The Other Queen

A Novel

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Richard Armitage, Alex Kingston, Madeleine Leslay

From #1 New York Times bestselling author and “queen of royal fiction” (USA TODAY) Philippa Gregory—a dazzling new novel about the intriguing, romantic, and maddening Mary, Queen of Scots.

Fleeing violent rebellions in Scotland, Mary looks to Queen Elizabeth of England for sanctuary. Though promised protection, Mary, perceived as a serious threat to the English crown, is soon imprisoned by her former friend as a “guest” in the house of George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and his indomitable wife, Bess of Hardwick. The newly married couple welcomes the condemned queen into their home, certain that serving as her hosts and jailers will bring them an advantage in the cutthroat world of the Elizabethan court.

To their horror, they grow to realize that the task will bankrupt their estate and lose them what little favor they’ve managed to gain as their home becomes the epicenter of intrigue and rebellion against Queen Elizabeth. And Mary is not as hopeless as she appears, manipulating the earl and spinning her own web of treachery and deceit, as she sharpens her weapons to reclaim her Scottish throne—and to take over Queen Elizabeth’s of England.

not my favorite

I enjoy Phillipa Gregory and have listened to many of the books. Richard Armitage and Madeleine Leslay are the reason for my review. They were whiny and Richard Armitage was so overdramatic! Alex Kingston was good as Bess.

First Person Story telling by 3 characters.

I enjoyed how the viewpoint of events by Mary, Queen of Scott’s, George the person charged by Queen Elizabeth to house her and her court and his wife Bess combined to tell the story. Dialogue was beautiful and suited each character, organization and unfolding of plot was skillful and entertaining. Even with only a rudimentary knowledge of the period history, it was fascinating.

Best narrator

Listened to this audiobook at least four times now. Love the narrator and the author. A++

Engaging

I really liked the presentation of three performers for the three major characters. The choices were wonderful and made it so much more interesting than just one reader. As usual, the story was well written and researched. I found myself often referring to Wikipedia to get more details and finding that it supplemented the book well filling in details that could not be included in the book in the 1srperson.

enthralling.

I love the multiple points of view on the same situation. truth is not universal. very well read and performed.