The Courtesan

by Nigel Tranter

Book Overview

The second book in the "Master of Gray" trilogy, this novel shows how the Master's daughter attempts to save Protestant Scotland from the threat of the Catholic Inquisition. The author has also... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0340178388
• ISBN13: 9780340178386
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: Coronet Books
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The Master of Gray in Check

The Courtesan, book 2 of the Master of Gray trilogy by Nigel Tranter focuses on Mary Gray, the illegitimate daughter of Patrick, Master of Gray. She is coming of age and shows she has inherited her father's scheming mind. To this end she uses her Step-Father David Gray and her admirer, Ludovich "Vicky" Stewart, Duke of Lennox to bring Patrick Gray home to Scotland. Once back, Patrick quickly resumes his place in government at King James side. He start plotting and scheming and works to bring low the power houses like the Earls of Huntly, Bothwell and Moray. Each step of the way he tries to manipulate men and policy to keep his hand firmly on the wheel of government. But he has met his match. Mary Gray. She is brought to court by Patrick and his wife Marie. She proves more than another lady at court. She is appointed as an extra Lady to the new Queen Anne. Now she begins to work her own plans that are all to counter and void the plots of Patrick. Out of love of Patrick she stops his plots in the hope to protect him. Along the way Vicky, Duke of Lennox tries to convince her to marry him but she knows that as heir to the throne and the only Duke in Scotland he must marry someone else. In the end Mary learns much of Statecraft avoiding a Catholic and Protestant civil war, Queen Elizabeth's fury, a highland uprising, an attempt to overthrow the King, a rampage of witch hunts and burning along with helping a young King with a forthcoming marriage. This is the school of court Mary proves herself in. I really enjoyed this book. Patrick Gray remains the same plotter as in the first book but he is finally countered by his daughter, Mary, who is the focus of this book. She proves a strong woman who can survive at court and proves to be more than a Courtesan. The constant plotting and struggle of each of the lords is amazing. A long time Tranter fan will see the true struggles of all the Stewart Kings with all the lords of Scotland constantly vying for power. The curse of child monarchs. Courtesan is a good book that has kept me interested and looking forward to the final chapter of the Trilogy.