Shades of Death is the first book in a well written historical mystery series set during the Tudor period by Dr. Angela Ranson. Released 17th Nov 2023 by Sapere, it's 270 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The second book in the series is also currently available on KU.
Set in the pomp and glittering splendor of the court of Queen Elizabeth I, Catrin Surovell is a young lady in waiting with a complex background (her father declared a traitor, her mother vanished) who has to rely on her wits and resilience to keep herself out of danger as best she can. She's intelligent, practical, and appealing, in a dangerous Machiavellian setting where almost nobody can be truly trusted apart from her bosom friend and confidant Lucy.
The author is a historian, and it shows. The story is interwoven around a framework of real historical events and characters so skillfully that it's not always easy to see where fact shades into fiction. The plotting is tight and action driven, with an exciting denouement and resolution.
A second book in the series was released in Feb 2024 from the same author. It would make a good choice for a weekend mini-binge/buddy read.
Four stars. Well written, dense, and with historical verisimilitude. It's not at all derivative, but fans of Sharon Kay Penman, Candace Robb, and Susanna Gregory will likely enjoy this one as well.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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