May 1589. Being the queen's half-sister and occasional secret agent, can take its toll, which is why Ursula Stannard is looking forward to the simple pleasure of attending the wedding of her tenant's daughter. But on arrival, Arabella the bride-to-be is refusing to marry her intended.
Ursula tries to reason with Arabella on behalf of her mother, Joan Mercer, but she senses all is not well with her betrothed, or within the Mercer household. The family have gold and jewels beyond their means, and Ursula suspects they may not have gained such riches legally.
When the strangled corpse of local herbalist and suspected witch is found, and Ursula learns through her connections at Court that English vessels are being plundered by a trio of mysterious ships - she once again takes on the mantle of secret agent.
With someone willing to kill to protect their secrets and a bounty of golden cargo at stake, Ursula is in danger! Can she uncover the culprits, save the reluctant bride, and remain unscathed herself? (Goodreads synopsis)
The most recent Ursula Blanchard novel did not disappoint, what with the mentions of pirates and treasure. However, it is still repetitious in that Ursula finds herself with another star crossed lovers triangle and a murder. There is also the secret spying on behalf of Walsingham, Cecil, Elizabeth, and the Royal Treasury.
I always love reading these novels because Fiona Buckley brings in these names that readers should have learned in history class. Here, the names are more than that. Here, they are living beings who had real concerns and were involved in real crimes.
Again I cannot wait to see what happens to Ursula and the Brockleys next. But I also really hope there are no more star crossed lovers, and I would really like to see Ursula’s son Harry come into his own.
Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
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