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The Other Queen

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The Other Queen

By: Philippa Gregory
Narrated by: Bianca Amato, Dagmara Dominczyk, Graeme Malcolm
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About this listen

Pre-order BOLEYN TRAITOR now – Philippa Gregory’s landmark return to the Tudor court, coming Autumn 2025 …

A dramatic novel of passion, politics and betrayal from the author of The Other Boleyn Girl.

Mary is Queen of Scotland but she has been forced to flee her land and take refuge in an England that is ruled by her cousin Elizabeth. But England, precarious in its Protestant state, set against the mighty powers of Spain, France and Rome, doesn’t need a charismatic Catholic figurehead at large. So Elizabeth’s chief advisor, Cecil, devises a plan in which Mary will live under guard with his trusted accomplice: Bess of Hardwick.

Bess is a self-made woman, a shrewd survivor. She is newly married to her fourth and most distinguished husband, the Earl of Shrewsbury. But what marriage can withstand the charms of Mary? Or the threat of rebellion that she always carries? Mary must wait in her privileged imprisonment for the return to Scotland and her infant son; but waiting is not the same as doing nothing…

With her characteristic combination of superb storytelling and authentic historical background, Philippa Gregory brings to life this period of great change, in a riveting tale of betrayal, loyalty, politics and passion.

 Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Renaissance Marriage Royalty Biography England Tudor Exciting Romance Middle Ages

Critic reviews

Praise for ‘The Boleyn Inheritance’:

‘Philippa Gregory truly is the mistress of the historical novel…It would be hard to make history more entertaining, lively or engaging: the characters truly come alive…This is a reliably breathtaking, suspenseful and imaginative romp from Gregory. Full of all the colours, sights and sounds of the Tudor court, it really transports you to the era. A winning formula.’ Sunday Express

‘This is historical fiction at its best’ Bella

‘A thrilling romantic history’ Eve

‘A fascinating insight into court life…Highly readable and thoroughly enjoyable and no-one writes popular history as well as Philippa Gregory’ Daily Express

‘Philippa Gregory brings the turbulent Tudors to glorious life…Delicious’ Times
All stars
Most relevant
It was quite interesting but not as gripping or engaging as other of her books.

just ok

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I'm a massive fan of Dr Gregory's work - at times a gripping plot development will have me gripping the kitchen sink. The story of Mary Queen of Scots is fascinating, infuriating and tragic, but this audio book isn't No 1 on my Gregory list. Bianca Amato is an excellent reader but Ms Doninczyk's contribution was irritating. I'm sure she's an excellent actress but her French accent would do credit to Peter Sellers's Inspector Clouseau. A native French actress would probably have been a better choice, sorry! I probably won't listen to this item in my library more than once - as I normally do - I'll probably use the printed version.

Not such a sink-gripper

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Short chapters alternating between 3 characters, none of which are very well written. Repeating the same sentiments and even phrases throughout and never really exploring anyone in depth. The short length of the chapters makes it difficult to really get into it as the point of view is constantly changing. Nothing of significance happens for long periods of time.
As for the performances - there are some truly terrible accents going on here, which makes it a jarring listen.
I do not recommend the book, and I recommend the audiobook even less.
This doesn’t seem to be typical Philippa Gregory though so please don’t be put off her other works which are a delightful if slightly trashy slant on some fascinating historical characters and events.

Disappointingly dull

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