Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles

"A massive, erudite, and entertaining novel . . . skillfully weaves historical fact and plausible fiction" to tell the story of Mary Queen of Scots (New York Newsday).

She was a child crowned a queen. . . .


A sinner hailed as a saint. . . .


A lover denounced as a whore . . .


A woman murdered for her dreams . . .


Margaret George's national bestselling Mary Queen of Scotlandand the Isles brings to life the fascinating story of Mary, who became the Queen of Scots when she was only six days old. Raised in the glittering French court, returning to Scotland to rule as a Catholic monarch over a newly Protestant country, and executed like a criminal in Queen Elizabeth's England, Queen Mary lived a life like no other, and Margaret George weaves the facts into a stunning work of historical fiction.


"The best kind of historical novel, one the reader can't wait to get lost in." —San Francisco Chronicle

"George has created a lively, gallant Mary of intelligence, charm and terrible judgment . . . A popular, readable, inordinately moving tribute to a remarkable queen." —Kirkus Reviews

"An engrossing novel. . . . [George's] deep sympathy for her subject renders Mary an entirely real and unforgettable heroine." —Publishers Weekly

"Dramatic . . . Romantic . . . George makes Mary a heroine to identify with because of her spirit, wit and charm . . . A triumph." —Houston Chronicle

"An evocative portrait." —The New York Times Book Review