Redheaded Jill

This is a short listen (or read) depending on your preference. It only took a couple hours. Spoilers ahead.

A young noblewoman being raised by her Uncle and Aunt is accused of murder and sentenced to death by beheading the following day (after a sham trial). The executioner is her best friend who also happens to be in love with her. The job of executioner is a secretive one, and nobody knows who they are because they wear a hood and mask.

The young man rescues his love and steals her away to her mother’s cousin, the Queen. After some mishaps they make it to the castle and are welcomed by the King and Queen. It turns out the girl was treated like a servant after her mother’s sister died and her uncle remarried. They were plotting to steal her inheritance. After one too many dalliances, Edith (her aunt) killed her husband and blamed the young heroine.

Upon hearing of his bravery the king knights the executioner so he can be of a higher station and marry the young woman. They hold a real trial, with witnesses, who prove that Edith is the murderer. The Queen invites the young couple to remain at the castle and get married. They agree. Everyone is happy. It ended as part one, so I think there are two more parts (thus explaining why this one is so short). The executioner has a twin brother who also acts as executioner sometimes. It is a family tradition.

This story wasn’t the best. I liked it, but I think the narrator bugged me more than anything. It’s hard to hear a woman read by a man. I’m not sorry I listened, but I will likely forget it and never look for it again.

2/5 stars.