I have at least 100 different books about the Romanovs in my personal library, and I have to say that this is the bottom of the barrel. The writing is trite, the research is flawed, and there are so many inaccuracies that I question this book being called non-fiction. There were so many things Sullivan could have developed in greater depth--especially the relationship between Victoria and her sister. Of course, Ducky was such a shallow individual that I imagine it must have been difficult to write a biography about her. Past reviewers seemed to either love or hate this book. I suspect that the raves came from Sullivan's friends. Any historian familiar with Romanov history will identify this book for what it is--a very flawed attempt to make a minor character in Russian/German/English history into a major one.

This is the biggest lot of historical nonsense. Sullivan has an
irritating style and a gushing attitude towards his subject
(either he's related to Ducky or madly in love with her). He
cannot get over how impossibly wonderful, gorgeous, perfect, etc
he thinks she was. This is a totally inappropriate stance for a
historian towards a subject. He also trashes everyone Ducky knew
to make her look better. Sullivan's treatment of the murdered
Empress Alexandra is particularly cruel and unnecessary. Bottom
line: Ducky was an overrated, frumpy, greedy historical footnote.
Cyril wanted to be Emperor, so why didn't he start by executing
traitors like himself and his wife? Their behavior was inexcusable, even during a revolution. This book is inexcusable
as a history or as a biography. Don't waste your time or money.

After seeing this book in the bookstore and reading the (mostly) positive reviews on Amazon, I asked for this book for Xmas. I have read many books relating to this period of Russian history and have an avid fascination for Queen Victoria and her interrelated descendents. Unhappily, A 'FATAL PASSION'failed to excite any 'passion' in me while I was reading it! While my feelings are not as severe as the Los Altos reader, I tend to agree with much of what the Vancouver reader has to say. I did not care for the style of the book and felt as if I hadsuddenly found myself reading an overly long article from People magazine! Ducky was breathlessly referred to as a beautifull woman (hardly, in fact, Czarina Alaxandra was probably Victoria's most handsome granddaughters!)Victoria's aunt, the Duchess of Meckenburg-Strelitz was referred to as "crusty" every time she appeared.I came away with the feeling of having no idea how Ducky truly lived..her routine, her interests, her feelings for her children etc. I guess that James Pope-Hennesey's 'QUEEN MARY' has spoiled me... it is a beautifully crafted book which is full of royal insight and history. I found myself reading chapters of Massie's "Nicholas and Alexandra", to give myself a clearer view of what was happening in Russia! I found one blatant error in the book. Sullivan tells us that the Queen Mother was bridesmaid at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Kent(1934) Actually, it was Elizabeth II.I have a picture of it in Christopher Warwicks "200 years of Royal Weddings"!