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Giordano Bruno #5
Conspiracy
PARIS, 1585
A KING WITHOUT AN HEIR
Heretic-turned-spy Giordano Bruno arrives in Paris from London to find a city on the edge of catastrophe. King Henri III lives in fear of a coup by the Duke of Guise and his fanatical Catholic League, and another massacre on the streets.
A COURT AT WAR WITH GOD
When Bruno’s old rival, Father Paul Lefèvre is found murdered, Bruno is drawn into a dangerous web of religious politics and court intrigue. And watching over his shoulder is the King’s mother, Catherine de Medici, with her harem of beautiful spies.
A DEADLY CONSPIRACY IN PLAY
When murder strikes at the heart of the Palace, Bruno finds himself on the trail of a killer who is protecting a terrible secret. With the royal houses of France and England under threat, Bruno must expose the truth – or be silenced for good…
A KING WITHOUT AN HEIR
Heretic-turned-spy Giordano Bruno arrives in Paris from London to find a city on the edge of catastrophe. King Henri III lives in fear of a coup by the Duke of Guise and his fanatical Catholic League, and another massacre on the streets.
A COURT AT WAR WITH GOD
When Bruno’s old rival, Father Paul Lefèvre is found murdered, Bruno is drawn into a dangerous web of religious politics and court intrigue. And watching over his shoulder is the King’s mother, Catherine de Medici, with her harem of beautiful spies.
A DEADLY CONSPIRACY IN PLAY
When murder strikes at the heart of the Palace, Bruno finds himself on the trail of a killer who is protecting a terrible secret. With the royal houses of France and England under threat, Bruno must expose the truth – or be silenced for good…
474 pages, Hardcover
First published February 23, 2016
452 people are currently reading
2737 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Parris
29 books987 followersPseudonym for author Stephanie Merritt
S.J. Parris began reviewing books for national newspapers while she was reading English literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. After graduating, she went on to become Deputy Literary Editor of The Observer in 1999. She continues to work as a feature writer and critic for the Guardian and the Observer and from 2007-2008 she curated and produced the Talks and Debates program on issues in contemporary arts and politics at London's Soho Theatre. She has appeared as a panelist on various Radio Four shows and on BBC2's Newsnight Review, and is a regular chair and presenter at the Hay Festival and the National Theatre. She has been a judge for the Costa Biography Award, the Orange New Writing Award and the Perrier Comedy Award. She lives in the south of England with her son.
S.J. Parris began reviewing books for national newspapers while she was reading English literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. After graduating, she went on to become Deputy Literary Editor of The Observer in 1999. She continues to work as a feature writer and critic for the Guardian and the Observer and from 2007-2008 she curated and produced the Talks and Debates program on issues in contemporary arts and politics at London's Soho Theatre. She has appeared as a panelist on various Radio Four shows and on BBC2's Newsnight Review, and is a regular chair and presenter at the Hay Festival and the National Theatre. She has been a judge for the Costa Biography Award, the Orange New Writing Award and the Perrier Comedy Award. She lives in the south of England with her son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
July 14, 2019
I waited for this one... the next, fifth, book on Giordano Bruno, ex-monk and assumed heretic, and a new adventure in the Elisabethan age. Very enjoyable, once again. For those who like historic fiction, this series (Heresy, Prophecy, Sacrilege, Treachery, Conspiracy) is great reading.
This fifth book, again, was a good read, vivid scenery, intriguing, entertaining. This time, located in Paris, under the rule of King Henry III. Now I'm waiting for the next in C.J. Sansom's Shardlake series...
Paris, November, 1585
'Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. It has been nine years since my last confession.'
From beyond the latticework screen, came a sharp inhalation through teeth, barely audible.
'And what has happened to keep you so far from God's grace, my son?'
That slight nasal quality to his voice; it coloured everything he said with an unfortunate sneer...
'Ah, Father - where to begin? ' .....
Heretic-turned spy Giordano Bruno arrives in Paris to find a city on the edge of catastrophe. King Henri III lives in fear of a coup by the Duke of Guise and his fanatical Catholic League, and another massacre on the streets.
When Bruno's old rival, Father Paul Lefèvre, is found murdered, Bruno is drawn into a dangerous web of religious politics and court intrigue. And watching over his shoulder is the King's mother, Catherine de Medici, with her harem of beautiful spies.....
This fifth book, again, was a good read, vivid scenery, intriguing, entertaining. This time, located in Paris, under the rule of King Henry III. Now I'm waiting for the next in C.J. Sansom's Shardlake series...
Paris, November, 1585
'Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. It has been nine years since my last confession.'
From beyond the latticework screen, came a sharp inhalation through teeth, barely audible.
'And what has happened to keep you so far from God's grace, my son?'
That slight nasal quality to his voice; it coloured everything he said with an unfortunate sneer...
'Ah, Father - where to begin? ' .....
Heretic-turned spy Giordano Bruno arrives in Paris to find a city on the edge of catastrophe. King Henri III lives in fear of a coup by the Duke of Guise and his fanatical Catholic League, and another massacre on the streets.
When Bruno's old rival, Father Paul Lefèvre, is found murdered, Bruno is drawn into a dangerous web of religious politics and court intrigue. And watching over his shoulder is the King's mother, Catherine de Medici, with her harem of beautiful spies.....
July 9, 2020
Back with another instalment of S.J. Parris’ Elizabethan mystery series, the reader sees Giordano Bruno in his fifth adventure. Taking things out of England, Parris sends her protagonist to France, where the religious politics have reached a boiling point. When visiting a friend in Paris, Giordano Bruno seeks guidance from Paul Lefèvre, a priest in the local abby. Not long after, Lefèvre is found clinging to life and utters a single word to Bruno before he dies. Unsettling as it is, Bruno is unsure who might be behind this and goes to see the current French monarch, Henri III. While discussing the murder with Henri, Bruno learns more about the Catholic League, an organization with the push to keep France firmly in the Vatican’s column. This movement is being run by the Duke of Guise, a name Bruno knows well from his time in the middle of the religious fights in England. With the Duke eyeing the French Throne, he stirs up controversy about the current monarch and tries to pin the murder of Lefèvre on Bruno, an obvious former Catholic reprobate. As tensions rise in Paris, Bruno is soon confronted by the Queen Mother, none other than Catherine de Medici, whose own past is full of iron-fisted moments as she watched her sons limply rule over France. As more bodies pile up, Bruno is eager to find a killer and set the record straight, even as the League is pushing harder. Even word that Sophia Underhill is in Paris cannot shake Bruno’s resolve, but he will need more than that to save himself and France from coming apart at the seams. Another stellar novel in the series shows that S.J. Parris knows what she’s doing with this historical thriller series. Recommended to those who love this time period, as well as the reader who finds mysteries from another age to be just as (or more) interesting!
As I have said before, this series is not light and superficial, as it tackles the time period and much of the political machinations head-on. Investing much time and dedicating myself to become more comfortable with the detail Parris offers has paid off. She continues with detailed writing style that offers a learning experience on every page, though some proverbial rabbit holes down which she takes the reader are clearer than others. Giordano Bruno offers a slightly different perspective in this piece, back in France, with a monarch who sought to protect him from the Inquisition. Bruno owes much to Henri III, but also his friend Paul Lefèvre, even though they sit on opposite sides of the Catholic question. Bruno works diligently to turn over all stones to find a killer, even when he is yet again painted as a possible suspect, all because of his background and apparent religious leanings. His being a level-headed man has moments when Bruno is praised but also vilified, as though he is trying to deflect away from his beliefs. Said beliefs are not as accepted as they were in England, an issue that Bruno discovers as the Catholic League gains momentum on Paris streets. Parris does not put her protagonist on a clear path, tossing political and religious issues in his way, as well as injecting some subplots from past novels that need more depth or resolution This is a brilliant way to add character development and allows series fans to see how softy arcs develop for those who are attentive. Parris returns with more new characters—a mix of historically accurate and those of her own creation—who fill the narrative with their own points of view, while adding to the historical events about which the reader might not be aware. The story remains well-paced and constantly develops, forcing the reader to pay close attention and connect some dots within the narrative or overall series. The reader is outside of England for once, which adds new flavour to the plot, but the English still have a role to play throughout the struggle that sees France on the tipping point. With a mix of chapter lengths and plot that never takes a break in is evolution, Parris creates a plausible story and shows some of the lesser known aspects of the time to lay readers such as myself. I will keep reading and see where Bruno will go, as the ride has been exhilarating to this point.
Kudos, Madam Parris, for another story that entertained and educated in equal measure.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
As I have said before, this series is not light and superficial, as it tackles the time period and much of the political machinations head-on. Investing much time and dedicating myself to become more comfortable with the detail Parris offers has paid off. She continues with detailed writing style that offers a learning experience on every page, though some proverbial rabbit holes down which she takes the reader are clearer than others. Giordano Bruno offers a slightly different perspective in this piece, back in France, with a monarch who sought to protect him from the Inquisition. Bruno owes much to Henri III, but also his friend Paul Lefèvre, even though they sit on opposite sides of the Catholic question. Bruno works diligently to turn over all stones to find a killer, even when he is yet again painted as a possible suspect, all because of his background and apparent religious leanings. His being a level-headed man has moments when Bruno is praised but also vilified, as though he is trying to deflect away from his beliefs. Said beliefs are not as accepted as they were in England, an issue that Bruno discovers as the Catholic League gains momentum on Paris streets. Parris does not put her protagonist on a clear path, tossing political and religious issues in his way, as well as injecting some subplots from past novels that need more depth or resolution This is a brilliant way to add character development and allows series fans to see how softy arcs develop for those who are attentive. Parris returns with more new characters—a mix of historically accurate and those of her own creation—who fill the narrative with their own points of view, while adding to the historical events about which the reader might not be aware. The story remains well-paced and constantly develops, forcing the reader to pay close attention and connect some dots within the narrative or overall series. The reader is outside of England for once, which adds new flavour to the plot, but the English still have a role to play throughout the struggle that sees France on the tipping point. With a mix of chapter lengths and plot that never takes a break in is evolution, Parris creates a plausible story and shows some of the lesser known aspects of the time to lay readers such as myself. I will keep reading and see where Bruno will go, as the ride has been exhilarating to this point.
Kudos, Madam Parris, for another story that entertained and educated in equal measure.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 1, 2016
I was lucky enough to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway so thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy of this book.
This astonishing book oozes historical richness. The writing, setting, characters, etc. are full of history; every line of every paragraph immerses you in the contextual period (1585 to be exact) in which it is set.
This is only the second of Parris' books I've read but I would highly recommend her writing. I adore Tudor history (in fact I adore most historical periods) but Parris' writing is ridiculously interesting and full of description which leaves you hanging off every word.
A beautiful book with a great story at its centre. One of very few historical mystery/thrillers I've ever read but one that is fantastically atmospheric that you can't help losing yourself in the mystery of 16th century France.
Absolutely brilliant. I look forward to reading more of Parris' work.
4 stars.
This astonishing book oozes historical richness. The writing, setting, characters, etc. are full of history; every line of every paragraph immerses you in the contextual period (1585 to be exact) in which it is set.
This is only the second of Parris' books I've read but I would highly recommend her writing. I adore Tudor history (in fact I adore most historical periods) but Parris' writing is ridiculously interesting and full of description which leaves you hanging off every word.
A beautiful book with a great story at its centre. One of very few historical mystery/thrillers I've ever read but one that is fantastically atmospheric that you can't help losing yourself in the mystery of 16th century France.
Absolutely brilliant. I look forward to reading more of Parris' work.
4 stars.
May 5, 2017
Right from the beginning of "Conspiracy", Bruno is careless and bumbling in his approach, particularly as he starts off completely alone in Paris without trustworthy allies or Walsingham's protection (which he probably badly needs!). He shows no discretion or investigative talent this time; instead completely lacking a logical approach and not taking any time for some common sense and reflection on events and parties involved, before throwing himself into ridiculous situations and ending up endangered and injured through his own foolish headstrong actions. He demonstrates a certain arrogance and over-confidence. It was a relief to be honest to have Paget there, featuring heavily in Part 1, to trip him up a bit and point out some of Bruno's obvious errors in judgement!
As I've mentioned in reviews of the previous couple of books in this series, although you could read this as a standalone book, having read the earlier books in the series means that you can get more from it - otherwise you wouldn't really understand who Bruno is, and what his history has been with characters like Sophia / "Mary Gifford". But unfortunately, as the Giordano Bruno series has gone on, I've lost the love for it. Reading more out of habit and determination to complete the series, each new instalment was sadly less engaging compared to his earlier escapades in Oxford and Canterbury.
As I've mentioned in reviews of the previous couple of books in this series, although you could read this as a standalone book, having read the earlier books in the series means that you can get more from it - otherwise you wouldn't really understand who Bruno is, and what his history has been with characters like Sophia / "Mary Gifford". But unfortunately, as the Giordano Bruno series has gone on, I've lost the love for it. Reading more out of habit and determination to complete the series, each new instalment was sadly less engaging compared to his earlier escapades in Oxford and Canterbury.
January 16, 2022
Somehow managed to get the last two out of order, but it didn’t make much difference.
Bruno is in Paris, and meets with an old friend, who is murdered shortly after. Correlation or causation? This draws him into the politics of the ruling of France, between Henri, the Duke of Guise and the Catholic League, and the scheming Catherine of Medici. Much harm and danger ensues, as we’ve come to expect, a pop-up visit from Sophia, again, as one would expect, and our hero manages to come out on top.
I have found that the most recent few Bruno books I’ve read follow a pattern, although this one, the fifth (although my 6th), ended somewhat farcically with a show worthy of trashy US television shows (think: Jerry Springer et al) with the episode entitled I Don’t Know Which Royal Is My Baby’s Daddy And Also I’m Dead And Also Their Mother Hates Me. This made me skim read a bit more than I usually would, however I was somewhat mollified by the Parisian setting rather than the dreary England that is usually described.
Bruno is in Paris, and meets with an old friend, who is murdered shortly after. Correlation or causation? This draws him into the politics of the ruling of France, between Henri, the Duke of Guise and the Catholic League, and the scheming Catherine of Medici. Much harm and danger ensues, as we’ve come to expect, a pop-up visit from Sophia, again, as one would expect, and our hero manages to come out on top.
I have found that the most recent few Bruno books I’ve read follow a pattern, although this one, the fifth (although my 6th), ended somewhat farcically with a show worthy of trashy US television shows (think: Jerry Springer et al) with the episode entitled I Don’t Know Which Royal Is My Baby’s Daddy And Also I’m Dead And Also Their Mother Hates Me. This made me skim read a bit more than I usually would, however I was somewhat mollified by the Parisian setting rather than the dreary England that is usually described.
January 1, 2018
SJ Parris's Giordano Bruno series is one of my favorite active mystery series, and most of the other books have been five stars and then some. This one, for me at least, missed the mark on several points. This one takes place in France, rather than England, which brings in a whole host of new historical characters and gets rid of two of my favorites--Phillip Sidney and Sir Francis Walsingham--who both really worked well in the first four novels. But Parris is working with historical characters, including a main detective, and Bruno really only spent two years in England before returning to France. So this part of it can't be helped.
But the historical characters that Bruno encounters in England--King Henri, Catherine de Medici, the Duke of Guise--are such notorious historical figures that Bruno's encounters with them seem artificial. And the plot itself (which, as one might guess from the title, is a "conspiracy") is so far-reaching in its potential consequences that Bruno's involvement seems far-fetched.
But my biggest issue with the book is that it simply tries to bring too many recurring elements into the new story. All mystery series have running storylines. But, in the first four books, Parris creates a lot of cliffhangers and recurring plot devices, almost all of which crash their way into the mystery story, which just ends up making everything less believable.
All that said, Parris is a great writer, and she has a profound grasp of this historical period, so there is a lot of good stuff in the book. My three-star rating is mainly an inter-series ranking more than an absolute judgment on the star-value of the book.
But the historical characters that Bruno encounters in England--King Henri, Catherine de Medici, the Duke of Guise--are such notorious historical figures that Bruno's encounters with them seem artificial. And the plot itself (which, as one might guess from the title, is a "conspiracy") is so far-reaching in its potential consequences that Bruno's involvement seems far-fetched.
But my biggest issue with the book is that it simply tries to bring too many recurring elements into the new story. All mystery series have running storylines. But, in the first four books, Parris creates a lot of cliffhangers and recurring plot devices, almost all of which crash their way into the mystery story, which just ends up making everything less believable.
All that said, Parris is a great writer, and she has a profound grasp of this historical period, so there is a lot of good stuff in the book. My three-star rating is mainly an inter-series ranking more than an absolute judgment on the star-value of the book.
May 5, 2017
I haven't actually read any books in this series before, but there are so many great series I either discover late or get around to late that I don't like to always start at the beginning, and Conspiracy worked perfectly well as a standalone.
In this fifth installment, Giordano Bruno, who once saw his excommunication for being a heretic as a mark that he was a free-thinker, true to himself, which he bore proudly, but as the years pass he finds himself longing to return home and no longer to have to check over his shoulder when he goes out, goes to visit an old friend, a priest involved with the fanatical Catholic League, to seek forgiveness from the Catholic Church. Soon after the same priest is found dead. Bruno soon finds himself investigating three murders, which he is convinced are connected, playing off the Duke of Guise and King Henri III, not to mention the King's mother Catherine de Medici, and her harem of beautiful spies, in his attempts to discover the truth about the murders and the conspiracy.
I immediately fell in love with Bruno, despite his frustrating ability to land himself in dangerous, and often deadly, situations, and to jump in with both feet before looking first, and he is joined by a cast of fascinating characters, practically all of whom the reader suspects at some point in the novel. There is a lot going on in this, fairly hefty, book, and it kept me guessing and made me want to keep reading until the end. I'd definitely like to read more in this series (when my TBR pile allows it!)
In this fifth installment, Giordano Bruno, who once saw his excommunication for being a heretic as a mark that he was a free-thinker, true to himself, which he bore proudly, but as the years pass he finds himself longing to return home and no longer to have to check over his shoulder when he goes out, goes to visit an old friend, a priest involved with the fanatical Catholic League, to seek forgiveness from the Catholic Church. Soon after the same priest is found dead. Bruno soon finds himself investigating three murders, which he is convinced are connected, playing off the Duke of Guise and King Henri III, not to mention the King's mother Catherine de Medici, and her harem of beautiful spies, in his attempts to discover the truth about the murders and the conspiracy.
I immediately fell in love with Bruno, despite his frustrating ability to land himself in dangerous, and often deadly, situations, and to jump in with both feet before looking first, and he is joined by a cast of fascinating characters, practically all of whom the reader suspects at some point in the novel. There is a lot going on in this, fairly hefty, book, and it kept me guessing and made me want to keep reading until the end. I'd definitely like to read more in this series (when my TBR pile allows it!)
April 25, 2017
Giordano Bruno is in Paris, a decade or so after the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre, and seeks forgiveness from the Catholic Church. He asks help of an old friend, a priest involved with an extreme Catholic group, who is abruptly murdered. Has the murder been committed on the orders of the king, seen as insufficiently hostile to heretics, or by another unknown assailant? Bruno is employed by competing factions to find out. On the way, the reader experiences the corrupt court of Henri III of France, the plotting of his mother, Catherine De Medici, and the sectarian cruelties of the Catholic Duke of Guise. Then, too, are the machinations of English Catholic exiles in Paris, hostile to Bruno, as Walsingham's man, and a reappearance of a lost love from Bruno's past.
This is a good, well written novel, which maintains the tension for much of its length. The reader will learn much about France during the reformation period from a thrilling, plot driven story.
This is a good, well written novel, which maintains the tension for much of its length. The reader will learn much about France during the reformation period from a thrilling, plot driven story.
May 1, 2016
I was very fortunate in being a Goodreads giveaway winner of this the latest (5th) book in the series of Giordano Bruno, philosopher and spy for spy-master Sir Francis Walsingham. As in previous books in the series (which I would also recommend), Bruno reluctantly gets involved in needing to solve a murder quickly, this time in Paris, France.
S.J Parris has done it again, another high class 'who-done-it', which has twists and turns aplenty to keep you engrossed and guessing throughout, and some well drawn characters which make this series of books highly enjoyable.
A real pager-turner and one to add to the top of your "to-read" lists.
Can't wait for the next installment of Giordano Bruno.
S.J Parris has done it again, another high class 'who-done-it', which has twists and turns aplenty to keep you engrossed and guessing throughout, and some well drawn characters which make this series of books highly enjoyable.
A real pager-turner and one to add to the top of your "to-read" lists.
Can't wait for the next installment of Giordano Bruno.
May 31, 2022
The fifth episode in the adventures of Bruno Giordano, this time (1585) in & around the court King Henri III & his scheming mother, the notorious Catherine de Medici, dressed in black velvet & expensive jewelry. The other villain is the Duke de Guise & Bruno falls foul of both of them.
It is so well-researched & imagined that I learned about the period - after the massacre of thousands French Protestants by violent Catholic mobs in Paris on St Bartholemew's Day - that I was swept-up by its intrigues, treachery & back-stabbing! Knives are out everywhere for nearly everybody!
Bruno investigates for his former pupil, now a weak king dominated by his malign mother & unable to sire an heir; but he is drawn in to a vortex of deceit, lies & murders, that horrify him with their Machiavellian logic.
Bruno narrowly & painfully, escapes the jaws of death on a number of occasions, witnessing some awful sights & having his strong, heretical beliefs tested to the limit. Many of the characters are wonderfully ambiguous; that helps to spice-up the 474 pages into a very entertaining read, & I look forward to the next instalment of a series that has proved to be well-worth the hours I devoted to them.
I wish I could say the same about some other writers! S.J. Parris a.k.a. Stephanie Merritt knocks spots off many of them in historical accuracy & atmosphere & deserves more accolades than my modest appraisal on Goodreads!
It is so well-researched & imagined that I learned about the period - after the massacre of thousands French Protestants by violent Catholic mobs in Paris on St Bartholemew's Day - that I was swept-up by its intrigues, treachery & back-stabbing! Knives are out everywhere for nearly everybody!
Bruno investigates for his former pupil, now a weak king dominated by his malign mother & unable to sire an heir; but he is drawn in to a vortex of deceit, lies & murders, that horrify him with their Machiavellian logic.
Bruno narrowly & painfully, escapes the jaws of death on a number of occasions, witnessing some awful sights & having his strong, heretical beliefs tested to the limit. Many of the characters are wonderfully ambiguous; that helps to spice-up the 474 pages into a very entertaining read, & I look forward to the next instalment of a series that has proved to be well-worth the hours I devoted to them.
I wish I could say the same about some other writers! S.J. Parris a.k.a. Stephanie Merritt knocks spots off many of them in historical accuracy & atmosphere & deserves more accolades than my modest appraisal on Goodreads!
July 29, 2017
Perhaps I did myself a favor by purchasing this fifth book late as I will not have quite as long to wait for book six coming in May 2018. I was also pleased to read that television rights were purchased for the Bruno series and will certainly look forward to seeing these books as well as enjoying the reading experience.
Bruno is in Paris and hoping to be again under the protection of King Henry, but then there is his ever present mother Catherine and her "Medici ways" to untangle and survive. There is a great deal of action, but Bruno is ever shadowed by more than one shady character as he attempts to solve a murder at the behest of the king.
Bruno is in Paris and hoping to be again under the protection of King Henry, but then there is his ever present mother Catherine and her "Medici ways" to untangle and survive. There is a great deal of action, but Bruno is ever shadowed by more than one shady character as he attempts to solve a murder at the behest of the king.
March 16, 2021
4.5 🌟
Again, really enjoy these books. Fast paced and keeps you guessing right up until the last few pages. This one is set in Paris and the royal courts there. Interesting with the Duke of Guise and the catholic v protestant religious strife at that time. Look forward to the next book!
Again, really enjoy these books. Fast paced and keeps you guessing right up until the last few pages. This one is set in Paris and the royal courts there. Interesting with the Duke of Guise and the catholic v protestant religious strife at that time. Look forward to the next book!
May 21, 2016
I've read all of British author S J Parris' previous Giordano Bruno novels and rated them as 5 star reads. I was a bit hesitant to give "Conspiracy" five stars and am, in fact, rating it at 4 stars. The reason: it's too long and too complicated. But Parris's books usually ARE long and intricate looks at the Elizabethan England reflected through Giordano Bruno's service to Francis Walsingham, the queen's spymaster. This one is too much "long" and "complicated".
"Conspiracy" is set in Paris at the court of King Henry III and his mother, Catherine de'Medici in 1585. Giordano is on the run and has settled fitfully in Paris. He was hoping for a spying job from Walsingham back in London, but is basically biding his time, while also trying to obtain a lifting of his excommunication from the Vatican. He contacts an old frenemy who is involved in the turmoil between King Henry and his cousin, Henry, Duke of Guise. The Duke is working to dislodge is cousin, Henry, from the throne. (Henry, the king, has some rather strange personal habits...). Paris is slowly simmering in the hot summer of 1585, with religious and political contretemps between the various court and religious factions. (The St Bartholomew's Massacre of Huguenots in 1572 was still fresh in the minds of both Catholic and Protestant French, 13 years later.) And it is into this mess that Giordano Bruno has wandered.
As with many historical mysteries, many people aren't who they purport to be, either to other characters or to the readers. In "Conspiracy", Parris wanders around the hot city of Paris, in and out of the Louvre, in and out of churches, with a stop in a dungeon. I think if you're a regular reader of the series, you'll want to read the book, but if you're a new reader, don't pick it up. Read one of the earlier ones, instead.
"Conspiracy" is set in Paris at the court of King Henry III and his mother, Catherine de'Medici in 1585. Giordano is on the run and has settled fitfully in Paris. He was hoping for a spying job from Walsingham back in London, but is basically biding his time, while also trying to obtain a lifting of his excommunication from the Vatican. He contacts an old frenemy who is involved in the turmoil between King Henry and his cousin, Henry, Duke of Guise. The Duke is working to dislodge is cousin, Henry, from the throne. (Henry, the king, has some rather strange personal habits...). Paris is slowly simmering in the hot summer of 1585, with religious and political contretemps between the various court and religious factions. (The St Bartholomew's Massacre of Huguenots in 1572 was still fresh in the minds of both Catholic and Protestant French, 13 years later.) And it is into this mess that Giordano Bruno has wandered.
As with many historical mysteries, many people aren't who they purport to be, either to other characters or to the readers. In "Conspiracy", Parris wanders around the hot city of Paris, in and out of the Louvre, in and out of churches, with a stop in a dungeon. I think if you're a regular reader of the series, you'll want to read the book, but if you're a new reader, don't pick it up. Read one of the earlier ones, instead.
July 5, 2021
A decent mystery and espionage series starring the scientist and heretic Giordano Bruno who, excommunicated, moves around Europe in the service of various patrons and factions. This one deals with religious and political divisions in France as Henri III comes under threat. Like most historical novels, not just mysteries, it’s a bit overwritten and florid; too many adjectives and run on sentences. Also fictional Bruno isn’t all that smart. . .
October 26, 2018
I don't think I can read any more in that series.
July 8, 2021
Conspiracy is the fifth book by S.J Parris following Giordano Bruno's adventure set at the time of Queen Elizabeth I. In this fifth series, Bruno was caught in a deadly conspiracy when an old rival of his, Fr Paul Lefèvre, was found floating in the Seine with his skull smashed. A week before, Bruno had met Lefèvre to intervene on his behalf with the pope to reverse his excommunication. Curious by Lefèvre's last dying message to him, Bruno decided to investigate the murder. Before long, Bruno had caught himself entangled into a deadly web of political plot, with only his wits, knowledge and integrity can save himself, and perhaps even France.
I find this book quite enjoyable to read with its vivid depiction of Paris and its lifestyle which was set in 1585.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for the humours that was put in. It made me cackle a laugh alone in my room at 2am.
Beyond the book, Giordano Bruno was an Italian Dominican priest, philosopher, mathematician and astronomer. He was known for his belief in the infinite nature of the universe, identifying the Earth's sun as just one of an infinite number of stars and heavenly bodies, and asserting that God had no particular relation to Earth over any other part of the universe. He was charged with heresy in 1576 for his views and outspoken criticism of theological doctrines. From then on he wandered from country to country, facing persecution in each place until he was finally delivered to the Inquisition in 1592. The numerous charges against him included blasphemy, immoral conduct, and heresy. He refused to recant, and was burned at the stake on the Campo del Fiori in Rome, Feb. 17, 1600. (CTRL C + CTRL V it somewhere on the internet and decided to include this information as I find it fascinating)
I find this book quite enjoyable to read with its vivid depiction of Paris and its lifestyle which was set in 1585.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for the humours that was put in. It made me cackle a laugh alone in my room at 2am.
Beyond the book, Giordano Bruno was an Italian Dominican priest, philosopher, mathematician and astronomer. He was known for his belief in the infinite nature of the universe, identifying the Earth's sun as just one of an infinite number of stars and heavenly bodies, and asserting that God had no particular relation to Earth over any other part of the universe. He was charged with heresy in 1576 for his views and outspoken criticism of theological doctrines. From then on he wandered from country to country, facing persecution in each place until he was finally delivered to the Inquisition in 1592. The numerous charges against him included blasphemy, immoral conduct, and heresy. He refused to recant, and was burned at the stake on the Campo del Fiori in Rome, Feb. 17, 1600. (CTRL C + CTRL V it somewhere on the internet and decided to include this information as I find it fascinating)
June 14, 2023
I was delighted when, after, what I thought was the weakest book in this generally excellent series (Treachery), came, what I think is the best so far. Set in Paris in 1585, our intrepid, and sometimes foolhardy, hero, still working for Walsingham, gets entangled in murders and plots surrounding the French King, his mother Catherine de Medici and the Duc de Guise and the struggles between Catholicism and Protestantism. The plot is extraordinarily labyrinthine, and the cast of characters large but always clearly delineated. I enjoyed it enormously and found it difficult to put down. I am very pleased that book 6 awaits my attention soon.
May 19, 2020
Set in the tumultuous religious times of Paris in the 1580s, this book explores the tangled web of politics, religion, and succession. Bruno, a cynical reject of the Catholic Church, lives on the edge of heresy but seems to get by as a spy. Maybe this is because I don't remember what happened in the previous books, but it seems a bit unbelievable that a heretic who fled to England and recently returned to Paris was so well-connected as to be asked to spy on behalf of the King, Queen, King's Mother, Duke heading the Catholic League, and more (separately) just in a few days, all while somehow solving together a murder. Regardless, this is a fast-paced and enjoyable read with lots of historical detail to keep you interested.
August 3, 2020
Brilliant portrayal of a 16th century Europe, torn by factions and conspiracies. Ms. Parris manages to infuse the book with paranoia as Bruno tries to navigate a precarious path between Catholic factions in England & France, Walsingham's English spy agency and double-agents. Loads of fun and historically accurate at least as per my expert Wikipedia searches.
Characters like Bruno, King Henri, Walsingham, Charles Paget etc. and well-worth googling; I learnt a lot. If we think today's politics is crazy, just look back a few hundred years.
Characters like Bruno, King Henri, Walsingham, Charles Paget etc. and well-worth googling; I learnt a lot. If we think today's politics is crazy, just look back a few hundred years.
March 29, 2020
Whoo-hoo, I have found myself a new series to read. Unfortunately, I discovered this novel is #5. So have some backtracking to do, but hey, at least I know the main character, a heretic turned spy, doesn't get killed off.
This atmospheric historical novel is set in Paris in 1585. Full of intrigue, spies, religion, violence, deception, murder, and the royal French court, this moves along at a fine pace.
This atmospheric historical novel is set in Paris in 1585. Full of intrigue, spies, religion, violence, deception, murder, and the royal French court, this moves along at a fine pace.
April 11, 2025
Bruno is back in Paris looking for an opportunity to serve in the King’s court again and also to find forgiveness from the Pope. But things become more sinister when a murder happens and Bruno is set the task for hunt the murderer down, but who can he trust?
A great series. With Bruno back in Paris the intrigue is still the same as back in England, but now it really does feel like Bruno is on his own and fighting for his life.
A great series. With Bruno back in Paris the intrigue is still the same as back in England, but now it really does feel like Bruno is on his own and fighting for his life.
November 22, 2017
I do like Bruno - even if I do feel haunted by knowing his eventual fate. This time he is in Paris rather than Elizabethan England though and I felt slightly less interested. I missed the usual suspects around him but otherwise all the plot elements are in place - a turbulent historical time, some unpleasent deaths and a threat to our hero .
April 22, 2017
Not as historical as I had hoped, but a good detective yarn set in 1585 Paris. Lot gets a little convoluted at times, but overall a fun read.
August 18, 2025
Bloody good as per. I think the Parisian context changed the dynamic which was only a good thing. Enjoyed the addition of new characters from Bruno’s past, and the contrast between Bruno in Paris vs Britain. 4 stars as doubt I will read again but as good as could be otherwise. 4 and a half really.
September 27, 2022
These books are great - the history is fascinating and Bruno tugs at my heart. What he goes through and really went through in his life, just because he was a true rational thinker. But, this one was my favorite because I loved living in 1500's Paris. I could truly feel the city and the streets, the Louvre and the Sorbonne, the Tuileries and the Seine. I loved this book!
July 15, 2023
I quite like a historical novel but this didn't hold my attention like some others I have read. It is part of a series of books about the same character but it doesn't really matter where you join in. This one was part five. It is set in Paris in 1585, the king is Henri III and although he is the ruler, his mother, Catherine de Medici also has power. The king is childless, there is great concern about the royal line, and there are plots aplenty. At the heart of all this is Giordano Bruno, an Italian spy. Bruno is working for the king and sets off to solve a series of murders. He frequently gets into trouble but always manages to get himself out of it. I found the story a little too long but it is a great yarn.
June 1, 2021
This, the fifth in the Giordano Bruno series, was disappointing. It takes place in Paris at a time of religious strife, with Protestant Hugenots and the Catholic League at each other’s throats. King Henri III is without a son and has designated the Hugenot Navarre as heir. Guise, a Catholic, wants nothing more than to see Henri toppled and the Protestants exiled and / or killed.
A priest is murdered only a few days after he preaches a fiery sermon denouncing the royal family as heretics for allowing Hugenots to worship in peace. Did Henri kill him in retaliation? Did Guise kill him so the Catholics would *think* Henri had killed him and rise up against the royal family, installing Guise as King?
Bruno was sent to Paris at the end of the last book and he is in the middle of it all. The plot is complex and convoluted, and Bruno is just bumbling around, coming up with ever more preposterous theories. As more people die, Bruno continues to put himself in harm’s way. It’s almost like all the head injuries he’s suffered in the previous four books have caught up to him. The author has definitely done Bruno a disservice in writing him this way.
While the setting and historical background are fascinating, Bruno’s actions are so annoying and outlandish that the book was not an enjoyable read. It seemed to take forever to finish. There’s one more to go in the series, plus a prequel of three novellas. After this book, though, I’m hesitant. I’ll try out the next two books but will give up early if they aren’t promising.
A priest is murdered only a few days after he preaches a fiery sermon denouncing the royal family as heretics for allowing Hugenots to worship in peace. Did Henri kill him in retaliation? Did Guise kill him so the Catholics would *think* Henri had killed him and rise up against the royal family, installing Guise as King?
Bruno was sent to Paris at the end of the last book and he is in the middle of it all. The plot is complex and convoluted, and Bruno is just bumbling around, coming up with ever more preposterous theories. As more people die, Bruno continues to put himself in harm’s way. It’s almost like all the head injuries he’s suffered in the previous four books have caught up to him. The author has definitely done Bruno a disservice in writing him this way.
While the setting and historical background are fascinating, Bruno’s actions are so annoying and outlandish that the book was not an enjoyable read. It seemed to take forever to finish. There’s one more to go in the series, plus a prequel of three novellas. After this book, though, I’m hesitant. I’ll try out the next two books but will give up early if they aren’t promising.
October 23, 2017
Bruno is back to solve another mystery! I greatly enjoyed this book. I liked the setting, the characters and the plot. Can't wait for the next book in these series.
April 28, 2019
While this book was exciting and enjoyable in many ways it didn't grip me in quite the same way as the earlier books. Bruno is in Paris hoping King Henri will give him patronage. He is still spying for Walsingham, still on a quest to find his lost love, Sophia and the book which will unlock the secrets of the universe. Needless to say Bruno finds murders and mysteries to solve, and falls into all sorts of scrapes and mishaps. I'm not sure why this book appealed less than the earlier ones, all the elements of a good read were there and I will be reading the next one.
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