A Defiant Woman

"The wives, children, and courtiers of Henry VIII are shrewdly reimagined as contemporary acquaintances of billionaire businessman Hank Tudor in Olson’s entertaining sequel to An Inconvenient Wife. Mapping Olson’s sprawling cast onto their 16th-century inspirations is wicked fun for readers and Nan (the series’ Anne Boleyn) proves a particularly fascinating protagonist. There are enough surprises and Easter eggs on offer to leave readers primed for the next installment. It’s royally amusing."

"With a satisfying end and the promise of further installments, this reimagined nod to Henry VIII’s wives is both entertaining and may spark interest in the historical figures who inspired these fictional representations. Fans of Henry VIII’s wives and/or Liane Moriarty, Hank Phillppi Ryan, or Laura Dave will enjoy every moment."

"A Defiant Woman starts off with a gasp and keeps the tension tight throughout. Excellent writing and sly nods to the modern resurrection of psychopathic Henry VIII’s court make this a fun, one-sitting read.”

"Sharp, sophisticated, utterly superb. Olson’s clever Tudor series will keep you turning the pages long into the night."

"In this riveting contemporary crime novel inspired by the Tudor era and King Henry VIII’s six wives, Olson combines seamless storytelling with a cast of characters for the history books. These wives pull no punches—but defiance has consequences, and not everyone will make it out alive. A Defiant Woman is a deadly delight.”

"Compulsively readable, Olson's new thriller is a clever and gripping retelling of one of history's most obsessively researched topics: Henry VIII and the fall of his six wives. With mystery and murder and finely-threaded nods to the recorded past, A Defiant Woman will compel thriller and historical fans alike. I dare you to read it one sitting!"

“A truly engaging contemporary take on the Tudor dynasty's irresistible story. It's not only a solid twisty mystery, but this sly tale of marital deceit. manipulation, and murder is witty and clever and completely entertaining. Standing ovation for this ingenious tour de force!”

"Karen E. Olson combines the breathless pacing of a modern thriller with the tangled legacies of Tudor women. A Defiant Woman is addictive, razor-sharp, and surprisingly moving."

“An unexpected and delightful surprise. Olson's modern take on the Tudor wives is refreshing and captivating.”

Praise for An Inconvenient Wife:

"The Tudor monarch mystery that I never knew I needed. As a fan of the Tudor era, this book had me hooked from the start. Yet regardless of the historical parallels, I also found myself engrossed by the unique and gripping narrative. An Inconvenient Wife beautifully weaves together the past and present, resulting in a thrilling must-read.”

"Karen E. Olson achieves something wholly original with An Inconvenient Wife, which is both a crime novel and an astute study in marital relations and power struggles. While it takes its inspiration from Henry VIII and his wives, a king (and killer) who lived more than five hundred years ago, the story is thoroughly modern.”

"It is the wives in this story who offer glimpses of interesting backgrounds and ranges of emotions that feel more and more relatable as multiple mysteries begin to unravel.”

"In this clever riff on the saga of Henry VIII, Olson introduces executive assistant Kate Parker, who’s just become billionaire Hank Tudor’s sixth wife. Olson’s intelligent plotting—in which she recasts Tudor dynastic maneuverings through the lens of 21st-century ultra-wealth—make this much more than a simple in-joke for history buffs. Those willing to go along for the ride will be happy they did.”

“A Succession-esque update of Henry VIII, An Inconvenient Wife is sharp, suspenseful and deviously clever. Block out some time for this one—you'll want to read it in one sitting!”