Murder at Whitehall by Amanda Carmack

I make it no secret that I am an anglophile, in fact those who know me are never sure of I am joking or serious when I say I married my husband for his accent and a divorce would happen if it gets too muddled. I am joking, of course. That said, the Elizabethan Mystery Series by Amanda Carmack is so perfectly suited for me. I was lucky enough to get to read the fourth part Murder at Whitehall.

From the back of the book:

The acclaimed author of Murder in the Queen’s Garden returns to Tudor England with amateur sleuth Kate Haywood embroiled in court intrigue and a devastating scandal.

1559. The Twelve Days of Christmas at Whitehall Palace will be celebrated as a grand affair. But there are those who wish to usher in the New Year by ending Queen Elizabeth’s reign.... 

Despite evenings of banquets and dancing, the European delegates attending Her Majesty’s holiday festivities are less interested in peace on earth than they are in fostering mistrust. Kate, the queen’s personal musician, hopes she can keep the royal guests entertained.

But then Queen Elizabeth receives a most unwanted gift—an anonymous letter that threatens to reveal untoward advances from her beloved Queen Catherine’s last husband, Thomas Seymour. Tasked with finding the extortionist, Kate has barely begun investigating when one of Spain’s visiting lords is found murdered. With two mysteries to unravel and an unsettling number of suspects to consider, Kate finds herself caught between an unscrupulous blackmailer and a cold-blooded killer.... 

My thoughts:

I must admit as far as settings go this one couldn't have been more perfect for me. I love historical settings in England. I most especially love the Tudors. I want to note that the author makes this feel so historically plausible that it is easy to imagine yourself right there with them. She really blends facts and fiction together seamlessly. 

The characters are lovely period characters that behave true to form, which makes it easy to feel like you know them. That is where the tension really kicks in because when Kate finds herself in danger, as a reader, I felt that and was turning pages with my breath held. 

If you like your cozies in rich historical settings this is must read. In fact, if you just like a well written cozy this is must read. 

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Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.