I’ve always been interested in the Tudors and there’s always been a shroudy aspect of mystery when it comes to Mary and especially her twenty year stint in captivity.

With all the plots, the espionage, cryptic ciphers and hidden messages, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was a plot for an epic blockbuster. It’s such an intriguing era of history and I really enjoyed learning more during this time.

My previous knowledge was only slightly foundational so to build on the little I knew and flesh out my knowledge on the topic was great and it made for really interesting reading.

I also loved that at the start of each chapter, it expertly set the scene for what was outlined to come, as fiction before non fiction followed. It was a great way to begin each segment. It was really well written and in a compelling way and I got to be quite invested in everything that was going on.

A great read for any history buff. It was enlightening and brings the latest in some of her recently deciphered letters.

Captive Queen by Jade Scott

A fantastically detailed and well researched account of Mary , Queen of Scots incarceration in Britain once she fled her beloved Scotland.
From coming over the Solway to eventual execution at Fotheringhay Castle aged 44 .
We get to read about her day to day living , how she spent her time and the plots of trying to get her free .
I knew the background story , but it was very interesting and informative to learn more.
Highly recommend .