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  • The Catherine Howard Conspiracy

  • Marquess House Trilogy, Book 1
  • By: Alexandra Walsh
  • Narrated by: Emma Gregory
  • Length: 16 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (21 ratings)

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The Catherine Howard Conspiracy cover art

The Catherine Howard Conspiracy

By: Alexandra Walsh
Narrated by: Emma Gregory
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Publisher's Summary

The Catherine Howard Conspiracy is the first audiobook in the Marquess House trilogy, a gripping dual time line conspiracy thriller with an ingenious twist on Tudor history. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Philippa Gregory and Kate Mosse. 

When Catherine Howard arrives at the court of King Henry VIII to be a maid of honour of the new queen, Anne of Cleves, she has no idea of the fate that awaits her. Catching the king’s fancy, she finds herself caught up in her uncle’s ambition to get a Howard heir to the throne. 

Meanwhile, in 2018, Dr Perdita Rivers receives news of the death of her estranged grandmother, renowned Tudor historian Mary Fitzroy. Journeying to her grandmother’s vast estate in Pembrokeshire, Perdita is drawn into the mystery of an ancient document in the archives of Marquess House, a collection of letters that claim the records of Catherine Howard’s execution were falsified....

What truths are hiding in Marquess House? And how was Perdita’s grandmother connected to it all?

©2019 Alexandra Walsh (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

What listeners say about The Catherine Howard Conspiracy

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting take on history

I am a huge fan of the Tudor period of history and read many fiction and non-fiction books on this topic.

This book, however, made me truly wish for the depicted alternative version of events to be true!

For Catherine Howard to be a little bit more than one of many unfortunate wives of Henry VIII!

Interestingly how well the atmosphere of fear and constant expectations of death are described in this book. Immediately brought Stalin's era to mind. Was something eerie similar in the reigns of those two leaders, although separated by 100 of years of history.

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Ok given this is the trilogy - I would imagine that the daughter of Catherine Howard is a future Mary Queen of Scotts.

Overall it is a very interesting book and highly recommend it to all the history lovers out there.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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loved it

loved it, interesting got me thinking about history as we know it. looking forward to the next book

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Fun

This is a fun interpretation of an alternate portrayal of history. Well worth the read.

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loved the historical twists and turns in this book

for fiction it's very well researched and the twists on the life of Catherine Howard are fun and exciting.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Captivating Blend of Fact and Fiction

Alexandra Walsh's "The Catherine Howard Conspiracy," the first installment of the Marquess House Trilogy, offers a compelling dive into a reimagined history of one of Tudor England's most enigmatic queens. This novel skillfully intertwines the mysterious past with a gripping contemporary narrative, following the journey of Dr. Perdita Rivers and her twin sister, Piper, as they unearth documents that could radically rewrite the history books.

Walsh excels in crafting a storyline that, while entirely fictional, feels plausible enough to be an alternative historical account. The dual timeline is meticulously handled, ensuring a seamless blend between the past and the present. The rich historical detail not only enhances the authenticity of the narrative but also immerses readers in the opulence and intrigue of King Henry VIII’s court.

However, the portrayal of Henry VIII might not sit well with all. His character, depicted with a pronounced lecherous and sleazy demeanour, may detract from the otherwise immersive experience for some readers. While this interpretation aligns with many historical accounts of his character, the overt emphasis on these traits can feel a bit heavy-handed and might overshadow the novel's many strengths.

Despite this, "The Catherine Howard Conspiracy" remains a standout novel for its imaginative plot and the engaging way it prompts readers to question what they know about history. For those intrigued by the possibility of hidden truths lurking within the well-trodden paths of historical facts, Walsh’s novel is a treasure trove that entertains as much as it educates. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy a good mystery wrapped in the rich tapestry of historical fiction.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Awful storyline and characters

I really struggled with this book. Cheesy characters… very improbable story lines. Not a winner for me.

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