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Agents of the Crown #4
The Queen's Lies: A Novel
The latest in the thrilling and “lively” (The New York Times) Agents of the Crown series follows John Dee and his wife working together in an act of espionage that may turn out to be treason.
While working on a powerful new weapon for England, the country’s first secret agent John Dee finds himself threatened from all sides. First, his secret plans are stolen, then his son is kidnapped by a vengeful enemy from his past. At the same time, Dee’s wife, Jane, is sent by Queen Elizabeth I to console her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, whom court advisors are determined to try for treason.
But Jane suspects her assignment is much more than a visit from a sympathetic cousin. Is it possible that Elizabeth sent her to speed Mary to her death without the public trial that she knows will forever define the limits of royal power? Together, John and Jane begin to feel genuine sympathy for the Scottish queen and work to finish his invention, protect their son, and save Mary from the scaffold. But can they do that while still remaining loyal to the English crown?
While working on a powerful new weapon for England, the country’s first secret agent John Dee finds himself threatened from all sides. First, his secret plans are stolen, then his son is kidnapped by a vengeful enemy from his past. At the same time, Dee’s wife, Jane, is sent by Queen Elizabeth I to console her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, whom court advisors are determined to try for treason.
But Jane suspects her assignment is much more than a visit from a sympathetic cousin. Is it possible that Elizabeth sent her to speed Mary to her death without the public trial that she knows will forever define the limits of royal power? Together, John and Jane begin to feel genuine sympathy for the Scottish queen and work to finish his invention, protect their son, and save Mary from the scaffold. But can they do that while still remaining loyal to the English crown?
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2024
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August 11, 2024
"No man or woman, whoever they may be, is above the law. It trumps everything and everyone." (Something our Supreme Court needs to remember and take to heart. Thank you, Oliver Clements, for putting that truth so well!)
The fourth book in the Agents of the Crown series set in the court of Queen Elizabeth I has moved along to 1585-1587. Dr John Dee, a natural philosopher of uncertain means, has created a powerful new weapon for England and received a contract for 50 of them from John Hawkins, Her majesty's Treasurer of the Navy. Unfortunately plans go awry right from the start: Dee is robbed on the road home; an evil assassin plots to kidnap his young son Arthur; and his wife Jane is sent by Queen Elizabeth to console her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots in her captivity. The mood is that Mary may be entering her last days. Court advisors are working hard to find evidence of treason for which Mary will be executed, while others may have a different end in mind.
I received all four of the novels in the series from the author and publisher via NetGalley to celebrate the publishing of this fourth book. I have grown increasing fond of these characters whose lives are subject to the whims and machinations of the English court. Although John Dee and his family are the main characters, I have to say Robert Beale, Clerk of the Privy Council, is my favorite. He is bawdy and brave and gets himself in and out of some crazy situations. Mary comes across as a much more likable person in these last months of her life and both John and Jane grow to feel genuine sympathy for her. Oliver Clements comes up with a clever plot twist to end the story. Who knows? "In my end is my beginning," Mary cryptically says.
The fourth book in the Agents of the Crown series set in the court of Queen Elizabeth I has moved along to 1585-1587. Dr John Dee, a natural philosopher of uncertain means, has created a powerful new weapon for England and received a contract for 50 of them from John Hawkins, Her majesty's Treasurer of the Navy. Unfortunately plans go awry right from the start: Dee is robbed on the road home; an evil assassin plots to kidnap his young son Arthur; and his wife Jane is sent by Queen Elizabeth to console her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots in her captivity. The mood is that Mary may be entering her last days. Court advisors are working hard to find evidence of treason for which Mary will be executed, while others may have a different end in mind.
I received all four of the novels in the series from the author and publisher via NetGalley to celebrate the publishing of this fourth book. I have grown increasing fond of these characters whose lives are subject to the whims and machinations of the English court. Although John Dee and his family are the main characters, I have to say Robert Beale, Clerk of the Privy Council, is my favorite. He is bawdy and brave and gets himself in and out of some crazy situations. Mary comes across as a much more likable person in these last months of her life and both John and Jane grow to feel genuine sympathy for her. Oliver Clements comes up with a clever plot twist to end the story. Who knows? "In my end is my beginning," Mary cryptically says.
July 15, 2024
I have a lot of "favorite" historical mystery series. There's my favorite humorous one, my favorite with queer characters, my favorite Victorian, my favorite Restoration, and so it goes. But I have two favorite-favorites that are good enough that I would qualify them as not just excellent genre fiction (and I love the genre!), but as literary fiction. One of those is S.J. Parris' Giordano Bruno series; the other is Oliver Clements' Agents of the Crown series, which features (among others) John Dee, who lived during the time of Elizabeth I and was an odd combination of scientist, alchemist, and frequent gull of those selling "magical" apparatuses. (I also acknowledge a fondness for another character, Francis Walsingham, who more or less created and ran Elizabeth I's secret service equivalent.)
What I love about both series is that the writers take their time telling stories, focusing on characterization as much as on clever plotting. These books tend to be long and somewhat slow-paced—and I love the luxury of sinking into one and knowing I'll be able to stay there for a bit.
The Queen's Lies is the 4th Agents of the Crown mystery, and you could probably pick it up and make your way through it without too much difficulty (and a great deal of enjoyment)—but I urge you to read the novels in order. First, because doing this makes it easier to follow the history of the time and the many conflicting loyalties and agendas involved. Clements plays a bit with history, but is always honest about his choices in an afterword, and will give you a sense of the key themes/issues of Elizabeth I's lengthy reign. Second because the characters develop over the series, and getting to know them and watching the become more and more who they are is a genuine pleasure.
The Queen's Lies focuses on a difficult and delicate situation that Elizabeth I and those working for her had to wrestle with for almost two decades: Mary Queen of Scot's flight into England and her status, both as a fellow royal and as one of Elizabeth's next-of-kin. Mary's status required that she be treated with respect, but she also represented a real threat to Elizabeth because Catholics both in England and across Europe believed that bringing Mary to the throne would put an end to England's Protestant experiment. And bringing Mary to the throne necessitated killing Elizabeth.
The Queen's Lies takes place near the end of Mary's life. Walshingham has been wanting Mary executed for years, both because of the threat she presents to Elizabeth and because of the threat she represents to the English Church. Walsingham was a committed Protestant and believed in the power of the individual conscience. He wants Mary to be tried for and convicted of treason, with her execution following. Elizabeth wants the "problem" of Mary solved in some way, but not via trial and execution. Elizabeth and her England may have left Catholicism behind, but Elizabeth still insists that she rules by divine right—and to execute any ruler would be to set a precedent that might put Elizabeth's own life at further risk.
There are a number of sub-plots involved in The Queen's Lies, some historically documented, others Clements' inventions. Clements imagines what might have happened if Jane Dee had been obliged to play a role in the Elizabeth-Mary conflict. He has Elizabeth send Jane to observe life at the castle at which Mary is imprisoned—and also provides Jane with a "servant" who is clearly not a servant and has her own agenda. There's also a bloodthirsty noblewoman from France who is determined to destroy John Dee. Death isn't enough. She first wants him to lose every one of the individuals he most loves and wants to ruin his reputation leaving him with no place in history. These two threads coil about each other in ominous ways.
So, my advice: if you're not familiar with this series, hunt it down and work your way through it in order. If you're familiar with this series, you don't need me to tell you anything; you've already got an eye out for volume four.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
What I love about both series is that the writers take their time telling stories, focusing on characterization as much as on clever plotting. These books tend to be long and somewhat slow-paced—and I love the luxury of sinking into one and knowing I'll be able to stay there for a bit.
The Queen's Lies is the 4th Agents of the Crown mystery, and you could probably pick it up and make your way through it without too much difficulty (and a great deal of enjoyment)—but I urge you to read the novels in order. First, because doing this makes it easier to follow the history of the time and the many conflicting loyalties and agendas involved. Clements plays a bit with history, but is always honest about his choices in an afterword, and will give you a sense of the key themes/issues of Elizabeth I's lengthy reign. Second because the characters develop over the series, and getting to know them and watching the become more and more who they are is a genuine pleasure.
The Queen's Lies focuses on a difficult and delicate situation that Elizabeth I and those working for her had to wrestle with for almost two decades: Mary Queen of Scot's flight into England and her status, both as a fellow royal and as one of Elizabeth's next-of-kin. Mary's status required that she be treated with respect, but she also represented a real threat to Elizabeth because Catholics both in England and across Europe believed that bringing Mary to the throne would put an end to England's Protestant experiment. And bringing Mary to the throne necessitated killing Elizabeth.
The Queen's Lies takes place near the end of Mary's life. Walshingham has been wanting Mary executed for years, both because of the threat she presents to Elizabeth and because of the threat she represents to the English Church. Walsingham was a committed Protestant and believed in the power of the individual conscience. He wants Mary to be tried for and convicted of treason, with her execution following. Elizabeth wants the "problem" of Mary solved in some way, but not via trial and execution. Elizabeth and her England may have left Catholicism behind, but Elizabeth still insists that she rules by divine right—and to execute any ruler would be to set a precedent that might put Elizabeth's own life at further risk.
There are a number of sub-plots involved in The Queen's Lies, some historically documented, others Clements' inventions. Clements imagines what might have happened if Jane Dee had been obliged to play a role in the Elizabeth-Mary conflict. He has Elizabeth send Jane to observe life at the castle at which Mary is imprisoned—and also provides Jane with a "servant" who is clearly not a servant and has her own agenda. There's also a bloodthirsty noblewoman from France who is determined to destroy John Dee. Death isn't enough. She first wants him to lose every one of the individuals he most loves and wants to ruin his reputation leaving him with no place in history. These two threads coil about each other in ominous ways.
So, my advice: if you're not familiar with this series, hunt it down and work your way through it in order. If you're familiar with this series, you don't need me to tell you anything; you've already got an eye out for volume four.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
June 22, 2024
Very different storytelling to say the least and I found myself struggling, at times, to stay engaged. This is definitely not your average historical fiction book but is definitely worth giving it a go. Alas for me, I'll just stick to the typical versions of writing. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 20, 2024
It’s nice to have a chance to catch up with John Dee again…
Having read and really liked the first book in Oliver Clements’ Agents of the Crown series, The Eyes of the Queen, I was happy to receive a review copy of the latest book in the series, The Queen’s Lies, which just recently came out. And I enjoyed it a lot as well. The extensive cast of historical characters is still much the same, including folks like Francis Walsingham, John Hawkins, Robert Beale, Queen Mary of Scotland, and of course, Queen Elizabeth herself. And although it’s now a few years later, not much has changed: there are still lots of plots to replace Elizabeth with Mary on the English throne; and Philip of Spain still wants to conquer England.
And of course, our protagonist, John Dee, is still smart, still broke, and still serving Queen Elizabeth – this time primarily as the promoter of a new type of extraordinarily powerful cannon. But although things seem to be looking up for Dee when he gets an order from Hawkins, the Treasurer of Her Majesty’s Navy, for 50 of the new weapons, they quickly head south again when the money he was advanced for the job is stolen on his way home. Even worse, his business partner and friend is killed during the robbery. And, to top it all off, while he has been gone, his wife has been made an offer she can’t refuse, since it was made by Elizabeth herself: Jane is to spend an uncomfortable winter with the imprisoned, but still troublesome, Queen Mary - ostensibly to offer her cheer and energy. All of which starts a tumultuous series of events – and some speculation - that end with a totally unexpected twist.
I particularly enjoyed Clements’ writing, with its occasional very apt observations, as when Robert Beale has an audience with Elizabeth, and is described as exhibiting “the particular stillness of a man trying to divine what is really being said by someone who is saying something else”. Or, as I might put it, much less elegantly, a man trying to see the sandbag he is sure is heading for his head. And the plot kept me reading late into the night.
As with The Eyes of the Queen, though, there were a few scenes that bounced me out of my traditional historical mystery mind-set, and whose graphic nature (to me, at least) didn’t really seem to be necessary to advance the plot. I do understand that mores were different and things were more brutal then. But I’m usually reading genre fiction primarily for pleasure, so personally, I would have appreciated fewer details. However, as I often do when romances have a bit too much steam, I mostly skimmed over those parts rather fast, reading just enough to be able to follow the story.
All-in-all, though, if you like historical mysteries, The Queen’s Lies is well worth a read. And I would like to thank Atria/Leopoldo & Co and NetGalley for the review copy!
Having read and really liked the first book in Oliver Clements’ Agents of the Crown series, The Eyes of the Queen, I was happy to receive a review copy of the latest book in the series, The Queen’s Lies, which just recently came out. And I enjoyed it a lot as well. The extensive cast of historical characters is still much the same, including folks like Francis Walsingham, John Hawkins, Robert Beale, Queen Mary of Scotland, and of course, Queen Elizabeth herself. And although it’s now a few years later, not much has changed: there are still lots of plots to replace Elizabeth with Mary on the English throne; and Philip of Spain still wants to conquer England.
And of course, our protagonist, John Dee, is still smart, still broke, and still serving Queen Elizabeth – this time primarily as the promoter of a new type of extraordinarily powerful cannon. But although things seem to be looking up for Dee when he gets an order from Hawkins, the Treasurer of Her Majesty’s Navy, for 50 of the new weapons, they quickly head south again when the money he was advanced for the job is stolen on his way home. Even worse, his business partner and friend is killed during the robbery. And, to top it all off, while he has been gone, his wife has been made an offer she can’t refuse, since it was made by Elizabeth herself: Jane is to spend an uncomfortable winter with the imprisoned, but still troublesome, Queen Mary - ostensibly to offer her cheer and energy. All of which starts a tumultuous series of events – and some speculation - that end with a totally unexpected twist.
I particularly enjoyed Clements’ writing, with its occasional very apt observations, as when Robert Beale has an audience with Elizabeth, and is described as exhibiting “the particular stillness of a man trying to divine what is really being said by someone who is saying something else”. Or, as I might put it, much less elegantly, a man trying to see the sandbag he is sure is heading for his head. And the plot kept me reading late into the night.
As with The Eyes of the Queen, though, there were a few scenes that bounced me out of my traditional historical mystery mind-set, and whose graphic nature (to me, at least) didn’t really seem to be necessary to advance the plot. I do understand that mores were different and things were more brutal then. But I’m usually reading genre fiction primarily for pleasure, so personally, I would have appreciated fewer details. However, as I often do when romances have a bit too much steam, I mostly skimmed over those parts rather fast, reading just enough to be able to follow the story.
All-in-all, though, if you like historical mysteries, The Queen’s Lies is well worth a read. And I would like to thank Atria/Leopoldo & Co and NetGalley for the review copy!
September 9, 2024
Things are looking up for John Dee, an alchemist and astronomer in Tudor England. The demonstration of a new cannon designed by his friend brings an order and a sizable advance along with a threat if their delivery is not made by their deadline. Returning to his home, however, the advance is stolen and his friend is killed. His sample cannon is also seized by a creditor. As he tries to find his friend’s plans for the cannon, his wife is sent on a mission for Queen Elizabeth. Mary, Queen of Scots has been held for a number of years and the Queen would like Jane to console her. She is accompanied by a maid provided by the Queen who has a mission of her own. Dee returns to find his wife gone and his son Arthur kidnapped by an enemy from his past. Madamoiselle Bathory has vowed to kill Dee and his family. She is pure evil and leaves a trail of bodies in her wake.
There are plans to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary on the throne. Francis Walsingham, the Queen’s spymaster, wants proof that Mary is conspiring against Elizabeth so that she can be put on trial and face execution. Elizabeth wants Robert Beale, one of Walsingham’s agents, to stop his plan. To put a monarch on trial would set a precedent that she can not allow. After rescuing Arthur, Dee and his son join Jane in Mary’s place of exile. As they get to know Mary they come to respect her, but no place is safe as long as Bathory is on their trail.
Oliver Clements’ scenes at court, whether summoned by Elizabeth or in exile with Mary, have an authentic feel. While Mary’s fate is a matter of history, Clements adds a twist at the end of this historical fiction that comes as a surprise. The story moves at a steady pace to the end. This is the fourth entry in the Agents of the Crown series. While it can be enjoyed on its’ own, this is a wonderful series and I recommend beginning with the first volume, The Eyes of the Queen. I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this book.
There are plans to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary on the throne. Francis Walsingham, the Queen’s spymaster, wants proof that Mary is conspiring against Elizabeth so that she can be put on trial and face execution. Elizabeth wants Robert Beale, one of Walsingham’s agents, to stop his plan. To put a monarch on trial would set a precedent that she can not allow. After rescuing Arthur, Dee and his son join Jane in Mary’s place of exile. As they get to know Mary they come to respect her, but no place is safe as long as Bathory is on their trail.
Oliver Clements’ scenes at court, whether summoned by Elizabeth or in exile with Mary, have an authentic feel. While Mary’s fate is a matter of history, Clements adds a twist at the end of this historical fiction that comes as a surprise. The story moves at a steady pace to the end. This is the fourth entry in the Agents of the Crown series. While it can be enjoyed on its’ own, this is a wonderful series and I recommend beginning with the first volume, The Eyes of the Queen. I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this book.
August 13, 2024
I don't think this series was for me. While I generally enjoy historical fiction, and I enjoyed some parts of these books, overall I wasn't a huge fan. It was hard to stay engaged throughout, and I found my attention wandering more than once.
This being the fourth book in the series, if you haven't read the others you may find yourself lost with what is going on and who is who. There are the obvious characters, such as Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary, but plenty of others that you won't know unless you've read a lot on British history. This book starts with our main man, Doctor John Dee, and a new weapon that has been created which will help England with its battles, both present and future. This is only a minor plot point really, as most of the story revolves around Elizabeth Bathory and another plot to kill Queen Elizabeth and set Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne. While I am admittedly not the most knowledgable on this part of history, there are a few big liberties the author takes for the plot. He does describe his decisions at the end of the book, but I wasn't really sure how I felt about the ending. While it would have been nice if that's how things had really turned out, it wasn't, and it's hard to put aside.
I will say that I do enjoy Dr. Dee for the most part, as well as his wife and Queen Mary. Most of the other characters are pretty forgettable, and I sometimes had to go back and read a part again to remember what significance a character had.
I think this series needs the right reader - one who enjoys history but also enjoys the author taking liberties on that history. I have enjoyed that at times, but it didn't quite work for me here.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This being the fourth book in the series, if you haven't read the others you may find yourself lost with what is going on and who is who. There are the obvious characters, such as Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary, but plenty of others that you won't know unless you've read a lot on British history. This book starts with our main man, Doctor John Dee, and a new weapon that has been created which will help England with its battles, both present and future. This is only a minor plot point really, as most of the story revolves around Elizabeth Bathory and another plot to kill Queen Elizabeth and set Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne. While I am admittedly not the most knowledgable on this part of history, there are a few big liberties the author takes for the plot. He does describe his decisions at the end of the book, but I wasn't really sure how I felt about the ending. While it would have been nice if that's how things had really turned out, it wasn't, and it's hard to put aside.
I will say that I do enjoy Dr. Dee for the most part, as well as his wife and Queen Mary. Most of the other characters are pretty forgettable, and I sometimes had to go back and read a part again to remember what significance a character had.
I think this series needs the right reader - one who enjoys history but also enjoys the author taking liberties on that history. I have enjoyed that at times, but it didn't quite work for me here.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2024
The Queen’s Lies
An Agents of the Crown Novel
Oliver Clements
August 13, 2024
Atria/Leopold & Company
Audio: Blackstone
I picked this up as a solo and went back and read the first three books in the series and I am so glad that I did especially since each book continues on in the historical timeline. Book Four picks up in the Court of Queen Elizabeth I and the story has moved along to 1585-1587. These books are steeped in history, and I encourage you to read all the way to the end or listen to the Epilogue if you are doing an audio book. After that, take some time and do a little digging into the Babington Plot. Clements uses history as a starting point, but it’s enough to plant a seed and I love it.
I love John Dee, and I found him more endearing as the series progresses. He is funny and flawed and very clever. He is the country’s first secret agent, and he is charged with developing a powerful new weapon. Nothing goes as planned. He is robbed of his plans and that is just the beginning. There are murders, assassins and kidnappings and the story is full of subplots, some even humorous. It is not often that I find myself so immersed in a historical mystery series that I forget that it is 2024 and this one did just that.
These books are filled with characters like Mademoiselle Bathory. She has vowed to kill Dee and his family and emanates pure evil while leaving body after body in her wake. There are so many sinister players in this novel, each with a plan to get what they want through their government. I love being able to reflect on the things that are happening within governments today and compare those things to what happened in the 1500’s. Books like these will keep me coming back to historical fiction for years to come.
An Agents of the Crown Novel
Oliver Clements
August 13, 2024
Atria/Leopold & Company
Audio: Blackstone
I picked this up as a solo and went back and read the first three books in the series and I am so glad that I did especially since each book continues on in the historical timeline. Book Four picks up in the Court of Queen Elizabeth I and the story has moved along to 1585-1587. These books are steeped in history, and I encourage you to read all the way to the end or listen to the Epilogue if you are doing an audio book. After that, take some time and do a little digging into the Babington Plot. Clements uses history as a starting point, but it’s enough to plant a seed and I love it.
I love John Dee, and I found him more endearing as the series progresses. He is funny and flawed and very clever. He is the country’s first secret agent, and he is charged with developing a powerful new weapon. Nothing goes as planned. He is robbed of his plans and that is just the beginning. There are murders, assassins and kidnappings and the story is full of subplots, some even humorous. It is not often that I find myself so immersed in a historical mystery series that I forget that it is 2024 and this one did just that.
These books are filled with characters like Mademoiselle Bathory. She has vowed to kill Dee and his family and emanates pure evil while leaving body after body in her wake. There are so many sinister players in this novel, each with a plan to get what they want through their government. I love being able to reflect on the things that are happening within governments today and compare those things to what happened in the 1500’s. Books like these will keep me coming back to historical fiction for years to come.
August 19, 2024
This is my 1st book by this author and it is 4th book of a series set in Tudor times under Elizabeth I and all the various intrigues she may have had to maneuver through to remain queen. I would recommend reading the series in order as there were parts I struggled a bit to understand the relationships and previous circumstances in prior books. This was a solid 3.5. I enjoyed the book enough to go back and read the 1st 3 of the series.
It was fascinating to read other reasons given for Elizabeth's reluctance to treat her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots ill, all plots and subplots that were orchestrated not only by Elizabeth, but other people as well, depending on their political views. The main characters of John Dee, a brilliant but absent minded professor type, his wife, Jane, an intelligent and strong woman and their son, along with many historical characters.
The book is complex, filled with lots of rich historical details, several subplots and a wide variety of different characters. It did bog down for me a bit and was a tad difficult to follow, but worth sticking with it. It has suspense, mystery, intrigue, war, romance, kidnapping and spies, surprising double crossing and lies. It is does contain some graphic violence in line with the times and plots, some sexual content and some crude language also aligned to the content.
Overall, an intriguing story with some thought provoking retelling of Elizabeth I. Mary Queen of Scots, and the Tudor era.
A big thank you to Atria/Leopoldo & Co and NetGalley for the Arc, it was a pleasure. All the opinions expressed are my own.
It was fascinating to read other reasons given for Elizabeth's reluctance to treat her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots ill, all plots and subplots that were orchestrated not only by Elizabeth, but other people as well, depending on their political views. The main characters of John Dee, a brilliant but absent minded professor type, his wife, Jane, an intelligent and strong woman and their son, along with many historical characters.
The book is complex, filled with lots of rich historical details, several subplots and a wide variety of different characters. It did bog down for me a bit and was a tad difficult to follow, but worth sticking with it. It has suspense, mystery, intrigue, war, romance, kidnapping and spies, surprising double crossing and lies. It is does contain some graphic violence in line with the times and plots, some sexual content and some crude language also aligned to the content.
Overall, an intriguing story with some thought provoking retelling of Elizabeth I. Mary Queen of Scots, and the Tudor era.
A big thank you to Atria/Leopoldo & Co and NetGalley for the Arc, it was a pleasure. All the opinions expressed are my own.
July 1, 2024
In the latest book in Oliver Clements’ Tudor series, readers follow John Dee as he attempts to construct a new and dangerous secret weapon for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I, to use against her enemies. Under threat from all sides, Dee’s son is kidnapped while he is on assignment, and his wife Jane is sent to visit Mary, Queen of Scots, under strangely ambiguous instructions. With both husband and wife caught up in the web of mystery, danger, and uncertainty that is Tudor politics, readers will join John and Jane Dee as they attempt to protect themselves and serve the English crown as they best see fit -- even if it might not align with the Queen and Walshingham’s interests, a dangerous position to be in. The stakes continue to increase in every book in this series, and readers are sure to find the nuances and complexities of the latest installment in the series fascinating and compelling. Bringing in Mary, Queen of Scots, adds to the complications and moral ambiguity of this novel, while the separate narratives of John and Jane Dee allow readers to experience two different types of espionage. With another complicated plot, high stakes, and a fascinating historical setting, Clements’ characters engage the readers in this immersive and fascinating work of historical fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Atria/Leopold & Co. for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Atria/Leopold & Co. for the advance copy.
August 2, 2024
I was given an advance reading copy (arc) of this book by NetGalley.com and the publisher in exchange for a fair review. I have read all of the books in the 'Agents of the Crown' series by author Oliver Clements and have enjoyed each and every one. John Dee is one of my favorite literary characters. He is flawed, funny, and very clever--all things that make a good 'hero'. In this particular book, Dee and his wife, Jane Frommond, have a lot to deal with. Jane is sent by Queen Elizabeth I to wait on Mary, Queen of Scots, who is a prisoner. His son, Aurthur, is kidnapped by a vicious woman from Dee's past, and debt collectors are after Dee himself. It's all very intriguing, as well as entertaining. Clements is an excellent writer who provides many snarky, yet funny, comments aside from the main plot. You can expect at least a good chuckle at every turn. This is what I like best about these books--the author's sense of humor. You can't help, but root for Dee and hope he can make his family whole again. Mary, Queen of Scots, is also a sympathetic character who finds herself in the middle of political intrigue. Clements paints a good picture of the era (1500s) and the people who lived during that time in England and Scotland. I recommend the entire series if historical fiction is one of your preferred genres.
October 2, 2024
1587, and religious differences fuel conflict throughout Europe. The Counter-Reformation has been proclaimed, Queen Elizabeth I of England has been excommunicated, and her subjects exhorted to replace her with a true Catholic monarch: Mary, Queen of Scots. Since Mary is confined in an English prison, plots to rescue her, raise the flag of rebellion, and assassinate Elizabeth are a constant danger.
Into this volatile situation, Clements reconfigures John Dee as England’s ‘first secret agent’, caught up in various plots and counterplots involving sadistic French agents (notably the remorseless Mademoiselle Bathory who dispatches those who get in her way with pitiless efficiency), incompetent English rebels, religious fanatics, ruthless spymasters, and calculating rulers. The tension runs high, especially in the early sections where the point of view shifts from one over-stressed character to another. Though (mercifully) sparing of graphic details, the cruelty of the age is powerfully presented.
Apart from the denouement (as indicated in the Afterword), events and characters adhere closely to the known or suspected facts of historical record.
Readers looking for tense spy thrillers and insights into sixteenth-century politics will not be disappointed.
Into this volatile situation, Clements reconfigures John Dee as England’s ‘first secret agent’, caught up in various plots and counterplots involving sadistic French agents (notably the remorseless Mademoiselle Bathory who dispatches those who get in her way with pitiless efficiency), incompetent English rebels, religious fanatics, ruthless spymasters, and calculating rulers. The tension runs high, especially in the early sections where the point of view shifts from one over-stressed character to another. Though (mercifully) sparing of graphic details, the cruelty of the age is powerfully presented.
Apart from the denouement (as indicated in the Afterword), events and characters adhere closely to the known or suspected facts of historical record.
Readers looking for tense spy thrillers and insights into sixteenth-century politics will not be disappointed.
June 26, 2025
Good, fast paced historical thriller, featuring Elizabeth I's astrologer Dr. John Dee and his wife Jane Frommond, along with Sir Francis Walsingham and Robert Beale. In this outing, the plot revolves around schemes to put the captive Catholic Mary Queen of Scots on the throne after first assassinating Queen Elizabeth I. Walsingham wants to trap Mary in her plots and Elizabeth wants Beale to foil Walsingham's attempts to implicate Mary. To further Elizabeth's plans, she also insists that Jane become part of Mary's household to console and watch her cousin. It's a convoluted and highly dangerous game, and a variety of characters become players, including the piratical Captain John Hawkins, the strangely sympathetic John Ballard (alias Fortescue), the poisoner Lucy Pargeter, and the most villainous female since Milady de Winter, the murderous Mademoiselle Bathory, who will stop at nothing to kill Dr. Dee and his family. The author has done his historical research, writes with verve and style, has incorporated plenty of intrigue, hair raising episodes, chases, robberies, murders, double crosses, and domestic drama to keep things lively, and Clements provides a very interesting and unexpected twist at the end concerning the Queen of Scots.
Entertaining entry in this series.
Entertaining entry in this series.
January 1, 2025
Fourth book in the series and honestly thought that as I started with book three, there may be some continuity for me.
Unfortunately, the second time around, I wasn't a fan. I guess I found the narrative a bit too fanciful and not truly believable, despite the fact that John Dee was mixed up in some unbelievable things!
As I previously mentioned, I have read much historical fiction set in Elizabethan England, with the focus on her notorious spy network, with characters such as Marlowe and Shakespeare, Walsingham and Cecil; as well as non-fiction on the subject to hand. And whilst this tome had all the essential elements: Elizabethan espionage, treason, rivalry, secret codes, notable nobles - jumping in the middle of a series can detract from anyone's reading pleasure.
The short paragraphs keep the story flowing and a cursory idea of the period in question is always a bonus for the reader delving into something new. There is a curious plot twist at the end which I did enjoy - and definitely kudos for taking on the character of John Dee as the main protagonist. Start at the beginning to ensure greater enjoyment of the work at hand.
Unfortunately, the second time around, I wasn't a fan. I guess I found the narrative a bit too fanciful and not truly believable, despite the fact that John Dee was mixed up in some unbelievable things!
As I previously mentioned, I have read much historical fiction set in Elizabethan England, with the focus on her notorious spy network, with characters such as Marlowe and Shakespeare, Walsingham and Cecil; as well as non-fiction on the subject to hand. And whilst this tome had all the essential elements: Elizabethan espionage, treason, rivalry, secret codes, notable nobles - jumping in the middle of a series can detract from anyone's reading pleasure.
The short paragraphs keep the story flowing and a cursory idea of the period in question is always a bonus for the reader delving into something new. There is a curious plot twist at the end which I did enjoy - and definitely kudos for taking on the character of John Dee as the main protagonist. Start at the beginning to ensure greater enjoyment of the work at hand.
August 9, 2024
Admittedly, this complex and highly entertaining novel will be most appreciated by those who have read at least one book in the series but if you haven't-you are still in for a treat. Jonathan Dee, an alchemist and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I finds himself scrambling when his son is kidnapped by the evil Mlle. Bathory as payback for the fact that he stopped her effort to depose Elizabeth. That's not all because there's an effort afoot to put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. There's a vast cast of characters (I once again found myself doing a bit of side research on them) and the plot might seem to be getting away but that's life, especially during the Tudor years. While it's zipping along Clements never loses his characters, their humanity, and Dee's sense of humor. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A great series and or standalone for fans of historical fiction.
August 20, 2024
Thank you to both Netgalley and the Publisher, for allowing me to read this ahead of publication.
I wish I could say that I enjoyed this book, but the truth is I did not. There were way too many characters and too many plots to kill the Scottish Queen Mary. I found that the story jumped all over the place and which made it difficult to follow. But I am not one to give up on a book, I persevered and did finish. I love historical fiction, but was disappointed with this book. I also wished that I had read the other books in the series before this one. With all of this being said, I can only give this book 3 out of 5.
I wish I could say that I enjoyed this book, but the truth is I did not. There were way too many characters and too many plots to kill the Scottish Queen Mary. I found that the story jumped all over the place and which made it difficult to follow. But I am not one to give up on a book, I persevered and did finish. I love historical fiction, but was disappointed with this book. I also wished that I had read the other books in the series before this one. With all of this being said, I can only give this book 3 out of 5.
December 26, 2025
Elizabeth's dilemma: as a monarch herself, she cannot condone the murder of a fellow monarch, without endangering both her legitimacy as Queen of Britain, and that of Mary, Queen of Scotland. Mary's Catholicism is a beacon of rebellion for those of Elizabeth's subjects who still wish to worship in a faith that looks to Rome for guidance and authority. How can Elizabeth defang the threat that Mary represents, while still acknowledging the legitimacy of her throne? Fortunately for Elizabeth, there are among her subjects those strongly enough opposed to papal control of their church to solve the problem for her.
August 4, 2024
Not for me but I feel like this is definitely for someone. I just could not get into it. I still read the whole thing. It was okay. I wanted to like it more because I could see what it was trying to do. I kept waiting for the moment the style would click for me. It's not a bad book, it just wasn't for me.
September 7, 2024
A very complex and yet satisfying historical mystery. I loved the plots and subplots and getting lost in history. While the novel works as a stand-alone I would love to have all four on the shelf to know the previous stories. The characters are very real and even the villains have a teensy bit of likability. Sometimes there are characters you both love and hate. A good read.
June 28, 2025
I didn't read the first books in this series, so I was at a bit of a disadvantage going into this one. The inclusion of Mademoiselle Bathory, a sister of the infamous one who is just as good at killing, felt out of place in this world of English spies. I appreciated the familiar characters like Walsingham, Queen Mary and Elizabeth, etc., but won't be reading the rest of the books in the series.
December 11, 2025
4 th novel in the series. John Dee continues to get his self and others into difficult situations. The plot thickens to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I’s and place Queen Mary of Scotland on the English throne. Against Elizabeth’s wishes a group of protestant Englishman want to put Mary to death for treason against the English Queen.
July 30, 2024
While I haven’t read any other books in this series, it works well as a stand alone. I did struggle with keeping track of the many characters in this novel, and I’m not sure that I was able to grasp the entire story, but overall it was a good, enjoyable historical fiction read!
August 27, 2024
With G. Bruno and John Dee now serving as fictional secret agents what other alchemists/philosophers/scientists/artists are available to novelists? Someone must be doing Rubens, no? England in the mid 1580s and the question of what to do about Mary? There’s also a demented Czech woman assassin after Dee and his family. The court politics, revolving around factions that want Mary quietly removed or tried for treason, is more interesting than the assassin’s chase which is over described. Everyone, except for the Dees, is nicely sinister and duplicitous as well as simply fearful of the power of absolute monarchies. Check the “trump” joke about the rule of law.
December 22, 2025
A most engaging conclusion. The series ends way stronger than it started. Had the suspense and consistent point of views of #4 been in all of the novels, the series could have been 5star start to finish, but no book is perfect;)
September 20, 2024
Is the Queen in the title Queen Elizabeth? Or Mary Queen of Scots? This is a closer look at Mary's story, and really no one comes out with clean hands
October 20, 2024
A John Dee second book about the queen of England and the of Scotland.
January 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this series
August 13, 2024
The Queen's Lies by Oliver Clements is an awesome Tudor Era historical fiction that is the fourth book in the amazing Agents of the Crown series.
I have read all four books…and I have enjoyed every one of them. I like how the pacing was kept alive and flowing with the alternating story lines of John Dee, Robert Beale, Francis Walsingham, Jane Frommond Dee, and our “villains and coconspirators”. I especially enjoyed the threads involving Mary Queen of Scots.
There was mystery, suspense, murder, intrigue, double-crossings, but yet loyalty and threads of compassion. I really liked Jane…such a strong and intelligent lady who can hold her own. John is likable in an absent-minded professor kind of way…I just really like both of those characters. I especially loved the twist with the ending. Just awesome!
Looking forward to the next book!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Atria Books | Atria/Leopoldo & Co. for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my NG account immediately and will post it to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/13/24.
I have read all four books…and I have enjoyed every one of them. I like how the pacing was kept alive and flowing with the alternating story lines of John Dee, Robert Beale, Francis Walsingham, Jane Frommond Dee, and our “villains and coconspirators”. I especially enjoyed the threads involving Mary Queen of Scots.
There was mystery, suspense, murder, intrigue, double-crossings, but yet loyalty and threads of compassion. I really liked Jane…such a strong and intelligent lady who can hold her own. John is likable in an absent-minded professor kind of way…I just really like both of those characters. I especially loved the twist with the ending. Just awesome!
Looking forward to the next book!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Atria Books | Atria/Leopoldo & Co. for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my NG account immediately and will post it to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/13/24.
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