The Midnight Queen

by May Agnes Fleming

"The Midnight Queen" by May Agnes Fleming is a historical novel set during the late 17th century. The story unfolds in the plague-stricken city of London, where Death reigns amidst chaos and debauchery. The narrative follows Sir Norman Kingsley, who becomes entangled in the mysteries surrounding a masked sorceress, La Masque, and a beautiful young woman named Leoline, whom he encounters in extraordinary circumstances of life and death. The opening of the novel plunges the reader into a grim London ravaged by plague, where streets are lined with the dead and fear pervades the air. It introduces Sir Norman Kingsley, a courtly figure amidst the turmoil, who seeks out Ormiston, his gloomy friend, with whom he discusses the fierce allure of La Masque, a woman enigmatic to both. As they make their way through the tumultuous city, they stumble upon intriguing events involving a dead bride, who later reveals ties to Leoline, and ignites a passionate quest filled with danger and destiny. As the chapters unfold, Sir Norman's fascination with Leoline deepens, leading him down a dark and mysterious path intertwined with love, intrigue, and the supernatural.