
The Flower Reader

Nicolas de Clerac seems to be the only one interested in helping Rinette solve the murder, but can he be trusted? Rinette slowly learns that trust even in the hands of the right person can lead to devastating ends, but Nico seems to always be there when Rinette needs help. Is it coincidence or is he a little to convenient? The flowers, for so long her window into the future are frustratingly silent, only giving glimpses and more riddles than answers. Is it a friend or one of the many countless foreign visitors of the court who wants to put their hands on the casket? Would the queens own brother betray her for his own means? No one can be above suspicion for Rinette, not even some of the women in the queen's own household.
Soon the truth comes out, but will it be something that Rinette will live through or will the person who murdered her husband murder her as well, all over the silver casket of letters?
Elizabeth Loupas weaves an intriguing tale of court gossip, murder and royal intrigue. She has a few areas where the book seems to flounder (toward the middle) but then it picks up again and you are caught trying to put it down, but unable to walk away until you know who the murderer is! She stays within historical bounds, and gives a light into the court of Scotland, and the many people who inhabited the palace walls, all looking to gain further promise and wealth from the pretty young queen. Will it all be for nothing in the end?