A Book without a Thorn
Nobody can come close to writing compelling historical fiction like Jean Plaidy did. In this book about the 5th wife of Henry VIII, Katherine Howard, the author takes you through the stages of Katherine's short life, and you come away understanding how she was manipulated by every man who came into her presence, including the most powerful man of all, the King. Her short life and tragic end is a foregone conclusion. The writing as always, is powerful but not overbearing, and the story moves along swiftly. Jean Plaidy could write an instruction manual and it would be interesting. What she does with colorful historical figures, weaving stories that keep you interested, is simply magic.