The Tidal Poole - (Elizabeth I Mystery) by Karen Harper (Paperback)

About the Book

Bess Tudor makes her triumphant return to London from exile as Elizabeth I, but her procession to Westminster Abbey is marred by the murder of a high-born, high-living lady of the court. Abetted by her loyal retainers, the young queen spearheads an investigation of the crime--a search that leads to a sinister plot against Elizabeth herself.

Book Synopsis

It is the crowning day of twenty-five-year-old Bess Tudor's life as she returns from exile to become England's queen. But even as her magnificent procession wends its way to Westminster Palace, a shot rings out, muffled by the jostling crowd.

Within moments of becoming England's ruler, Elizabeth learns of the brutal murder of a highborn lady of the court, the sister of one of her dearest friends. Elizabeth cannot refuse her friend's request to find the killer -- especially since the prime suspect is too close to the crown -- and her friends -- to overlook.

Elizabeth must be circumspect. Trust can be deadly. So she summons her small band of loyal retainers and plunges into a cauldron of conflicting loyalties and deadly intrigue.

From the pomp, pageantry, and insidious gossip of the court to the lethal tidal pools swirling under London Bridge, the passionate young queen must seize the reins of her empire -- and find a killer determined to destroy the crown itself....

Review Quotes

"Harper's facility with historical figures such as William Cecil, Robert Dudley, and the treacherous Duchess of Suffolk is extraordinary."
-- Los Angeles Times

"Harper masterfully captures the Elizabethan tone in both language and setting and gives life to some fascinating historical figures....Elizabethan history has never been this appealing."
-- New York Newsday

Don't miss Karen Harper's acclaimed debut novel in The Elizabeth I Mystery Series, The Poyson Garden:

"Impressively researched...the author has her poisons and her historical details down pat."
-- Los Angeles Times

"A walk side-by-side with one of history's most dynamic characters."
-- Anne Perry, author of Half Moon Street

"An entertaining cross between a swashbuckling historical romance and a mystery novel. The heroine is spunky, the courtiers scheme and truckle, capes swirl, daggers flash and horses gallop."
-- Portland Oregonian

Available from Dell

About the Author

Karen Harper is the author of a number of contemporary suspense and historical romance novels. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, and Naples, Florida. The Tidal Poole is the second novel in her Elizabeth I mystery series. The third, The Twylight Tower, will be published by Delacorte Press in March 2001.