Robert's Reviews > The Queen's Man

I came to this book without having read any of Penman's historical fiction -- which I own and plan to read. So, I was able to experience this book purely as a historical mystery. To me, it stands up well against the many other series I read (Robb, Tremayne, Frazer, et al.). The murder mystery is the engine, but not the fuel that powers the story. And, there are many other non-murderous mysteries that keep the plot roiling. I found the characters well drawn and all very believable an interesting. Justin's education in being the queen's man is realistic and itself a major plot point -- will he learn enough and quickly enough to survive? I ended the novel looking forward to the remaining two in the series and to all of Penman's fiction.