Smitten with spring fever, Elizabeth Tudor escapes London for fantastical Nonsuch Palace in the sweet Surrey countryside. There she hopes to relax and pose for the official royal portrait for which she is holding a competition. But one of her artists is burned to death, and portraits of the queen are going up in flames. When she hears that her rival, the dangerous Mary, Queen of Scots, has been peering in mirrors and announcing, "I see the next queen of England!" Elizabeth summons her Privy Plot Council. Has the arsonist been sent by foreign foes or is it someone in her own court? Or is the "running boy" apparition really a ghost out to avenge a terrible past tragedy caused by the Tudors? Time is running out, because the enemy who stalks the queen means to destroy not only her portraits and artists, but her very life. A walk side by side with one of history s most dynamic characters. Anne Perry, author of Slaves of Obsession "A truly vibrant protagonist, thoroughly satisfying characterization, attention to detail, and credible plotting mark this as an outstanding historical." Library Journal "An appealingly courageous detective..." Kirkus Reviews "Fabulous...a thrilling reading experience...fans of the Ursula Blanches series by Fiona Buckley will definitely love this glimpse into a bygone era." Midwest Book Review "Certain to please fans of historical mysteries. Harper s careful plotting and keen historical eye render this a true delight to read. Best of all, though, is Harper s characterization of Elizabeth and her detecting acumen...what better way to spend wintry weekends than in catching up on the previous novels in this series, starting with The Poyson Garden ." Mystery Lovers Bookstore Harper s facility with historical figures is extraordinary. Los Angeles Times Karen Harper weaves a thrilling blend of historical detail and intriguing mystery. Her Queen Elizabeth I possesses the fine detective s instinct of Sherlock Holmes. Lisa Gardner, author of The Other Daughter --Kirkus Review Elizabethan England comes alive as its young queen struggles to stop a serial killer who uses fire as a weapon in Karen Harper's acclaimed mystery series BURN A GLASS DARKLY... Smitten with spring fever, Elizabeth Tudor escapes London for fantastical Nonsuch Palace in the sweet Surrey countryside. There she hopes to relax and pose for the official royal portrait for which she is holding a competition. But one of her artists is burned to death, and portraits of the queen are going up in flames. When she hears that her rival, the dangerous Mary, Queen of Scots, has been peering in mirrors and announcing, "I see the next queen of England!" Elizabeth summons her Privy Plot Council. Has the arsonist been sent by foreign foes or is it someone in her own court? Or is the "running boy" apparition really a ghost out to avenge a terrible past tragedy caused by the Tudors? Time is running out, because the enemy who stalks the queen means to destroy not only her portraits and artists, but her very life. "Harper's facility with historical figures is extraordinary." -- Los Angeles Times "Karen Harper weaves a thrilling blend of historical detail and intriguing mystery. Her Queen Elizabeth I possesses the fine detective's instinct of Sherlock Holmes." --Lisa Gardner, author of The Other Daughter KAREN HARPER is the author of six previous Elizabeth I mysteries: The Poyson Garden , The Tidal Poole , The Twylight Tower , The Queene’s Cure , The Thorne Maze , and The Queene’s Christmas . She also writes contemporary suspense novels, including the bestselling The Falls . Karen Harper lives in Columbus, Ohio, and Naples, Florida. KAREN HARPER is the author of six previous Elizabeth I mysteries: The Poyson Garden , The Tidal Poole , The Twylight Tower , The Queene's Cure , The Thorne Maze , and The Queene's Christmas . She also writes contemporary suspense novels, including the bestselling The Falls . Karen Harper lives in Columbus, Ohio, and Naples, Florida.