Similar to the Jane Austen Mystery Series, Karen Harper has written a series starring Elizabeth Tudor. Ms. Harper (and Stephanie Barron) have taken two of my loves, history and literature and combined them into exciting adventures, worthy of my time and attention.
The first title in the series, The Poyson Garden, was released in 2000. The most recent, The Hooded Hawke, was released in 2007. The Poyson Garden takes place in the time just before Elizabeth gains the crown. Subsequent titles follow Elizabeth's progress as Queen of England. Each mystery weaves history and fiction, creating a tapestry for the reader as the mystery itself unravels.
Elizabeth, while still in control as Queen and executing her duties as such, becomes a detective (as if she did not have enough to do!), solving each murder. Elizabeth convenes a group of close allies to aid in exposing the murderer in each case. She calls this group her "Privy Council." Elizabeth delegates much of the leg-work, going out into her kingdom as she sees the need. Her excursions give her council much cause for worry as her life is always under threat from rivals. What if the murderer is really targeting our dear Queen?
I love the way Ms. Harper includes many real characters and events from Elizabeth's realm and time. She is very thorough in her research of both. It is easy to confirm and learn more about the people and historical episodes occurring throughout the stories. Ms. Harper's author's note at the end of each book elaborates on the situations and historical figures.
A timeline of events in Elizabeth's life, a pedigree and a map detailing the area of each title's locations are included at the beginning of each book. These have been a very helpful aid as London and surrounding environs have changed greatly since the late 1500's. I am a map user and use the maps frequently as Elizabeth and her Privy Council go forth to nab a murderer and protect their beloved Queen.
I have not yet read all 9 books. Our library system has the first 3 and 6-8. If I cannot find the others to borrow, it will be worth it to purchase the others. I have really enjoyed this series and look forward to reading all 9 books.
Ms. Harper has other historical novels, some related to Elizabeth I, although perhaps only peripherally. She also has a few titles set in the Amish country of Ohio in addition to other novels in contemporary settings. She is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Ms. Harper formerly taught English at the college level and taught high school literature and writing.*
*Source: Karen Harper
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