Customer Reviews
A well woven tale - By: K. S. Williamson, 28 Dec 2008 
I received this book as a christmas gift with everybody knowing I am a huge Philippa Gregory fan.
I saw the negative reviews & was slightly concerned. But there was no need to be. I enjoyed the book. I thought the tale was woven very well, & I always like a split perspective.
Unlike other reviews I really felt sympathy with Bess of Hardwick. I did not find her 'whingy' or hard. I admired her strength of character & shrewd bussiness mind & felt devastated at her 'fool' husband.
I admit Mary Queen of Scots could have had a more 'exciting' role. As in, yes it would have been interested to know more of her marriage to Henry Stuart, her kidnap by Bothwell, & indeed of her childhoodin one of the most formidable courtsin the world. But that is not when the book is set. I didn't find it repetitive, other then how history was - there were several plots to escape, & of course Bess would not have stopped worrying about money!
Also the execuation was seenin a 'dream' but then it was affirmed by Bessin the ending passages - but I do wishin the authors note Philippa had added that Elizabeth 2nd is a direct descandant of hers!
Overall, it is the not best Gregory book, but it is a solid enjoyable read, which is very easy going due to the spilt perspectives. Would reccommend for fans of the period & the author!
first time reviewer - By: M. P. Hensby, 28 Dec 2008 
Like another reviewer I too was disappointedin this book. I read most of it during adverts on the TV over Christmas, one section being just the right size. I did not become 'hooked'on the story at all, & unusually for a P Gregory book, this may not goin my 'keeper' bookcase.
The book appeared superficial & perhaps the three different characters voices did not help me become engaged with the story.
The book has inspired me to find out more about Bess of Hardwick who seems an interesting character.
To sum up I feel P Gregory can & has done better.
Disappointing - By: Ms. Phoebe Main, 06 Dec 2008 
I love PG's novels, & was loking forward to this onein particular as I am fascinated by Mary Stuart's story.
I have read a few historical novels covering the Queen of Scots, & I am sorry to say that this is my least favourite. It is also my least favourite of PG's novels.
I couldn't engage with any of the characters, & felt that the story didn't flow as well as it should. The ending felt rushed & didn't pull my heartstrings as was intended.
The Other Queen - By: Mimicat, 30 Nov 2008 Philippa Gregory is one of only a handful of writers I will buyin hardback as I just can't wait for the paperback to come out but I wasin for a disappointment with The Other Queen. I found it very slow & it didn't engage me at all. Dotting between the various characters was repetitive & unlike other Philippa Gregory novels where I haven't been able to put them down, I read this one over a period of several weeks on & off, for me it just didn't seem to get going. She is a brilliant writer but I was sadly disappointed with this book & only wish she would go back to writing stunning novels like The Queen's Fool & Virgin Earth.
Engaging - By: Sunglasses, 27 Nov 2008 The Other Queen is a very interesting book & gives another remarkable perspective on the life of Mary Queen of Scots. I've only recently become interestedin the life of this iconic Tudor figure after reading the modern day thriller Full Story Inside followed by an excellent biography My Heart Is My Own: The Life of Mary Queen of Scots. There are actually an awful lot of books out there about Mary but as a fictional account The Other Queen is both very compelling & factual. The story is told from Mary's point of view as she is held against her willin England after she fled from Scotland. Her daysin captivity as prisoner of the Earl of Shrewsbury are given a very interesting perspective, although sometimes overly romantic which was obviously not to the taste of some reviewers.
