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    The Poison Bed: A Novel
    The Poison Bed: A Novel
    The Poison Bed: A Novel
    Audiobook13 hours

    The Poison Bed: A Novel

    Written by Elizabeth Fremantle

    Narrated by Karen Cass and Steve West

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    A spellbinding thriller set in the Jacobean Court of 1615 surrounding a famed couple imprisoned on suspicion of murder―but was it Lord Robert or Lady Frances who committed the crime?

    A marriage. A murder. One of them did it. Which of them will die for it?

    In the autumn of 1615, scandal rocks the Jacobean court, when a celebrated couple, Robert and Frances Carr, are imprisoned on suspicion of murder. Frances is young, captivating, and from a notorious family. She has been rescued from an abusive marriage by Robert, and is determined to make a new life for herself. Whatever the price.

    Robert is one of the richest and most famous men in the kingdom. He has risen from nothing to become one of the country’s most powerful men. But to get to the top, you cannot help making enemies.

    Some believe she is innocent; others think her wicked or insane. He claims no knowledge of the murder. The king suspects them both, though it is his secret at stake. Now a man is dead. And someone must pay with their life.

    Who is telling the truth? Who has the most to lose? And who is willing to commit murder?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateApr 2, 2019
    ISBN9781721364954
    The Poison Bed: A Novel
    Author

    Elizabeth Fremantle

    Elizabeth Fremantle is the author of four Tudor novels: Queen’s Gambit (soon to be the major motion picture, Firebrand, starring Alicia Vikander and Jude Law), Sisters of Treason, Watch the Lady, and The Girl in the Glass Tower. As EC Fremantle she has written two gripping historical thrillers: The Poison Bed and The Honey and the Sting. Her contemporary short story, ‘That Kind of Girl,’ was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize in 2021. She has worked for Elle and Vogue in Paris and London and contributed to many publications including Vanity Fair, The Sunday Times (London), the Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal. She lives in London.

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    Reviews for The Poison Bed

    4/5

    42 ratings5 reviews

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    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this novel, although less so than previous ones by Elizabeth Fremantle. I was less familiar with the history recounted in this story (I've read less about James I and his court than other monarchs of the Tudor-Stuart era) and so I had less background for the events as they unfolded. I was aware of the rumors around James I's homosexuality and I was surprised that the author dealt with the topic so explicitly, leaving little room for doubt about the nature of certain relationships. I did find the story fascinating, and the characters of Robert Carr and Frances Howard were each compelling, in entirely different ways, and I'm interested in learning more about their stories. I'm also surprised that this tale of witchcraft, poison, and murder hasn't been taken up by more novelists.
    • 4/5
      The Poison Bed by Elizabeth Fremantle is a mystery based in actual history. I've read other books by this author, and I always find them intriguing. This one was great. It's a good mystery, well written and based on historical facts. Lady Frances or Lord Robert? Who is responsible? Court intrigues and manipulations for power keep you guessing. I enjoyed the mystery and the time period. The characters are not always likeable, but they are interesting. If you love historical fiction based on facts, give this one a go! Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
    • 3/5
      In 1615, Frances Howard and her husband Robert Carr, are imprisoned separately in the Tower of London, accused of poisoning Sir Thomas Overbury. In alternating chapters, they tell the reader what led up to this. Frances and Robert fall in love, which, given that Frances is married and Robert is King James I favorite and lover, is not a smart or safe thing. But Robert feels James will forgive him anything, while Frances figures on getting her marriage annulled on grounds that it was never consummated- even though she’s been married several years. But her husband is willing to go along with it, just to be rid of her. One person who stands in the way of the annulment is Overbury- he, too, is in love with Robert, and things he’s making a mistake. Was the killer Frances or Robert? Or was it someone else? Or, even, just a death from illness, as was so common back then? While some aspects of this story were fascinating, I had a hard time being knocked out by the book. This is because I had a hard time liking anyone in the story! Robert is shown as not being overly bright. Frances was manipulative and self-centered- although the way the book was written, I felt she was manipulated in term, by someone better at it than she was. So, despite the wonderful descriptions in the text, and the marvelous cover, I can only give it three and a half stars.
    • 3/5
      Author's interpretation of a scandal that rocked the court of James I, the murder of a nobleman and the possible involvement of a husband and wife. Told in alternating chapters "Him" and "Her" with events leading up to the murder and imprisonment of both in the Tower. Then, the denouement. The actual historical facts are still murky. I did not like either of the main characters; that alone spoiled the book for me: Robert Carr was presented as a complete milksop, utterly infatuated with his wife, Frances Howard, and under her thumb and she was a very shrewd, opportunistic femme fatale who took advantage. What redeemed the book was the flowing writing style.
    • 5/5
      A gripping historical thriller set in the Jacobean court based on a true story. It’s a fabulous tale of murder, witchcraft, secrets, betrayal and deception. It’s beautifully written, well paced and full of intrigue. There are some amazing and colourful characters, one or two of whom are not as they seem and are easy to hate! Be warned! There are plenty of twists and turns and it had me on the edge of my seat with suspense. It’s an absolute page turner.An exciting and and captivating story which brings history alive. I can’t recommend it enough.