Description
“Little is known about Mark Smeaton beyond his tragic fate. Yet Johnson imbues him with depth and dignity, transforming a historical footnote into a fully realized character whose story lingers long after the final page.”—BookLife Reviews
“Original and worthwhile . . . A thoughtful, dramatically gripping work of historical fiction.”—Kirkus Reviews
“In one of the most savage moments in history . . . a heartfelt and thoughtful tale of the fragility of love. Very highly recommended.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review
“The background research necessary to weave together fact and fiction has been extremely well done . . . The scene-setting was excellent.”—Whispering Stories, 5-star review
“A captivating and deeply moving retelling of Anne Boleyn’s dramatic fall . . . This beautifully written novel brings history to life with such emotional depth that it brought me to tears.”—Claire Ridgway, author of The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown
“A gripping, unforgettable story of the gentle Tudor musician Mark Smeaton . . . Beautifully written and impossible to put down. I had tears in my eyes.”—Stephanie Cowell, American Book Award winner, author of The Boy in the Rain and Claude & Camille
“With lyrical yet unadorned prose, Johnson interweaves the voices of Mark Smeaton and Madge Shelton, pulling you in till the final moment. A poignant read.”—Jude Berman, author of The Vow and The Die
“In this compelling novel, Johnson has used Mark Smeaton, a musician in the court of Henry VIII, to show readers how difficult it was to keep one’s head attached to one’s shoulders in the Tudor era. She knows this period and makes it live.”—Albert A. Bell, Jr., author of the Cases from the Notebooks of Pliny the Younger Series mysteries
“Haven’t we heard enough about Henry and his wives? Not really! The Queen’s Musician gives us a fresh look . . . as two fascinating minor historical characters emerge onto center stage in a tragic love story.”—John Immerwahr, author of After Monte Cristo
“A brilliant book which captures the uncertainty and fear of the late 1520s and 1530s . . . an emotional story told very skillfully.”—Helene Harrison, author of Elizabethan Rebellions and Tudor Executions
