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Rival to the Queen

by Carolly Erickson
St. Martin's. Oct. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 9780312379742. $25.99. F
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In her sixth historical novel, Erickson (The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots; The Last Wife of Henry VIII) again displays her remarkable ability to paint an exquisitely realistic portrait of Tudor England. Opening during the reign of Queen Mary Tudor, the book follows Lettie Knollys (1543–1634), the future Queen Elizabeth's cousin, from her exile in Frankfurt to her daring—and successful—outmaneuvering of Elizabeth for Robert Dudley's heart. While her boldness enables Lettie to find true love, it also subjects her to disastrous consequences. This is much more than a historical romance; Erickson's attention to historical detail and the depiction of Elizabeth's struggle to maintain her control over her kingdom make for compelling reading. Fans might also be interested in one or more of Erickson's four Tudor biographies.
VERDICT Historical fiction fans can't get enough of the Tudors; this engaging story is a worthy addition to the genre. [Library marketing.]
Reviewed by Audrey Johnson, Arlington, VA , Oct 15, 2010
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