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Nicholas Bracewell #2
The Merry Devils
Bookholder Nicholas Bracewell, fresh from his triumph holding together his volatile players' company during a treasonous plot against Queen Elizabeth, is set to make the galleries of The Queen's Head ring with laughter with a new comedy, The Merry Devils. The lugubrious landlord is sure mischief will result. Nicholas sees only a harmless comedy that will not summon up real devils, but two actors adept at tumbling. How then, during the crucial scene, do three devils appear on stage, one looking disturbingly real? And what of the deviltry that follow? One imp, in fact, soon lies dead beneath the stage...The author's knowledge of Elizabethan statecraft and his deep affection for the period show in every word.
319 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1989
24 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Edward Marston
227 books467 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 16, 2024
Set in Elizabethan England this is a story about a touring stage company. Nicholas Bracewell is the overseer or book man of the company.
An ‘Elizabethan Mystery’ it is. A quick read with some nice plot twists. I have to say I enjoy this period of history. And with 2 books of the Wolf Hall trilogy and Antonia Frasers biography of Cromwell to read I think I have 2025 sewn up.
Of course I have come into the Authors work at book 2 but will look out for more.
An ‘Elizabethan Mystery’ it is. A quick read with some nice plot twists. I have to say I enjoy this period of history. And with 2 books of the Wolf Hall trilogy and Antonia Frasers biography of Cromwell to read I think I have 2025 sewn up.
Of course I have come into the Authors work at book 2 but will look out for more.
May 31, 2010
First Sentence: London was the capital city of noise, a vibrant, volatile place, surging with life and clamorous with purpose.
Lord Westfield’s Men, an Elizabethan acting company, is presenting a new play, “The Merry Devils.” Contrary to the stage direction of book-holder, Nicholas Bracewell, a third “devil” appears when the scene only calls for two. Upon the second presentation, Bracewell decides to have there be three devils, but only two appear. The third is found dead under the stage. Threats increase and Nicholas must find who is behind it before anyone else dies.
Marston is one of the best at crafting time and place. He takes us from the workings of the theater, to the streets, to the properties of nobles to Bethlehem Hospital, otherwise known as Bedlam.
This was a time when Christianity and superstition were intertwined and strict Puritanism was on the rise. The cadence and syntax of the dialogue reflect the period while delightful metaphors and humor exemplify the characters.
The cast of characters is interesting and appealing. Marston has provided enough of Bracewell’s background to bring him to life but has, intentionally to us and the other characters, left much in the shade. The members of the company reflect the egos, insecurities and conflicts one would expect without be stereotypes. All the characters have dimension and substance.
I did appreciate the character of Dr. John Mordrake, based on Dr. John Dee, mathematician, scientist, occultist and consultant to Queen Elizabeth I. He seems to be the subject of numerous books these days.
Although there was a very good, twisty plot and a dramatic ending, it did feel overly contrived. However, that did not diminish my enjoyment or my anticipation of Marston’s next Elizabethan Theater book.
THE MERRY DEVILS (Hist Mys-Nicholas Bracewell-England-Elizabethan) - G+
Marston, Edward – 2nd in series
St. Martin’s Press, ©1989, US Hardcover – ISBN: 0312038631
Lord Westfield’s Men, an Elizabethan acting company, is presenting a new play, “The Merry Devils.” Contrary to the stage direction of book-holder, Nicholas Bracewell, a third “devil” appears when the scene only calls for two. Upon the second presentation, Bracewell decides to have there be three devils, but only two appear. The third is found dead under the stage. Threats increase and Nicholas must find who is behind it before anyone else dies.
Marston is one of the best at crafting time and place. He takes us from the workings of the theater, to the streets, to the properties of nobles to Bethlehem Hospital, otherwise known as Bedlam.
This was a time when Christianity and superstition were intertwined and strict Puritanism was on the rise. The cadence and syntax of the dialogue reflect the period while delightful metaphors and humor exemplify the characters.
The cast of characters is interesting and appealing. Marston has provided enough of Bracewell’s background to bring him to life but has, intentionally to us and the other characters, left much in the shade. The members of the company reflect the egos, insecurities and conflicts one would expect without be stereotypes. All the characters have dimension and substance.
I did appreciate the character of Dr. John Mordrake, based on Dr. John Dee, mathematician, scientist, occultist and consultant to Queen Elizabeth I. He seems to be the subject of numerous books these days.
Although there was a very good, twisty plot and a dramatic ending, it did feel overly contrived. However, that did not diminish my enjoyment or my anticipation of Marston’s next Elizabethan Theater book.
THE MERRY DEVILS (Hist Mys-Nicholas Bracewell-England-Elizabethan) - G+
Marston, Edward – 2nd in series
St. Martin’s Press, ©1989, US Hardcover – ISBN: 0312038631
January 6, 2024
I will literally die if I do not get another one of his novels in my hands this very second.
I fell in love.
New fav series.
On a more serious note:
As always the way Edrawrd Marston writes characters, settings, and action is amazing. I love each and every chapter and could swallow these books whole if my body were to allow it. The character of Edmund Hoode lives in my head rent free. I love him. I adore him. I'd kill for him. I'd die for him.
I love my new obsession with these mystery novels.
I love the way the final chapter is always so witty and quick to resolve almost every question and plot point Merston created throughout the novel.
Why 4 starts and not 5?
I think I will one day read one of his novels of this series that'll stand above the rest and it'll be granted that honour.
Until now I am playing it safe.
I fell in love.
New fav series.
On a more serious note:
As always the way Edrawrd Marston writes characters, settings, and action is amazing. I love each and every chapter and could swallow these books whole if my body were to allow it. The character of Edmund Hoode lives in my head rent free. I love him. I adore him. I'd kill for him. I'd die for him.
I love my new obsession with these mystery novels.
I love the way the final chapter is always so witty and quick to resolve almost every question and plot point Merston created throughout the novel.
Why 4 starts and not 5?
I think I will one day read one of his novels of this series that'll stand above the rest and it'll be granted that honour.
Until now I am playing it safe.
May 25, 2024
An enjoyable mystery set in Elizabethan theatre land. The story is complex enough to keep you engaged as you want to know what links all the characters to the Merry Devils play.
In my head, the story had elements of "Upstart Crow" without the comedy, but this just added to my enjoyment of the brisk text.
In my head, the story had elements of "Upstart Crow" without the comedy, but this just added to my enjoyment of the brisk text.
February 25, 2021
This was a lot of fun, sort of 30's style screwball comedy juxtaposed with an historical mystery. Marston manages multiple plots, a convincing early modern milieu, and an ensemble that becomes more and more captivating as I move through this series. I think I'll take up the next volume and read.
February 24, 2022
2nd book in the Elizabethan drama series. Great easy read
April 7, 2025
I’m really enjoying revisiting this series – I’ve forgotten how much I always enjoy as it’s been a while since I’ve read it. I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first one; much as I enjoyed studying witchcraft at university, I find it difficult sometimes in fiction. Maybe it’s 21st century sensibilities but I find I really have to suspend disbelief.
It’s a quick and easy read but with some great plot twists throughout, as the company, and particularly Nicholas Bracewell, trying to figure out why someone seems to be targeting the company, and it is not the person you suspect! I remember the first time I read it, the culprit came as a complete surprise, even though I’d figured out some other things.
Marston’s description of the time and place is great, bringing you into London with sights and smells, but without it being laborious, which I sometimes find with historical fiction, there is too much description, and it takes away from the story, but not here. It’s well balanced with description, characterisation, and storyline, which keeps the story moving at an ideal pace.
Honestly, this series is very fun, with a good dose of mystery, danger, and tension. This book covers a lot of the suspicions of the Elizabethan age in terms of witchcraft and death and brings in the Puritans and the disputes over the theatre and whether it corrupts. The has a wide reach but doesn’t get bogged down in detail, maintaining a good pace so that it always feels like something else is about to happen.
It’s a quick and easy read but with some great plot twists throughout, as the company, and particularly Nicholas Bracewell, trying to figure out why someone seems to be targeting the company, and it is not the person you suspect! I remember the first time I read it, the culprit came as a complete surprise, even though I’d figured out some other things.
Marston’s description of the time and place is great, bringing you into London with sights and smells, but without it being laborious, which I sometimes find with historical fiction, there is too much description, and it takes away from the story, but not here. It’s well balanced with description, characterisation, and storyline, which keeps the story moving at an ideal pace.
Honestly, this series is very fun, with a good dose of mystery, danger, and tension. This book covers a lot of the suspicions of the Elizabethan age in terms of witchcraft and death and brings in the Puritans and the disputes over the theatre and whether it corrupts. The has a wide reach but doesn’t get bogged down in detail, maintaining a good pace so that it always feels like something else is about to happen.
August 16, 2018
Nicholas Bracewell puts on a performance of 'The Merry Devils' by Lord Westfield's Players but while the audience are enjoying an amusing production, a third imp, rather than the two that were expected, appears on the stage. It is a horrifying moment but the leading actor covers it up for the audience so that they are unaware that anything has gone wrong.
However, there are unsettling after effects of the action and at a later production only one devil appears ... the other lying dead beneath the stage. And so it goes on, as Bracewell tries to discover who is behind the actions that threaten to ruin his productions and possibly disband his players.
It is felt that it is another performing company that is behind the actions and when he investigates he finds himself arrested and imprisoned. Dangers abound and there is even a visit to Bedlam, the London madhouse, before Bracewell, with help from firends and members of the cast, sorts things out.
The Elizabethan theatre atmosphere is captured very well but the storyline leaves me a little confused so although I am a fan of Edward Marston, this one does not quite do it for me.
However, there are unsettling after effects of the action and at a later production only one devil appears ... the other lying dead beneath the stage. And so it goes on, as Bracewell tries to discover who is behind the actions that threaten to ruin his productions and possibly disband his players.
It is felt that it is another performing company that is behind the actions and when he investigates he finds himself arrested and imprisoned. Dangers abound and there is even a visit to Bedlam, the London madhouse, before Bracewell, with help from firends and members of the cast, sorts things out.
The Elizabethan theatre atmosphere is captured very well but the storyline leaves me a little confused so although I am a fan of Edward Marston, this one does not quite do it for me.
October 9, 2012
This is the second in the series. I liked the overall mystery; it wasn't obvious who was causing such havoc in the company's productions. As before, Marston does a good job of evoking the time period and sharing details. However, I think Nicholas Bracewell could use some fleshing out. There are only hints, the biggest of which are that he is secretive, which isn't that helpful.
There was also a very puzzling plot twist, when Ralph Willoughby immolates himself at the end. It made no sense, and there wasn't that big a reaction from the audience. I'll read the next in the series, and perhaps check out other of his series.
There was also a very puzzling plot twist, when Ralph Willoughby immolates himself at the end. It made no sense, and there wasn't that big a reaction from the audience. I'll read the next in the series, and perhaps check out other of his series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2024
I was a bit confused by this book as there wasn’t a murder involved and didn’t seem to be so much a whodunnit, more a why did they do they thing we will vaguely explain. It wasn’t bad, as ever from this author it was well written, and compelling in its own way. It was just not at all what I expected. Also my least favourite character in this series is still present and still a paedophile. I know times were different but no one spoke out against him? It’s boys as well so you’d think they would have more of a problem with that back then… maybe he’ll get his comeuppance in a future book, hopefully.
I will continue with this series and onwards we go.
I will continue with this series and onwards we go.
January 1, 2016
Another great read
September 30, 2014
Interesting and likable protagonist, good setting, weak writing.
July 24, 2021
"But we survived... The devil came and went but we live to boast of our ordeal."
This time, I definitely give the book a solid three stars, unlike the last book where I was wavering more on two. This book feels much more settled, the introduction was so much better and the plot was stronger and less random tangents that lead to nothing (well, apart from the characters Isaac and Ralph who, to be honest, were just another Roger- poor and unfortunate characters that really had no need to be written). I really enjoyed the chaos of theatre wrapped up in devils, witchcraft, temptation and superstitions- a good mix of exciting topics and events. The female characters improved as well (thank God!!!), Isobel and Grace were much more likeable than the female in the first book and I really enjoyed their presence whereas before I rolled my eyes and cringed. I definitely enjoyed Isobel exulting revenge on her father and turning the tables so she held power over him, that was satisfying. The unravelling of the plot was good, but just like the last book it all fell through very quickly in the last 50 pages, I just wish it was spread out a bit better? So much happened at the end but the pacing kept it exciting so I can't really complain for it being brushed up so quickly. Francis got what he deserved, I don't care if it was violent, he's a rich, spoilt, stuck up asshole. Good riddance. David almost played a hero's role, bless him, I'm glad he got a happy ending. I've also grown to like Lawrence Firethorn and Nicholas's characters more.
This time, I definitely give the book a solid three stars, unlike the last book where I was wavering more on two. This book feels much more settled, the introduction was so much better and the plot was stronger and less random tangents that lead to nothing (well, apart from the characters Isaac and Ralph who, to be honest, were just another Roger- poor and unfortunate characters that really had no need to be written). I really enjoyed the chaos of theatre wrapped up in devils, witchcraft, temptation and superstitions- a good mix of exciting topics and events. The female characters improved as well (thank God!!!), Isobel and Grace were much more likeable than the female in the first book and I really enjoyed their presence whereas before I rolled my eyes and cringed. I definitely enjoyed Isobel exulting revenge on her father and turning the tables so she held power over him, that was satisfying. The unravelling of the plot was good, but just like the last book it all fell through very quickly in the last 50 pages, I just wish it was spread out a bit better? So much happened at the end but the pacing kept it exciting so I can't really complain for it being brushed up so quickly. Francis got what he deserved, I don't care if it was violent, he's a rich, spoilt, stuck up asshole. Good riddance. David almost played a hero's role, bless him, I'm glad he got a happy ending. I've also grown to like Lawrence Firethorn and Nicholas's characters more.
November 5, 2025
I'm beginning to get used to these theatrical characters and love the insights into the running and staging of plays in the 16th century. I'm now two books in, and as I have book three on my shelf it won't be too long before I meet those characters again.
Why 4, not 5 stars?
•There were, as far as I could see, two characters who needed their situations to be resolved, unless I've missed that part.
Isobel Drewry: last speaks in the hut in the grounds/forest when Grace reveals the truth about David. Where did Isobel go? They surely didn't leave her in the hut?!
•We left Kirk still as a member of staff at the asylum. Not a great ending for someone who so obviously wasn't fitted for the job as it was described.
...obviously, both may appear in later books, we'll see, but Isobel in particular has apparently been abandoned.
•What actually happened to Nicholas? I was not very certain. Surely, it wasn't self-immolation in front of so many people. A real person would still scream, and it would be a horrid ending to a series that usually only goes as far as to depict as little as necessary of the seamier and darker side of that era, and without being overly gruesome. Also, Nicholas told Nell he would stay a week, but what was all that about? Why, if he then went to the Hall intending to commit public suicide?
Why 4, not 5 stars?
•There were, as far as I could see, two characters who needed their situations to be resolved, unless I've missed that part.
Isobel Drewry: last speaks in the hut in the grounds/forest when Grace reveals the truth about David. Where did Isobel go? They surely didn't leave her in the hut?!
•We left Kirk still as a member of staff at the asylum. Not a great ending for someone who so obviously wasn't fitted for the job as it was described.
...obviously, both may appear in later books, we'll see, but Isobel in particular has apparently been abandoned.
•What actually happened to Nicholas? I was not very certain. Surely, it wasn't self-immolation in front of so many people. A real person would still scream, and it would be a horrid ending to a series that usually only goes as far as to depict as little as necessary of the seamier and darker side of that era, and without being overly gruesome. Also, Nicholas told Nell he would stay a week, but what was all that about? Why, if he then went to the Hall intending to commit public suicide?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2018
I love Edward Marston's books, whether they're the Railway Detective, Nicholas Bracewell, or about the military officer, Captain Daniel Rawson.
The Merry Devils is one of many plays performed by Lord Westfield's Men at several venues in London and in the country houses of prominent citizens.
There are only supposed to be two devils, but a mysterious third one appears in the first performance and Nicholas Bracewell, the bookman of the Company, investigates (at great personal jeopardy) the mystery. He eventually discovers the truth and forces the evil doers to face the music.
Edward Marston's story telling is lively and moves at a good pace. There are usually some surprises along the way, which, for me, all add to the intrigues of the narrative.
The Merry Devils is one of many plays performed by Lord Westfield's Men at several venues in London and in the country houses of prominent citizens.
There are only supposed to be two devils, but a mysterious third one appears in the first performance and Nicholas Bracewell, the bookman of the Company, investigates (at great personal jeopardy) the mystery. He eventually discovers the truth and forces the evil doers to face the music.
Edward Marston's story telling is lively and moves at a good pace. There are usually some surprises along the way, which, for me, all add to the intrigues of the narrative.
October 29, 2017
An excellent series, well researched so it takes you into Elizabethan England and the heady world of theatre. Amusing, entertaining, and gripping, I enjoyed it immensely. The characters are fun, and Nick Bracewell is the ideal bookholder for the company. The book explores the difficulties facing theatre companies at this time, as well as the treatment of those with mental illness.
It isn't essential to read this series in order, each story stands well by itself. I shall certainly be looking for more!
It isn't essential to read this series in order, each story stands well by itself. I shall certainly be looking for more!
February 1, 2019
First published in 1989, 'The Merry Devils' is the 2nd in the series of mysteries set against the background of a theatre company in Elizabethan London. The book title is that of a contentious play being staged by the company, and drives the various plots and sub-plots. The plot and connected sub-plots ae daft as a brush, but fun when combined with the eccentric characters that make up the regulars in this series.
October 11, 2022
After reading the first two books of this series, I find much to recommend them. The characters are colorful and fun to spend time with. London is as much a character as any of the people. The behind-the-scene information about how plays are staged is as interesting as the mystery.
There are a lot of sub-plots which can be overwhelming, but in the end it all works out. It’s a fun, historical mystery that kept me entertained throughout.
There are a lot of sub-plots which can be overwhelming, but in the end it all works out. It’s a fun, historical mystery that kept me entertained throughout.
February 8, 2023
Another great read in the second of the Nicholas Bracewell mysteries. Calamity after calamity befell the Westfield men but they still went on with the show. Full of humour and suspense im looking forward to what the third book has to offer.
July 13, 2025
Edward Marston weaves an interesting plot around a troupe of Elizabethan players performing the controversial play "The Merry Devils" a production that appears to place a curse on the company and raises fears of involvement by the supernatural.
August 24, 2018
An enjoyable historical mystery, full of interesting characters, vivid settings and unexpected plot twists. 4.5 / 5
January 11, 2019
the ending was quite surprising but very enjoyable lots of twist and turns
April 10, 2019
An entertaining read.
May 23, 2019
Clever ending.
May 24, 2019
I think he whips out a book a week! Useful for reading in small doses as the plots are so simple
July 14, 2019
One of Marston's Elizabethan novels, this deals with another case of the rivalry between different theatre troops.
July 21, 2019
Good historical mystery. Twists and turns with a surprise ending (they should all have that!). Recommended.
September 22, 2020
Another nice little mystery set amidst the world of the Elizabethan theatre. Just enough twists and turns along the way to keep it interesting.
October 2, 2020
really atmospheric, easy to read romp rhrough medieval England and theatre. really felt like I was there and although there were a lot of characters, I kept track of them well!
July 23, 2021
This wasn't bad to be honest, a light read with okay characters. Only gets 3 stars because the plot was quite simple and it didn't quite *feel* Elizabethan
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews