The Poison Bed

By: Elizabeth Fremantle

Narrated by: Ross Anderson, Perdita Weeks

Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of The Poison Bed by E C Fremantle, read by Ross Anderson and Perdita Weeks.

A Marriage. A Murder. One of them did it. Which of them will die for it?

In the autumn of 1615, a scandal rocks the Jacobean court when a celebrated couple are imprisoned on suspicion of murder. She is young, captivating and from a notorious family. He is one of the richest and most powerful men in the kingdom.

Some believe she is innocent; others think her wicked or insane. He claims no knowledge of the murder. The king suspects them both, though it is his secret at stake.

Who is telling the truth? Who has the most to lose? And who is willing to commit murder?
 

©2018 E C Fremantle (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A Jacobean Gone Girl. Dark and deeply satisfying, The Poison Bed is a tale of monstrous intrigue and murder." (M J Carter)  

"Deliciously sinister. A toxic blend of glamour, intrigue and ambition." (Andrew Taylor)

"A thoroughly compelling tale of sexually-charged intrigue and murder. Once started, impossible to put down." (Minette Walters)     

Awesome!

I just finished re reading this, and it’s soooo good! Well written and well narrated. A treat!

Skip it

The first half is quite intriguing and I love the double narrators. Each is wonderful voicing the main characters. The character of Robert becomes quite tedious by the end, and you end up wishing you did not have to carry on with him and could just hear Frances.

Hello, plot twist!!

I am amazed at the imagination of the writer. Such a great storyline. The performance of the readers is what completely sucked me in. Made a very long, boring drive to southern California enjoyable.

Bad Narraration

Had to stop listening because the female narrarator is so quiet. I've never had that problem with any other audiobook.

Ok

Female narration was too soft and difficult to hear at times, male narration was good.

Spellbinding

This novel had me sitting on on the edge of my seat. I do not know a lot about this period of history but it is only the background to a strong tale with plenty of twists and turns. The two narrators are wonderful giving a flavour to the contrast of an insider and an outsider.

As good as the rest of Elizabeth Fremantle’s work

I love all of this intelligent author’s work and while this one is less court drama and more thriller, it’s as immersive and filled with historical detail as the others. If you’re looking for Elizabethan/Stuart era literary fiction, look no further. Thrilling, complex, readable. 5 stars without a doubt.

A Jacobean Murder Mystery Masterpiece!

Absorbing! Elizabeth Fremantle delivers a Jacobean Murder Mystery Masterpiece! Based on true events and a real cast of characters, Fremantle has created an engrossing story that readers will not be able to put down. Was the beautiful Frances Howard guilty of murder? Conspiracy to commit murder? Or just an innocent pawn in her uncle's game for power? Just when you think you've got it all figured out there is a plot twist so shocking you'll have to re-read it to believe it!

definitely worth the credit

beautifully written and brilliantly narrated, I found this book to be practically impossible to stop listening to. as the plot twisted, foreshadowing I didn't realize was being laid all the while became clear. I don't want to give anything away—i just want to urge you to try this book out. it's addictively good.

Fascinating he said/she said take on history

Be forewarned that the female reader almost whispers through much of her dialog, making volume too high when male speaks. Another tale of a historical beauty who earned her rank through manipulation, seduction, and poison. Presented in a 'young man in unrequited love' scenario, he only realizes he got more than he bargained for - when it was too late. Like all monsters of that period in history - even those beautiful, titled and female - survived to continue her 'evil ways'. Based on history, this is a fascinating look at what it took to attain power - and remain alive - during that time. Highly recommended.

#Suspenseful #Dark #LoveGoneWrong #BritishRoyalty #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes