Jean Plaidy Reading Order
18 series Β· 190 books
Jean Plaidy is the historical fiction pen name of prolific English author Eleanor Alice Hibbert, who specialized in dramatized accounts of European royal figures and their courts. Writing across multiple genres under different identities, Plaidy focused specifically on fictionalized biography and sweeping historical narratives, publishing extensively from the 1940s through 1990s. Her most recognized works include detailed explorations of figures like Catherine de Medici and the Daughters of England series, alongside her acclaimed three-volume examination of the Spanish Inquisition, establishing her as a dominant voice in historical romance fiction.
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A Novel of the Stuarts Series
Complete1 book (1966β1966)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Sisters |
Anthologies Series
Complete1 book (1987β1987)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Gothic Treasure Trove |
Catherine De Medici Series
Complete3 books (1952β1958)
Jean Plaidy's Catherine de Medici trilogy spans three decades of French history through the life of one of Europe's most powerful and controversial queens. The complete series consists of three novels published between 1952 and 1958: Madame Serpent, The Italian Woman, and Queen Jezebel. These books should be read in publication order to follow the chronological progression of Catherine's influence from her arrival in France through her reign as queen mother. This historical fiction series blends Plaidy's signature narrative style with the tumultuous politics and intrigue of the Renaissance French court.
Start with Madame Serpent and read in order.
Start this series with Madame Serpent
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Madame Serpent |
| 2 | The Italian Woman / The Unholy Woman |
| 3 | Queen Jezebel |
Daughters Of England Series
Complete20 books (1972β1995)
The Daughters of England is a 20-book historical fiction series by Jean Plaidy published between 1972 and 1995. This complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Miracle at St. Bruno's and concluding with the final entry. Each novel explores the lives and loves of women connected through English history, spanning centuries of romance, intrigue, and personal drama set against historical backdrops.
Start with The Miracle at St. Bruno's, the first of 20 books in the Daughters Of England series.
Start this series with The Miracle at St. Bruno's
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Miracle at St. Bruno's |
| 2 | The Lion Triumphant |
| 3 | The Witch from the Sea |
| 4 | Saraband for Two Sisters |
| 5 | Lament for a Lost Lover |
| 6 | The Love Child |
| 7 | The Song of the Siren |
| 8 | Will You Love Me in September |
| 9 | The Adulteress |
| 10 | Knave of Hearts / Zipporah's Daughter |
| 11 | Voices in a Haunted Room |
| 12 | The Return of the Gypsy |
| 13 | Midsummer's Eve |
| 14 | The Pool of St. Branok |
| 15 | The Changeling |
| 16 | The Black Swan |
| 17 | A Time for Silence |
| 18 | The Gossamer Cord |
| 19 | We'll Meet Again |
| 20 | Daughters of England |
Famous Childhoods Series
Complete2 books (1961β1962)
Jean Plaidy's Famous Childhoods series consists of two historical non-fiction works published in 1961 and 1962 that examine the formative years of notable figures in English history. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Young Elizabeth followed by The Young Mary Queen of Scots. These biographical accounts blend historical detail with the author's characteristic narrative style, offering readers insight into the childhoods that shaped two of history's most influential monarchs.
Start with The Young Elizabeth and read in order.
Start this series with The Young Elizabeth
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Young Elizabeth |
| 2 | The Young Mary Queen of Scots |
French Revolution Series
Complete3 books (1957β1959)
Jean Plaidy's French Revolution trilogy spans the tumultuous years leading up to the French Revolution, published between 1957 and 1959. The three complete novelsβFlaunting, Extravagant Queen, Louis the Well Beloved, and The Road to Compiegneβshould be read in publication order to fully experience the historical narrative. Combining romance with meticulously researched historical fiction, these books explore the lives and intrigues of French royalty during a pivotal era in European history.
Start with Flaunting, Extravagant Queen and read in order.
Start this series with Flaunting, Extravagant Queen
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Flaunting, Extravagant Queen |
| 2 | Louis the Well Beloved |
| 3 | The Road to Compiegne |
Georgian Saga Series
Complete11 books (1967β1972)
The Georgian Saga is a complete historical fiction series comprising 11 books published between 1967 and 1972, following the lives of British royalty during the Georgian era. Jean Plaidy traces the interconnected stories of multiple generations of the royal family, from early 18th century through the Regency period, with each novel focusing on different members of the dynasty. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Queen in Waiting and concluding with Victoria in the Wings, as each book builds upon events and relationships established in previous installments.
Start with Queen in Waiting, the first of 11 books in the Georgian Saga series.
Start this series with Queen in Waiting
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Queen in Waiting |
| 2 | The Princess of Celle |
| 3 | Caroline, the Queen |
| 4 | The Prince and the Quakeress |
| 5 | Perdita's Prince |
| 6 | The Third George |
| 7 | Indiscretions of the Queen |
| 8 | Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill |
| 9 | Goddess of the Green Room |
| 10 | The Regent's Daughter |
| 11 | Victoria in the Wings |
Isabella & Ferdinand Series
Complete3 books (1960β1961)
Jean Plaidy's trilogy follows the lives of Isabella and Ferdinand across three complete volumes published between 1960 and 1961. Beginning with Castile for Isabella, the series should be read in publication order to trace the interconnected narrative spanning from Isabella's early years through the establishment of their joint rule. This historical fiction series combines romance and biographical elements to explore one of history's most influential royal partnerships during medieval Spain's transformative period.
Start with Castile for Isabella and read in order.
Start this series with Castile for Isabella
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Castile for Isabella |
| 2 | Spain for the Sovereigns |
| 3 | Daughters of Spain |
Lucrezia Borgia Series
Complete2 books (1958β1958)
This two-book historical fiction series by Jean Plaidy follows the life of the infamous Renaissance figure Lucrezia Borgia across two novels published in 1958. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Light on Lucrezia followed by Madonna of the Seven Hills. Plaidy blends romance and historical detail to explore one of history's most controversial women during the tumultuous Italian Renaissance.
Start with Light on Lucrezia(As:Jean Plaidy) and read in order.
Start this series with Light on Lucrezia(As:Jean Plaidy)
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Light on Lucrezia(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 2 | Madonna of the Seven Hills(As:Jean Plaidy) |
Mary Stuart, Queen Of Scots Series
Complete2 books (1955β1963)
Jean Plaidy's Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots series consists of two historical fiction novels published between 1955 and 1963, following the life of Scotland's controversial queen. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with The Royal Road to Fotheringhay and continuing with The Captive Queen of Scots, which chronicles her later years of imprisonment.
Start with The Royal Road to Fotheringhay / Mary, Queen of Scotland: The Triumphant Year and read in order.
Start this series with The Royal Road to Fotheringhay / Mary, Queen of Scotland: The Triumphant Year
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Royal Road to Fotheringhay / Mary, Queen of Scotland: The Triumphant Year |
| 2 | The Captive Queen of Scots |
Non-Fiction Series
Complete5 books (1958β1975)
Jean Plaidy's five-book non-fiction series spans from 1958 to 1975 and is now complete. The collection begins with A Triptych of Poisoners and moves through three volumes examining the Spanish Inquisition before concluding with Mary Queen of Scots: The Fair Devil of Scotland. These books should be read in publication order to experience Plaidy's historical exploration as intended.
Start with A Triptych of Poisoners(As:Jean Plaidy), the first of 5 books in the Non-Fiction series.
Start this series with A Triptych of Poisoners(As:Jean Plaidy)
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Triptych of Poisoners(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 2 | The Rise of the Spanish Inquisition(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 3 | The Growth of the Spanish Inquisition(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 4 | The End of the Spanish Inquisition(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 5 | Mary Queen of Scots: The Fair Devil of Scotland(As: Jean Plaidy) |
Norman Trilogy Series
Complete3 books (1974β1976)
Jean Plaidy's Norman Trilogy is a three-book historical fiction series consisting of The Bastard King, The Lion of Justice, and The Passionate Enemies, published between 1974 and 1976. The complete series should be read in publication order to follow the narrative arc across its three installments. This romantic historical fiction explores the Norman dynasty through interconnected stories spanning the late 11th and 12th centuries.
Start with The Bastard King and read in order.
Start this series with The Bastard King
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Bastard King |
| 2 | The Lion of Justice |
| 3 | The Passionate Enemies |
Plantagenet Saga Series
Complete14 books (1976β1982)
Jean Plaidy's Plantagenet Saga is a 14-book historical fiction series following the English royal house across nearly two centuries, published between 1976 and 1982. The complete series traces the dynasty from its origins through the Wars of the Roses, with each installment focusing on key monarchs and pivotal historical moments. Readers should follow the books in publication order, beginning with The Plantagenet Prelude and concluding with The Sun in Splendour, to experience the full chronological sweep of this royal dynasty's rise and conflicts.
Start with The Plantagenet Prelude, the first of 14 books in the Plantagenet Saga series.
Start this series with The Plantagenet Prelude
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Plantagenet Prelude |
| 2 | The Heart of the Lion |
| 3 | The Revolt of the Eaglets |
| 4 | The Battle of the Queens |
| 5 | The Prince of Darkness |
| 6 | Hammer of the Scots / Edward Longshanks |
| 7 | The Queen from Provence |
| 8 | The Follies of the King |
| 9 | The Vow on the Heron |
| 10 | Epitaph for Three Women |
| 11 | Passage to Pontefract |
| 12 | The Star of Lancaster |
| 13 | The Red Rose of Anjou |
| 14 | The Sun in Splendour |
Queen Victoria Series
Complete4 books (1972β1974)
Jean Plaidy's Queen Victoria series comprises four historical fiction novels published between 1972 and 1974, following the life of Britain's longest-reigning monarch from her youth through her widowhood. The complete series should be read in publication order: The Captive of Kensington Palace, The Queen and Lord M, The Queen's Husband, and The Widow of Windsor. Each book traces a different phase of Victoria's extraordinary life, from her sheltered upbringing to her reign and her years following Prince Albert's death.
Start with The Captive of Kensington Palace, the first of 4 books in the Queen Victoria series.
Start this series with The Captive of Kensington Palace
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Captive of Kensington Palace |
| 2 | The Queen and Lord M |
| 3 | The Queen's Husband |
| 4 | The Widow of Windsor |
Queens Of England Series
Complete11 books (1983β1993)
Jean Plaidy's Queens of England series consists of eleven historical fiction novels published between 1983 and 1993, each exploring the lives of English monarchs and their consorts from different periods. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Myself My Enemy. Plaidy blends romance and historical detail to dramatize the personal stories behind the crown, offering readers intimate portrayals of queens and their roles in shaping England's history.
Start with Myself My Enemy / Loyal in Love, the first of 11 books in the Queens Of England series.
Start this series with Myself My Enemy / Loyal in Love
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Myself My Enemy / Loyal in Love |
| 2 | Queen of This Realm |
| 3 | Victoria Victorious |
| 4 | The Lady in the Tower |
| 5 | The Courts of Love |
| 6 | In the Shadow of the Crown |
| 7 | The Queen's Secret |
| 8 | The Reluctant Queen |
| 9 | William's Wife / The Queen's Devotion |
| 10 | The Pleasures of Love / The Merry Monarch's Wife |
| 11 | The Rose Without a Thorn |
Standalone Novels Series
Complete86 books (1940β1993)
Jean Plaidy's standalone novels comprise 85 complete works of historical romance and fiction published between 1940 and 1993, with titles beginning with Daughter of Anna and extending through numerous entries written under various pseudonyms including Victoria Holt and Elbur Ford. Each novel functions independently and can be read on its own, though readers interested in experiencing Plaidy's full body of work should follow publication order to trace her evolving style across more than five decades. The series spans diverse historical periods and settings, showcasing the author's expertise in weaving romance through factual historical contexts.
Start with Daughter of Anna, the first of 85 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with Daughter of Anna
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Daughter of Anna |
| 2 | Passionate Witness |
| 3 | The Married Lover |
| 4 | When the Entire World is Young |
| 5 | So the Dreams Depart |
| 6 | Not in Our Stars |
| 7 | Together They Ride(As: Jean Plaidy) |
| 8 | Beyond the Blue Mountains(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 9 | Dear Chance |
| 10 | Alexa |
| 11 | The House at Cupid's Cross |
| 12 | Believe the Heart |
| 13 | Poison in Pimlico(As: Elbur Ford) |
| 14 | The Flesh and the Devil(As: Elbur Ford) |
| 15 | The Goldsmith's Wife / The King's Mistress(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 16 | Saint or Sinner? |
| 17 | Bright Tomorrow |
| 18 | Danse Macabre(As:Kathleen Kellow) |
| 19 | Daughter of Satan(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 20 | Dear Delusion |
| 21 | Rooms at Mrs. Oliver's(As:Kathleen Kellow) |
| 22 | The Bed Disturbed(As: Elbur Ford) |
| 23 | Evil in the House / Such Bitter Business(As: Elbur Ford) |
| 24 | Leave Me My Love |
| 25 | When We Are Married |
| 26 | Castles in Spain |
| 27 | Lilith(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 28 | It Began in Vauxhall Gardens(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 29 | Two Loves in Her Life |
| 30 | When Other Hearts |
| 31 | Begin to Live |
| 32 | Call of the Blood(As:Kathleen Kellow) |
| 33 | Defenders of the Faith(As: Ellalice Tate) |
| 34 | Married in Haste |
| 35 | Rochester(As:Kathleen Kellow) |
| 36 | The Scarlet Cloak(As: Ellalice Tate) |
| 37 | To Meet a Stranger |
| 38 | Blaze of Noon |
| 39 | The Queen of Diamonds(As: Ellalice Tate) |
| 40 | Madame Du Barry(As: Ellalice Tate) |
| 41 | Milady Charlotte(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 42 | Red Sky at Night |
| 43 | The Dawn Chorus |
| 44 | Mistress of Mellyn(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 45 | Night of Stars |
| 46 | The Brides of Lanlory(As: Anna Percival) |
| 47 | The World's a Stage(As:Kathleen Kellow) |
| 48 | Meg Roper(As: Jean Plaidy) |
| 49 | Now That April's Gone |
| 50 | This Was a Man / The King's Adventurer(As: Ellalice Tate) |
| 51 | Katharine of Aragon(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 52 | Kirkland Revels(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 53 | Who's Calling? |
| 54 | Bride of Pendorric(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 55 | The Legend of the Seventh Virgin(As:Victoria Holt) |
| 56 | Evergreen Gallant(As: Jean Plaidy) |
| 57 | Menfreya in the Morning(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 58 | The King of the Castle(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 59 | The Queen's Confession(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 60 | The Shivering Sands(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 61 | The Secret Woman(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 62 | The Shadow of the Lynx(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 63 | On the Night of the Seventh Moon(As: Victoria Holt, With: Jean Plaidy,James Ramsey Ullman) |
| 64 | The Curse of the Kings(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 65 | The House of a Thousand Lanterns(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 66 | Lord of the Far Island(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 67 | Mary Queen of Scots: The Fair Devil of Scotland(As: Jean Plaidy) |
| 68 | The Pride of the Peacock(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 69 | The Devil on Horseback(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 70 | My Enemy, the Queen(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 71 | The Spring of the Tiger(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 72 | The Mask of the Enchantress(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 73 | The Judas Kiss(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 74 | The Demon Lover(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 75 | The Time of the Hunter's Moon(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 76 | The Landower Legacy(As:Victoria Holt) |
| 77 | Story of Elizabeth I(As:Jean Plaidy) |
| 78 | The Road to Paradise Island(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 79 | Secret for a Nightingale(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 80 | The Silk Vendetta(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 81 | The Captive(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 82 | The India Fan(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 83 | Snare of Serpents(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 84 | Daughter of Deceit(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 85 | Seven for a Secret(As: Victoria Holt) |
| 86 | The Black Opal(As: Victoria Holt) |
Stuart Saga Series
Complete8 books (1956β1972)
Jean Plaidy's Stuart Saga is a seven-book historical fiction series published between 1956 and 1966, following the lives and reign of the Stuart dynasty in England. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with A Health Unto His Majesty. Each novel explores the political intrigue, personal relationships, and historical events that shaped this turbulent period of English history. This finished series combines romance and historical detail to bring the Stuart era to life through interconnected narratives.
Start with A Health Unto His Majesty, the first of 7 books in the Stuart Saga series.
Start this series with A Health Unto His Majesty
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Health Unto His Majesty |
| 2 | The Wandering Prince |
| 3 | Here Lies Our Sovereign Lord |
| 4 | The Murder in the Tower |
| 5 | The Three Crowns |
| 6 | The Haunted Sisters / Royal Sisters |
| 7 | The Queen's Favourites / Courting Her Highness |
| 8 | The Loves of Charles II |
Tudor Saga Series
Complete11 books (1949β1982)
Jean Plaidy's Tudor Saga is a complete historical fiction series comprising eleven novels published between 1949 and 1982, following the lives and intrigues of the Tudor dynasty. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Murder Most Royal, to experience the narrative arc spanning generations of English royalty. This series blends romance and historical detail to chronicle the reigns and personal stories of Tudor monarchs and the figures connected to them.
Start with Murder Most Royal / King's Pleasure, the first of 11 books in the Tudor Saga series.
Start this series with Murder Most Royal / King's Pleasure
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Murder Most Royal / King's Pleasure |
| 2 | The Sixth Wife |
| 3 | Saint Thomas' Eve / The King's Confidante |
| 4 | The Spanish Bridegroom / For a Queen's Love |
| 5 | Gay Lord Robert / Lord Robert / A Favorite of the Queen |
| 6 | Katharine, the Virgin Widow |
| 7 | The King's Secret Matter |
| 8 | The Shadow of the Pomegranate |
| 9 | The Thistle and the Rose |
| 10 | Mary, Queen of France |
| 11 | Uneasy Lies the Head / To Hold the Crown |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Jean Plaidy written?
- Jean Plaidy has written 190 books across 18 series. Their published works span from 1940 to 1995.
- What is the first book in each Jean Plaidy series?
- Here are the first books in Jean Plaidy's series: Catherine De Medici: Madame Serpent; Daughters Of England: The Miracle at St. Bruno's; Famous Childhoods: The Young Elizabeth; French Revolution: Flaunting, Extravagant Queen; Georgian Saga: Queen in Waiting.
- What order should I read Jean Plaidy's books?
- We recommend reading Jean Plaidy's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are Jean Plaidy's series complete?
- Jean Plaidy has 18 completed series.

