Paul Doherty immerses the reader in the dark days for Margaret Beaufort. Countess of Richmond, under Yorkist rule. Dark Queen Watching finds Margaret widowed of her second husband and working to protect her son Henry's chances at the crown. Conspiracies, foreign murderous agents and murders. Very noir historical mystery.

Doherty sweeps readers into the dark political intrigues of mediaeval England as the widowed Margaret Beaufort, last of the once-powerful Beaufort family, is beset by enemies. Her son, young Henry Tudor, is smuggled into England by his uncle and is sheltering in disguise at Chertsey Abbey. Margaret, accompanied by faithful retainers Christopher Urswicke and Reginald Bray, makes her way to her Woking estate to meet discreetly with Chertsey’s abbot, a long-trusted confidant, and to speak with her son. A ruthless army of professional killers known as the Garduna have infiltrated their way into England and are wreaking havoc, tracked by the Luminati. Whoever hired them must be immensely wealthy, and it’s up to Urswicke to find out who and why. Although disquieting, the attacks don’t cause irreparable harm to the countess, and thereby hangs this as-yet-motiveless tale. Someone wants her out of the way but not dead.

Doherty knows his stuff, including historical figures―of which the Garduna and Luminati are part―and 15th-century England, but I was disappointed that Margaret takes such a backseat to Urswicke, whose story this becomes, and the overuse of ‘henchman’ and ‘warbelt’ became irritating. Whatever history makes of Margaret Beaufort, it is impossible not to respect her dogged determination to put her son, Henry, the last Lancastrian, on what she believed was his rightful throne―birthing him at 13, already a widow, protecting him from the many forces wishing his demise, and founding the Tudor dynasty. But was there another contender for that hotly contested throne?

This is a riveting tale of court politics, intrigue, murder, false allegiances, double-crossing and deceit, all of which Margaret survived in her day. The ending opens the door to a sequel in which I hope Margaret’s character is further developed into the formidable woman she must have been. That said, I am not deterred from reading the first in series, Dark Queen Rising.

This is the Author's third book in the Margaret Beaufort series and can in my opinion be read as a standalone

A band of Spanish mercenaries have come to England , an elite fighting force .........with no allegiance to King and country , who has hired them and why ?
When an unexpected visitor is found dead inside a locked room within Margaret's London house its sets in motion a series of threatening events that she must resolve as soon as possible .
Margaret’s experienced and loyal clerks Christopher Urswicke and Reginald Bray work to uncover the truth in order to ensure Margaret survival and that of her household .
What brings all these events and people together at this time - who benefits , who will survive ?

Set in the time of the War of the Roses the Author brings to life Medieval England , showing the politics and backstabbing that went along just to survive in these tumultuous times

This is another excellent historical murder mystery by the Author and I look forward to more in the future

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

‘The Garduna were a secret army licensed by God’ - Prologue, ‘Dark Queen Watching’

My thanks to Canongate Books/Severn House for a digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Dark Queen Watching’ by Paul Doherty in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third in Doherty’s Margaret Beaufort Mysteries set during the reign of Edward IV. While the House of York has prevailed over the House of Lancaster, Margaret Beaufort, the Countess of Richmond continues to secretly work towards the day that her son, Henry Tudor, can return from exile and claim the throne of England.

Yet new dangers continue to emerge. A band of Spanish mercenaries known as the Garduna have come to England. They have no allegiance to prince, prelate or people and are a lethal fighting force. But who has hired them . . . and why?

When an unexpected visitor is found murdered in a locked room at Margaret’s London townhouse, it’s the start of a series of increasingly menacing incidents that threaten Margaret and her household. Margaret’s clerks Christopher Urswicke and Reginald Bray work to uncover the truth in order to ensure Margaret survival.

Paul Doherty’s meticulous approach to research is obvious throughout this novel (and series). It does effect the pace somewhat but I appreciate its slow burn as it reflects the formality of the period.

Despite my love of historical mysteries and the quality of this novel, I remain a Yorkist and so it’s hard to feel empathy with Margaret Beaufort’s plotting.

Paul Doherty concludes with an informative Author’s Note about the novel’s background including the actual historical activities of the Garduna.

Overall, a solid historical mystery. Will there be further mysteries for Christopher Urswicke and Reginald Bray to solve? There is still over a decade until Margaret Beaufort’s plans come to fruition, so plenty more time to explore.

Historical mystery and power unabated!

Plots and counterplots swirl around Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, and her son Henry Tudor. I love Doherty’s comment in the Author’s Note about Margaret. “In the end she proved to be the dark nemesis of the House of York.” (With that comment Doherty’s title slots in seamlessly),
A nerve racking read filled with the desperation of the age, the evil of men, and all matters pertaining to the lust for power and kingship.
We have Edward of York endeavoring to be rid of a claimant to the English throne; Margaret’s sworn man Christopher Urswicke’s father, Sir Thomas, Recorder of London, plotting and planning, spinning his web far and wide; a hidden group of feared Castilian assassins, the Garduna; and a secret French chapter loyal to the French king, just for starters. Third in this series of enthralling historical novels, we’re once again presented with a riveting portrayal of these violent medieval times, alongside a deep political mystery, all rolled into one. Satisfying indeed!

A Canongate-Severn ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

After the return of Edward IV to the throne and the death of her husband, Margaret Beaufort is more determined that ever that her son, Henry Tudor, should become king. However he is only one of the claimants and others are more powerful than Margaret. A mysterious death at her London house and the appearance of a mercenary band seemingly bent on destroying her means that Margaret is reliant on her steward, Christopher Urswicke, to solve the mystery but it may also be quite close to home for him.
This is a competent enough medieval mystery but it never really flew for me. The premise of the Duke of Burgundy trying to destabilise the throne was great but then some of the flights of fancy seems a little too flighty. I may be completely wrong and these events may be true butit just seemed a little too far-fetched and thus merely entertaining rather than gripping

The Margaret Beaufort mystery are a sort of hit or miss for me and this one was a hit as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Paul Doherty is a great writer of historical mystery and this one was gripping, twisty and highly entertaining.
The historical background is vivid and well researched as usual, the characters are fleshed out, and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Summary:
Three husbands are in their graves, almost all her family also inhabit their graves, and Margaret Beaufort and her son Henry VII are all that remains of the Lancastrian hopes for the throne. It is 1471 and Edward IV is sitting on the throne, again. Following Henry VI's questionable death, the Yorkist take the crown in another installment in the Battle of the Roses.

Margaret is alone, except for her trusty henchmen and a few others that are loyal to her son’s right to the English crown. Margaret Beaufort seems to have been known as a very clever and admirable adversary and this is the third installment in Paul Doherty’s Margaret Beaufort Mystery. The amount of scandal and intrigue that occurred during this time in English history and around Margaret Beaufort is perfect for a historical mystery fiction novel, a genre I absolutely adore!

Set in Medieval England, and they are not known as the Dark Ages for nothing, directly following the death/murder of Henry VI. The murders are gruesome, the inhumane treatment towards others, and overall brutality of that period is up close and personal. While we know the history and ultimate outcomes, yes Margaret’s son becomes king eventually, the road there is full of treachery, deceit, double dealings, and surprise alliances.

Characters:

The list of characters both real and fictional is long but not too difficult to keep straight. I will admit that keeping Google handy for any quick clarification probably helped. Though the book is the third in the Margaret Beaufort series, I did not feel it was focused on her as a character. You spend a great deal of time with her henchmen as they are working their way through the threatening occurrences that seem to surround Margaret.

The presence of two groups of hired foreign assassins and their unknown benefactors become the center of the mystery. These assassins are ruthless and incredibly frightening. The bodies start piling up as the story progresses, all the while you are not sure who is doing it or why.

Christopher Urswicke plays a key role in this book and is in fact a historical figure. He was indeed a priest and confessor to Margaret. However, Urswicke in this book is described as her clerk and appears to be our investigator. He eventually is the one that provides the connections and ultimately the resolution for the why and the how of this mystery.

Overall Impression:

Despite being the third in the series, of which I have read no other books, I found it perfectly fine as a stand-alone. There is a nod at the end of the book that there is definitely more to the story, but the books’ mystery is solved, and all loose ends are tied. Of course there is more to the story... the English Royal’s story is never ending. The story is fast paced right from the beginning – and sets the tone of darkness, betrayal and violence that is expected when picking up a book set in Medieval England. Margaret is a fascinating character for her time and my curiosity has been piqued by this book. I may already have the first book in this series waiting to be read.

‘Now Paul,’ said the reviewer. ‘Paul, as you know, I am reviewing your book, Dark Queen Watching, Paul.’ The reviewer gazed moodily through the glazed window pane at the bare, windswept trees. Little did Paul know that the reviewer would soon say that his book was less than wonderful.
‘Paul, you have written a book. It is called Dark Queen Watching, as you know, Paul. And I am a reviewer, my friend, and I review books.’ (There follows a long explanation about what a book is and why people review books, with a digression about how the reviewer’s morning has gone so far.)
‘Your book opens very slowly, Paul. You may think that bunging an exclamation mark in the first paragraph makes it look exciting, my friend, but it doesn’t! Then there’s a long preamble about someone who doesn’t feature in the story, Paul, as you know, and only exists in order to die. There is, Paul,’ and the ruby-cheeked, cheery-faced, genial reviewer chuckled, ‘a great wodge of exposition after this, and a large number of unnecessary, overdone, extraneous adjectives, which, my friend, get worse when you spend about a page describing the scene or what people look like.’
The reviewer took a deep draught of piping-hot coffee from a sturdy china mug. ‘And, Paul, even after the murder your story is very slow. And too wordy. It’s as if, Paul, you wrote it in a hurry and the editor forgot to look at it before it went to be printed. I am a reviewer and I review books, my friend. And your book, which, as you know, Paul, is called Dark Queen Watching, is full of repetitions, too. Quite irritatingly so, my friend. Then there’s the baddies’ habit of reminding one another who they are and what they do, which, Paul, you’d expect them to have worked out already.
‘I’m disappointed, Paul. I thought the premise for your book was promising. But it is so slow and so much in need of editing that, my friend, after you called the Battle of Towton ‘Townton’, I decided that I could endure it no further, Paul. I am a reviewer, as you know, and I review books. But I can only take so much.’

Paul Doherty is a prolific writer of historical mysteries, and I follow several of his series, including Brother Athelstan, Hugh Corbett, a series based on the Canterbury Tales, and More. They're all solid reads, "bread-and-butter" historical mysteries that are reliable sustenance for readers of the genre. His Margaret Beaufort series stands above the rest with a large cast of recurring characters, all of them created with a care that lets the reader imagine them as individuals and not just as cardboard cutouts.

Of course, with Margaret Beaufort, Doherty has plenty to work with: an intelligent, politically astute central character; her supporters, who are fierce in her defense, have connections on all levels of English society and who recognize Margaret for the brilliant leader she is; and then the schemers trying to prevent a Tudor triumph over the Yorkists. With its setting during the War of the Roses Doherty should be able to continue this engaging series for many more volumes.
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I read a lot of historical mysteries, and Doherty's Margaret Beaufort titles are the sort that have me putting other books on hold, so I can jump into them and spend more time with these interesting people in the complicated period in history.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

'Dark Queen Watching' is the third book in the Margaret Beaufort Mystery series by Paul Doherty.
Set throughout November 1471, 'Dark Queen Watching' is a historical mystery with Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, proving to be a wiley investigator as she examines a series of murders that may have been committed by the dangerous Garduna. - a group of Spanish mercenaries.
Politics, treachery, murder and a vivid re-imagined history combine to create a compelling tale.

I enjoy reading some of the early trials of Margaret Beaufort. This series is interesting in that it brings fictional mystery to a much written about family. The exploits of Beaufort's henchmen didn't really hit the mark for me. While the book is easy to read, the writing overall compelled me to more skim the book as opposed to immerse myself within its pages.

I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.

Thank you Netgalley for this Arc!

This was a really intriguing murder/mystery novel set during the medieval times of The War of the Roses. I loved the characters, the plot, the writing... but I wasn't so in love with this story and did not completely enjoy it.

I really feel like this is a perfect tale for a reader interested in this thrilling time period and unique characters.

Political shenanigans, bloody murders, poison and treason are lurking around the household of Lady Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, as she desperately tries to protect the interests of her only son Henry Tudor exiled in Brittany at the beginning of Edward IV's reign, Edward the Usurper....

Paul Doherty is one of the best wordsmiths when it comes to 15th century English Medieval murder mysteries. The tumultuous relations between Yorks &
Lancasters in 1471, the arrival on English soil of some very ruthless and utterly pitiless Spanish mercenaries and the never ending political squabbles between the Kingdom of France and the rapacious dukes of Burgundy are some of the ingredients the reader will stumble upon in this wonderful medieval fictional tapestry full of violence and greed.

Cleverly plotted with enough twists & turns to keep you on the edge of your seat and blessed with a colorful & unforgettable cast of characters, this marvellous novel deserves to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever👍

Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate/Severn for this terrific ARC

An intriguing novel set during the War of the Roses, where Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, is beset on all sides and must rely on her wits and those of her two loyal henchmen to survive. I enjoyed Dark Queen Watching. The plot was fascinating, the villains sinister, and the main characters easy to root for. The historical setting was not described or evoked as completely as I'd have liked, but otherwise a good, solid mystery novel.

“We are the Garduna and we answer to no one.”

November 1471, and Margaret Beaufort is in trouble. Edward of York is secure on the English throne, her son, Henry Tudor, is in exile in Brittany and her husband, her primary source of protection, is dead. While she searches for some way to reclaim her security – and her power – the Garduna, a powerful band of Spanish mercenaries arrive in England.

The Garduna are ruthless and deadly, willing to kill whoever gets in their way. But who has hired them and why? Are they behind the murder of a messenger in Margaret’s house, poisoned inside a locked with no trace of the source of the poison? Or is there another enemy stalking Margaret, an enemy much closer to home?

This is the third book – after Dark Queen Rising and Dark Queen Waiting – featuring Margaret Beaufort, the mother of the future King Henry VII. At this stage in the Wars of the Roses, the House of Lancaster is waning, with Margaret being their main hope of a return to the throne. As such her many enemies are desperate to depose her.

This series is a marriage of historical intrigue and traditional mystery, and does an excellent job of both. The plans of the Garduna (and the French secret intelligence agents as well) are puzzling and keep the reader guessing, both as to who hired them and what they are actually up to, with the truth making good use of the historical setting. The plot twists and turns all over the place, with some genuine surprises. The locked room poisoning also has a delightfully simple solution that I should have spotted but I missed it by a mile.

I would say that the one issue with the book is that the mystery plot is put to one side for a good chunk of the narrative only to be resolved in the final sections. To be honest, good as that plot section is, I enjoyed the historical thriller element of it just as much. Both sections are strong, they just seemed a little disjointed.

Regardless, any new book (or old one, to be honest) from Paul is always worth the time of anyone with any interest in historical mysteries, and this Margaret Beaufort series should not be overshadowed by the Hugh Corbett and Brother Athelstan books. Definitely worth your time.

I love historical mysteries and I'd heard good things about Paul Doherty. He has countless books covering medieval England. So when I got a chance to read the third book in the Margaret Beaufort series, I didn't hesitate. I know enough of the Wars of the Roses to delve into a third book without knowing what happend in the first two.

But my expectations beforehand seemed to differ from the story I received. This book is full of secret societies and cruel murder without reason. The historical line is too thin for my liking. I just couldn't get into the story. So, I decided to DNF it.

I'm sure this is me not the book. I though this would be another SJ Sansom or Andrew Taylor like book, but it's not. It's more in the tradition of a Dan Brown kind of book. And that are just not the books I like to read.

I'm happy that I tried a Paul Doherty, but it seems this is not for me. If you like real bloody mysteries and you want to try a medieval setting, this series might be all you need.

Thanks to Netgalley and the published for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

This will very much appeal to fans of medieval life at the time of the War of the Roses and the politics and back stabbing on both sides. A mystery entwined amongst our main players. Margaret Beaufort being forced from her home murder in a locked room? Mercenaries camped in the forest but who is the target. Is France a player in this game? There are many sides in this exciting and involved mystery and you will enjoy being taken on the investigation. Our characters our part of a series and it will be well worth investigating other stories.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.