The Last Queen of England

Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery, Book 3

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.

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.

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.

A Deadly Game

This is quite a complex and cleverly designed mystery. There are so many names and historical events from centuries ago relating to bloodline manipulations. I found that chapter 20 was significant in summarizing much of what is too difficult to remember in all of the findings Tayte, the genealogist and historian, Jean Summers were uncovering.

The final few chapters reveal everything and for me I'm happy that I stuck with this overwhelming and sometimes difficult story with many complex layers. Book 2 was more of a nostalgic and emotional novel completely different from this one. It shows the versatility of this excellent writer. The narration is flawless and so entertaining.

Now on to book 4 after hints of Tayte's unknown family history coming to the surface and a romance, too?

Page turner with history, suspense and a bit of...

The history intertwined in this series was interesting and tad over my head, but I didn't let that intimated me from enjoying another Jefferson Tate genealogy adventure. Oh, and abit of... well let's say I don't want to be a spoiler 😉

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.

Quite a tour de force on all counts

First off, I had to stop when it got too exciting…..I felt my heart going into an afib attack. Yes indeed, first time THAT ever happened.

This is my third JT series listen, and for me the best so far. The story moved along at a steady clip, then kicked into high gear. Hard to tell WHO the enemy was, so many tracks confusing where the danger lay. Of course, the narration was superb, including for the only female character in the story. You simply cannot beat Simon Vance as a narrator. I am also hoping that I discover there is in future some kind of relationship for JT. While the hero is American, he definitely has a British accent an vocabulary.

what fun!

twists and turns, a great story, wonderful character development, what more could you ask?! Can't wait for the next one!

Super suspenseful

Wow. Robinson sure can write intriguing plots with a great cast of characters you can picture in your own mind with his belaboring details.
Now I am hooked 😳

Disappointed

The title of the book was what caught my eye. I got into the book and the story intrigued me. There was no resolution to the mystery. The ending just left me hanging. This book was a waste of a perfectly good Sunday afternoon. The faster I can get this thing off my
Kindle the better.

Fun puzzle but too much action for me

I enjoyed the puzzly romps through London, delving into the history of the Royal Family and Secret Societies; it reminded me of Dan Brown novel.

On the negative side, I find action scenes so boring to read.

Overall, I am in for more of Jefferson Tayte’s adventures, but if the future installments continue to be heavy on action-scenes like this one was I might not last to the end of the series.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great book

I have enjoyed this audible version as much as I enjoyed reading the book itself.
The audible version gave me a different insight to the story as well.

A bit disappointing

I am a bit disappointed in this story. I have read the first two books and really enjoyed them but this one had so much rushing about everywhere and gunfights on the streets that I got a bit tired with the violence. Having said that, I thought the reader was very good and I hope the next book in the series will be a bit better.

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