A QUESTION OF GUILT

Author: Julianne Lee ISBN: 9780425223512 10/2008 HISTORICAL FICTION Publisher: BERKLEY
Time Period: 1500s, Scotland & England

A rich, compelling novel that asks the question: Was Mary Stuart guilty of murder? It is three days after the execution of Mary Stuart and the streets of London are buzzing with the news. But not everyone is convinced that the scandalized Queen of Scots was guilty of plotting against her cousin, Elizabeth I—or that she was involved in the murder of her husband, Henry Darnley. Scottish-born Lady Janet de Ros, wife of a wealthy English merchant, thinks the ravishingly beautiful Mary was merely an innocent bystander, betrayed by the machinations of a disloyal court. Determined to uncover the truth, Janet travels from Fotheringhay Castle to Edinburgh, to pursue an investigation that, she will come to realize, could endanger her life—and bring disgrace to her very own family...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Julianne Lee's A QUESTION OF GUILT is a sprawling tale of treason, justice and the secrets people keep. It is very much rooted in historical facts and descriptions and I imagine it took many hours of research to get the true feel of the time.

I enjoyed this book but I can't say I will read it again. For a lover of history, it is interesting and pulls ideas from various factions. But there were times I felt like I was reading a text rather than a story. The writing style is flawless but the subject matter somewhat ponderous.

Janet, the woman who feels Mary, Queen of Scots, was a pawn and executed unjustly, asks her husband's permission to take a journey to investigate a bit of the mystery surrounding the dead woman's last days and ultimate date with the executioner. He allows it, but only if she does not tarry overlong. So, Janet leaves and speaks to those who would tell her more than the gossipmongers who spread both fact and fiction in equal measure.

Highly interesting, A QUESTION OF GUILT does a wonderful job of showing not only what was, but what might have been as well. Nicely done!

Kay James