Slowly, the truth is revealed, in a story told partly by Prince Albert, partly by Queen Victoria and sometimes from the point of view of Irish barrister Patrick Fitzgerald. Twenty years ago, Fitzgerald defended the man who tried to assassinate the young monarch.  Now, with his ward, Dr. Georgiana Armistead, Fitzgerald heads to France to see Victoria’s youngest son Leopold to see if there are similarities between his afflictions and his father’s death and what implications, if any, does Victoria and Albert being cousins have on the wellness of the family’s offspring. 

Princess Alice refuses to accept the public line that Albert died from typhoid and stops short of accusing Victoria of arranging Albert’s death herself.  Now Fitzgerald and Georgiana are in danger. And perhaps also in danger is the entire monarchy of England as more deaths occur and accusations fly between the continent and the Kingdom.  

A very engaging author, Stephanie Barron crams a lot into this latest historical mystery.  There are enough plotlines and complications included for another entire novel.  The very idea that Queen Victoria had a hand in Albert’s death is a fascinating premise, but there is so much going on in the novel that other possibilities are considered and then quickly discarded. 

About halfway through the story readers may have forgotten what the original crime was as they become so involved with Fitzgerald and Georgiana and their trials.  Some characters are rather reserved as one might expect royals to be; however, even their private side is very reserved, not allowing readers to develop any empathy with them or sympathy for them.  Readers can always count on Barron to be historically accurate and detailed, offering a lot for Victorian fans to enjoy.  

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry