Tudor England.

A dying king.

A queen in danger.

Thirty-one and twice-widowed, Katherine Parr must return to court - where an ageing King Henry V111 has just had his fifth wife beheaded, and is searching for a sixth.

As those around her scheme and plot on behalf of the king, Katherine falls for seductive Thomas Seymour.

But her hopes of marrying for love are dashed when Henry dispatches Seymour abroad and makes Katherine his queen.

Trapped in a court riven by factions as a dying Henry’s reign draws to its end, Katherine must use all her instincts to survive not just the obese and repulsive king’s increasingly menacing behaviour but the treachery of those closest to him …

‘A gripping story … where passion, secrecy and betrayal power the suspense.’

Woman & Home

‘Rich in atmosphere and period detail, this is an enticing read.’

Stylist

‘Electric.’

Good Housekeeping

‘Superbly written … this book is the answer to the question about what Hilary Mantel fans should read while waiting for the final part of her trilogy.’

Bookseller