I read a lot of Jean Plaidy books as a teenager but I hadn’t read any in years when I spotted this one at the bookshop which I hadn’t seen before. I’d forgotten how readable her books were and enjoyed this very much, especially since it covered a character who was very much part of the world of the well-documented Henry VIII, but is usually glossed over in favour of the 6 wives and their tales.

Very disturbing.

I read this under it’s alternate (earlier) title of The Bar Sinister. Miss Austen would have turned in her grave – but it’s tremendous fun and a fair interpretation of the characters.

Initial response was Y is better than X. But as with Rush of blood… the more I listen, the more whole thing gels with me. Love it.