I love historical fiction
titles, especially those that are based on a real person or event as I always learn something. Denise
Mina’s novella Rizzio is the author’s
fictionalized version of the murder of David Rizzio, a trusted friend and secretary
of Mary Queen of Scots, on May 9, 1566. Mary’s husband, Henry Stuart, Lord
Darnley, is the man behind the plot and he wants the murder to take place in
front of his pregnant wife. Darnley wants the crown for himself and hopes that
the shock of witnessing the murder will kill both Mary and the unborn child.
Mina’s writing is so powerful;
I could feel the terror of both Rizzio who knew what was to come and Mary as she feared for her life and that of her unborn
child. For those interested in Mary Queen of Scots or this time period, Rizzio will be a treat.
3.90 stars on Goodreads, 4.2 on
Amazon
