Madame Serpent

Though Plaidy (a pseudonym of the late Eleanor Hibbert) is widely considered to have been one of the pre-eminent writers of historical novels, this reprint of the first in her bestselling Catherine de Medici trilogy may prove too lacking in action for contemporary genre enthusiasts. Young Catherine leaves Italy for the French court to marry Henry of Orléans, only to discover that her beloved husband is desperately in love with his mistress, the manipulative Diane de Poitiers. As Diane orchestrates everything Henry does—including when he sees his young wife—Catherine is driven to bitterness and fury, and Henry neglects his duty to produce an heir. The royal couple finally has children, and Henry takes the throne as King Henry II. However, Catherine’s struggles persist, as Diane is constantly given priority, to the extent that visitors kiss Diane’s hand before the queen’s. Aware of the tenuousness of her situation, and driven by the desire to see one of her children inherit the throne, Catherine must bide her time for revenge. Agent: Elizabeth Winick, McIntosh & Otis Inc. (July)