The Net of Steel - (Tudor Mystery Featuring Ursula Blanchard) by Fiona Buckley

About the Book

April, 1590. Ursula Stannard, the queen's half-sister and occasional secret agent, is summoned back to her childhood home, Faldene House, after Sir Francis Walsingham's funeral. But her return puts those closest to her in grave danger. Ursula's foes, the Mercer brothers, are set on revenge, and they'll go to any lengths to achieve it . . .

Book Synopsis

Ursula Stannard faces the ultimate test in this gripping Tudor mystery. How far is she prepared to go to protect those dearest to her and save her own life?

April, 1590. Ursula Stannard, the queen's half-sister and occasional secret agent, has just left Sir Francis Walsingham's funeral when she is summoned back to her childhood home, Faldene House, by her aunt. Uncle Herbert has died suddenly from natural causes, but Ursula's arrival in the Sussex Downs triggers a shocking sequence of death and devastation.

Through her service to the queen, Ursula has made dangerous enemies. The formidable Mercer brothers are set on revenge, and their cruelty knows no limits. As a deadly net closes around Ursula and her loved ones, can she keep those closest to her safe and stop the Mercers before they strike again?

Review Quotes

A lively story with excellent historical detail and atmosphere-- "Booklist on Golden Cargoes"

Buckley's vivid portrayal of the resourceful, clever, and devious Ursula carries the plot. Readers will hope to continue seeing more of her-- "Publishers Weekly on Golden Cargoes"

Lovers of Tudor fiction will enjoy the carefully researched details of daily life woven into the suspense. This highly entertaining historical mystery delivers.-- "Publishers Weekly"

Plenty of action-- "Kirkus Reviews"

The charming spy again gives good value as she unearths secrets in an Elizabethan context-- "Kirkus Reviews on Golden Cargoes"

The queen of Elizabethan historicals-- "Publishers Weekly on The Scent of Danger"

About the Author

Fiona Buckley is the author of twenty-one previous Ursula Blanchard mysteries. Under her real name, Valerie Anand, she is the author of numerous historical novels including the much-loved Bridges Over Time series. Brought up in London, she now lives in Surrey.