Customer Reviews

A Question of Guilt: A Novel of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Death of Henry Darnley

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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

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).

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!!