The Doublet Affair

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The novel opens with Ursula Blanchard, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I, receiving an unusual lesson in lock-picking from the queen's secretary of state. Unlike typical court ladies, Ursula possesses a keen awareness of suspicious activities, which allows her to earn extra income as a spy investigating treachery. Tasked by Lord Burleigh, she must observe former friends whose actions have become increasingly dubious, particularly regarding their harboring of a Catholic priest. Ursula grapples with her conflicting feelings: she has affection for the family under scrutiny and yearns to leave court life to reunite with her French husband. The narrative unfolds with a mystery fitting for the era, featuring mysterious deaths and potential plots against the crown. Fiona Buckley adeptly captures the historical context, highlighting the precariousness of Elizabeth's reign amidst Catholic conspiracies. However, she presents a somewhat simplified view of Elizabeth's religious persecution compared to her sister's. Despite this, Buckley's vivid portrayal of daily life in Elizabethan England is engaging, and the mystery culminates in a satisfying resolution, showcasing Ursula's skills with her lock picks. This work follows Buckley's initial foray into historical mysteries.