The Queen's Musician - by Martha Jean Johnson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For fans of Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir and Elizabeth Fremantle, an untold story about how the plot against Anne Boleyn entrapped a gifted young musician.

"Johnson brings the Tudor court to life with lavish feasts, chivalric traditions, resplendent music, and exquisite royal fashion, making the world feel both authentic and immersive. But behind the glamour is an unsettling truth: even the most beautiful melodies could not drown out the sound of the executioner's blade."--BookLife Reviews

A glamorous queen, a volatile king, a gifted musician concealing a forbidden romance. Everyone knows Anne Boleyn's story. No one knows Mark Smeaton's.

On May 17, 1536, a young court musician was executed, accused of adultery and treason with the queen. Most historians believe both he and Anne Boleyn were innocent--victims of Henry VIII's rage.

Mark Smeaton was a talented performer who rose from poverty to become a royal favorite. He played for the king in private and entertained at sumptuous feasts. He witnessed Anne Boleyn's astonishing rise and fall--her reign of a thousand days. History tells us little about him, other than noting his confession and execution. The Queen's Musician imagines his story, as seen from his perspective and that of the young woman who loves him. It all takes place amid the spectacle and danger of the Tudor court.

Review Quotes

"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

"The journey is hopeful, bittersweet, and utterly heartbreaking. Highly recommended for anyone who loves Tudor history or anyone who, like me, enjoys being completely destroyed by a story."--Historical Novel Society

"Usually, tales are told from Anne's perspective, or even from Henry VIII['s], but here we get a true view of the matters at court . . . The story soars in representing the emotions and foibles of the royals from the outside, building suspense towards the inevitable betrayal and fall."--Readers Lane

"Superb writing and soulful characterization . . . The Queen's Musician offers a gripping tale for Tudor fans and newcomers alike."--Open Letters Review

"Original, clever, deftly crafted, engaging . . . a 'must' for fans of historical novels set in the Tudor/Renaissance era . . . riveting and memorable . . . unreservedly recommended pick for community library historical fiction collections."--Midwest Book Review

"The characters are vibrant and deeply human . . . Johnson excels at making readers care about them, drawing us into a world where we already know the outcome, but nonetheless making us hope for a minute before slowly shattering our hearts."--Her Grace's Library, 5-star review

About the Author

Martha Jean Johnson is a writer of fiction and non-fiction and the author of a series of books and articles on public opinion and public policy. The Queen's Musician is her debut novel. She also reviews trends in historical fiction and discusses her own love of reading and writing in her biweekly blog, Historical Magic. She recently worked with the National Issues Forums Institute, an organization that encourages civil discourse and nonpartisan deliberation on national and local issues.

During a long public policy career, she analyzed and reported on American public thinking, working with noted social analyst and public opinion pioneer, Daniel Yankelovich. She has published articles in USA Today and The Huffington Postand appeared on CNN, MSNBC, and PBS. She is the author of a series of nonfiction paperbacks on major political issues, co-authored with Scott Bittle and published by HarperCollins. She holds degrees from Mount Holyoke College, Brown University, and Simmons College. She lives in Jersey City, New Jersey.