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Alexandra Walsh
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The Catherine Howard Conspiracy: A gripping conspiracy thriller with a dramatic twist (The Marquess House Saga Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Alexandra Walsh (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 2,850 ratings
A timeshift thriller that will have you completely gripped! Perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Philippa Gregory, Kate Mosse and Tom Harper.

What secrets were covered up at the court of Henry VIII…?

Whitehall Palace, England, 1539

When Catherine Howard arrives at the court of King Henry VIII to be a maid of honour in the household of the new queen, Anne of Cleves, she has no idea of the fate that awaits her.

Catching the king’s fancy, she finds herself caught up in her uncle’s ambition to get a Howard heir to the throne.

Terrified by the ageing king after the fate that befell her cousin, Anne Boleyn, Catherine begins to fear for her life…

Pembrokeshire, Wales, 2018

Dr Perdita Rivers receives news of the death of her estranged grandmother, renowned Tudor historian Mary Fitzroy. Mary inexplicably cut all contact with Perdita and her twin sister, Piper, but she has left them Marquess House, her vast estate in Pembrokeshire.

Perdita sets out to unravel their grandmother’s motives for abandoning them, and is drawn into the mystery of an ancient document in the archives of Marquess House, a collection of letters and diaries claiming the records of Catherine Howard’s execution were falsified…

What truths are hiding in Marquess House? What really happened to Catherine Howard?

And how was Perdita’s grandmother connected to it all?

THE CATHERINE HOWARD CONSPIRACY is the first book in the Marquess House saga, a dual timeline conspiracy thriller with an ingenious twist on a well-known period of Tudor history.

THE MARQUESS HOUSE SAGA SERIES:
BOOK ONE: The Catherine Howard Conspiracy
BOOK TWO: The Elizabeth Tudor Conspiracy
BOOK THREE: The Arbella Stuart Conspiracy
BOOK FOUR: The Jane Seymour Conspiracy
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    The Marquess House Saga
  2. Print length
    500 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    March 28, 2019
  6. File size
    2.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Alexandra Walsh is the author of the Marquess House Trilogy.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07ML4LN96
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 28, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 500 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1913028244
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ The Marquess House Saga
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 2,850 ratings

About the author

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Alexandra Walsh

Alexandra Walsh

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Hello, thank you for visiting my author page and thank you even more if you’ve bought, read or listened to one of my books. I really hope you enjoyed it.

My books are dual timeline stories featuring the lost voices of women, both real and imaginary. The Marquess House Saga reimagines the stories of the women from Henry VIII’s court through to the Civil War, telling a tale of secrets, mysteries and intrigues which ripple through into the lives of the present day characters. While, The Wind Chime, The Music Makers and The Forgotten Palace focus on the lives of Victorian women and how their stories connect to the 21st century characters.

You can follow me on Twitter - @purplemermaid25 – and Instagram - @purplemermaid25 or visit my website: www.alexandrawalsh.com.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,850 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this historical fiction novel for its exciting turn of history and great use of real historical characters. The book maintains a fast pace and is well-written, with one customer noting they couldn't stop reading until the end. They appreciate the author's ability to entwine fiction into history, and one review highlights the creative "what ifs" approach.

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74 customers mention "Twists"71 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the twists in this historical fiction, describing it as an exciting turn of history and a suspenseful novel.

"What a series of adventures historically and currently unfolding. I enjoyed this page turner immensely. I am eager for the next installment." Read more

"...Walsh crafts her stories seamlessly and fearlessly plunges into Tudor/Stuart history inviting us to question what we thought we knew about the period..." Read more

"...It’s exciting, intriguing and just the right pace. I also loved the history and found myself wondering what we know as history is the truth...." Read more

"...Both the historical sections recounting Catherine's life and the modern sections re the research..." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the great use of real historical figures.

"...The story and characters she created are fabulous and will stay with you. I can not wait to read the next book...." Read more

"...Excellent characters and lots of historical background. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy." Read more

"...Loved the historical aspect, the mystery and the characters." Read more

"...I enjoyed finally reading a version of her that depicts a real person, with intelligence and compassion, just a young woman thrust into a horrible..." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting it keeps readers turning pages and another mentioning it's a quick read that couldn't be put down.

"...The books are fast moving and exceptionally well written...." Read more

"...I like hard facts in my historical fiction! But, what if??? It was a quick read, I do wish the author would have given a clearer picture of the "..." Read more

"...what if’s, constant plots, fears, thrills and mysteries that keep the reader on edge...." Read more

"...It is very well written and kept me engaged throughout. Don't miss reading this book!" Read more

5 customers mention "Author"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's skill in blending fiction with historical elements, with one customer noting how seamlessly the narrative is woven into historical context.

"...Tudors, Alison Weir, Philippa Gregory, Tracy Borman and other great historical authors this is a book for you...." Read more

"The writer has some new & interesting thoughts about history as we know it. I won’t give away any of the fictional secrets!..." Read more

"...The author seamlessly went between past and present. Even though it's a work of fiction, it's written in such a way that completely believable...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the way the author depicted Catherine Howard as an intelligent person. This was entertaining" Read more

4 customers mention "Creativity"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the creativity of the book, with one mentioning its fascinating alternative version.

"I love this concept, I've always wanted to go back in time and talk with the people of the times, get their perception on historical events...." Read more

"An even balanced story between fiction, history, and the creative what ifs. So expertly told I feel like I'm right there in the story...." Read more

"Fascinating alternative version of the story of Catherine Howard. I enjoyed the way the author depicted Catherine Howard as an intelligent person...." Read more

"Original idea..." Read more

4 customers mention "Pace"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the fast pace of the book.

"...The books are fast moving and exceptionally well written...." Read more

"...It’s exciting, intriguing and just the right pace. I also loved the history and found myself wondering what we know as history is the truth...." Read more

"...The intrigue and fast pace coupled with the two timelines makes for a highly compelling read. I could not put it down and can not wait for the sequel!" Read more

"Downloaded fast!! Can't wait to read....." Read more

The Catherine Howard Conspiracy
3 out of 5 stars
The Catherine Howard Conspiracy
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this book for an unbiased review. The Catherine Howard Conspiracy was more of a 3.5 stars for me. Perdita learns that her grandmother has passed away and she has inherited The Marquess House along with many of its secrets. After a non-existent relationship with her grandmother, to say that she is taken by surprise is an understatement. The premise of this book is an interesting one, what if Catherine Howard (aka the second wife that Henry VIII decided was too troublesome to keep alive) had actually survived. Parts Nancy Drew with a large dose of the DaVinci Code this is a super fun read. My main points of complaint are pretty tiny points. I found the jumping back and forth between time periods a little bit clunky, especially when the Ms. Walsh would repeat facts that we already knew from previous chapters. My main sticking point is purely a personal one, I love the Tudor monarchs, they are a fascinating bunch so as someone with background in the subject, I found some of the theories put forward to be quite big stretches. Nonetheless, if you like a good mystery with some history thrown in, I think that this is an excellent pick. I will be grabbing the next book in the series for a quick read later this summer. If you liked my review, please give me a follow on instagram @my_bookishthoughts
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Marlene Oaks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly Exciting
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    What a series of adventures historically and currently unfolding. I enjoyed this page turner immensely. I am eager for the next installment.
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  • Hannah
    4.0 out of 5 stars fun mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I always thought of Catherine Howard as a victim and hated that history tried to paint her as a vixen. She was 15 for goodness sake. I like thinking that there was more to her story.
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  • Just Jennifer a bookworm
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can't put down!!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Always loved the Their era. This great read raises so many questions? Why were men allowed to lie to get not one, but two queens executed? Was Henry VIII as much of a monster or worse? Catherine Howard was a young beautiful girl, who caught the king's eye, unfortunately for her!!
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  • K. Bouse
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read! Great Ride!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Alexandra Walsh creates an exciting historical adventure that spans time, space and stretches our credibility by encouraging us to ask "what if?" "The Catherine Howard Conspiracy" and all the other books in the Marquess House series enmesh the reader in a web of intrigue, mystery, covert action and historical investigation. The books are fast moving and exceptionally well written. Walsh crafts her stories seamlessly and fearlessly plunges into Tudor/Stuart history inviting us to question what we thought we knew about the period. Her story lines are inspired by original source materials that invite us to question what we thought we knew about the familiar characters and events of 16th Century England. These books caught me up entirely to the point where I gladly threw my academic tendencies to the wind and simply enjoyed a terrific tale well told.
    Karel James Bouse, Ph.D/Ph.D
    Author: Finding the Phoenix: Seven Tools for Transformative Self-Discovery, Neo-shamanism and Mental Health, Transgenerational Colonialism
    2 people found this helpful
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  • sharper
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I really loved this book! I read before bed and found myself going to bed early so I could see what happens next. It’s exciting, intriguing and just the right pace. I also loved the history and found myself wondering what we know as history is the truth. Or how much is the truth. I cant wait to begin the second book tonight!
    One person found this helpful
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  • epiphany
    3.0 out of 5 stars Another "Henry Tudor was a monster" stereotype.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Now, I have no idea is the author is a historical scholar and simply utilized the trite - not to mention inaccurate - stereotype that Henry VIII was a blood thirsty, hypersexual monster because it provided a neat antagostic foil for the title character, or if she truly believes this erroneous portrayal. I certainly hope she knows better, and simply employed this sterotype in the cause of writing fiction. My opinion only, but I think this imagined story of Catherine Howard would have benefitted from more nuanced characters, who reflected the complex people they were in real life. For those who don't know - perhaps even the author? - Henry Tudor was NOT an insatiable womanizer; compared to his contemporaries, Henry was a prude. His documented and confirmed mistresses equal about his number of wives. A man with 12 known bed partners is hardly the manical whore monger portrayed in this book. Furthermore, Henry was deeply religious; while he allowed himself more liberties than the average man, he never would have engaged in the atrocities alluded to in this novel. The tantrums, fits of temper, and arbitrary, often cruel policies implemented by Henry in the latter years of his reign can be traced to 2 events; episodes of head trauma which occurred while he was jousting, that almost certainly resulted in brain damage, and a chronic illness which caused obesity, violent mood swings, the inabillty to heal properly, and sexual impotence, very likely type II diabetes. How much more interesting this book would have been if the complexity of Henry's true nature - the good and the bad - had been illustrated? How much more compelling would Catherine's situation have been if she was moved by compassion for a man who was obviously sick in his body and his mind, and torn by indecision? I plan to read The Elizabeth Conspiracy, and I can only hope the characterization of those historical figures is less black and white.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer Judith Anderson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Alternative History....but
    Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This interpretation of the life of Queen Catherine, the fifth wife of Henry VIII, is very well done. Both the historical sections recounting Catherine's life and the modern sections re the research (using household accounts to trace the movements of characters) are fascinating.

    Unfortunately, this is also written as a thriller and as such is mediocre and derivative, with an obvious bad guy early on, and it has an annoying cliff hanger ending.

    The sequel is several month away, and book 3, as this is a trilogy, comes out who knows when. So, while I think I know where it is going, will I live long enough to find out?

    I started studying the Tudors over 60 years ago but had never before come across such a sympathetic view of Catherine who is usually portrayed as emotionally immature and incredibly foolish.

    This positive view of her was so interesting and I wish the author had written at least a note as to her conclusions and any research that supports her presentation.
    23 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn’t put this book down
    Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely LOVED this book. My favorite genre is historical fiction and Alexandra Walsh has created a remarkable story. From the first paragraph I couldn’t put it down. The story and characters she created are fabulous and will stay with you. I can not wait to read the next book. Well honestly I can’t wait to read all of this authors books.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Maxwell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great, great, great,
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Couldn’t put this down. It is set in two time frames but is so easy to follow. Very well researched and written. Have ordered others in the series. Good read for lovers of historical fiction and mysteries alike.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Italy on August 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely loved this book could not put it down the story so far is excellent I've just bought part 2 wow worth buying.
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  • Jeldmer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating story
    Reviewed in Australia on August 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Historical bits included making it seem authentic.
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  • Christine Burnett
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rivetting
    Reviewed in Canada on November 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    For Tudor fans, this book will keep you turning pages to see what will be the outcome. A great read!
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  • Celia Ritchie
    4.0 out of 5 stars A “what if” tale of one of history’s best known periods
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    An interesting suggestion regarding an alternative conclusion to the short, turbulent life of Catherine Howard interlaced with possible connections to the lives of twenty first century twins. Although it is a work of fiction, there are a few areas which could have been perhaps better worked out as realistically “do-able”. On the whole an enjoyable read.
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