Even though I am fascinated with this period of history, I was still a little apprehensive about reading yet another novel about it. So much has been written of the Tudors and their times. Some of the books I have read are superficial and inadequately researched or read like a history lesson. Not SISTERS OF TREASON by Elizabeth Fremantle. The historical facts are there, but so carefully woven into the story that it flows beautifully.

This novel never gets dull. In fact, I had to take breaks because the characters are "always walking on the edge of a sword." Even when they are experiencing relatively calm periods in their lives, the tension remains. I have to admit, several times I wanted to go look up these little- known sisters and find out what had happened to them. Thank goodness, I resisted. I was completely engaged in the story until the end.

The sisters are both, in their own way, devoted to their elder sister, Lady Jane Grey, who is declared Queen in the interim between Edward II and Mary Tudor. After she and their father is executed as traitors, these sisters and their mother must pretend to be loyal to Queen Mary to stay alive.

Lady Katherine Grey is a frivolous, impulsive flirt who falls in love easily. Lady Mary Grey is tiny and has a twisted back and in this age, physical perfection is equated with holiness. By many she is considered a work of the devil. Queen Mary keeps her as her lap doll or "pet monkey," and she overhears many secrets. Because of their royal blood, neither sister can marry without the Queen's permission. To do so would be an act of treason.

After Queen Mary dies and is replaced by Queen Elizabeth I, they breathe a sigh of relief. At least, they think, they share the same religion with Elizabeth and will not be burned at the stake as heretics. But the Tudor blood in their veins makes them dangerous to Queen Elizabeth. She must keep them close and watched so they will not become a rallying point for rebels.

Fans of Philippa Gregory's books will enjoy this historical gem by Elizabeth Fremantle. I for one will be looking up her previous novel, Queen's Gambit, and look forward to any other offerings from her. If you love English historical fiction, you must read SISTERS OF TREASON.