With a satisfying end and the promise of further installments, this reimagined nod to Henry VIII’s wives is both entertaining and may spark interest in the historical figures who inspired these fictional representations. Fans of Henry VIII’s wives and/or Liane Moriarty, Hank Phillippi Ryan, or Laura Dave will enjoy every moment.
—Booklist, starred review
The wives, children, and courtiers of Henry VIII are shrewdly reimagined as contemporary acquaintances of billionaire businessman Hank Tudor in Olson’s entertaining sequel to An Inconvenient Wife. Mapping Olson’s sprawling cast onto their 16th-century inspirations is wicked fun for readers and Nan (the series’ Anne Boleyn) proves a particularly fascinating protagonist. There are enough surprises and Easter eggs on offer to leave readers primed for the next installment. It’s royally amusing.
—Publishers Weekly
Compulsively readable, Olson’s new thriller is a clever and gripping retelling of one of history’s most obsessively researched topics: Henry VIII and the fall of his six wives. With mystery and murder and finely-threaded nods to the recorded past, A Defiant Woman will compel thriller and historical fans alike. I dare you to read it one sitting!
—Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author of Queens of London and The Hope Keeper
Standing ovation for this ingenious tour de force! The talented Karen Olson deftly wields her considerable knowledge about the Tudors to craft a truly engaging contemporary take on the dynasty’s irresistible story. It’s not only a solid twisty mystery, but this sly tale of marital deceit, manipulation, and murder is witty and clever and completely entertaining. I loved it!
—Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today Bestselling Author
An unexpected and delightful surprise. Olson’s modern take on the Tudor wives is refreshing and captivating.
—Estelle Paranque, author of Thorns, Lust & Glory: The Betrayal of Anne Boleyn
In this riveting contemporary crime novel inspired by the Tudor era and King Henry VIII’s six wives, Olson combines seamless storytelling with a cast of characters for the history books. These wives pull no punches—but defiance has consequences, and not everyone will make it out alive. A Defiant Woman is a deadly delight.
– Tessa Wegert, author of In the Bones
Karen E. Olson combines the breathless pacing of a modern thriller with the tangled legacies of Tudor women. A Defiant Woman is addictive, razor-sharp, and surprisingly moving.
—Danielle Arceneaux, author of the Glory Broussard series
A Defiant Woman starts off with a gasp and keeps the tension tight throughout. Excellent writing and sly nods to the modern resurrection of psychopathic Henry VIII’s court make this a fun, one-sitting read.
– Sarah Strohmeyer, author of A Mother Always Knows and Do I Know You?
Sharp, sophisticated, utterly superb. Olson’s clever Tudor series will keep you turning the pages long into the night.
– J. T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of A Very Bad Thing
