The Queen’s Musician

Title Synopsis: A glamorous queen, a volatile king, a gifted musician concealing a forbidden romance. Everyone knows Anne Boleyn’s story. No one knows Mark Smeaton’s. On May 17, 1536, a young court musician was executed, accused of adultery and treason with the queen. Most historians believe both he and Anne Boleyn were innocent—victims of Henry VIII’s rage. Mark Smeaton was a talented performer who rose from poverty to become a royal favorite. He played for the king in private and entertained at sumptuous feasts. He witnessed Anne Boleyn’s astonishing rise and fall—her reign of a thousand days. History tells us little about him, other than noting his confession and execution. The Queen’s Musician imagines his story, as seen from his perspective and that of the young woman who loves him. It all takes place amid the spectacle and danger of the Tudor court. About the Author: Martha Jean Johnson writes both fiction and non-fiction. She published her debut novel, The Queen’s Musician, in May 2025. Kirkus Reviews praised this fictional biography of Tudor musician Mark Smeaton as “original and worthwhile.” Open Letters Review noted its “superb writing and soulful characterization.” In 2026, The Historical Traveler selected The Queen’s Musician as one of its “Hot 25” historical novels. Johnson also regularly comments on her favorite reads and the writing life in Historical Magic on Substack. During a long public policy career, Johnson analyzed and reported on the public’s perspective, working with noted social analyst and public opinion pioneer, Daniel Yankelovich. She has published articles on American public opinion and public policy in USA Today and The Huffington Post and appeared on Bill Moyers’ Journal, CNN, and MSNBC. She is also the author of three books with Scott Bittle—all from HarperCollins: Where Does the Money Go?; Who Turned Out the Lights?;and Where Did the Jobs Go? She lives in Jersey City, NJ and holds degrees from Mount Holyoke College, Brown University, and Simmons College. Author: Martha Jean Johnson Narrator: Thomas Judd, Henrietta Meire Publisher: SparkPress Copyright: 2025 Martha Jean Johnson Audiobook Release Date: 2025-05-17 Original Book Release Date: 2025-05-27 Running Time: 09:49:35 Track Count: 54 Audiobook ISBN: 9781971980133

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