The King's Intelligencer: Discovering the Missing Princes in the Tower by Elizabeth St. John is a historical fiction novel set in 1674 London, reigniting the mystery surrounding the fate of the missing princes. When children's bones are discovered in the Tower of London, Franny Apsley, confidante to Lady Mary Stuart, is drawn into a web of royal intrigue. As she investigates, Franny must navigate treacherous court politics and confront a devastating family secret, all while balancing her attraction to the enigmatic court artist Nicholas Jameson. This compelling tale weaves together conspiracy, passion, and the struggle for a woman's voice in a patriarchal society.

Author Elizabeth St. John expertly blends historical events with fiction, creating a rich tapestry of intrigue that keeps readers engaged while illuminating the complexities of royal court life. Franny Apsley is a well-developed protagonist whose determination and moral complexity resonate with readers. Her personal journey and struggles reflect broader themes of women's empowerment and resilience in a male-dominated society. I was particularly impressed by St. John's meticulous research, which shines through on every page with huge amounts of detail and charm, offering readers an immersive read that transports them to 17th-century London which is filled with political machinations and social dynamics of the time. The novel deftly explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the quest for truth, encouraging readers to reflect on the personal costs of ambition and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs in challenging circumstances. The intricate plot development and strong characterization create a compelling and thought-provoking read. Overall, I highly recommend The King's Intelligencer for historical fiction enthusiasts who enjoy a blend of mystery, romance, and political intrigue set against a meticulously researched historical backdrop.

When the skeletons of the missing princes in the Tower of London were discovered in 1674, it caused an uproar, as Elizabeth St.John so aptly describes in her book The King’s Intelligencer. The discovery casts a dark light on the perpetrator of the crime two hundred years earlier, and new evidence could destroy not only the aristocratic family involved but even topple the current monarchy. The heroine, Franny Apsley, a close confidante of Lady Mary – later Queen Mary – is tasked with revealing the truth. She falls in love with the charismatic Nicholas Jameson, but does he have a hidden agenda? If his secret plans came to fruition, would it be the start of a second Civil War in England?

From the first page of The King’s Intelligencer by Elizabeth St.John, I was entranced. I love historical novels, but this one is so special. The author whisks us back to 1674 and introduces us to the Apsley family as they contrive and plot to retain their place in the court of Charles II, while other forces are also working against them. St.John cleverly weaves mostly facts around very little fiction, and with her personal family links, she had access to extensive research. Her descriptions take you to the palaces of London, the Tower, and the streets, yet her characters are real. Even the 21st-century reader can relate to and connect with them. I grew very fond of Franny, a spirited young woman in a time when females were almost ignored, yet nowhere did her behavior stretch beyond the boundaries set by society. The descriptions of the debauchery at court are delightful and portray a realistic view of life in those days. Not the Disney story of fairy tale princesses, but the marriage meat market to strengthen political and trade alliances. The human condition has changed little in the scramble for power and how to stay there. But there is duty, loyalty, and acceptance too. Franny is sorely tempted in her search for the truth to protect both her family and the monarchy, yet she retains her morals and ethics, and the reader cannot help but fall in love with her. Elizabeth St.John is up there among the very best historical writers of today.