpectedly likely too. The way the author supports her tale with discoveries made by Perdita in the present lends weight to this theory. I came to care for the Catherine Howard shown here and I couldn’t wait to know what would happen to her. I wasn’t disappointed.

The side that seemed a bit too much IMO is the discovery of a secret branch of the British Secret Services (that’s a lot of secret lol) charged with removing everything that threatens History as it’s been told. The resources they possess and the extreme lengths to which they are ready to go to be sure nobody reveals differences seem a bit excessive, but it brings some suspense to the novel.

I’d say this novel could in a sense be read alone as Catherine’s story is ended at the end of the book, but not Perdita’s of course. In any way I really liked this story and I can’t wait to read the next.

As much as I know this story is fabricated, it definitely kept my interest and showed a different alternative for Catherine Howard. I really enjoyed it and enjoyed the authors storytelling. I can’t wait to read more!

I loved this book. It is a really strong start to a series. Catherine Howard had such a short part in history and a lot has been written about her. I liked the ideas in this book as to what happened to her and those around her. There have been a lot of books written about Henry VIII's reign. This one is the first one I have read that flicks back and forward in time between Catherine Howard's reign as Queen and present time. The story is gripping and really well put together. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

England 1539

When Catherine Howard arrives at the court of Henry VIII it is to be maid of honour to the new Queen, Anne of Cleves yet she had no idea where this path would take her.

When Catherine becomes the King's new fancy she finds herself caught in the politicking of her Uncle, the Duke of Norfolk and his ambition to put a Howard heir on the throne.

Terrified by the health of the King affecting his behaviour, the fate of her cousin's Anne and George are forever on her mind and stoke fears for her own safety.

Wales 2018

Dr Perdita Rivers is the estranged grand daughter of Mary Fitzroy a famed Tudor historian.  After Mary's inexplicable loss of contact with both herself and her twin sibling, Piper.  Mary's unexpected death and the girls sudden inheritence of Marquess House a beautiful tudor estate on the Pembrokeshire coast, Perdita begins to learn and unravel the reasons for her grandmother's absence as she settles into her new stately home.

While looking further into her grandmothers work Perdita finds ancient documents in the archives of letters and diaries claiming that Catherine Howards execution wasn't as it seemed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for the opportunity to read this debut novel by Alexandra Walsh, this is the first instalment of a trilogy.  This novel is a dual time line plot based on a historical conspiracy thriller with a twist on a well known period of Tudor history.


The beginning of this book was a slow burner for me, it took a while for me to like the character of Perdita as she initially came over very one dimensional and upon her realisation of her inheritance at times acted like a spoilt child whose newly found priveledge initially put me on the back foot.  However, I have to be honest as an avid reader on books based in the tudor perior it was in fact the intrigue of Catherine's story which drew me deeper into reading this book.  

One tudor character I developed a fondness for was Jane Boleyn (Viscountess Rochford nee Parker).  Jane was the wife of the ill fated brother of Anne Boleyn, George but was well used to the politics of court commencing her time there with Catherine of Aragon's household.

Jane is clearly a strong women able to survive throughout the early days of Henry's court, her tenacity is clearly portrayed in this book when she is returned to the court of Jane Seymour and subsequently the next Queen, Anne of Cleves before standing beside Catherine Howard.

This book is written in such a way that at times you do feel back in that fateful period in history.  Although the plot is based in fact it is a work of fiction and I sometimes had to remind myself of that as I was pulled into the intrigue.

I do feel this book had a similar style of writing in the historical timeline to that of Alison Weir and Phillipa Gregory.  The more modern timeline had a feel of Dan Brown to it however, I would say at times the plot felt too slow and it's conclusion almost felt rushed in it's style of writing.

Despite all my views I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and felt drawn back to it's pages time and again.  I look forward to seeing where the story will go in the second book when it is published.

Well done, Alexandra Walsh ... historical fiction of the highest order!

This book (part one of a trilogy), is another 'take' on Catherine Howard who I have always thought was a young flighty girl who Henry VIII used for a short time and then was dispatched to the executioner's block. Or was she?

This book tries brilliantly to debunk this theory using the dual timeline of Queen Catherine's reign (1539 to 1542 ish), and Dr Perdita Rivers who inherits a huge mansion in Pembrokeshire , Marquess House in 2018. The connection being in the archives of this house left to Perdita and her twin sister Piper. This estate was passed to these girls by their grandmother Mary Fitzroy. So, just by using these well known Tudor surnames the reader is drawn into Catherine's life at court. We have the aged, sick King, the manipulative Duke of Norfolk and the jealous Seymour family - all of which Ms Walsh describes excellently.

By getting to the possible truth of Catherine's demise, Perdita innocently puts herself in danger, and here I am going to say no more in order to not spoil the 2018 events, apart from saying it is well worth reading.

For Tudor history I have usually devoured the books by Alison Weir, but here we have Ms Walsh - with a well written, detailed and sometimes exciting book - entering the Tudor history writers domain with first class honours.

Thanks to Sapere and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Alexandra Walsh, and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Alexandra Walsh storms onto the scene with this intriguing piece of historical fiction that opens new questions about the Tudors and Catherine Howard. While attending a dig, archeologist Dr. Perdita Rivers is alerted to some startling news; her estranged grandmother, popular Tudor historian Mary Fitzroy, has passed away. Even more alarming is the fact that Perdita and her sister, Piper, are now the rightful owners of Marquess House, a massive estate that Perdita never knew was part of the family. Surveying her new property, Perdita begins sifting through everything her grandmother left behind, including massive amounts of research relating to the Tudors. The deeper Perdita delves, the more she discovers. Of particular interest is an unpublished work on Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife. The story flashes back to the time of Catherine’s life, exploring her time as a lady at Court. Catherine surrounded herself by Anne of Cleves, the foreign princess sent to marry Henry VIII. Young and quite beautiful, Catherine catches the eye of the king, especially when his hastily arranged marriage goes stale soon after it is solidified. However, Henry VIII is anything but a compassionate lover, using violence and his title to demand submission, both in and out of bed. Once Henry VIII is in search of a new wife, Catherine is the obvious choice. She soon fears for her life when the violence escalates as she is not quick to produce an heir. As Perdita reads more, she begins to piece together some highly controversial information. Could it be that Catherine Howard was never executed? If so, who stood in her place and what happened to this young woman? While Perdita seeks to uncover more, additional mysteries behind her grandmother’s death and a group that has been following her are revealed. This further explains the estrangement between Mary Fitzroy and her granddaughters for a quarter of a century. Filled with adventure and historical revelations, Alexandra Walsh pulls the reader into the middle of this opening novel in an expected trilogy. Recommended for those who love historical mysteries and fiction, as well as readers with an interest in all things Tudor.

I eagerly accepted the chance to read Walsh’s debut novel, as it provided me the opportunity to explore some Tudor history intertwined with a great historical mystery. Walsh develops the first of this trilogy with an interesting premise, whose importance becomes more apparent the more the story develops. Dr. Perdita Rivers proves to be a wonderful character who comes into her own throughout this piece. An archeologist by training, Rivers is well-versed with historical discoveries, though is quite surprised when she uncovers much of the research her grandmother left her. The reader learns a little more about the estrangement period, as well as Rivers’ own backstory and some development, both familial and personal, throughout the piece. Walsh lays the groundwork for some interesting future adventures, both as they relate to the Tudors and life within the Marquess House. Others help to flesh-out the story effectively, none more than Catherine Howard herself. Long deemed flighty and quite promiscuous—like her cousin, Anne Boleyn—Catherine Howard’s brief marriage and eventual execution seem a foregone conclusion. However, Walsh injects some interesting twists into the story, while building a wonderful narrative to offer new and potentially insightful aspects to Tudor history. The story worked quite well and serves both to entertain as well as educate the reader. There is much development of a mystery, both in Tudor times and during the present period. Readers are left with many questions, sure to help lure them into wanting to find the next books in the trilogy. Walsh has definitely offered much on which the reader can posit, including secret societies created to protect and veil those historical anomalies that have not made it into tomes. I am eager to see what Walsh has coming down the pipeline and will keep my eyes peeled for the second book when it has been published.

Kudos, Madam Walsh, for a wonderful opening novel in this series. You have me curious and hoping the intensity stays high throughout the trilogy.

My thanks to Sapere Books for an eARC via NetGalley of this intriguing historical mystery in exchange for an honest review. It is Alexandra Walsh’s debut novel and the first in her Marquess House Trilogy.

Dr. Perdita Rivers is working on a archeological research project in Pembrokeshire when news of her grandmother’s death reaches her. Perdita and twin sister, Piper, have had no contact with Mary Fitzroy following the death of their mother when they were children. Mary had been a noted historian and apparently very wealthy. To their surprise the sisters are named as her sole heirs.

Perdita moves into Marquess House, Mary’s stately home with a long history including links with Anne Boleyn. Looking into Mary’s research she discovers an unfinished manuscript on the subject of Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth queen and uncovers a mystery.

The narrative is split between Perdita’s experiences in 2018 and Catherine’s story from 1539 when she joined the household of the new queen, Anne of Cleves. Like her cousin, Anne Boleyn, Catherine is quickly caught up in her family’s machinations.

I am so glad that I requested this as it combined my love of well-researched historical mysteries, of well thought out conspiracy thrillers, and of novels with dual timelines. I was completely hooked from the beginning and could hardly put it down.

With conspiracy thrillers there is always a need to suspend disbelief, which I had no problem doing here. In her Author’s Note Walsh makes it clear that her ‘what if?’ conspiracy is framed as far as possible with verifiable historical fact.

As this is the first in a trilogy it’s hard to judge in advance how it will progress. However, based on this first volume I feel quite confident and I am extremely excited for the next book in the series coming out later this year and further adventures with the sisters and their allies and adversaries.

This book is a roller coaster ride of fun and intrigue. I know it's a work of fiction, but I'm rethinking everything I think I know about Catherine Howard. I was a bit put off by the constant change in the time frame, past to present...but a wonderful book worth reading. I anxiously await the next installment in the series. Alexandra Walsh has created some wonderful characters, in addition to the actual historical characters. This is definitely a book worth reading.

This ‘timeshift thriller’ takes place in two locations and times, with chunks of the books alternating between the two. This is usually not my favourite kind of book but this time, it completely worked for me.

WHITEHALL PALACE, ENGLAND, 1539

Half of the book takes place during the short queenship of Catherine Howard, King Henry VIII’s fifth wife. We meet Catherine as she is joining the household of Anne of Cleves, fourth wife of Henry VIII and the new Queen of England. After Catherine catches Henry’s eye, the king sets aside Queen Anne and marries Catherine. Young and beautiful, Catherine begins the fragile dance of keeping her violent and unstable husband happy and keeping herself, her family and her close friends safe from the king’s wrath.

Walsh has a very interesting and unique take on both Henry, Catherine and other familiar names from this particular time in history. It’s a theory that I haven’t seen in any other book before and it was a refreshing ‘What if?” scenario that was fun to consider.

PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES, 2018

The other half of the book introduces us to Dr. Perdita Rivers. Perdita and her twin sister, Piper. The twins receive news that their estranged grandmother, famed Tudor historian Mary Fitzroy has passed away. To Perdita and Piper’s surprise, Mary has left them most of her possessions, including the sprawling Marquess House, her large estate in Pembrokeshire.

Mary had written a book about Catherine Howard, but abandoned it because of a controversial secret that is rooted in the history of Marquess House itself. Mary left clues for her granddaughters to follow and Perdita attempts to unravel the mystery. As she settles into her new life at Marquess house, Perdita starts getting the feeling that something is amiss. She notices the people around her use the word ‘safe’ a lot when referring to her or Piper – as in “Let’s get you safely inside” and “There you are, safe and sound.” It turns out, there’s a lot more to Marquess House than meets the eye.

A TIMESHIFT NOVEL THAT WORKS

As I stated at the beginning of this review, I'm not a fan of timeshift stories. I prefer settling into one time period and sticking too it. However, the author does a superb job with the pacing of the book. I felt like I was reading several short stories one after another. I think it helped that each time period lasted several chapters at a time, allowing enough time for me to adjust, settle in and enjoy the plot before moving on. Instead of feeling like I was being torn from the past to the future and back, I was eager to return to a familiar set of characters and see what they were up to.

SPEAKING OF THOSE CHARACTERS

I’ve read A LOT of historical fiction based on the Tudors, and Catherine Howard has almost always come across as a young, flighty girl. This book turns a lot of those Tudor characters into something completely opposite to what I’m used to and it was really, REALLY interesting. I can’t say more without giving the mystery away, but let’s just say, this new version of Catherine Howard and her supporting characters was a lot of fun.

As for the ‘present-day’ characters – I just want to be friends with ALL of them. Perdita is exactly the type of person I would get along with – an introvert who loves reading, research and history. We only get to know her twin, Piper, as a secondary character, but I’m hoping that changes in the next book. We briefly meet most of the Marquess House staff but get enough to sense that they are very tight knit and loyal, a feeling that they extend to the twins almost immediately.

I’m also halfway in love with Kit Mackensie. Kit and his siblings, Stuart and Megan, grew up in Marquess House, since their father was Mary’s confidant and solicitor. In fact, the entire Mackensie family are incredibly warm and friendly. They welcome Perdita and Piper into their midst and Kit and Perdita work together to try and solve the Marquess House mystery.

JUST THE BEGINNING

I requested this book on NetGalley based on the title and description (like I said, I’ll read almost anything that has to do with the Tudors!) and I am so happy that I did. This book was outstanding.

Although the answer to part of the mystery is revealed by the end of The Catherine Howard Mystery, the story very deftly sets up the sequel and I can’t wait for it to come out. I have some theories on where the entire storyline is headed, but I guess I’ll have to wait and see if I’m correct!

*** Thank you to the publisher, Sapere Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. ***

As a lover of historical fiction from authors such as Philippa Gregory & Hilary Mantel this book attracted me from the start. I wasn't sure how I'd find the addition of a present day story line running alongside the historical part but it does work. The story line running for Catherine Howard is completely different from the what we are used to and at times it makes for traumatic reading with regards to the violence she received from Henry VIII during her marriage to him.

The weak point of this story ( and possibly the trilogy) is that you can kind of guess where its going almost from the very beginning. The ending is also a bit chaotic as it seems the whole story unravels in the last couple of chapters which is a lot to take in.

Overall, an interesting read and I am looking forward to the forthcoming books.

It is many years since I was an avid reader of Historical Fiction but every now and again I revisit it and in the case of The Catherine Howard Conspiracy, I was very pleased to do so. I have often thought that she was the most unfortunate of Henry VIII’s wives; too young, a questionable upbringing and then to be the pawn of her own family - tragic.

In Alexandra Walsh’s book we have a dual timeline: 1539 under the reign of Henry VIII and present day when we are introduced to Dr Perdita Rivers. Perdita and her twin sister inherit Marquess House and a sizeable fortune from their grandmother, Mary Fitzroy who was a Tudor historian. The book is structured so that we alternate between the two timelines.

In Tudor times, we learn of Catherine Howard’s arrival to the Court as maid of honour to Anne of Cleves and Henry’s subsequent fascination with her. A fascination that exposes Catherine to his violence, obsession and ultimately fear for her life.

Perdita’s story revolves around her grandmother’s research papers and the mystery of why she refused to be part of her granddaughters’ lives and also the secrets in Marquess House.

This is a really fascinating book, particularly in relation to what actually happened to Catherine Howard. Oh, how I want it to be true. Whilst reading this I was torn. Each section was so interesting and I got totally involved, particularly involved in the Tudor time-line which was excellent. Then when we switched to present day, I was equally involved and caught up in the mystery. A strategy that worked well and kept me excited to continue reading.

One tiny hesitancy. Is it a bit too good to be true that your mysterious grandmother settles an enormous fortune on you and your twin sister; oh and you are both beautiful; and there just happens to be a really nice young man on hand…? As my friend Mary says “It matters not”. Cannot wait for the next in the series.

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.

My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere books for a review copy of this book.

The Catherine Howard Conspiracy is the first in a trilogy, the Marquess House trilogy, and is a mystery/thriller that unfolds in two parallel timelines. After a brief prologue setting out some events in 1542 Pembrokeshire, we come to the present day where historian–archaeologist, Dr Perdita Rivers working at an undersea site where a sunken ship, possibly from the Armada, has been found is told that her estranged grandmother, an eminent historian Mary Fitzroy has died, and that her and her twin sister, Piper are left heirs to her estate. She soon discovers that her estate is not only vast including the imposing Marquess House, but also includes treasures in the form of the books and documents that Marquess House is home to including its own legacy and the results of her grandmother’s research. As she begins to look into this, she begins to uncover the secrets that Marquess House hides (which connect to Catherine Howard) as well as much that has been hidden in her and Piper’s life. In this, she is helped by her grandmother’s lawyer and friend, Alistair Mackensie and his family, particularly, his youngest son, Kit. Alongside, back in the sixteenth century, we follow Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth queen, from the time she enters the palace as maid-in-waiting to Anne of Cleeves, catches Henry’s eye, and becomes his queen. But as queen she is caught between the ageing and increasing violent Henry, who acts entirely on his whim, and her own family the Howards, particularly the Duke of Norfolk who wants his own ambitions for the Howard family realised through her. Having seen the fate that befell her cousin Anne Boleyn, Catherine must live in fear nearly every step of the way, and can rely only on a few to protect her.

Some aspects of the book when it begins, and the comparisons with Dan Brown, kind of gave me a clue as to the direction in which the plot was headed, so when I started, my enthusiasm was kind of dampened, but as I read on and the two storylines unfolded with the present-day characters uncovering various secrets, I began to get absorbed in the plot and want to keep reading on to see what they would find next, and how they would get to the answer to the mystery. I also enjoyed the historical part of the story as it played out (though there were certain scenes, describing Henry’s brutality and depravations which were a bit too gruesome for my liking—may be a little less detail would have worked better for me here). The author has taken historical events and characters and given them her own interpretation. So, many of the characters, Catherine Howard, Lady Rochford, and Norfolk, in particular, have different personalities than one is (or at least I was) used to from other fiction (even, non-fiction) set in the era. How much of this interpretation is true (the conspiracy is fiction of course, as the author says), I can’t tell but it was certainly an interesting spin on events, and told in a fast paced, and exciting manner. The main character, Dr Perdita Rivers, I didn’t really take to so much, in the sense that I felt her a little too naïve in many situations; also I felt even when the answer to some things seemed to stare her in the face, she took a page or two longer to get to it. While this book solves part of the mystery, there is a further thread to explore which is probably where the next one will pick up, and I am excited to see how that turns out. An exciting read which I would have enjoyed far more if the secrets unveiled would have really taken me by surprise.

The book released on 28 March 2019!

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

The "Catherine Howard Conspiracy" is basically about what would happen if history as you knew it was wrong. This is a dual timeline book where it takes place in the Tudor era (which is my favorite) and in the present. Dr. Perdita Rivers is notified that her grandmother, the great Tudor historian, Mary Fitzroy, has passed away and has left the grand estate, Marquess House to Perdita and her twin sister, Piper. Perdita and Piper have not talked to Mary in several years and is shocked to hear the news.

Upon arriving to Marquess House they are swept up with the mystery of why her grandmother cut all ties to the girls and the discovery that history may be wrong about Catherine Howard, King Henry VIII's fifth wife. As the girls unravel Mary's research Perdita realizes that not only is her life in danger but the lives of her family and the house staff. Can Perdita solve the mystery without losing her family?

I am so looking forward to the second book to see where the author will end up taking this story.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

As an archivist and librarian, as well as a fan of Tudor history, I absolutely loved this book. It was well-written and well-researched, a dual achievement that made this novel a joy to read. I tore through the text in just a few days, excited to learn more. While the author is very clear in her note that she has taken liberties with the history, I found myself wondering, what has the historical record left out, and are there still conspiracies out there?

I really enjoyed this book. I am a sucker for anything Tudor related.

It follows Perdita and her twin sister Piper as they start to unravel their families past and history. I did find some of they writing jarring. It would just jump from own train of though to another too quickly. Some facts and some of the writing can be a bit off at times but overall, I think that it was a good book at capturing your attention and if you look at the overall story, it is very good and will keep you engaged.

I would recommend this book for something who loves historical fiction and wants a little mystery thrown in there too!

After a slow start while all the characters are introduced, this book quickly turned into a page-turner. I'm not usually a fan of the back-and-forth-through-time type books, but author Alexandra Walsh made it work!