''A superb book, illuminating a fascinating and turbulent era. It is the figure of Matilda who rightly commanded the stage in all her power and complexity'' Nicola Cornick

''Packed with romance, real history, a cast of superbly imagined characters . . . The Stolen Crown is an entertaining tour-de-force'' Lancashire Post

''A well-researched adventure about a strong medieval woman fighting the odds against her'' Historical Novels Review

When Empress Matilda is eighteen years old, tragedy strikes the royal family, and she becomes the only child of the king of England - the de facto heir to the throne. As her dying father persuades the barons to pledge allegiance to her, Matilda returns to England - but the lords and clergy do not like an independent woman. And Matilda is nothing if not headstrong . . .

When the old king dies, the country is plunged into instant chaos. So begins a fierce battle between cousins that will go down in history as a time called ''The Anarchy''. And Matilda must race across England, evading capture until she can demand the crown . . .

PRE-ORDER Carol McGrath''s new unputdownable historical novel, THE LOST QUEEN! Coming July 2024.

Readers love The Stolen Crown:

''The story of Matilda is strikingly brought to life with this beautiful written novel. A must for any fan of medieval history'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

''An engaging story . . . Matilda is strong, fascinating and keeps you hooked to the very last page'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

''Another Carol McGrath triumph'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

''An illuminating read . . . it''s a hard job to balance historical fact with fiction but Carol McGrath does this with superb skill'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

''This is the way to teach history! I was swept up in this rollicking tale of a wronged woman'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐