The Plot to Kill a Queen

A 13-year-old stumbles upon a royal murder plot in this standout historical novel from Hopkinson (Race Against Death), written in three acts and set in 1582. The literary curtain opens as lute player and aspiring playwright Emilia Bassano—one of many characters based on 16th-century historical figures—sneaks away from court disguised as a servant boy to see a public performance, and encounters theater hopeful William Shakespeare. This act of daring persuades Emilia’s guardian, Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster, to send her on a mission to gather intelligence at Sheffield Castle, the court of the imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots. Under the alias Emily Hughes, free-roaming Emilia spies on Queen Mary’s court and encounters a plot against Queen Elizabeth. Breaking down elements of drama and spycraft, this carefully researched, jam-packed read offers insight into layers of historical power and influence while humorously rendering asides on feminism and social issues of the period. It’s a bustling theatrical romp worthy of a standing ovation. Extensive back matter includes historical notes, a timeline, and one-act play “The Princess Saves the Cakes.” Characters read as white. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)

Correction: A previous version of this review misstated the year in which the story is set.