Tudor by Leanda de Lisle (nonfiction 2013)

This book kept me reading despite my familiarity with the topic.  Fresh analysis, a well-planned narrative, and just enough new ways of putting old things together.

The King's Grave by Phillipa Langley and Michael Jones (nonfiction)

Part a narrative of the amazing real-life archaelogical find, part an analysis of Richard III's life and characters, this was a fast and fascinating read.  I'd give it five stars if it wasn't for the unwelcome repetition of personal feelings about the subject.

Blood and Beauty by Sarah Dunant (historical fiction)

Since I recently read The Borgias, the enlightening analysis by Meyer, I can't get behind this thing.  The author seems to have gone out of her way to choose some of the craziest rumors about the family, so her attempt at a psychological portrait of Lucrezia in particular rang hollow to me.

Cassandra by Kerry Greenwood (fiction)

I read and loved the first book in this series, Medea, and this one is just a tiny bit less good.  It has a few moments when it gets silly or maudlin.  Maybe the Trojan War has been done to death, but I would still recommend it overall.