Queen's Ransom

By: Fiona Buckley

Narrated by: Nadia May

Lady-in-Waiting Ursula Blanchard has a mandate from the Secretary of State to spy on behalf of Queen Elizabeth I. Although she has already proven herself worthy of the Queen's gratitude, Ursula now must travel to France, where civil war may break out at any moment, to hand-carry a letter from Elizabeth to the Queen Mother and Regent, Catherine. The mission to mediate peace between warring Protestant and Catholic French factions seems clear, but there are hidden forces at work. Whom can Ursula trust? What will happen to her daughter if she fails? And what are the chances, and consequences, of a reunion with her second husband, a Frenchman and enemy of Elizabeth's?

This tale of murder, treason, treasure, and passion effortlessly and accurately conveys the high treason of the court of young Queen Elizabeth I.

©2000 Fiona Buckley (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Buckley stands out for the attention and skill she brings not only to suspenseful plotting but to the setting that supports it." (Publishers Weekly)

Fun

This was a fun read. Ursula is supported by an unusually strong group of characters. There are adventures in several countries, the return of Matthew, and some resolution to the problems between Ursula and her father in law.

interesting listening

This book is full of twists and turns. It was really good. I hope audible brings the whole series of this character Mistress Blanchard for audible listeners

ok but too easy

This book is enjoyable but not believable. Too many coincidences that are not to be believed, but a reasonably enjoyable light read.

Another great one.

Always enjoyable listening to Buckley's book read by Nadia May. Waiting patiently for the next one!

3 in, not sure how many left in series

I do like these books , you’d have to love historical fiction of Queen Mary i and Queen Elizabeth i to get into these books I believe . I wish the narrator used more of difference in voices btw men and women and you didn’t here so much background static and that you couldn’t here her swallowing and moving a lot of times. But she’s pleasant enough:)

Enjoyable

I also disagree with the comments about the narrator. I like Nadia May very much. I listened to the first two and when I read this review before downloading this one, I was concerned that maybe the narrator had been changed based on the negative comments. I was relieved to find she is the same narrator. I like the series and would have been disappointed with another voice.

Enjoyable

I enjoyed the four books by Fiona Buckley that have been converted to audio format and hope the rest of the series will follow.

Nadia May was an excellent narrator. I listened to four books in four days, which I cannot do with all narrators. The only other narrator I like so well is James Marsters

Nadia May is FABULOUS

I must disagree with the earlier reviewer panning Ms. May's narration. I had absolutely the opposite reaction. To my mind, she makes the book come alive. In fact she and Donata Peters are among my very favorite narrators.

Not NADIA MAY AGAIN!!!!!!

This book would definitely be toward the top of my list. I love historical fiction, especially surrounding the Tudor period in England and the life of Elizabeth I. The narrator, Nadia May, makes the book TORTURE!!! She has a voice that reminds me of a pompous Englishwoman with one foot in the grave. Her reading and characterization have all the personality of a dead houseplant. I wish audible and the suppliers they work with would not allow this woman to "read" (I hardly call it "narration") for any audiobooks. Please, Audible, find anybody else!!!!!!