A Defiant Woman

A Modern Tudor Mystery

Karen E. Olson

Kate Tudor’s marriage to billionaire Hank Tudor continues to fray when his ex-wife resurfaces in the wake of their daughter’s kidnapping, in the latest novel in this genre-defying crime series.

Eight years ago, Nan Tudor escaped her husband, billionaire businessman Hank Tudor, afraid for her life and leaving a dead body behind—but in doing so, she abandoned her three-year-old daughter, Lizzie. Still wracked with guilt for that decision, she is living a quiet life as a restaurant cook in France with her son when she receives a mysterious text: “We have your daughter.”

Lured back to the scene of the crime on Martha’s Vineyard by a threat against Lizzie’s life, Nan believes the kidnapper is exacting revenge against her, stopping at nothing to do so—and discovers that she and her daughter may not be the only targets. Kate Parker—Hank’s sixth and latest wife—is also on the island and drawn into the kidnapper’s elaborate web of retaliation.

Keeping their alliance secret from Hank, Hank’s fixer Thomas Cromwell, investigator Steve Gardiner, and reporter Tom Seymour, the two women find themselves in a race against time to rescue Lizzie—and to make sure they both stay alive.

Karen E. Olson is the winner of the Sara Ann Freed Memorial Award and a Shamus Award finalist. She is the author of the Annie Seymour mysteries, the Tattoo Shop mysteries, and the Black Hat thrillers. Karen was a longtime editor, both in newspapers and at Yale University Press. She lives in New Haven, Connecticut.

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Endorsements & Reviews

Early praise for A Defiant Woman:

"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.” Sarah Strohmeyer, author of A Mother Always Knows and Do I Know You?

"Sharp, sophisticated, utterly superb. Olson’s clever Tudor series will keep you turning the pages long into the night." J. T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of A Very Bad Thing

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.” Criminal Element

"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.” Mystery Scene

"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.” Booklist

"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.” Publishers Weekly

“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!” Alison Gaylin, Edgar Award-winning author of The Collective

“Twisty, sly, and utterly unique, An Inconvenient Wife is a sinfully entertaining, one-sitting read. Don’t miss it!” Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author of Find Me

“An entertaining modern take on Henry VIII’s six wives. A complete page-turner!” Naomi Hirahara, Mary Higgins Clark award winning author of Clark and Division

"Step aside Gone Girl, An Inconvenient Wife is the new sheriff in town. Everything old is new again. Olson not only proves it; she improves it.” Reed Farrel Coleman, New York Times bestselling author of Sleepless City