Keeper of the King's Secrets (30 page)

8. From the Comte to Cardinal Wolsey to Norfolk, there are many antagonists in
Keeper of the King’s Secrets
. Who do you think is the most conniving? The most sympathetic? Explain.

9. At the end of the story, Parker returns the Mirror of Naples to King Henry VIII, earning him a promotion and the King’s favor. Do you predict Parker’s promotion to Yeoman of the King’s Robes will help ease tensions among his fellow courtiers, or cause him more troubles?

10. The Comte and Jean would argue that, although the Mirror of Naples was ultimately returned to King Henry VIII, it truly belongs to the French. Do you
agree? Were the Comte and Jean justified in wanting to take it back from England?

11. Readers are introduced to the deadly assassin in chapter three, but his identity remains a mystery for the majority of the story. Whom did you suspect the assassin was working for? Were you surprised to learn his identity and that the Comte employed him?

12. In an effort to placate King Henry VIII, Cardinal Wolsey publicly cedes ownership of Hampton Court to the King. Do you think this will make up for Wolsey’s wrongdoings, or is he, as Parker predicts, a “dead man walking”? (p. 278)

1. Follow author Michelle Diener online. Visit her website:
www.michellediener.com
, “like” her Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Diener/196593580366013
, and follow her on Twitter @michellediener.

2. Read the first book in the John Parker and Susanna Horenbout series,
In a Treacherous Court.
Perhaps select it as next month’s book club read, or make it a reading challenge for your members.

3. Create warring factions within your book club. Divide the group into France versus England, Parker versus Cardinal Wolsey, Susanna versus Jean the assassin, or some other combination, and spend part of your discussion debating over which side’s actions were justified.

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