The Murder in the Tower
by Jean Plaidy
Set in the court of James I of England, this is the story of Frances, Countess of Essex, and the path she took to rid herself of her husband so that she could marry the king’s favorite, Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset.
Written in classic Plaidy style, many would not enjoy this novel because it’s lack of flowery prose. As usual, however, there is plenty of political intrigue and the characters dispositions and motives are perfectly portrayed.
The book description tries to make it more mystical than it is; the witchcraft is entirely explained by a normal sequence of events, though the characters see what they wish to see in the circumstances. If you’ve read The Wise Woman by Philippa Gregory you will recognize the same type of witchcraft, which I found interesting because I thought the author had made that up. It’s not meant to seem real in Plaidy’s novel as it is in Gregory’s.
This is the first novel I’ve read of James I and I always feel that reading a Plaidy novel first is a good idea because they are so accurate — you get more fact than fiction.
I’m giving this one 3 stars because I liked it well enough, though I can see where other readers of historical fiction would find it dry and boring.
Hello, my name is Arleigh... welcome to my book review site! Here you will find author guest posts, book news, reviews and various articles on the genre. My favorite author is Jean Plaidy, of whom I have built a 
Thanks for this wonderful review. You’ve nailed it right on when you say that some ‘readers may find the novel dry or boring- lack of flowery prose’. I’d have to say that’s because you’re either a Plaidy fan- or not.
Fans of Plaidy usually love this straight-forward-get to the facts, but in clever style and writing. I think, personally that’s what I enjoy so much about Plaidy. You get the history immediately and then you can move on and read other authors who might embellish the stories (but at least I got the real-true picture first with Plaidy). I’ve already established I’m not a Gregory die-hard fan..so, I would probably really enjoy this-especially since, as you point out, there is great intrigue and perfect portrayal of character motives- and accurate retelling of history. Sounds just right for me. Thanks, Areligh;-)
Great review! I would expand on my opinion of Plaidy, but you and Lucy pretty much nailed it! Her stories are more accurate than Gregory, but doesn’t have the soul or heart of a Penman (IMO).
I collect Plaidy books and I think I have this one. I’ve also never read anything about James I, so it’s time to start!
Thanks for posting!
I need to make sure to read something by Sharon Kay Penman this year. I’ve heard nothing but praise!
Same here!
I just came across this and it so funny we posted our reviews for the same book (that is somewhere around 30 years old) on THE SAME EXACT DAY.. SAME COVER too LOL My review is here
http://burtonreview.blogspot.com/2009/02/murder-in-tower-by-jean-plaidy.html
[...] The Murder in the Tower by Jean Plaidy, mass market 284 pages (read my review) [...]
[...] Reprint. I read this one last year and it’s probably my least favorite Plaidy novel so far, but has more to do with the characters and setting than the writing. You can read my review here. [...]