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It's 1568 and once again Ursula Blanchard, illegitimate half sister and occasional spy to her sister Queen Elizabeth I, finds herself reluctantly but deeply involved when she is dragged into matters of state. When two men are killed at the home of the Duke of Norfolk Ursula believes that their deaths must certainly have something to do with a further attempt to put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne and make her Elizabeth's heir. Having been invited to the home of the Duke of Norfolk as he attempts to match-make between her beloved daughter Meg and his secretary Dean Edmund, Ursula finds that she is not too keen on the match especially when she realises that the only thing that Edmund appears to be interested in is her daughter's dowry and there appears to be a streak of cruelty in him that Meg who is currently too much in love fails to see. Sent by Sir Cecil to act as a supposed companion (but in reality as a spy) to the wife of a banker who is acting as intermediary between the Duke of Norfolk and the Spanish ambassador; Ursula comes across some incriminating papers which involve Mary, former Queen of Scots, and an attempt to put her on the English throne once Elizabeth has been killed. Once again, it is up to Ursula to decode the letter and forestall the chaos that might ensue. Not knowing whom to trust, Ursula once more uses her wits to resolve the situation. Fiona Buckley has written an intelligent, intriguing historical novel set during the period of Queen Elizabeth I. The good thing about this series is the way in which the characters are drawn. They are richly drawn and easily evoke the period of history, which they cover. Ursula is a strong woman with a lot of pride and loyalty to her half sister and her country. Unlike the other books in the series, Mary is not actually present in this latest novel, but her absence does not stop this book from linking her with the invariable plots and counter plots that surround the court during this time and as such the course of politics as well. With THE SIREN QUEEN, the reader is whisked away to a period in history that is suspenseful, passionate, and tumultuous in all that takes place. If you are fond of historical mysteries set in the Elizabethan period then certainly this series should be in your collection.
Reviewed by Ayo Onatade, March 2006
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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