The Tudor times is the time in British History which is the most remembered and liked by most English people.
Mary Queen of Scots is one of the most unfortunate monarchs of these times.
This book is enhanced by the knowledge discovered in several decrypted letters of Mary's found in a Paris vault.
As well as Mary's story, this book gives an excellent coverage of spying and covert operations between Mary and her followers and the English spymaster Walsingham.
This interface is what makes this book unmissable.
Thanks to the author for an enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A fascinating insight into one of history’s most famous Queens. The details retrieved from the coded letters give us a picture of Mary’s life and the frustration of her life of (comfortable) captivity. The book is detailed and very well researched and I would not hesitate to recommend it to those interested in Mary or this period in history. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.

A very interesting story about Mary Queen of Scots. A subject that I knew very little about. A sad life and a short one she was mostly ignored by her father and was a strong Catholic. I enjoyed this very much. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

In this fascinating new biography of Mary Queen of Scots, readers are taken on a journey into the complex and secretive world of the imprisoned queen through a groundbreaking discovery: fifty-seven newly decoded letters, hidden for centuries in a French archive. For almost two decades leading up to her execution in 1587, Mary was held captive, but even in confinement, she wielded power through her words. Using intricate cyphers to protect her communications, she continued to plot, strategize, and exert influence from behind her prison walls.

The unearthing and decoding of these letters have been hailed as a “literary and historical sensation,” offering new insight into Mary's life, motives, and the dangerous political landscape she navigated. As someone with a longstanding interest in the Tudors, I found this biography particularly captivating. Mary’s time in captivity has always carried an air of mystery, and this book reveals so much about her hidden world of espionage, cryptic codes, and political intrigue.

With all the plots, secret messages, and covert operations, it’s easy to imagine this as the plot of an epic blockbuster. The era is one of the most intriguing in history, and this biography does a brilliant job of bringing it to life. Having only a basic understanding of Mary’s life before, I found this book an incredible resource for fleshing out my knowledge and gaining a deeper appreciation for her story. It’s a must-read for history lovers and anyone curious about one of the most enigmatic queens in history.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.

This is not something I would necessarily normally read but I found it informative and interesting. My knowledge on the Tudor’s was fairly none existent so that’s possible why I found it so interesting find out Mary Queen of Scot’s was hold captive for 19 years as a prison and forced to abdicate in favour of her infant son, before her eventual execution in 1587.

This book was well written and easy to follow. If you’re a history buff or you enjoy reading books like this then I’d definitely recommend it.

Captive Queen: The Decrypted History of Mary, Queen of Scots by Jade Scott is an excellent nonfiction that I really enjoyed.

For some reason I have a true fascination specifically with Mary Queen of Scots…for many years now. I have read nonfiction and historical fiction and several books within that collection have been some of my true favorites. I will add this one to that list.

This book really honed in on her life and happenings, big and little, during her time of incarceration especially through many of the letters and correspondence that filtered to and from her.

The author presents a well-researched nonfiction that helps shed light on another facet of Queen Mary that helps better define who she was as a Queen and a woman.

5/5 stars

Thank you EW and Michael O'Mara Limited | Michael O'Mara for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/24/24.

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 .