In the "shadowy world of sixteen-century medicine, an enlightened queen seeks the cures that could heal a realm and transform a land. "--Jacket. Young Queen Elizabeth I battles the medical establishment, the Royal College of Physicians, as she seeks to reform many of their dangerous practices, only to come face to face with an enemy who will use terror and pestilence to bring down the throne of England.

It is the crowning day of twenty-five-year-old Bess Tudor's life as she returns from exile to become England's queen. But even as her magnificent procession wends its way to Westminster Palace, a shot rings out, muffled by the jostling crowd. Within moments of becoming England's ruler, Elizabeth learns of the brutal murder of a highborn lady of the court, the sister of one of her dearest friends. Elizabeth cannot refuse her friend's request to find...

"1939. As the wife of the King George VI and the mother of the future queen, Elizabeth -- "the queen mother" -- shows a warm, smiling face to the world. But it's no surprise that Hitler himself calls her the "Most Dangerous Woman in Europe." For behind that soft voice and kindly demeanor is a will of steel. Two years earlier, George was thrust onto the throne when his brother Edward abdicated, determined to marry his divorced, American mistress Mrs....