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Elizabeth St.John's critically acclaimed historical fiction novels tell the stories of her ancestors: extraordinary women whose intriguing kinship with England's kings and queens brings an intimately unique perspective to Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart times.
Inspired by family archives and residences from Lydiard Park to the Tower of London, Elizabeth spends much of her time exploring ancestral portraits, diaries, and lost gardens. And encountering the occasional ghost. But that's another story.
Living between California, England, and the past, Elizabeth is the International Ambassador for The Friends of Lydiard Park, an English charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing this beautiful centuries-old country house and park. As a curator for The Lydiard Archives, she is constantly looking for an undiscovered treasure to inspire her next novel.
Elizabeth's works include The Lydiard Chronicles, a trilogy set in 17th-century England during the Civil War, and The Godmother's Secret, which unravels the medieval mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London. Her latest release, The King's Intelligencer, follows Franny Apsley's perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the sudden discovery of the princes' bones. In Charles II's court of intrigue and deceit, Franny must decide what she'll risk—for England's salvation, her family's safety, and her own happiness.
Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite
Elizabeth St.John brings us brilliant historical fiction in The King’s Intelligencer. Set in London in the year 1674, Franny Apsley is the favorite of Lady Mary Stuart, the future Queen of England. When bones are found by the stairs in the Tower of London, Franny’s world is turned upside down. Two hundred years after the princes disappeared, children’s bones are found along with a velvet cloak. Franny is tasked by her cousin with finding evidence for King Charles, being his Intelligencer, and discovering the truth about the bones. Complications arise when the artistic and attractive Nicholas Jameson’s quest aligns with hers. Where loyalties are fickle and deception is rife, Franny discovers long-buried secrets that could topple a monarchy and destroy her entire family.
Author Elizabeth St.John has created a literary world based on facts and introduces a wealth of secrets and intrigue. Rich with color, sensory stimulation aids in bringing the 17th century back to life. With a strong female protagonist, character descriptions are woven in between events to create a wonderful tapestry of life at court. Written in the third-person narrative from the perspective of Frances Apsley, we are privy to her thoughts and feelings. This also reinforces a connection with the reader, which makes this historical character more realistic. The pace is wonderful, and the plot is filled with endless discoveries. The King’s Intelligencer is suitable for all readers who love being embroiled in historical fiction. A book like this will inspire anyone to look closer into their own history to discover what secrets their ancestors held.
