Queen's Gambit (Thorndike Press Large Print Core) - Hardcover

"This is a superbly written novel... Fremantle is surely a major new voice in historical fiction and this book is the answer to the question about what Hilary Mantel fans should read while waiting for the final part of her trilogy."

"Intrigue, romance, and treachery abound in Fremantle's debut novel . . . . This compulsively readable fictional biography of the ultimate survivor is infused with the type of meticulous attention to historical detailing that discerning fans of Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory have come to expect in the Tudor canon."

"Fremantle...navigates Tudor terrain with aplomb."

"All those wives, their fates and Henry's transformation from handsome young monarch to debauched obese tyrant continue to fascinate...Now Elizabeth Fremantle has returned to Henry's court with her debut novel "Queen's Gambit"."

"Wildly entertaining...lively, gamey, gripped with tension...one of the best historical novels I've read."--Liz Smith

"Elizabeth Fremantle's rich narrative breathes vibrant life into Henry VIII's most intriguing, intelligent and least known wife, Katherine Parr."--Anne Easter Smith "author of A Rose for the Crown and Royal Mistress "

""Queen's Gambit" is an earthy, vivid portrait of Tudor England seen through the eyes of Henry VIII's last wife Katherine Parr and her loyal maid servant. Elizabeth Fremantle has added a richly written and engrossing novel to the endlessly fascinating story of the Tudors."--Stephanie Cowell "author of Claude and Camille: A Novel of Monet "

""Queen's Gambit" is a lovely, sensual, subtle read, telling the story of Katherine Parr with both rich imagination and scrupulous attention to factual detail. After reading this historical novel, you truly comprehend what it would mean to be the sixth wife of a dangerous man wielding absolute power. Katherine is no selfless nurse here, nor religious fanatic, but a complex and compelling person who both men and women were drawn to. This is a very impressive novel."--Nancy Bilyeau "author of The Crown "

"Beautifully written and finely observed, this suspenseful tale of Henry the Eighth's last wife expertly conveys all the dangerous intensity and passion of the Tudor court."--Rachel Hore, author of A Place of Secrets

"With a painter's eye for detail, Fremantle brings the dazzling, dangerous Tudor court to life and sheds an intriguing new light on Katherine Parr, one of history's great survivors. An enthralling tale of power and passion, loyalty and betrayal."--Elizabeth Wilhide, author of Ashenden

A tale inspired by the life of Henry VIII's sixth wife follows her reluctant marriage to the egotistical and powerful king in spite of her love for Thomas Seymour, a situation that compels her to make careful choices in a treacherous court.