The Queen's Man

John Shakespeare [Publication Order] #6

by Rory Clements

England is a viper's nest of conspiracy.

It is 1582, and the conflict between Protestants and Catholics threatens to tear the country in two. While Queen Elizabeth I holds the reins of power, there are those whose loyalty lies with her imprisoned cousin—Mary, Queen of Scots.

On his first major mission for Sir Francis Walsingham, the young John Shakespeare is ordered to untangle a conspiracy to free the Stuart queen from Sheffield Castle. All too soon, he realizes that the tentacles of the plot reach deep into his native Warwickshire and threaten his own friends and family. His duty lies with Elizabeth … but how far will he go to protect those he loves?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Thriller, Crime

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2014

About the author

Rory Clements has had a long and successful newspaper career, including being features editor and associate editor of Today, editor of the Daily Mail's Good Health Pages, and editor of the health section at the Evening Standard. He now writes full-time in an idyllic corner of Norfolk, England.

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 2014, and this book is the 6th in the series, but the 1st in chronological order, and we are going back to the year, AD1582.

In this mystery John Shakespeare is sent by his then boss, Spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham to investigate the rumours of a conspiracy to free the Catholic's favourite Queen, Mary Queen of Scots, who's in prison at Sheffield Castle.

While investigating this case, he will encounter many hostilities between Catholics and Protestants and not to forget some tentacles of a plot that has its origin in John Shakespeare's native Warwickshire.

What is to follow is an intriguing and exciting mystery where John Shakespeare will be tested to the limit concerning his loyalties between his family and his Queen, and so to complete his mission he must find a balance of faith and conviction if his wants to succeed in solving this case satisfactorily in both cases.

Very much recommended, for this is a brilliant beginning of this series, and that's why I like to call this great book: "A Magnificent John Shakespeare Mystery!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy historical fiction and a good mystery, you need to check out the John Shakespeare series by Rory Clements. There are five books in the John Shakespeare series of Elizabethan mysteries: MARTYR, shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey Award, REVENGER, winner of the 2010 CWA Ellis Peters Historical Fiction Award, PRINCE, shortlisted for the 2011 Ellis Peters Historical Fiction Award, TRAITOR and THE HERETICS. A TV series based on the books is currently in development.

The Queens ManThe newest book in the series, The Queen’s Man, will be released tomorrow, February 25, 2014. I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, I LOVED it.

John Shakespeare is William’s older brother, and it was a joy entering the Elizabethan era from his perspective. In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that I am a huge fan of all British history, and the saga of Queen Elizabeth and her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, is among my favorite events. So when John is sent to Sheffield to see if there is any truth to the rumor that Mary's supporters are trying to help her escape her castle prison, I was hooked from the get-go.

5The book is incredibly well written, the cast of characters is entertaining, and the description of the historical settings - from the English Queen's court to the Scottish Queen's prison - are outstanding.

There are many players in this mystery, and the author masterfully keeps the moving pieces easy to follow and interlocking. While John gets to the bottom of the plot to help Queen Mary escape, he discovers lifelong friends from his home in Stratford-on-Avon are implicated - which would make them guilty of treason against Queen Elizabeth. Should John help or believe his friends, he could be considered a traitor also.

The plot unfolds beautifully as John uncovers secrets in several arenas: Elizabeth's Court, the Catholic Church and his hometown. His loyalties to Crown and Country are tested as he navigates between supporting his Queen and discovering the truth. I don't want to give too much away - the best part of the mystery is experiencing John solve it.

If you enjoy court intrigue and this time period, you should read this book - and the rest of the series immediately! -kris

[Babel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un misterio histórico muy bien retratado. Reseña en Torre de Babel:

La rivalidad religiosa ha clavado unas uñas profundas en el reino de Inglaterra. Por un lado, los católicos luchan por preservar la fe mientras conspiran por liberar a su reina, María Estuardo, quien languidece en una prisión. Al otro lado del tablero de ajedrez político, Isabel gobierna con el celo de aliados como Walsingham, su fiel secretario de estado. Él se encarga de contratar a John Shakespeare. Su misión: hallar el nido de víboras en el corazón de Inglaterra.
A pesar de contar con el respaldo del secretario de la reina, el puesto de mayor poder tras la propia monarca, nadie respeta la autoridad de John. Todo el mundo le pone trabas, le insultan o pasan de él. Resulta muy frustrante ver cómo se esfuerza por investigar y seguir pistas mientras los sospechosos o testigos le ignoran, se enojan con él o le mienten constantemente.
La corrupción y los intereses de las facciones campan a sus anchas, creando muchas cortinas de humo que John trata de esclarecer. Se traslada de región en región hasta acabar en su propia tierra de origen, Stratford-upon-Avon. Sí, su hermano es el famoso bardo William Shakespeare, y va a tener un papel bastante importante en esta historia. De modo que John intenta desentrañar los oscuros hilos de una conspiración político-religiosa para liberar a María Estuardo, aunque al mismo tiempo tiene que interrogar a sus vecinos y familiares. Esto le provoca grandes dudas y miedos. Dicen que su tierra es un nido de conspiradores y traidores, y las pruebas empiezan a abundar a favor de esa teoría. Así que la trama política y la trama familiar se van cerrando en un único nudo corredizo en torno a su cuello hasta que explotan en unos diez capítulos finales bastante dinámicos y sorprendentes.
El estilo narrativo es algo denso y recuerda a las obras de teatro, aunque se entiende pues pretende reflejar la época y maneras, muy aligeradas por supuesto, del siglo XVI. Es un misterio isabelino con grandes dosis investigadoras, un impresionante conglomerado de conspiraciones y espionaje, cierto sentido del humor y diálogos algo teatrales y muy vigorosos.
Incluye personajes numerosos que atrapan la esencia de las distintas facciones que entraron en juego en estos muy históricos y reales acontecimientos. Ha sido fascinante aprender sobre el revolucionario, sangriento y doloroso cisma religioso que se vivió en Inglaterra en aquella época. Qué triste para tanta gente ver cómo su religión cambiaba, cómo se convertía en herejía lo que una vez les había asegurado el cielo. En ese sentido, el trabajo del autor ha sido efectivo y encomiable, pues el misterio, la atmósfera frustrante y peligrosa, el personaje de John y la salvaje disputa religiosa son pilares fundamentales de esta novela y están documentados y desarrollados con gran acierto.
http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com.es/

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read in what is fast becoming one of my favorite historical mystery series. This one provides the back story for John Shakespeare, the hero. He is you-know-who's older brother, and in this particular outing, Will and his fiancee Anne Hathaway play major roles. As usual, Clements provides action along with the mystery --- as well as an interesting look into life in 1582 England. The plot centers around a conspiracy to free Mary Queen of Scots and the clash between Protestants such as Topcliffe and Walsingham and the adherents of the Old Church, basically everyone else. It conveys how precarious Elizabeth's hold on the throne could be at various times during her reign, and the lengths to which her ministers were prepared to go to keep her on it.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read, action packed, wonderful plot and the usual cast of characters including Shakespeare and Boltfoot, Walsingham and the Queen, or in this case, Dudley. It involves a plot revolving around Mary, Queen of Scots but illustrates the real religious conflicts of the time. Shakespeare and Boltfoot are very busy solving the problems they get bogged down in, and it was never slow or dull. A very good addition to the series

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This particular book in the Shakespeare series takes us back to the beginning, which is weird, as it is out of order on the timeline, but that didn’t bother me. John Shakespeare has just been taken into Walsingham’s employ, as his apprentice. He’s sent up north, to Sheffield Castle, to try and get to the bottom of yet another plot to place Mary Queen of Scots upon the English throne, as well as an assassination of England’s current queen, Elizabeth I. Mary is under house arrest at Sheffield Castle, under the care of the Earl of Shrewsbury. Shakespeare inspects the Castle, the security of it, the staff who are employed to serve the queen etc. He decides that he thinks it’s time to move her on, as Sheffield doesn’t appear to be suitable any longer. His investigations into the plot take him back down the country, to Warwickshire, and his own home town of Stratford. The catholic people of the town are involved heavily in this current plot, and he finds himself torn between family and friends, and duty and country. Another action packed mystery, full of brilliant characters, both real and imagined.

[Eric Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all the best historical novels , this one drew me inside the period as I read it , rather than simply observing from the outside . With England in the throes of religious turmoil - much like today's world - the competing claims of Elizabeth 1 and Mary , Queen of Scots dominate the story with the latter held prisoner in Sheffield Castle and subject to an imminent escape attempt . With John's brother Will and Anne Hathaway both having prominent roles , some of the action takes place around the lady's cottage ( where an Indian pub is currently a near neighbour in keeping with the UK's deliberate destruction of anything historic ) in the village of Shotterly in Warwickshire . Awash with vile characters , the reader is able to choose which side he or she is on and whether the outcome is satisfying or not .

[Joss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bereft at finishing the CJ Sansom Shardlake books, I was recommended this series and also that I start with this one, as although the 6th to be written it is chronologically the first story featuring John Shakespeare (fictional older brother of...) John has a new job as an agent for Sir Francis Walsingham and he is tasked with foiling an attempt to free the imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots. Things get tricky for him when he finds that there is apparently a nest of Catholic conspirators in his home town of Stratford and he has to weigh up the conflicts of duty and loyalty to friends and family. It is violent at times and there are some downright unpleasant characters but it is a good, meaty read with a great sense of period and I look forward to reading more of John's adventures.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up roughly ⅓ of the way in. Central character has the least character of anyone we met and frequently reacts physically in a manner at odds with his internal feelings, which is rather jarring for a reader. Women seem to be described as either sexually desirable ornaments or animals fit only for vilifying. Granted one of those is Mary Queen of Scots, but it is very wearing for this female reader. The blurb claims this is a thriller, and John Shakespeare must put his work before "friends, lovers, family". I can only assume that all four aspects are covered in the final two-thirds of the book, as the first contains no "friends, lovers, family" for our central character, and is far from thrilling.

Far more effort than it was worth, I'll not bother reading any more by this author.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2. This saved itself towards the end with some quite complex plotting and exciting denouements (pl). My main objection is that a lot of the book involves our hero John Shakespeare's brother William. In earlier books, Will has taken small, walk-on roles -- notably as the struggling brother who really should get a proper job rather than write plays. I found that a quaint and amusing way of allowing us the deceit of a novel about Shakespeare's elder brother, an intelligencer. This book breaks the wall a bit too much IMHO. Still enjoyed it, though.

Note to John Shakespeare fans: this one is not in chronological order but goes back to his early days when he first starts working with Walsingham.

[Carol Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reviews of the author on Amazon were glowing, but somewhat less so on goodreads. I went with the Amazon reviews, since I like a bit of historical fiction, and although I enjoyed the first book (chronologically) overall, it wasn't a rave read. I had to compare it with CJ Sansom's Shardlake series, and so far, Shardlake beats Shakespeare. Whether it was because Shakespeare was shoehorned into Shakespeare (William)'s life that I was faintly irritated, or that I kept comparing this account of casa Shakespeare with Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet, there was a dissonance that somehow bothered me.
But the remaining plot, of Papists and Mary Queen of Scots, with the looming presence of Elizabeth everywhere, was gripping and suitably twisty. I shall continue with the series, dear readers.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rather formulaic historical "thriller" - I could see the plot-twist / double cross coming from about half-way through. That’s the trouble with reading books post- Jason Bourne.

And the language was a bit clichéd – “fetid straw” – why not say what it is? It is on the floor of a dungeon soaking up the piss. And an innkeeper’s buxom daughter who actually says the words “And what brings you two fine gentlemen to Sheffield town?”

I’m afraid I laughed out loud at the bit where he jumped from his horse onto the fancy carriage. Clearly written with a film/tv tie-in in mind. Oh dear. In your dreams, Rory Clements.

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very engaging read. Similar to that of the Shardlake Chronicles. John Shakespeare is called into the service of the Tudor spymasters. He along with his sidekick Blofoot, try and figure out who is trying to help Mary Queen of Scots escape and take over the throne of England. There were several twists that I did not spot coming and the supposed 'honest and true' Englishmen were nought but villainous cowards out to line their own pockets and gain wealth and power. Will Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway do feature in the story as well as the are about to get wed.

If I come across the next in the series it is certainly one I'm likely to pick up.

[Joe Slavinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th book, in the "John Shakespeare" series, and I found it fascinating that this was his "origin" story. This recounts his selection, by Sir Francis Walsingham, as an intelligencer in Queen Elizabeth I's court. This series is some of the best historical fiction I've read, and I've had some difficulty finding copies. I've missed "The Heretics", which was the previous novel in the series. Clements, who has had a long, successful career in newspapers, is obviously a huge history buff. His attention to detail, and exceptional writing style, make each of these thrilling books a reading pleasure.

[Jonathan Posner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much to like about this book

This book features John Shakespeare, a fictional character working as an intelligencer for spymaster Walsingham. The plot is well constructed, if occasionally a little complex, and I felt more could have been made of the main climactic scene and its aftermath. Otherwise there are well defined good characters and evil villains aplenty, so an enjoyable adventure.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of travelling back and forth across Tudor England. Shakespear's brother, John, is a lawyer recruited by Walsingham to investigate unrest in the heart of the country. A little slow at times as the plot thickens. Mary Queen of Scots is at the center of the intrigue. A good tale is laid bare after quite a long tale.

[Claire Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been thoroughly enjoying this series of books but I wish when I had started them that I had realised that this book, although the sixth in writing order, is the first in the time line. It does not make a great deal of difference but it helps to explain the animosity between a couple of the characters.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I had read these in chronological order and not publication date. I wanted to strangle Kat - I'm amazed Shakespear and Cooper didn't strangle her. Sheesh. I wasn't sure how Shakespeare was going to right all the problems that his family got themselves into with this one. There didn't seem to be a solution that would square with his personal integrity.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t think I have ever found myself actively disliking a protagonist as much as in this case. John Shakespeare is the most annoying and stuck-up character I’ve come across. The series also seems to be a copy of Sansom’s Shardlake series, just set in a slightly later era and written at a lower standard.

Very disappointed.

[Mary Kay Kare · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of these are good, but very very grim. How could they not be, dealing as they do with England’s home-grown inquisition run by the Protestants against the Catholics during Elizabeth’s reign. I’m glad I have read them all and can stop now.

[Mavis Hewitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3.5, I'm not sure about this book, the story was interesting, but I started to lose the convolutions of the plot at times, think the bonus short story was probably better, didn't have room to be too complex.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've read by Rory Clements but I enjoyed the Elizabethan setting and history and want to follow the character of John Shakespeare. I may go back to Book no. 1 of the series

[Finlay Zanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was an interesting read well written with lots of historical details however it failed to grip me. The characters never really had a chafe to build relationships with each other throughout the book as all the interactions seemed rushed.

[Paul Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Great story and so great historical information, especially around the Shakespeare family and the religious schism.

Reading in chronological order rather than publication order. So this was my first book in the series.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nearly 4 stars

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rory Clements rocks

[Phyllida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading the John Shakespeare series in chronological order starting with this one. This made a great introduction to the characters and the series.

[Lauren Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing so many twists and turns, the characters were quite entertaining and I finished it within the day. Loved it.

[Phil Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had its moments but it was no CJ Sansom. I found the inclusion of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway detracted front he story, rather than adding to it.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. However, it just didn't feel like a 5 star read for me. ☺️