I picked To Shield the Queen up on a whim while browsing the mystery section at my local library. I enjoy mysteries, and historical fiction, but I haven't read many historical mysteries for some reason. This one caught my eye mainly because I liked the font used for the title--not necessarily the best way to choose books, but I'm glad I did, in this case.

To Shield the Queen is a well-written, enjoyable book. Fiona Buckley is knowledgeable about the time period--the reign of Elizabeth I--and it shows in her writing. The details of the time add depth and believability to the story, and the intrigues of court and religion create an apt setting for mystery. There are a few mysteries in this book, and it isn't always easy to figure out which trail the characters are following, adding an extra level of intrigue to the story.

The main character, Ursula Blanchard, is a strong female character without breaking the historical accuracy of the novel. She has a depth of character that makes her dilemma believable, and her curious nature leads easily into the mystery. The supporting characters are not quite as well-rounded, but still add to the story.

Overall, an enjoyable, well-written mystery