Book Review: Queen and Country (Hew Cullan Mystery #5) by Shirley McKay (four stars)
‘Very fine it is. Now turn it into English.’ ‘What do you think it is?’ Hew had objected. ‘I should have said, Scots.’
Each Cullan mystery takes the reader deeper into the history of sixteenth century England and Scotland, during the last years they were independent of each other. The inner workings of both courts are revealed. Many historical persons and events melded into the story. A good read.
“You know, upon my life, that I will take no part in a conspiracy, against either queen.’ ‘Trust me, when I say, we know that all too well. Therein lies the trouble, Hew.’
Hew continues to kick against the goads and comes out smelling like a rose. No good deed of his goes unpunished as he seeks to extricate himself from the intrigue and murder surrounding a dynastic change which alters the future of both countries.
It was a tacit understanding of a man in public office, that the office he had paid for, or won by rank and privilege, was his to put to such advantage as could there be found.
McKay deals with spirituality, truth, and trust in a modern manner while revealing the superstitions and prejudices of that era.
‘All men follow ghosts, when they do not want to see, when they do not want to hear the whisper of their breath. They cannot help themselves.’
As a Matter of Fancy 