The Boleyn Secret

Summary

The New York Times bestselling author of the Six Tudor Queens series explores the dramatic, mysterious life of Catherine Carey, niece of Anne Boleyn, in this surprising novel that delves into one of the deepest secrets of Henry VIII's court.

At twelve years old, Catherine Carey attends her aunt, Queen Anne Boleyn, to the scaffold. Horrified by what she witnesses, Kate is convinced that King Henry VIII is a murderer and has sent an innocent woman to a terrible death.

Although the Boleyn family, once so influential at Court, has now fallen from favor, Catherine still manages to secure a coveted role as lady-in-waiting to her now motherless cousin, the young Lady Elizabeth. Bound by Boleyn blood, the two girls grow as close as sisters, though Catherine has trouble ignoring the sly looks thrown her way and continual whispers behind her back. Only when her mother lies dying does Catherine learn the life-shattering truth that the Boleyns have been hiding for years.

It is a secret that follows Catherine throughout her life, as she flees religious persecution with her husband and lives abroad in fear, returning home only when Elizabeth becomes queen. But the bond between the Boleyn cousins will never be the same again...

With her usual entertaining and authoritative style beloved by readers, renowned historian Alison Weir exposes the dramatic, little-known Tudor mystery in this fascinating, revelatory novel.