The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots

From the New York Times–bestselling author of The Last Tsarina, a “fascinating” fictionalized memoir featuring Mary Stuart as she tells her dramatic life story (Sacramento Book Review).

Born Queen of Scotland, married as a young girl to the invalid young King of France, Mary took the reins of the unruly kingdom of Scotland as a young widow and fought to keep her throne. A second marriage to her handsome but dissolute cousin Lord Darnley ended in murder and scandal, while a third marriage to the dashing, commanding Lord Bothwell, the love of her life, gave her joy but widened the scandal and surrounded her with enduring ill repute.

Unable to rise above the violence and disorder that swirled around her, Mary plucked up her courage and escaped to England—only to find herself a prisoner of her ruthless, merciless cousin Queen Elizabeth.

Here, in her own riveting account, is the enchanting woman whose name still evokes excitement and compassion—and whose death under the headsman's axe still draws forth our sorrow.

In The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots, Carolly Erickson provides another in her series of mesmerizing historical entertainments, and takes readers deep into the life and heart of the sixteenth century's most fascinating woman.

“[A] satisfying read.” —Booklist

“A fast-paced, lavishly detailed narrative.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Erickson’s engrossing narrative allows Mary to speak and readers to decide what kind of woman she was.” —Romantic Times

“Recommended for historical fiction fans who enjoy Philippa Gregory and Jean Plaidy and can’t read enough novels about this period.” —Library Journal