A Stake in the Kingdom — Nigel Tranter

Seventh son of the penurious Laird of Balfour, the fiercely ambitious
David Beaton was determined to rise in the world - by whatever means
available. Never one to be burdened by scruples, he cynically used the
Church for his own ends to become one of the most able statesmen of his
century and the real ruler of James V's Scotland.

An astute, courageous man, an accomplished fighter, fond of women, it
was inevitable that Cardinal David Beaton would make many enemies. And
that one day one of those embittered men would wreak a terrible revenge.

The compelling 16th century story of the rise and fall of David Beaton -
the Cardinal who was no saint. Set against the background of war and
Reformation, this is a thrilling story from Nigel Tranter, master of
Scottish History.