Lady Grace is witty and smart, making this one of my favorite historical fiction books ever. Recently read for the second time. ( )

This book reminded me of the Dear America series of books for young adults. This is the first one in this series, which prompted me to seek additional titles in the series. The antics of the young Maid of Honor appeal to young adult girls, which enough mischief and humor to keep one's attention, although I was more interested in the character of Queen Elizabeth. I like the historical accuracy of the book, with the end notes and glossary included. ( )

Lady Grace is a maid-of-honor to Queen Elizabeth I. The queen, who is also Grace's godmother, has picked out three suitors for Grace and has kindly allowed Grace to pick the one she wants to marry when she turns sixteen. However, later that night, one of Grace's rejected suitors is found murdered and all the evidence points to her betrothed. Grace sets out to clear his name, digging out all kinds of secrets, plots, and intrigue in the royal court. ( )

This is the first book in the excellent young adult, historical fiction, mystery series that is really written by Patricia Finney. Finney puts together the excellent historical research she uses for her adult books and makes a wonderful entry-level series for young readers interested in historical fiction. The heroine is great, the plot entertains, and there is some lovely humor sprinkled throughout. I enjoyed these as an adult reader as a quick read, and I think others would too. Highly recommended. ( )

Young Lady Grace Cavendish is one of Queen Elizabeth's favorite Maids of Honor and an heiress. So when the Queen arranges for her to be handfasted to her choice of one of three suitors, Grace cannot turn down such generosity. But when one of her suitors turns up dead and another is blamed for it, Grace must use all of her considerable wits and ingenuity to discover the truth of matters at court.

Written in the form of Grace's diary (or daybooke), Assassin truly is one of the better children's historical fiction books I've read. Grace is a delightful girl, clever and adventurous, who paints a vivid picture of life at Elizabeth's court - without any of the details getting in the way of the story.

Neither the writing nor the plot is facile, and even reading this as an adult I found it highly enjoyable. Though the historical note at the end dates the novel somewhat, it is nonetheless both interesting and informative - explaining the basic succession of the Tudors in a simple, straightforward manner.

I loved it. I'm eager to get hold of the rest of the series. Definitey recommended to the adventurous younger set, especially those who like The Royal Diaries. ( )