The Last Queen of England

By: Steve Robinson

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

While on a visit to London, American genealogist Jefferson Tayte’s old friend and colleague dies in his arms. Before long, Tayte and a truth-seeking historian, Professor Jean Summer, find themselves following a corpse-ridden trail that takes them to the Royal Society of London, circa 1708.

What to make of the story of five men of science, colleagues of Isaac Newton and Christopher Wren, who were mysteriously hanged for high treason?

As they edge closer to the truth, Tayte and the professor find that death is once again in season. A new killer, bent on restoring what he sees as the true, royal bloodline, is on the loose…as is a Machiavellian heir-hunter who senses that the latest round of murder, kidnapping, and scandal represents an unmissable business opportunity.

The Last Queen of England is a racing thriller with a heart-stopping conclusion. It follows on from In the Blood and To the Grave but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.

©2014 Steve Robinson (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Non-stop engaging story

Would you listen to The Last Queen of England again? Why?

Yes. To make certain I didn't miss anything and to enjoy the story again.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. I couldn't wait for the story to progress.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

Superb performance. Nailed the emotions of the characters.

Any additional comments?

Turn off the television and enjoy Simon Vance's narration of this engaging book.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Queen Anne's Baby

Love a mystery where you can learn something new in the process.

The intrigue of a 300 year old Jacobin "plot" involves learning the ins and outs of the practice of Genelogy as well as a lessor known (for me anyway) piece of history - the reigns of Queen Anne and Queen Mary of Britain.

Good story that keeps you guessing right up to the end.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Assassination Overload

I love the genealogical aspects of this book. The the first in the series, it is what maintained my interest enough to finish the book. Unlink the first book ( To The Grave) however, there is no second story to keep the reader interested.

The main character (Jefferson Tayte, an American genealogist) is flat and typecast. The assassin appears very early on and the reason for a string of assassinations is over the top. It might have been more interesting if there was more variety in the way people died. Like To the Grave it is all guns, guns, guns. The problem started for me when the bodies started mounting all over London.

The lackluster response of law enforcement was unrealistic in this day of terrorist threats and realities. British Intelligence does get involved in the case but are clueless. Why don't they take Tayte off the street after the two agents escorting him are shot? They let him wander and reveal case details to the public.

The problems from the first book show up again here. Tayte repeatedly mentions he is searching for his birth parents and that he has a weight problem. But that's all we know. Why is his weight an issue? How heavy is he? Does he have health issues. Or is it just an impression the author has of Americans? Doesn't Tayte have any relatives who know he was adopted? Were his birth parents British? It seems that is why he is so interested in British genealogy. But how does he know this? And Tayte must own stock in a tan suit manufacturing company. He seems to have a never ending stock.

The narrator, Simon Vance, is one of my favorites and he does a good job with Tayte's American English accent and pronunciation. There are instances, however, where Tatye uses a British pronunciation when he just wouldn't have.

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

Addicted to this series.

I love that I'm on the edge of my seat over a genealogy mystery! This series has elevated the subject even more so in my personal opinion. Jefferson Tayte is just as powerful a character as Robert Langdon. this author is fabulous!

Intriguing story

Well done romp thru many London churches named Saint Paul. interesting questions around Stuart versus Hanoverian succession in 1712. Impossible energy and stamina on the part of Jefferson and Jean!

A Dan Brown Wannbe

Sorry but this all action, cardboard character historical mystery book just doesn't engage or hold interest. It's either bang bang run run or paragraphs of dry history too muddled to remember between killings. If you want Dan Brown, read him instead.

Tate and a date

I love having a pudgy, awkward hero and JT now has a female partner that is his equal. I think I enjoyed this book the most for that reason. It gave JT more dimension and something to care about other than himself. We also have a first class villain introduced that I am sure will pop up in later books. It was another page turner for me and I am off to read book number 4. Are we ever going to get to the clues about his parents?

Over the top

While the book had some interesting historical information, there was way too much mayhem to be believed. Shades of Dan Brown. It did pique an interest in Queen Anne (I am assuming she was a real monarch.) I find myself a bit tired of the "ole Henry VIII". Plan to see if I can make heads or tails of Anne's reign.

Tayte's Only Friend Dies, Tayte Must Find Out Why

Third book in five book series. This book is terrific. Marcus is a long time friend of Tayte and in fact may be his only friend. When Tayte arrives in London for a visit, his friend takes him to dinner and to meet a friend. Turns out that Marcus has arrange a blind date. After the meal, as they exit the restaurant, Marcus is shot and killed. His dying words to Tayte are 'treason you must hurry.' These words engage Tayte in the need to finish his friend's research which he knows nothing about. Marcus was very secretive over dinner and refused to talk about it. The story is a constant adventure of Tate and the blind date, Jean, as they hurry around London looking for the missing information from Queen Anne's missing heir. There are lots of twists, not much romance but Tayte isn't much for romance, but lots of mysteries to solve. It even has a numerical code to sort out which is to lead to the current living heir of Queen Anne. It is very intriguing and ends with a possibility for more later. Read it and enjoy Steve Robinson's skill with a word. Best if you start at the beginning. Simon Vance is a terrific narrator.

Great story!

This is a great story that kept me wanting to hear more. The narrator does a solid job with accents and really made the story come to life. Great listen!

Full of mystery

Where does The Last Queen of England rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Well I didn't think it possible. But I am pleased to say that Steve Robinson just gets better and better..... Each and every book This being number 3.

What did you like best about this story?

There are just so many twists and turns, meaning that you are kept on the edge of your seat if not hanging off of it with every minute!!!!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

From the first to the last, each scene getting you deeper and deeper in to the plot and fantastic story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Hell yes!! it almost cost me my job as you just can't find a suitable place to stop.

Any additional comments?

This is a action pack adventure that will have you guessing all the way along. It has no real bad language and very little gore. but is a real must for all those thriller fans out there. Well worth a go.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Wonderful!

This is the first book I have read not realising that it was no3!! Wish I had started at the beginning. Loved it so nice to read something with people who are not perfect! Great story can't wait for the next.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great book for fans of English History

I've now read all 3 in the series and I've enjoyed them all but I think it helps if you like history as well as a good mystery story.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Too long an action chase, not enough subtlety.

Although the premise was excellent and the genealogical trail really interesting, it seemed like one long action sequence with Tate and Jean being chased in taxis, on foot and on motorbike through the streets of London. Don't get me wrong, it was a good story and I listened to the end, but too much like a common blockbuster movie with chases, guns and murders making the pace rather than the one aspect that sets the series apart from all the others in the same genre - the intelligent, absorbing and fascinating genealogy driving the story forward.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Gripping stuff

I love this series of books by Steve Robinson, as I have an interest in genealogy it makes it that more exciting for me. The narration by Simon Vance is superb as usual, he is without doubt my favourite narrator.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

You have to love history ...

If you love history and mysteries then this is a good series for you
Excellent story lines if a little convoluted. A hero who knows his subject who gets thrown out of his comfort zone and into a thrilling race against time

Enthralled to the end

What an excellent example of a “who dunnit” novel.
The story is set in recent times but includes interesting and factual matter from English past. With a genealogical basis the reader is held captive to the timeless question who, but also why and how, right to the end.
Well worth the read or listen on audible.

Great story

Another excellent book by Steve Robinson. Story twists and turns as one clue is discovered that leads to another. This one leaves you on a cliff hanger......Jefferson's family

Another great story.

I loved the plot, the narrator and the atmosphere of the story. A great read for anyone interested in genealogy and the surprises it can turn up.

Rubbish.

What disappointed you about The Last Queen of England?

To much about nothing.

Would you ever listen to anything by Steve Robinson again?

No.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favourite?

None.

What character would you cut from The Last Queen of England?

All of them

Any additional comments?

Such a load of Tripe, glad I got this in the sale ! Blah! Blah ! ..

0 of 2 people found this review helpful