'This is an acute, scrupulous, and at times disturbing analysis of the Overbury affair.' - Charles Nicholl, Times Literary Supplement'His interdisciplinary approach, the new questions he has asked of family sources, and his recovery of neglected ones combine to make The Trials of Frances Howard the most stimulating and scholarly study yet published in the Overbury scandal.' - Alastair Bellany, The Huntingdon Library Quarterly'By laying out for us the comment on one extraordinary woman [Lindley] sheds brilliant light how all women were perceived in early modern England.' - Diarmaid MacCulloch, New Statesman'A spendid piece of cultural history, subtle, scholarly and very well written.' - The Observer

• Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 The first trial: An arranged marriage; Chapter 3 Interlude: Filling in the blanks; Chapter 4 The second trial: Seeking an annulment; Chapter 5 Interlude: Celebration; Chapter 6 The third trial: Murder;