In this riveting historical thriller that´s inspired by true-life events, The Count of Monte Cristo meets Bridgerton as revenge, romance, and twisted secrets take center stage in Victorian England´s royal court when Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland.
A young lady can take only so many injuries before humiliation and insult forge a vow of revenge . . .
The year is 1862 and murderous desires are simmering in England. Nineteen-year-old Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally), once a princess of the Egbado Clan, desires one thing above all else: revenge against the British Crown and its system of colonial "humanitarianism," which stole her dignity and transformed her into royal property. From military men to political leaders, she´s vowed to ruin all who´ve had a hand in her afflictions. The top of her list? Her godmother, Britain´s mighty monarch, Queen Victoria herself.
Taking down the Crown means entering into a twisted game of court politics and manipulating the Queen´s inner circle--even if that means aligning with a dangerous yet alluring crime lord in London´s underworld and exploiting the affections of Queen Victoria´s own son, Prince Albert, as a means to an end. But when Queen Victoria begins to suspect Sally´s true intentions, she plays the only card in Victorian society that could possibly cage Sally once again: marriage. Because if there´s one thing Sally desires more than revenge, it´s her freedom. With time running out and her wedding day looming, Sally´s vengeful game of cat and mouse turns deadly as she´s faced with the striking revelation that the price for vengeance isn´t just paid in blood. It means sacrificing your heart.
Inspired by the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Queen Victoria´s African goddaughter, The Queen´s Spade is a lush and riveting historical thriller perfect for fans of A Dowry of Blood and Grave Mercy.