At a mere 118 pages, this tiny volume certainly packs a wallop! The author gives the reader a fly-on-the-wall viewpoint of the brutal slaughter of Mary Queen of Scots’ friend and secretary David Rizzio on 9th March 1566. Mary is six months pregnant, and her scheming but weak husband Lord Darnley has orchestrated this awful affair, hoping to bring on a miscarriage that will kill both her and their unborn child - leaving the crown to him. As Mina describes him, ‘there is something wrong with Darnley, something missing. He has none of the finer feelings a human being has’.

I visited Holyroodhouse last year, and spent time in Mary’s chamber and the adjoining room where this atrocity occurred. It may have been a fancy, but I could feel a chill in the room that had little to do with the weather.

Mina has brilliantly conveyed the confusion, horror and helplessness felt by Mary as her confidante was dragged away by the mob - and stabbed over 57 times. She has to put aside her emotions to ensure that she is not also murdered. Mary Queen of Scots was an amazing woman, and Denise Mina has done her strength and courage justice. Highly recommended.