It does read like a history book at times, but don't let that put you off. This is OUR history and as such is very educational.

At times though, the plot is confusing and doesn't fit particularly well with actual events, but is a fairly believable mix of fact and fiction.

I must admit though, I inwardly groaned at the revelation of Tam Elidor - without spoiling it for the future reader, I won't say who he is - but needless to say, his identity spoils the whole novel and could leave you very disappointed that a tale is spoilt by cliche.

I wouldn't recommend you buy this book, but if you like history and murder mystery combined, get it from the library.


Ms Knight should stick to non-fiction   December 28, 2001
 1 out of 3 found this review helpful

I hoped for good things from this whodunnit, bearing in mind the subject matter, but I was disappointed. There were one or two things I liked about it: the leading character was not without charm, but this was not enough to retrieve the book from mediocrity. The use of English was poor, and in many cases actively confusing. The writing also suffered badly from the "let's give a history lesson" syndrome which used to be common in historical novels intended for children, with the result that most of the dialogue sounded very artificial. The plot didn't hang together, and I failed to guess the identity of the would-be murderer simply because the whole thing was so impossible, right from the opening scene where Bothwell behaves in a way no sane person would do. As for the ending, I really hope this isn't intended as the first in a series - now the gaffe is blown, any reappearance by the mysterious "Tam Eildor" would fall very flat. Not that I would bother to read it, after this one.


A fascinating tale of life at court in Scotland in the 16thC   December 16, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Set in Scotland in 1566, we enter the story when Mary Queen of Scots is resident at Craigmillar Castle. My Lord Bothwell is her favourite, but surrounded on all sides by plots and intrigue. When he is accosted one evening by one Will Fellows who says that he has just saved his Lordships life from being stabbed by a woman who was following him, James Bothwell fears for his life.

Recounting the tale to his mistress of eleven years, Janet Beaton, she immediately instructs her servant Tam Eildor to investigate. There are many suspects, as Jamie Bothwell has not always spread sweetness and light to those around him. There is his new bride Jean Gorod, who has hardly seen him she they were wed, and what of Anna Throndsen, the mother of his son, whom he abandoned once he had secured her dowry.

As Tam Eildor investigates he is drawn into the life at court and in particular to one of the Queen's Maries; But what of Tam himself, who arrived at Janet's home just a few months ago, but has no memory of his former life. Who is he really?

Alanna Knight weaves a fascinating tale of life at court in Scotland in the 16th century, set around the murder of Henry Darnley. This is the first in a new series and I look forward to the next adventure of Tam Eildor.
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Lizzie Hayes