Royal Murder: The Deadly Intrigue of Ten Sovereigns

Murder as a general topic is one of those horrifyingly fascinating topics to me: why people decide to kill someone is probably my main interest when reading about murder. This particular book brings one of my other interests, royalty, into the mix with murder and provides an interesting look through history at some of the famous royals who have been killed. Macleod starts the book with a short introduction on the topic of royal murder. The books first royal mentioned is Cleopatra. Although Cleopatra wasn't herself murdered (she committed suicide), murder was a common occurrence in her family and this short chapter gives a fascinating look at Egypt and the events that were going on at the time that provoked murder in the family as well as her suicide. Other royals covered include: Vlad Tepes (Dracula), Richard III, Mary I, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette, Empress Elisabeth, The Romanovs, and a few more recent royal murders. The chapters are not really long. They writing is clear and concise (the only confusion is on the Mary I, Elizabeth I & Mary Queen of Scots section due to the names, which can't be avoided) and allows for the reader to easily comprehend not only family issues, but social and political reasons for the murder as well. Each section has highlighted quotes from the royals in red lettering, as well as additional text in red boxes that gives a little more insight into a particular royal or assassin. The book also uses illustrations and portraits of individuals to show what the people looked like at the time they were alive. There is a further reading section at the end of the text that is broken down by subject, as well as a list of the main sources used when writing this book. The appendix and photo credits also give the book a nice, polished non-fiction feel. Notes on the Cover: Crown? Check. Gloved hand with a dagger? Check (The dagger is even explained). Blood-red lettering? Check! It would have been really cool if some of the lettering would have the look of blood running, but it's still an effective cover! (Oh, and the pool of blood below the dagger? Priceless!)