Betty Keller, one of King Charles' II many mistresses has been found murdered in her bed. The weapon and a note lead those around the King to believe that the murderer might be connected to another of the King's mistresses, Lady Castlemaine. While the King continues his revelry, different groups surrounding him plot for his demise and success. King Charles II thoroughly enjoys the theatre and often finds new mistresses through the actresses there and the theatre directors are only happy to oblige. The many women surrounding Charles all vie for his attention while having different motives while in his company. Others plot for the King's murder while the King blissfully plans his next romantic encounter.

The King's Favorite is part historical mystery and part court intrigue. The history and attention to detail in King Charles II's time is the main focus. I knew of Barbara Villiers and was intrigued by the many other mistresses of King Charles as well as their interactions with him and each other. The mystery of Betty's death almost takes a back seat to the many other intrigues happening around King Charles. The theatre directors have a large part in setting the scene along with the rest of the theatre company. The writing is very descriptive in nature and didn't pull my interest as much as it could have in many parts, hopping from different characters and scenes. I did want to know who killed Betty and how and was intrigued by the ending and how it played out.



This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ( )

I enjoy reading Historical Fiction, especially the Tudor and Stewart periods and how an author’s imagination plays with the captured research. The Kings favorite was about the mistress of King Charles and the plot behind his assassination. I think the book had a good idea and the development of the characters were great. However, the basic story line was average, and I didn’t feel a desire to finish the reading and when I did I was a bit disappointed as there was nothing that held my attention. ( )

What a wonderful mystery. The ending is a huge surprise. So much political intrigue, I loved it. The story jumps around to different characters and is a little confusing at first, but give it a jump or two and you will be intrigued. ( )

I had read this author’s non-fiction book (Setting Sail for Golden Harbor) and liked it so much that I thought I would read a fiction book by him. This is a well written historical fiction that is steeped in true history. I learned a lot about the Restoration Period and King Charles II in the context of a fictional murder mystery. I especially liked the emphasis on the female characters. It is evident that this author did extensive research. This book is for those that would like to read about history, murder, and the sexual exploits of Charles II. ( )

I've tried very hard to like this book. At the heart of this is a good idea, set in an interesting period, but it doesn't quite gel. Too much background, in some cases almost enough to make an undergraduate reading brick on Restoration history, an irrelevant introduction of a protagonist from Virginia, not unlikely, but not likely enough, whose Virginian origins add nothing to the story, and too too many characters - yes Charles II was notorious for spreading it around, but we don't need to detail every single tumble.

So, great idea, shame about the execution ... ( )