About the Author

C. W. Gortner is the author of the acclaimed historical novels "The Last Queen" and "The Confessions of Catherine de Medici." He holds an MFA in writing with an emphasis on Renaissance studies from the New College of California. In his extensive travels to research his books, he has danced a galliard in a Tudor great hall and experienced life in a Spanish castle. He is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights and environmental issues. Half Spanish by birth, he lives in Northern California.

Reviews

Praise for C. W. Gortner"Riveting . . . In Gortner's capable hands, Prescott is a believable and enjoyable hero, a man of strong loyalties but naive enough to be exploited. And while the Dudleys are mostly broadly drawn villains, Robert has depth, and though readers familiar with the Tudor era will know the key players, they may be surprised by their depiction here. Gortner handles action with aplomb, adding a riveting, fast-paced thriller to the crowded genre of Tudor fiction."--"Publishers Weekly "on "The Tudor Secret""Even Tudor fans who know all the key players and historical backdrop will be captivated by Gortner's storytelling and his engaging hero. He juxtaposes his naive and loyal hero with the cruel Robert Dudley, enhancing the plot and grabbing reader interest as much as the quick pace and lush historical references. The novel is both entertaining and thoughtful."--"RT Book Review "on" The Tudor Secret""Dazzling cast of characters . . . at its heart, the brilliant and enigmatic Elizabeth. Never have spy and counterspy been more challenged, villains more duplicitous, and life for those in power--or hoping to be--more dangerous. . . . Fast-moving tale of espionage and suspense . . . The velvet peril of Tudor England comes alive in this haunting look at Elizabeth I's secret spy."--Margaret George, "New York Times "bestselling author of "The Autobiography of Henry VIII "on "The Tudor Secret""A brilliantly executed plot and three-dimensional characters . . . this is historical fiction, and very well done at that; very highly recommended."--"Historical Novels Review," editors' choice"An intriguing and provocative book about one of history's most controversial queens and the turbulent world of sixteenth-century France."--Sharon Kay Penman, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Devil's Brood" on "The Confessions of Catherine de Medici""A dramatic, epic novel . . . Meticulously researched, this engrossing novel offers a fresh portrait of a queen who has too often been portrayed as a villain."--Sandra Gulland, bestselling author of "The Josephine B. Trilogy, " on "The Confessions of Catherine de Medici""A can't-put-it-down novel. . . . Gortner is a brilliant new star in historical fiction!"--Robin Maxwell, author of "The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn, " on "The Last Queen""A sparkling historical . . . Disturbing royal secrets and court manipulations wickedly twist this enthralling story, brilliantly told."-- "Publishers Weekly" on "The Last Queen""Meticulously researched . . . Gortner breathes life into his queen."--"Library Journal" on "The Confessions of Catherine de Medici"

In Gortner's latest riveting historical (after The Last Queen), the influential Dudley family sends orphan servant Brendan Prescott to serve their cruel son, Lord Robert, at King Edward's court, and the young man is soon caught up in intrigue, suspicion, and shifting loyalties. Young King Edward is under the thumb of the Dudleys, but illness is greatly affecting his influence. Then the lion-eyed Princess Elizabeth, whom the Dudleys view as a threat, arrives and Prescott becomes a spy for her protector, William Cecil. Deeper involvement in the conspiracies surrounding the throne makes Prescott increasingly uncertain of loyalties, including his own, and he begins to question his fate and identity. In Gortner's capable hands, Prescott is a believable and enjoyable hero, a man of strong loyalties but naive enough to be exploited. And while the Dudleys are mostly broadly drawn villains, Robert has depth, and though readers familiar with the Tudor era will know the key players, they may be surprised by their depiction here. Gortner handles action with aplomb, adding a riveting, fast-paced thriller to the crowded genre of Tudor fiction. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.