A Question of Guilt: A Novel of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Death of Henry Darnley [Mass Market Paperback]

Julianne Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 7, 2008

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?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Julianne Lee is a full-time writer. She has written a number of historical novels, some with fantasy elements, under various pseudonyms. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; 1ST edition (October 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425223515
• ISBN-13: 978-0425223512
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,035,538 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars interesting historical fiction, October 9, 2008

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Question of Guilt: A Novel of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Death of Henry Darnley (Mass Market Paperback)

Dead three days after being executed for seditious acts against her cousin Queen Elizabeth, Mary Stuart remains the subject of discussion throughout London. Although many accept the royal position of treason and murder in the killing of Mary's spouse, Henry Darnley, many believe she was killed to eliminate a rival for the throne.

Scottish expatriate Lady Janet de Ros, wife of a wealthy English merchant, believes Mary was innocent of both charges, a victim of betrayal. She seeks the truth so heads from Fotheringhay Castle to Edinburgh to investigate what she assumes are lies. However, Lady Janet is ignorant as to how dangerous her inquiry is from those who want the status quo re Mary's crimes to remain as is. These powerful affluent individuals have no problem with the death of another Scottish lady as well as a campaign to dishonor Lady Janet and her family.

This is an interesting historical fiction novel that brings to life the days after the state executed ax fell on Mary's neck. The country is divided into those who believe she was innocent and those who believe she was guilty. Fascinatingly when Janet begins her inquiry, some adversaries use the Ton gossip network to destroy her and her family's reputation; this technique will remind readers of those who did likewise with President Bush. A QUESTION OF guilt is an intriguing saga as Janet draws conclusions re the innocence or guilt of Mary Stuart.

Harriet Klausner

3.0 out of 5 stars Better Historical Fiction Than Mystery, July 14, 2011

By 

Liz W. "villagebookreview" (Alabama, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Question of Guilt: A Novel of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Death of Henry Darnley (Paperback)

Inquisitive Janet De Ros finds herself drawn to the tale of ill-fated Scottish Queen Mary. Although Mary has recently been beheaded for treason against Elizabeth I, most people blame her for her supposed part in the murder of her drunken bully husband, Lord Darnley. But is this really the case? Janet, a compelling heroine in her own right, decides to find out the truth for herself. The novel's main strength, its examination of women's proper place in the male-dominated society of medieval Britain, is neatly paralleled in both Mary's past and Janet's present: Mary Stuart is victimized by her power-hungry suitors, while Janet is forced to examine the delicate partnership she maintains with her husband. Although an enjoyable read for the most part, it's not the most stellar of mysteries, and proves to be more a work of historical fiction than anything else. That said, there are certainly better treatments of the Queen of Scots' story (Margaret George's epic Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles comes immediately to mind). Nonetheless, the book is entertaining and may appeal to readers, if only those who are history buffs and/or Scotophiles (those obsessed with everything Scottish).

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tudor Novel, February 19, 2010

By 

Cheryl P. Williamson "T. Williamson" (Jacksonville, Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Question of Guilt: A Novel of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Death of Henry Darnley (Paperback)

Julienne Lee wrote an excellent book in "A Question of Guilt". It is very detailed and has a great pace. Couldn't put it down. She managed to be un-bias in her depiction of all characters and definitely gives a poignant portrait of Mary, Queen off Scots, daughter of Katherine of Aragon and Henry VIII. I have already ordered more of her books. She and Philippa Gregory have this genre nailed!!