{"title":"Books by Fiona Buckley","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9780727850867","title":"Shadow of Spain","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eAs King Philip of Spain prepares to invade England, Ursula heads to Brussels on a desperate mission in this compelling Tudor mystery.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eMarch, 1588. \u003c\/i\u003e With England in a state of high alert as King Philip of Spain amasses a vast fleet of warships ready to invade, Queen Elizabeth and her advisors seek a possible alliance with the Duke of Parma, Governor of the Netherlands. But their plans suffer a major setback when one of their most reliable spies is found murdered in the Hertfordshire countryside, shot dead by a crossbow bolt as he was transporting secret correspondence between the queen and the duke. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe queen's half-sister and occasional secret agent, Ursula Stannard, is happy not to be involved for once. But when Ursula's ward Mildred elopes with the handsome yet mysterious Berend Gomez, Ursula is forced to follow the pair to Brussels, where she finds herself plunged into a hotbed of intrigue and rumour at the Duke of Parma's court, a place where no one is to be trusted. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCan Ursula rescue Mildred, effect an alliance with the duke, and stay alive in the process? The future of England depends on it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56295685030261,"sku":"9780727850867","price":20.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780727850867_0e8d8804-b556-40ae-bc14-4ed8c6075e4f.jpg?v=1786014970"},{"product_id":"9781448306138","title":"Forest of Secrets","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eUrsula travels deep into the New Forest to investigate rumours of a plot to overthrow Queen Elizabeth in this gripping Tudor mystery.\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eMay, 1586. \u003c\/i\u003e Ursula and her retinue return home from a lengthy trip to discover she has an unexpected visitor. Etheldreda Hope is a simple countrywoman who has come to Ursula with disturbing tales of strange goings-on in her rural village. Fearing that Etheldreda's reports of mysterious forest rites indicate a possible conspiracy to overthrow Queen Elizabeth in favour of her cousin, Mary Stuart, the queen's spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, orders Ursula to travel to Etheldreda's home to find out what's really going on.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn reaching Chenston village, deep in the New Forest, Ursula discovers an isolated, suspicious community; the locals deeply in thrall to the old pagan traditions and beliefs. But are these ancient customs harmless - or are they part of a genuine conspiracy against the queen? And, if so, who is behind it?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt's not until the night of Halloween that Ursula will discover the shocking truth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56299554144629,"sku":"9781448306138","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781448306138_1a28bdb8-6127-4e4c-ad32-66790b1b9d30.jpg?v=1786020676"},{"product_id":"9781448313631","title":"The Net of Steel","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eUrsula Stannard faces the ultimate test in this gripping Tudor mystery. How far is she prepared to go to protect those dearest to her and save her own life?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eApril, 1590\u003c\/i\u003e. Ursula Stannard, the queen's half-sister and occasional secret agent, has just left Sir Francis Walsingham's funeral when she is summoned back to her childhood home, Faldene House, by her aunt. Uncle Herbert has died suddenly from natural causes, but Ursula's arrival in the Sussex Downs triggers a shocking sequence of death and devastation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Through her service to the queen, Ursula has made dangerous enemies. The formidable Mercer brothers are set on revenge, and their cruelty knows no limits. As a deadly net closes around Ursula and her loved ones, can she keep those closest to her safe and stop the Mercers before they strike again?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56299708449141,"sku":"9781448313631","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781448313631_0476633f-066d-48ab-aafc-91010bdb1dc5.jpg?v=1786020960"},{"product_id":"9781448309221","title":"Golden Cargoes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe queen's half-sister, Ursula Stannard, returns to solve another Tudor mystery in this page-turning tale of  suspicious riches, murder and hidden treasures \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e- can she find the golden cargoes?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eMay 1589\u003c\/i\u003e. Being the queen's half-sister and occasional secret agent, can take its toll, which is why Ursula Stannard is looking forward to the simple pleasure of attending the wedding of her tenant's daughter. But on arrival, Arabella the bride-to-be is refusing to marry her intended.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUrsula tries to reason with Arabella on behalf of her mother, Joan Mercer, but she senses all is not well with her betrothed, or within the Mercer household. The family have gold and jewels beyond their means, and Ursula suspects they may not have gained such riches legally.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen the strangled corpse of local herbalist and suspected witch is found, and Ursula learns through her connections at Court that English vessels are being plundered by a trio of mysterious ships - she once again takes on the mantle of secret agent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith someone willing to kill to protect their secrets and a bounty of golden cargo at stake, Ursula is in danger! Can she uncover the culprits, save the reluctant bride, \u003ci\u003eand\u003c\/i\u003e remain unscathed herself?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eGolden Cargoes\u003c\/i\u003e is the twenty-first book in the popular Ursula Blanchard series which follows Ursula, a most unconventional Tudor spy as she solves unpredictable, compelling mysteries.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":57685695562101,"sku":"9781448309276","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":56300024725877,"sku":"9781448309221","price":20.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781448309276.jpg?v=1792598848"},{"product_id":"9781448313563","title":"To Seize a Queen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eQueen Elizabeth's half-sister and secret agent Ursula Stannard takes on a dangerous new mission involving mysterious disappearances and murder in Cornwall in this gripping Tudor mystery.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e1594\u003c\/i\u003e. Ursula Stannard is attending on her half-sister, Queen Elizabeth, when she receives an urgent summons from Sir Robert Cecil. Cornishman Master Roskilly was fished out of the sea by Sir Francis Godolphin, and has a shocking tale of being snatched by pirates and put on a slave vessel to Constantinople before his audacious escape. And he's not the only one . . . Folk in Cornwall are mysteriously disappearing. But why are only exceptional or unusual individuals being kidnapped, and could there be a link to two recent murders?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith the queen's annual progress stalled, Ursula agrees to go undercover to unmask those responsible, knowing that Queen Elizabeth would be the most prized captive of all . . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFans of S.J. Parris, C.J. Sansom and Rory Clements won't want to miss this compelling, impeccably researched Tudor mystery.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300028166517,"sku":"9781448313563","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781448313563_4dcab2c9-0268-4a15-aa12-b0e475f1ea41.jpg?v=1786020956"},{"product_id":"9781448316212","title":"To Seize a Queen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eQueen Elizabeth's half-sister and secret agent Ursula Stannard takes on a dangerous new mission involving mysterious disappearances and murder in Cornwall in this gripping Tudor mystery.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e1594\u003c\/i\u003e. Ursula Stannard is attending on her half-sister, Queen Elizabeth, when she receives an urgent summons from Sir Robert Cecil. Cornishman Master Roskilly was fished out of the sea by Sir Francis Godolphin, and has a shocking tale of being snatched by pirates and put on a slave vessel to Constantinople before his audacious escape. And he's not the only one . . . Folk in Cornwall are mysteriously disappearing. But why are only exceptional or unusual individuals being kidnapped, and could there be a link to two recent murders?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith the queen's annual progress stalled, Ursula agrees to go undercover to unmask those responsible, knowing that Queen Elizabeth would be the most prized captive of all . . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFans of S.J. Parris, C.J. Sansom and Rory Clements won't want to miss this compelling, impeccably researched Tudor mystery.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300130107765,"sku":"9781448316212","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781448316212_a3d77d13-c26c-4594-a9a5-25c0cac46fd1.jpg?v=1786021084"},{"product_id":"9781448310593","title":"The Net of Steel","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eUrsula Stannard faces the ultimate test in this gripping Tudor mystery. How far is she prepared to go to protect those dearest to her and save her own life?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eApril, 1590\u003c\/i\u003e. Ursula Stannard, the queen's half-sister and occasional secret agent, has just left Sir Francis Walsingham's funeral when she is summoned back to her childhood home, Faldene House, by her aunt. Uncle Herbert has died suddenly from natural causes, but Ursula's arrival in the Sussex Downs triggers a shocking sequence of death and devastation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Through her service to the queen, Ursula has made dangerous enemies. The formidable Mercer brothers are set on revenge, and their cruelty knows no limits. As a deadly net closes around Ursula and her loved ones, can she keep those closest to her safe and stop the Mercers before they strike again?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300168642933,"sku":"9781448310593","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781448310593_2e60d63c-e82d-4a23-b5ec-202264831478.jpg?v=1786020825"},{"product_id":"9781448315697","title":"To Seize a Queen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePirates in Penzance?  Queen Elizabeth's half-sister and secret agent Ursula Stannard takes on a dangerous new mission involving mysterious disappearances and murder in Cornwall in this gripping Tudor mystery.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1594\u003c\/i\u003e. Ursula Stannard is attending on her half-sister, Queen Elizabeth, when she receives an urgent summons from Sir Robert Cecil. Cornishman Master Roskilly was fished out of the sea by Sir Francis Godolphin, and has a shocking tale of being snatched by pirates and put on a slave vessel to Constantinople before his audacious escape. And he's not the only one . . . Folk in Cornwall are mysteriously disappearing. But why are only exceptional or unusual individuals being kidnapped, and could there be a link to two recent murders?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith the queen's annual progress stalled, Ursula agrees to go undercover to unmask those responsible, knowing that Queen Elizabeth would be the most prized captive of all . . .\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300192530805,"sku":"9781448315697","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781448315697_9e34aee4-47ca-441a-a9cd-8c742d892fe5.jpg?v=1786021063"},{"product_id":"9781780295930","title":"A Web of Silk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eAugust, 1582.\u003c\/i\u003e Ursula is ordered to keep an eye on her new neighbour, Giles Frost, who is rumoured to be spying for King Philip of Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut events take a decidedly sinister turn when a body is found in the woods near Ursula's home. What secrets are contained within Knoll House . . . and is Ursula being lured into a lethal trap?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":56303820996981,"sku":"9781780295930","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":57688251793781,"sku":"9781780291130","price":20.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781780295930.jpg?v=1792686215"},{"product_id":"9781780291338","title":"The Scent of Danger","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eUrsula's visit to her Devon relatives leads to murder, mayhem and a possible plot to free Mary, Queen of Scots in the latest Ursula Blanchard Tudor mystery.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFebruary, 1586. \u003c\/i\u003eWhen the queen's spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, learns that Ursula is to visit her relatives in Devon, he asks her to find out what has happened to two of his local agents, who have been strangely silent recently. On arrival in the small Devon village of Zeal Aquatico, Ursula discovers that both spies in question have met with mysterious - and fatal - accidents. Or is there more to it than that?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat did the two spies find out that got them killed? Is there any truth to the rumours that King Philip of Spain, in league with the queen's cousin, Mary Stuart, intends to launch an invasion from the south coast? As Ursula pursues her investigations, it becomes clear that someone in Zeal Aquatico is determined to stop her finding out the truth ... whatever it takes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56304389587317,"sku":"9781780291338","price":20.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781780291338_45b510cb-4aa5-45d5-a2f6-5a932740e4ef.jpg?v=1786024725"},{"product_id":"9781780297743","title":"Forest of Secrets","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eUrsula travels deep into the New Forest to investigate rumours of a plot to overthrow Queen Elizabeth in this gripping Tudor mystery.\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eMay, 1586. \u003c\/i\u003e Ursula and her retinue return home from a lengthy trip to discover she has an unexpected visitor. Etheldreda Hope is a simple countrywoman who has come to Ursula with disturbing tales of strange goings-on in her rural village. Fearing that Etheldreda's reports of mysterious forest rites indicate a possible conspiracy to overthrow Queen Elizabeth in favour of her cousin, Mary Stuart, the queen's spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, orders Ursula to travel to Etheldreda's home to find out what's really going on.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn reaching Chenston village, deep in the New Forest, Ursula discovers an isolated, suspicious community; the locals deeply in thrall to the old pagan traditions and beliefs. But are these ancient customs harmless - or are they part of a genuine conspiracy against the queen? And, if so, who is behind it?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt's not until the night of Halloween that Ursula will discover the shocking truth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56304570040693,"sku":"9781780297743","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781780297743_e7dcaf43-a8d4-4f33-913a-b416ac365d87.jpg?v=1786024843"},{"product_id":"9781448311538","title":"Golden Cargoes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe queen's half-sister, Ursula Stannard, returns to solve another Tudor mystery in this page-turning tale of  suspicious riches, murder and hidden treasures \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e- can she find the golden cargoes?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eMay 1589\u003c\/i\u003e. Being the queen's half-sister and occasional secret agent, can take its toll, which is why Ursula Stannard is looking forward to the simple pleasure of attending the wedding of her tenant's daughter. But on arrival, Arabella the bride-to-be is refusing to marry her intended.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUrsula tries to reason with Arabella on behalf of her mother, Joan Mercer, but she senses all is not well with her betrothed, or within the Mercer household. The family have gold and jewels beyond their means, and Ursula suspects they may not have gained such riches legally.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen the strangled corpse of local herbalist and suspected witch is found, and Ursula learns through her connections at Court that English vessels are being plundered by a trio of mysterious ships - she once again takes on the mantle of secret agent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith someone willing to kill to protect their secrets and a bounty of golden cargo at stake, Ursula is in danger! Can she uncover the culprits, save the reluctant bride, \u003ci\u003eand\u003c\/i\u003e remain unscathed herself?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eGolden Cargoes\u003c\/i\u003e is the twenty-first book in the popular Ursula Blanchard series which follows Ursula, a most unconventional Tudor spy as she solves unpredictable, compelling mysteries.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56312403853685,"sku":"9781448311538","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781448311538_6f5c94af-3059-4145-9e02-fde12821bed5.jpg?v=1786020861"},{"product_id":"9781780295855","title":"The Reluctant Assassin","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhen Ursula's young son is kidnapped, she is lured into an impossible dilemma.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eMarch, 1581.\u003c\/i\u003e Queen Elizabeth is once again being urged to consider marriage to the Duke of Alençon, a French Catholic twenty years her junior. The prospect of the match is causing unrest throughout the kingdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUrsula Blanchard however has more immediate matters to worry about when her 9-year-old son is snatched away while out riding. If she is ever to see him again, Ursula must undertake an impossibly difficult and dangerous mission - and commit an act of high treason. Can she rely on her half-sister, Queen Elizabeth, for help?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56312799560053,"sku":"9781780295855","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781780295855_b655bc5d-77cc-4d42-afce-0e2b414af564.jpg?v=1786024769"},{"product_id":"queens-ransom","title":"Queen's Ransom","description":"\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003e By the Queen's command, she carried a letter that could alter the course of history -- or eclipse her own future.... \u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Eager for a respite from her role as handmaiden to Queen Elizabeth I, Ursula Blanchard agrees to travel to France to help her first husband's father bring his young ward home to England. But duty soon calls. Fearing that the pro-Catholic forces threatening to tear France asunder will spread to Protestant England, the Queen instructs Ursula to deliver a secret letter personally to Catherine de Médicis, offering to mediate the crisis. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Not only will the perilous journey separate Ursula from her young daughter, it will bring her closer to a man she can neither trust nor forget -- her estranged second husband, Matthew de la Roche, avowed Catholic and enemy of Elizabeth. As it becomes clear that someone seeks to thwart her mission, she realizes she can trust no one but herself, and that only she can uncover the truth hidden in the shadows of treason, greed, and desire that darken her way.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57481626878325,"sku":"9780743489096","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780743489096.jpg?v=1786089908"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-fiona-buckley.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}