The Recommended Reading Paths
D.L. Bogdan’s Tudor Court novels are written as companion pieces rather than a single continuous storyline. Because they highlight different historical figures and families, readers have a couple of excellent ways to approach her work depending on their historical interests.
Option 1: Publication Order (Recommended)
Reading the novels in the order they were published allows you to experience Bogdan's development as an author and how she gradually expanded her view of the Tudor era. This order starts with the scheming inner circle of the English court before branching out to domestic religious turmoil and the northern borders of Scotland.
- Secrets of the Tudor Court (2010)
- Rivals in the Tudor Court (2011)
- The Sumerton Women (2012)
- The Forgotten Queen (2013)
Option 2: The Norfolk Family Chronological Order
If you want to follow the rise, family dynamics, and political ambitions of the Howard family (specifically the Duke of Norfolk's household), you can read the first two books in reverse publication order. Rivals in the Tudor Court begins earlier in history, tracing the youth of Thomas Howard, the third Duke of Norfolk, and his marriage to Elizabeth Stafford. Secrets of the Tudor Court then follows the life of his daughter, Mary Howard, as she navigates the court of Henry VIII.
- Rivals in the Tudor Court (2011) – Focuses on the parents, Thomas Howard and Elizabeth Stafford.
- Secrets of the Tudor Court (2010) – Focuses on the daughter, Mary Howard, and her marriage to Henry FitzRoy.
Understanding D.L. Bogdan's Tudor Court Books
Bogdan's historical fiction stands out by moving the spotlight away from Henry VIII and his wives to explore the lives of the secondary figures who were caught in the royal orbit. Here is what you need to know about each book in the collection.
Secrets of the Tudor Court (2010)
Bogdan's debut novel centers on Mary Howard, the daughter of the ambitious Duke of Norfolk. Sent to court as a lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn, Mary is used as a political pawn by her family, eventually marrying the King's illegitimate son, Henry FitzRoy. The story details the immense pressure, secrets, and dangers faced by women trying to survive the shifting alliances of the court.
Rivals in the Tudor Court (2011)
Serving as a companion and prequel of sorts to the debut, this novel focuses on the tumultuous marriage between Thomas Howard, Third Duke of Norfolk, and the headstrong Elizabeth Stafford. The story highlights their initial passion, the breakdown of their marriage due to Thomas's mistress Bess Holland, and the destructive nature of Thomas's relentless social and political ambition.
The Sumerton Women (2012)
This novel moves away from the central royal court to focus on a noble household in the English countryside. It follows Lady Cecily Burkhart, an orphan who becomes the ward of the Earl of Sumerton. Set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's sweeping religious reforms and the dissolution of the monasteries, the book explores domestic secrets, forbidden romance, and the clash between personal faith and royal decree.
The Forgotten Queen (2013)
This biographical novel shifts the focus to Margaret Tudor, the elder sister of Henry VIII. Married off to King James IV of Scotland to secure a peace treaty, Margaret must navigate the hostile Scottish court. Following James's death at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, she fights to protect her young son’s throne while dealing with volatile political factions and her own disastrous later marriages.
Practical Reader Advice
Where to start: If you love tight-knit court intrigue and family drama, start with Secrets of the Tudor Court. If you prefer broader political histories and royal biographies, The Forgotten Queen makes a fantastic standalone starting point.
Can they be read as standalones? Yes, absolutely. Each book wraps up its primary character arcs, and you will not feel lost if you read them out of order. However, reading Rivals and Secrets back-to-back provides a much deeper understanding of the Howard family's complex history.