The Stolen Crown

March 1, 2010
Higginbotham's latest historical novel is set during England's turbulent War of the Roses. The title refers to King Edward IV's secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, which serves as catalyst to the exploits of the main characters, Woodville's younger sister Katherine and her first husband, Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. Great artistic license is taken in fictionalizing their marriage as a mostly happy one. Those without a strong knowledge of the period will find the book daunting, due to ever-changing alliances and the sheer number of characters, but more knowledgeable readers may find the fruits of Higginbotham's imagination more difficult to swallow. Higginbotham's Henry seems to wander through his life making impolitic outbursts to King Edward, hero-worshipping Richard, and, later, innocently led by Richard's machinations. The majority of the book is narrated by Katherine, whom historians know very little about; she makes an appealing heroine, and those who can suspend disbelief will sympathize quite strongly with this character and the plight of a noble woman in Medieval times.

March 1, 2010
Higginbotham, author of The Traitors Wife (2009) and Hugh and Bess (2009), hits another historical high note in her latest fictional foray into the British monarchy. This time around, the Wars of the Roses provides the colorful backdrop for a plot oozing with romance, intrigue, and political maneuvering. When her older sister secretly marries King Edward IV, young Katherine Woodvilles life abruptly alters course. When Edward dies, both Kates fate and the fate of England are up for grabs as many royal insiders, jockeying for position, join forces with Edwards younger brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, in an effort to seize the throne. Caught up in historical and societal circumstances beyond her control, Kate determines to do everything in her power to keep her family together. This fictional prelude to the Tudor era will appeal to fans of Philippa Gregorys historicals.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)