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The Players
A gripping tale of compassion, imposture, trickery and surprising alliances set against the backdrop of The Bloody Assizes, from the bestselling author of The Last Hours and The Swift and the Harrier.
The much-anticipated sequel to The Swift and The Harrier
England, 1685. Decades after the end of the civil war, the country is once again divided when Charles II's illegitimate son, the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, arrives in Dorset to incite rebellion against his Catholic uncle.
Armed only with pitchforks, Monmouth's army is quickly defeated by King James II's superior forces and charged with high treason. Those found guilty will be hanged, drawn and quartered.
As Dorset braces for carnage, the redoubtable Lady Jayne Harrier and a small group of trusted allies - including her courageous son and the independent-minded daughter of a local lawyer - contrive ways to save men from the gallows.
Compelling and powerful, The Players is a story of guile, deceit and compassion during the dark days of The Bloody Assizes. Secrets are kept and surprising friendships formed in a dangerous gamble to thwart a brutal king's thirst for vengeance...
The much-anticipated sequel to The Swift and The Harrier
England, 1685. Decades after the end of the civil war, the country is once again divided when Charles II's illegitimate son, the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, arrives in Dorset to incite rebellion against his Catholic uncle.
Armed only with pitchforks, Monmouth's army is quickly defeated by King James II's superior forces and charged with high treason. Those found guilty will be hanged, drawn and quartered.
As Dorset braces for carnage, the redoubtable Lady Jayne Harrier and a small group of trusted allies - including her courageous son and the independent-minded daughter of a local lawyer - contrive ways to save men from the gallows.
Compelling and powerful, The Players is a story of guile, deceit and compassion during the dark days of The Bloody Assizes. Secrets are kept and surprising friendships formed in a dangerous gamble to thwart a brutal king's thirst for vengeance...
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2025
195 people are currently reading
9321 people want to read
About the author
Minette Walters
94 books1,433 followersMinette Walters (born 26 September 1949) is a British mystery writer. After studying at Trevelyan College, University of Durham, she began writing in 1987 with The Ice House, which was published in 1992. She followed this with The Sculptress (1993), which received the 1994 Edgar Award for Best Novel. She has been published in 35 countries and won many awards.
The Sculptress has been adapted for television in a BBC series starring Pauline Quirke. Her novels The Ice House, The Echo, The Dark Room, and The Scold's Bridle have also been adapted by the BBC.
The Sculptress has been adapted for television in a BBC series starring Pauline Quirke. Her novels The Ice House, The Echo, The Dark Room, and The Scold's Bridle have also been adapted by the BBC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
October 10, 2024
This is the sequel to The Swift and the Harrier but it can definitely be read as a standalone.
England’s turbulent path to democracy is told via Lady Jayne Harrier and her son Elias, the Duke of Granville with a focus on Judge Jeffreys and the Bloody Assize.
Charles II, the Merry Monarch, is restored to the throne in 1660 after the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell. Charles rules for 25 years but sadly has no legitimate heir. He does, however, have plenty of illegitimate children, the eldest of whom is James, Duke of Monmouth. On the death of Charles in February 1685, his brother James ascends the throne with discontent swiftly following as James is openly catholic. In The Hague, Holland, a plot is hatched with Protestant Monmouth at its epicentre and he’s most definitely keeping dangerous company. What follows is a precarious game of high treason and an ill fated rebellion with the rebels routed at Sedgemoor in Somerset. What will Monmouth’s fate be? In an age where retribution can be speedy and harsh enter Lady Jayne Harrier and those she can trust. Can she and her loyal followers, save those destined for the gallows in the vengeful Bloody Assize lead by Judge Jeffreys of the Western circuit?
This cruel, harsh and eventful three years of James II’s reign and before the arrival of William and Mary and the Bill of Rights is meticulously portrayed via Jayne, Elias and Jeffreys and I particularly like them more balanced portrayal of the Hanging Judge. I end with some sympathy for him, which I don’t expect to feel but on reflection seems justified! The interactions between him and Lady Jayne Harrier are some of the best in the book as Jayne provides him with some essential medical treatment. She is likeable, knowledgeable, wise and clever and scenes are always lively when she’s around!
Meanwhile Elias works behind the scenes, he too is very likeable, clever and extremely resourceful, he enters a dark and secretive world with bravery and the best form of cunning. Who can he trust as suspicion swirls around him and many others with the danger being palpable. Minette Walters introduces a new character in Althea Ettrick and she is fabulous. She’s direct, extraordinarily well read and highly intelligent with whip smart repartee. Like Jane she is so NOT a woman of her time and I grow to admire her immensely.
This is a tragic tale as it shines a spotlight on Monmouth ragtag followers and their fates. This is an unfair world with treachery, falsehood and lies and a mockery of justice thanks to a monarch hellbent on revenge. It’s beautifully written and meticulously researched and breathes life into this stormy period in our history. There is some moments of lull perhaps because the time period window is a narrow one but it soon picks up pace again. There are some moments of light relief with a dash of romance and some witty enjoyable conversations.
If you don’t know much about this fascinating period of time this novel is very good introduction to it. Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Allen and Unwin for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
England’s turbulent path to democracy is told via Lady Jayne Harrier and her son Elias, the Duke of Granville with a focus on Judge Jeffreys and the Bloody Assize.
Charles II, the Merry Monarch, is restored to the throne in 1660 after the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell. Charles rules for 25 years but sadly has no legitimate heir. He does, however, have plenty of illegitimate children, the eldest of whom is James, Duke of Monmouth. On the death of Charles in February 1685, his brother James ascends the throne with discontent swiftly following as James is openly catholic. In The Hague, Holland, a plot is hatched with Protestant Monmouth at its epicentre and he’s most definitely keeping dangerous company. What follows is a precarious game of high treason and an ill fated rebellion with the rebels routed at Sedgemoor in Somerset. What will Monmouth’s fate be? In an age where retribution can be speedy and harsh enter Lady Jayne Harrier and those she can trust. Can she and her loyal followers, save those destined for the gallows in the vengeful Bloody Assize lead by Judge Jeffreys of the Western circuit?
This cruel, harsh and eventful three years of James II’s reign and before the arrival of William and Mary and the Bill of Rights is meticulously portrayed via Jayne, Elias and Jeffreys and I particularly like them more balanced portrayal of the Hanging Judge. I end with some sympathy for him, which I don’t expect to feel but on reflection seems justified! The interactions between him and Lady Jayne Harrier are some of the best in the book as Jayne provides him with some essential medical treatment. She is likeable, knowledgeable, wise and clever and scenes are always lively when she’s around!
Meanwhile Elias works behind the scenes, he too is very likeable, clever and extremely resourceful, he enters a dark and secretive world with bravery and the best form of cunning. Who can he trust as suspicion swirls around him and many others with the danger being palpable. Minette Walters introduces a new character in Althea Ettrick and she is fabulous. She’s direct, extraordinarily well read and highly intelligent with whip smart repartee. Like Jane she is so NOT a woman of her time and I grow to admire her immensely.
This is a tragic tale as it shines a spotlight on Monmouth ragtag followers and their fates. This is an unfair world with treachery, falsehood and lies and a mockery of justice thanks to a monarch hellbent on revenge. It’s beautifully written and meticulously researched and breathes life into this stormy period in our history. There is some moments of lull perhaps because the time period window is a narrow one but it soon picks up pace again. There are some moments of light relief with a dash of romance and some witty enjoyable conversations.
If you don’t know much about this fascinating period of time this novel is very good introduction to it. Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Allen and Unwin for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
'When we take democracy for granted, we forget how many lives were sacrificed to win it for us'.
It's 1685, and although the bloody English Civil War has been over for decades, discontent between Parliamentarians and Royalists, Protestants and Catholics, still pervades. The disaffected Duke of Monmouth, gathers support to sail to England to claim the royal crown - despite his illegitimacy - but wholly miscalculates his true support. Hundreds face the ultimate price for treason: to be hung, drawn and quartered. They aren't called the 'Bloody Assizes' for nothing. The Duke of Granville and his mother, Lady Harrier, cannot let this travesty of justice take place - no one should have to pay for another man's mistakes with their life. They undertake to free as many accused as possible. To achieve this, they'll need diplomacy, wit, and a comprehensive understanding of the law. And, of course, to not be accused of treason themselves.
'The Players' is a follow up to 'The Swift and the Harrier'. Although I had not read the first book, I found this one easy to pick up and follow. The story is rich with the history of these trials, led by Judge Jefferies, and includes plenty of deflecting repartee around the interpretation of the law. Add to this, a touch of romance and a dash of espionage and you have a well-rounded book of historical ficiton.
It's 1685, and although the bloody English Civil War has been over for decades, discontent between Parliamentarians and Royalists, Protestants and Catholics, still pervades. The disaffected Duke of Monmouth, gathers support to sail to England to claim the royal crown - despite his illegitimacy - but wholly miscalculates his true support. Hundreds face the ultimate price for treason: to be hung, drawn and quartered. They aren't called the 'Bloody Assizes' for nothing. The Duke of Granville and his mother, Lady Harrier, cannot let this travesty of justice take place - no one should have to pay for another man's mistakes with their life. They undertake to free as many accused as possible. To achieve this, they'll need diplomacy, wit, and a comprehensive understanding of the law. And, of course, to not be accused of treason themselves.
'The Players' is a follow up to 'The Swift and the Harrier'. Although I had not read the first book, I found this one easy to pick up and follow. The story is rich with the history of these trials, led by Judge Jefferies, and includes plenty of deflecting repartee around the interpretation of the law. Add to this, a touch of romance and a dash of espionage and you have a well-rounded book of historical ficiton.
November 5, 2024
4.5★
Minette Walters' historical fiction is a sure bet for me, and The Players didn't disappoint. It is a sequel to The Swift and the Harrier, continuing the story of the noble Dorset family, the Harriers, during a period of great upheaval in British history.
We begin in 1685 with the exiled Duke of Monmouth's attempt to take the throne from his Catholic uncle, King James. Having come ashore in Lyme Regis, the usurper enjoyed support from Protestants across the south-west of England. And with the Assize Circuit underway, the Dorchester prison was soon heaving with rebels once Monmouth was defeated. Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys, reputed to be a highly principled - if irascible - judge, would have just a short time to pass judgment and sentence hundreds of men on trial for high treason.
In the background, Miss Jayne (Lady Harrier) is still an esteemed medical practitioner, despite her now advanced age, and her son Elias, has followed in his father's footsteps. Envoy, agent, spy - Elias is what he needs to be to suit the situation. The pair contrive to waylay Jeffreys en route to Dorchester, and this really sets up the whole story.
Wow, what an interesting period of history! I knew a little about Charles II, whose death set this all in motion, and had heard the term Bloody Assizes (so named for the blood flowing from all the executions), but I learned so much more from the way Walters weaves her detailed research into the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with Jayne again, and getting to know her heroic son.
This is a real treat for readers of historical fiction, and I thank NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to read and review it.
Minette Walters' historical fiction is a sure bet for me, and The Players didn't disappoint. It is a sequel to The Swift and the Harrier, continuing the story of the noble Dorset family, the Harriers, during a period of great upheaval in British history.
We begin in 1685 with the exiled Duke of Monmouth's attempt to take the throne from his Catholic uncle, King James. Having come ashore in Lyme Regis, the usurper enjoyed support from Protestants across the south-west of England. And with the Assize Circuit underway, the Dorchester prison was soon heaving with rebels once Monmouth was defeated. Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys, reputed to be a highly principled - if irascible - judge, would have just a short time to pass judgment and sentence hundreds of men on trial for high treason.
In the background, Miss Jayne (Lady Harrier) is still an esteemed medical practitioner, despite her now advanced age, and her son Elias, has followed in his father's footsteps. Envoy, agent, spy - Elias is what he needs to be to suit the situation. The pair contrive to waylay Jeffreys en route to Dorchester, and this really sets up the whole story.
Wow, what an interesting period of history! I knew a little about Charles II, whose death set this all in motion, and had heard the term Bloody Assizes (so named for the blood flowing from all the executions), but I learned so much more from the way Walters weaves her detailed research into the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with Jayne again, and getting to know her heroic son.
This is a real treat for readers of historical fiction, and I thank NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to read and review it.
November 27, 2024
I so enjoyed reading The Players! It's set during the Restoration, Catholic James II (Charles II's younger brother) is on the throne, and a plan by the Protestant Duke of Monmouth (the oldest of Charles II's illegitimate sons), who has been living in the low countries, is on the cusp of an extraordinarily reckless and underfunded invasion of England, utterly convinced that the populace will rise up to support him. Some do, but those are mostly poor peasants, and Monmouth is defeated quite efficiently.
That leaves Monmouth on the run as hundreds of peasants are being taken into prison for their supposed support of the invasion. Some *did* support it, but with very little understanding of what the consequences might be; many others have been rounded up without cause, and others have been accused by neighbors or rivals seizing the opportunity to wreak havoc.
At the center of this mess are Lady Jane Harrier, her adult son, and the incredibly intelligent and reclusive daughter of a local lawyer. There's no hope for many of those who've been arrested. James II has ordered the judge hearing these cases to find *everyone* guilty of treason and to sentence them to a traitor's death: burning for women; a drawn-out process of hanging, evisceration, and dismemberment for men. But, while not everyone can be saved, the trio is working together to save as many as they can, sometimes a few at a time, sometimes in larger numbers.
Here's what makes The Players such an outstanding read: watching the trio cook up and execute their "rescue missions," one after another, always conscious that not all will be saved.
The history is solid here. The central characters are unusual and principled in some wonderful ways that have one rooting for them from the start. If you like historical fiction set in the Restoration you'll want to get going on The Players stat. It really is that engaging.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
That leaves Monmouth on the run as hundreds of peasants are being taken into prison for their supposed support of the invasion. Some *did* support it, but with very little understanding of what the consequences might be; many others have been rounded up without cause, and others have been accused by neighbors or rivals seizing the opportunity to wreak havoc.
At the center of this mess are Lady Jane Harrier, her adult son, and the incredibly intelligent and reclusive daughter of a local lawyer. There's no hope for many of those who've been arrested. James II has ordered the judge hearing these cases to find *everyone* guilty of treason and to sentence them to a traitor's death: burning for women; a drawn-out process of hanging, evisceration, and dismemberment for men. But, while not everyone can be saved, the trio is working together to save as many as they can, sometimes a few at a time, sometimes in larger numbers.
Here's what makes The Players such an outstanding read: watching the trio cook up and execute their "rescue missions," one after another, always conscious that not all will be saved.
The history is solid here. The central characters are unusual and principled in some wonderful ways that have one rooting for them from the start. If you like historical fiction set in the Restoration you'll want to get going on The Players stat. It really is that engaging.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
January 3, 2025
‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…’
-Shakespeare
The Players by Minette Walters is a well-written and compelling historical fiction novel set England in 1685. Charles II has died without leaving a legitimate heir and his younger brother, King James II, a Catholic, is on the throne. Charles II illegitimate son, Duke of Monmouth, attempts an ill-conceived invasion to take the throne with disastrous results. Now the king wants revenge and thousands, mostly from among the poorest classes, are to be quickly tried and, just as quickly, convicted and put to death. There are many who oppose this including Elias, Duke of Granville so with the aid of his mother, Lady Jayne Harrier, and Althea, the brilliant daughter of a local lawyer, they devise ways to save as many of the condemned as they could.
I enjoyed this novel a lot, with an interesting plot and plenty of action but it is the characters, of whom there are many, who kept me up late reading. They are beautifully drawn and three dimensional, even relatively minor players, but especially Jayne and Althea who are very strong, very compassionate protagonists. As well, Walter’s descriptions of the landscape really brings this story to life. Definitely, a good book to start the new year.
Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
-Shakespeare
The Players by Minette Walters is a well-written and compelling historical fiction novel set England in 1685. Charles II has died without leaving a legitimate heir and his younger brother, King James II, a Catholic, is on the throne. Charles II illegitimate son, Duke of Monmouth, attempts an ill-conceived invasion to take the throne with disastrous results. Now the king wants revenge and thousands, mostly from among the poorest classes, are to be quickly tried and, just as quickly, convicted and put to death. There are many who oppose this including Elias, Duke of Granville so with the aid of his mother, Lady Jayne Harrier, and Althea, the brilliant daughter of a local lawyer, they devise ways to save as many of the condemned as they could.
I enjoyed this novel a lot, with an interesting plot and plenty of action but it is the characters, of whom there are many, who kept me up late reading. They are beautifully drawn and three dimensional, even relatively minor players, but especially Jayne and Althea who are very strong, very compassionate protagonists. As well, Walter’s descriptions of the landscape really brings this story to life. Definitely, a good book to start the new year.
Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
December 15, 2024
First up, I have really enjoyed the books I have read by this author so far. The historical content and the amount of research that goes into each book is impressive to say the least.
This book is set around the time in England when King James sat on the throne but wasn't popular because he was a catholic. A rebellion was planned and the intention was for Monmouth to usurp James. He was the illegitimate son of Charles and the only one who could possibly sit on the throne. The rebellion was a disaster. It was poorly planned and carried out. James ordered all the rebels to be rounded up and executed in the most brutal way possible.
The story is about Elias, the Duke of Grenville. Elias is the son of William and Jayne from the last book The Swift and The Harrier. We meet Jayne again, a character I loved in the last book and still felt the same about this time round. William is now dead, so Elias is the head of the family. He has also followed in his father's footsteps and is an adept spy and a master of disguise.
I didn't enjoy this one as much and I can't exactly put my finger on why. There's a huge cast of characters to keep track of from the outset. Most of the story was about Jeffreys, the judge who was in charge of the trials and sentencing of the prisoners. He was a vile creature and I became a little weary of him. Elias was coming and going at all hours and days but never seemed to be in any danger. There's a romantic element but this is a kind of afterthought, although I did like Althea. She was seen as a cripple but was no shrinking violet. She stood up to Elias and didn't stand any nonsense. She was one of the best parts of the story for me.
It was certainly a dangerous time to live in England. Neighbours informed on neighbours and all for the promise of a few pennies. Loyalty was hard won.
As usual the history in the story is phenomenal! I love history and it's why I read these books.
Many thanks to Atlantic Books and NetGalley for an early copy of this novel.
This book is set around the time in England when King James sat on the throne but wasn't popular because he was a catholic. A rebellion was planned and the intention was for Monmouth to usurp James. He was the illegitimate son of Charles and the only one who could possibly sit on the throne. The rebellion was a disaster. It was poorly planned and carried out. James ordered all the rebels to be rounded up and executed in the most brutal way possible.
The story is about Elias, the Duke of Grenville. Elias is the son of William and Jayne from the last book The Swift and The Harrier. We meet Jayne again, a character I loved in the last book and still felt the same about this time round. William is now dead, so Elias is the head of the family. He has also followed in his father's footsteps and is an adept spy and a master of disguise.
I didn't enjoy this one as much and I can't exactly put my finger on why. There's a huge cast of characters to keep track of from the outset. Most of the story was about Jeffreys, the judge who was in charge of the trials and sentencing of the prisoners. He was a vile creature and I became a little weary of him. Elias was coming and going at all hours and days but never seemed to be in any danger. There's a romantic element but this is a kind of afterthought, although I did like Althea. She was seen as a cripple but was no shrinking violet. She stood up to Elias and didn't stand any nonsense. She was one of the best parts of the story for me.
It was certainly a dangerous time to live in England. Neighbours informed on neighbours and all for the promise of a few pennies. Loyalty was hard won.
As usual the history in the story is phenomenal! I love history and it's why I read these books.
Many thanks to Atlantic Books and NetGalley for an early copy of this novel.
July 20, 2025
The Players is a historical novel by award-winning British author, Minette Walters, and is the sequel to The Swift and The Harrier. On a covert visit to The Hague in the spring of 1685, the strong advice that the former envoy to King Charles II, Elias Harrier gives James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, to reconsider his ill-equipped insurrection attempt, is ignored.
Elias is also present, in the guise of a parson, when Monmouth is captured in Dorset. As a parson, he ensures the man receives humane treatment, and reminds him of his duty to request clemency for his followers from the King, advice that later also goes unheeded.
An appeal is made to local magistrate Anthony Ettrick for a ruling on Monmouth’s fate, and at the magistrate’s Holt Lodge home, Elias encounters Ettrick’s very intriguing daughter, Althea. Her obvious intellect easily allows him to ignore her careless attire and grooming, and her palsied left leg. It will not be their last encounter…
Elias Harrier, Duke of Granville sees the imprisoned rebels as simple folk, many young, rebellious and extremely naïve, who took up pitchforks and clubs on Monmouth��s pledge to defend Protestantism. He has sympathy for the unarmed rabble whom Monmouth persuaded to confront trained soldiers and then deserted to save his own skin, and has already managed to facilitate, through various clever schemes, the escape from of a number of them, but there are still many hundreds in the prisons of Dorset and other western counties.
Elias is concerned that a London lawyer is acting as an impartial arbiter of the charges against the rebel prisoners which might be condemning others innocent. He is in for a surprise, and some spirited discussion, when he tracks the person down. The Catholic king’s desire for vengeance inspires others to seek the same, thus neighbours inform on one another for reasons of ambition to advance, grudges held, or fear of being thought complicit.
King James, set on deterring future uprisings by making an example of Monmouth’s followers, appoints George Jeffreys as Lord Chief Justice to preside over what are soon known as The Blood Assizes. Jeffreys, irascible and impatient, seems to revel in the fear he inspires.
Elias manages to detour Jeffrey’s progress to Dorchester via Winterbourne Houghton, where he encounters the widowed Lady Granville, Jayne Harrier. Her interactions with this conceited and rude individual reveal to her a man whose physical suffering needs to be relieved. The delay gives Elias a chance to sound out his attitudes and try to reason with him about the rebels, but without satisfaction.
He asks Jeffreys: “Do you not weary of searching out the worst in people?”
“What else would you expect from a judge?”
“Impartiality.”
When apprised of the huge numbers to be tried, his tactic is to say that a guilty plea might attract leniency, even though “The promise of leniency will be rescinded as soon as they admit their guilt. Jeffreys made it clear to me that there is only one penalty for high treason and the King expects it to be imposed”, that being hanged, drawn and quartered.
Over the following months, many are sentenced to execution, unrest and uprising threaten in response and, eventually, a subtle suggestion allows for the opportunity to have sentences commuted to transportation to the Americas. Some wonder, is slavery better than death?
Ever resourceful, Elias calls in favours and utilises friendships and loyalties to his late father, as well as exercising his own diplomacy with those incensed at the executions to help significant numbers to avoid transportation.
Once again, when Minette Walters is writing seventeenth Century British history, it is never dry or boring, but replete with interesting characters and thousands of fascinating tidbits, with witty and amusing dialogue, with action, drama and even a bit of romance: who can resist!! Enthralling historical fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin.
Elias is also present, in the guise of a parson, when Monmouth is captured in Dorset. As a parson, he ensures the man receives humane treatment, and reminds him of his duty to request clemency for his followers from the King, advice that later also goes unheeded.
An appeal is made to local magistrate Anthony Ettrick for a ruling on Monmouth’s fate, and at the magistrate’s Holt Lodge home, Elias encounters Ettrick’s very intriguing daughter, Althea. Her obvious intellect easily allows him to ignore her careless attire and grooming, and her palsied left leg. It will not be their last encounter…
Elias Harrier, Duke of Granville sees the imprisoned rebels as simple folk, many young, rebellious and extremely naïve, who took up pitchforks and clubs on Monmouth��s pledge to defend Protestantism. He has sympathy for the unarmed rabble whom Monmouth persuaded to confront trained soldiers and then deserted to save his own skin, and has already managed to facilitate, through various clever schemes, the escape from of a number of them, but there are still many hundreds in the prisons of Dorset and other western counties.
Elias is concerned that a London lawyer is acting as an impartial arbiter of the charges against the rebel prisoners which might be condemning others innocent. He is in for a surprise, and some spirited discussion, when he tracks the person down. The Catholic king’s desire for vengeance inspires others to seek the same, thus neighbours inform on one another for reasons of ambition to advance, grudges held, or fear of being thought complicit.
King James, set on deterring future uprisings by making an example of Monmouth’s followers, appoints George Jeffreys as Lord Chief Justice to preside over what are soon known as The Blood Assizes. Jeffreys, irascible and impatient, seems to revel in the fear he inspires.
Elias manages to detour Jeffrey’s progress to Dorchester via Winterbourne Houghton, where he encounters the widowed Lady Granville, Jayne Harrier. Her interactions with this conceited and rude individual reveal to her a man whose physical suffering needs to be relieved. The delay gives Elias a chance to sound out his attitudes and try to reason with him about the rebels, but without satisfaction.
He asks Jeffreys: “Do you not weary of searching out the worst in people?”
“What else would you expect from a judge?”
“Impartiality.”
When apprised of the huge numbers to be tried, his tactic is to say that a guilty plea might attract leniency, even though “The promise of leniency will be rescinded as soon as they admit their guilt. Jeffreys made it clear to me that there is only one penalty for high treason and the King expects it to be imposed”, that being hanged, drawn and quartered.
Over the following months, many are sentenced to execution, unrest and uprising threaten in response and, eventually, a subtle suggestion allows for the opportunity to have sentences commuted to transportation to the Americas. Some wonder, is slavery better than death?
Ever resourceful, Elias calls in favours and utilises friendships and loyalties to his late father, as well as exercising his own diplomacy with those incensed at the executions to help significant numbers to avoid transportation.
Once again, when Minette Walters is writing seventeenth Century British history, it is never dry or boring, but replete with interesting characters and thousands of fascinating tidbits, with witty and amusing dialogue, with action, drama and even a bit of romance: who can resist!! Enthralling historical fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin.
October 18, 2024
An excellent historical fiction that follows on from The Swift and the Harrier which I also really enjoyed. This one is set in 1685 in Dorset at the time of the Bloody Assizes, the trials that followed the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth. Lady Harrier and her son Elias are great characters. Much of the story is taken up with the horrible Lord Jeffreys, the Chief Justice casting judgement on all the rebels. A satisfying read.
January 20, 2025
As good as the previous one! Light and gripping, full of great characters and amazingly true historical events.
January 4, 2025
Minette Walters, celebrated for her nuanced historical novels like The Last Hours and The Swift and the Harrier, returns with The Players, a gripping sequel that plunges readers into the turmoil of 1685 England. Set against the brutal aftermath of the Duke of Monmouth’s failed rebellion, this novel weaves a tale of courage, trickery, and the indomitable human spirit. Walters delivers a meticulously researched and emotionally charged narrative, capturing the chaos and cruelty of a fractured nation.
Historical Backdrop: The Bloody Assizes
Walters’ choice to center her narrative around The Bloody Assizes—a dark chapter of English history—is both ambitious and rewarding. Following the Protestant Duke of Monmouth’s defeat by King James II, England’s southwest became a stage for vengeance. Judge Jeffreys’s ruthless trials loom large over the story, creating an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty. Walters vividly portrays the socio-political divide of the era, from the despair of the peasantry to the calculated maneuverings of the gentry.
This historical framework is one of the novel’s greatest strengths, immersing readers in a world of religious tensions and shifting loyalties. However, the density of historical details might overwhelm readers unfamiliar with this period.
Plot: Courage Under Fire
At the heart of The Players is Lady Jayne Harrier, a resourceful and compassionate protagonist who risks everything to save innocent men from the gallows. Alongside her son and a small band of allies, Lady Harrier devises ingenious plans to thwart Judge Jeffreys’s vengeance, relying on disguises, forged documents, and unexpected alliances.
The narrative unfolds in three parts: rebellion, retribution, and revolution. Walters masterfully balances the tension between life-and-death stakes and the quieter moments of introspection and moral quandary. The pacing, however, occasionally falters in the middle sections, where the intricate subplots—while enriching—sometimes detract from the main narrative’s momentum.
Characters: Heroes and Villains
Lady Jayne Harrier: A Beacon of Strength
Lady Harrier emerges as a multidimensional character whose intelligence and compassion anchor the story. Walters avoids the trope of the “flawless hero,” imbuing Jayne with moments of doubt and vulnerability that make her journey all the more compelling.
Supporting Cast
- Monmouth: Presented as both charismatic and reckless, his downfall is a poignant commentary on the perils of ambition.
- Judge Jeffreys: A chilling antagonist, Jeffreys is portrayed with a balance of historical accuracy and narrative flair, embodying the era’s merciless justice.
- Althea Ettrick: A standout secondary character, her intellectual prowess and quiet defiance add depth to the story.
While the primary characters shine, some supporting figures—notably the mercenaries and minor conspirators—feel underdeveloped, their motivations less convincing.
Themes: Betrayal, Justice, and Humanity
Walters delves into timeless themes, making The Players resonate beyond its historical setting:
- Justice vs. Vengeance: The trials underscore the blurred lines between law and cruelty, questioning the morality of retributive justice.
- Loyalty and Betrayal: Friendships and alliances are tested, revealing the fragility of trust in desperate times.
- Compassion in Chaos: Lady Harrier’s actions highlight the power of empathy in resisting tyranny.
These themes are handled with sensitivity and depth, though some readers might find the moral dilemmas resolved too neatly.
Writing Style: Walters’ Signature Prose
Walters’ prose is evocative and richly detailed, painting vivid scenes of both pastoral beauty and urban despair. Her dialogue captures the cadence of 17th-century speech without alienating modern readers. The alternating perspectives add layers to the narrative but occasionally disrupt the flow.
Critiques: Where the Novel Falters
- Pacing Issues: The middle section—devoted to strategic planning and character backstories—slows the narrative’s momentum. While enriching, these digressions might test the patience of readers eager for action.
- Complex Subplots: The multitude of characters and subplots, though intricate, can feel convoluted, demanding careful attention to keep track.
- Historical Density: Walters’ commitment to historical accuracy is commendable, but the sheer volume of detail may overwhelm those less familiar with the era.
Personal Take: A Story Worth Playing
The Players is a testament to Minette Walters’ mastery of historical fiction. Its richly drawn characters, moral complexity, and historical depth make it a rewarding read. While not without flaws, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. For those willing to immerse themselves in its intricate world, The Players offers a poignant and thought-provoking journey.
Wrapping It Up
With The Players, Walters cements her reputation as a storyteller who combines meticulous research with emotional resonance. This is a novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and those intrigued by the human capacity for resilience and defiance in the face of tyranny.
Historical Backdrop: The Bloody Assizes
Walters’ choice to center her narrative around The Bloody Assizes—a dark chapter of English history—is both ambitious and rewarding. Following the Protestant Duke of Monmouth’s defeat by King James II, England’s southwest became a stage for vengeance. Judge Jeffreys’s ruthless trials loom large over the story, creating an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty. Walters vividly portrays the socio-political divide of the era, from the despair of the peasantry to the calculated maneuverings of the gentry.
This historical framework is one of the novel’s greatest strengths, immersing readers in a world of religious tensions and shifting loyalties. However, the density of historical details might overwhelm readers unfamiliar with this period.
Plot: Courage Under Fire
At the heart of The Players is Lady Jayne Harrier, a resourceful and compassionate protagonist who risks everything to save innocent men from the gallows. Alongside her son and a small band of allies, Lady Harrier devises ingenious plans to thwart Judge Jeffreys’s vengeance, relying on disguises, forged documents, and unexpected alliances.
The narrative unfolds in three parts: rebellion, retribution, and revolution. Walters masterfully balances the tension between life-and-death stakes and the quieter moments of introspection and moral quandary. The pacing, however, occasionally falters in the middle sections, where the intricate subplots—while enriching—sometimes detract from the main narrative’s momentum.
Characters: Heroes and Villains
Lady Jayne Harrier: A Beacon of Strength
Lady Harrier emerges as a multidimensional character whose intelligence and compassion anchor the story. Walters avoids the trope of the “flawless hero,” imbuing Jayne with moments of doubt and vulnerability that make her journey all the more compelling.
Supporting Cast
- Monmouth: Presented as both charismatic and reckless, his downfall is a poignant commentary on the perils of ambition.
- Judge Jeffreys: A chilling antagonist, Jeffreys is portrayed with a balance of historical accuracy and narrative flair, embodying the era’s merciless justice.
- Althea Ettrick: A standout secondary character, her intellectual prowess and quiet defiance add depth to the story.
While the primary characters shine, some supporting figures—notably the mercenaries and minor conspirators—feel underdeveloped, their motivations less convincing.
Themes: Betrayal, Justice, and Humanity
Walters delves into timeless themes, making The Players resonate beyond its historical setting:
- Justice vs. Vengeance: The trials underscore the blurred lines between law and cruelty, questioning the morality of retributive justice.
- Loyalty and Betrayal: Friendships and alliances are tested, revealing the fragility of trust in desperate times.
- Compassion in Chaos: Lady Harrier’s actions highlight the power of empathy in resisting tyranny.
These themes are handled with sensitivity and depth, though some readers might find the moral dilemmas resolved too neatly.
Writing Style: Walters’ Signature Prose
Walters’ prose is evocative and richly detailed, painting vivid scenes of both pastoral beauty and urban despair. Her dialogue captures the cadence of 17th-century speech without alienating modern readers. The alternating perspectives add layers to the narrative but occasionally disrupt the flow.
Critiques: Where the Novel Falters
- Pacing Issues: The middle section—devoted to strategic planning and character backstories—slows the narrative’s momentum. While enriching, these digressions might test the patience of readers eager for action.
- Complex Subplots: The multitude of characters and subplots, though intricate, can feel convoluted, demanding careful attention to keep track.
- Historical Density: Walters’ commitment to historical accuracy is commendable, but the sheer volume of detail may overwhelm those less familiar with the era.
Personal Take: A Story Worth Playing
The Players is a testament to Minette Walters’ mastery of historical fiction. Its richly drawn characters, moral complexity, and historical depth make it a rewarding read. While not without flaws, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. For those willing to immerse themselves in its intricate world, The Players offers a poignant and thought-provoking journey.
Wrapping It Up
With The Players, Walters cements her reputation as a storyteller who combines meticulous research with emotional resonance. This is a novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and those intrigued by the human capacity for resilience and defiance in the face of tyranny.
November 6, 2024
Wow! Where do I begin? I was completely and overwhelmingly dazzled by this brilliant, intelligent, gripping literary historical fiction novel by Minette Walters. Her clever craftmanship led me into the dark heart of England where vivid descriptions shocked and rattled my core of a gruesome period in history. This journey left me informed, inspired and in awe. I was totally pulled into the characters’ tumultuous lives and horrendous events that surrounded The Bloody Assizes.
Many years after the civil war, England is once again in the stranglehold of division. Charles II’s illegitimate son, Monmouth, a Protestant, lands in Dorset to start a rebellion against his Catholic uncle: spurred on by the fear of being ruled once again by Rome. It is shocking to see, though, how ill prepared Monmouth is with his plan. He and his followers battle with pitchforks! Of course, they are overpowered easily by King James II’s well-equipped forces. And so the real trauma begins…
The outcome for Monmouth and his band of supporters is gruesome. Treason means certain death. And the sting of distrust whips through every community as each person becomes pitted against his neighbour. Not knowing who is going to turn them in, some get a head start. But when they are confronted by the law, even if they are not guilty, their sentence is set. Elias and Jayne try to help discreetly where they can. She treats anyone in need no matter who they are or their beliefs and he ‘has sympathy for all men who are punished for the sins of others’. A few supporters masquerade as consumptives to escape punishment. Others flee during travel arrangements. Some are set up to become slaves. Plots for survival abound on all sides.
At the head of this bloody campaign is Lord Jeffreys: a man reported to have revelled in the fear he inspired. But is there more to him than meets the eye?
Although the trials and incidents are an important part of the drama, it is ‘the players’ at its core who captured my mind and gave me so much to ponder. From the first page to the last— I was enthralled— feasting on intelligent dialogue between sparring characters of equal wits. Minette Walters shows through her exceptional skill the many sides, complexities and contradictions in people. Her fully developed characters swept me into the flames of persecution to experience the tyranny of a bloody rule. As a result, my emotions bolted in numerous directions.
In The Players, dark shadows of the age are set against the light, creating realistic greys— for life is rarely black and white— or straightforward. Wisdom bounces across these pages smashing misconceptions about the law: its purpose, position and provisions. Many ideas are challenged or questioned concerning the law and how to apply it. I found the conversation on the comparison of guilt/crime/punishment very interesting as I have pondered it myself. Should a woman who steals bread for her starving family be seen the same as a man who clubs a shopkeeper to death? Jeffries responds with ‘The law makes no allowances for circumstance.’ True, in those days, there was no grace or mercy. Heads would be lopped off or hung and bodies butchered. Ironically, it is the very rigidness of law that eventually condemns Jeffries for treason—the very thing he has passed judgement on to countless others.
Yes, Jeffries acted on his King’s orders. But those orders were anything but fair and just. Could he have resisted? Yes. But would it have brought him death for disobedience. Maybe. Or at least banishment or removal from his office. He was not invincible. His own health ailments reminded him of his human frailty. But this allowed him to meet Jayne Harrier and to experience the heart of kindness from another when he wasn’t deserving. These compassionate gestures by Jayne and her son, Elias, come when Jeffries least deserves it. But temporary release from pain through Jayne’s treatments changes him long enough for us to see another side of him that we can embrace. For he is a man of great wit and skill and is capable of some good deeds and thoughts.
Highly flawed characters come alive on the stage of these pages. Real, multi-dimensional persons. Nothing about their lives or motives is simple or cut and dry.
This vivid and thorough examination of Jeffries’s character is fascinating for it splits the man from his position in brief moments to give us a thorough view of his complexities and contradictions in nature. Is he all bad, just serving his king, seeking recognition by exercising his power? Or is he acting out of dedication to the monarch in power who wants revenge and is determined to deliver the harshest of penalties to make a statement or example of everyone he sees as a traitor? This sort of delivery of power will only produce fear and not devotion in his subjects. Uprisings will be inevitable. But to a King drunk on the blood of revenge, he will continue to wield his swords, axes and nooses to make his point. So when Dame Alice Lisle is captured and convicted of treason on the accusation that she has offered a Monmouth supporter a place to sleep, her chance for a fair trial is forfeited. Her mental state is fragile and any knowledge of her actions are questionable. For it appears, revenge has taken precedence over justice. And she will pay for her late husband’s actions. Her biggest crime was once being married to the presiding judge who convicted and executed Charles I. It becomes obvious that King James II is acting out of malice by making her pay for her husband’s decision.
I could rave on endlessly and write an essay on the brilliant conversations between Jeffries and Elias, Jeffries and Jayne, Jeffries and Althea as they are priceless. I could listen to their verbal sparring all day! Such intelligent, insightful and sometimes witty responses stoked the fires of my inquisitive mind. The careful balance of holding their cards close to their chests, letting out little by little tidbits of truth, was a joy to watch. Suggestive, subtle and always in control of their words. No idle chatter between these folk!
I loved the strength and intelligence demonstrated by Althea and Jayne. These two women set down an unforgettable example of the importance of their contributions, education and position in society.
There are numerous phrases I appreciated in the novel and here are three:
‘A peaceful rebellion need not involve war.’
‘A time to win a country is when people turn against their king.’
‘Only a fool wagers money which he fears he may lose.’
And I must not forget the quote by Shakespeare and its relationship to the novel’s title:
‘All the world’s a stage, and all men and women merely players…’
I was transported effortlessly to the period of 1685-1688 and settled quickly into the highly detailed descriptions of the settings, food, dress, customs and rhetoric. This story of vengeance versus justice is delivered from the puppet’s hand of the king. Even the details of the forms of death for treason shook me. The cruelty was astounding but the kindness of some created rich and rare moments.
I loved so many things about this novel but there were some extra special scenes. I was quite moved by the last passages with Althea when she visits Jeffreys during his imprisonment, once King James II has been removed and William and Mary take over the throne. I revelled in their conversations and the change in Jeffreys countenance. To see glimpses of hope. These passages with her and Jeffreys inspired me to look at the complexities and contradictions of human nature again and reminded me how much people need encouragement—especially in the darkest of moments. And as the text states: ‘Hope is worth nurturing… while there is life, there is hope.’
This is without question the most fascinating literary historical fiction novel I have ever read. Dripping with power, intelligence and imagination. A riveting non-stop masterpiece that I struggled to put down and will never forget. An absolute must-read for 2024! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Huge thanks to Dmcprmedia and Allen and Unwin for the review copy and inclusion on the tour.
Many years after the civil war, England is once again in the stranglehold of division. Charles II’s illegitimate son, Monmouth, a Protestant, lands in Dorset to start a rebellion against his Catholic uncle: spurred on by the fear of being ruled once again by Rome. It is shocking to see, though, how ill prepared Monmouth is with his plan. He and his followers battle with pitchforks! Of course, they are overpowered easily by King James II’s well-equipped forces. And so the real trauma begins…
The outcome for Monmouth and his band of supporters is gruesome. Treason means certain death. And the sting of distrust whips through every community as each person becomes pitted against his neighbour. Not knowing who is going to turn them in, some get a head start. But when they are confronted by the law, even if they are not guilty, their sentence is set. Elias and Jayne try to help discreetly where they can. She treats anyone in need no matter who they are or their beliefs and he ‘has sympathy for all men who are punished for the sins of others’. A few supporters masquerade as consumptives to escape punishment. Others flee during travel arrangements. Some are set up to become slaves. Plots for survival abound on all sides.
At the head of this bloody campaign is Lord Jeffreys: a man reported to have revelled in the fear he inspired. But is there more to him than meets the eye?
Although the trials and incidents are an important part of the drama, it is ‘the players’ at its core who captured my mind and gave me so much to ponder. From the first page to the last— I was enthralled— feasting on intelligent dialogue between sparring characters of equal wits. Minette Walters shows through her exceptional skill the many sides, complexities and contradictions in people. Her fully developed characters swept me into the flames of persecution to experience the tyranny of a bloody rule. As a result, my emotions bolted in numerous directions.
In The Players, dark shadows of the age are set against the light, creating realistic greys— for life is rarely black and white— or straightforward. Wisdom bounces across these pages smashing misconceptions about the law: its purpose, position and provisions. Many ideas are challenged or questioned concerning the law and how to apply it. I found the conversation on the comparison of guilt/crime/punishment very interesting as I have pondered it myself. Should a woman who steals bread for her starving family be seen the same as a man who clubs a shopkeeper to death? Jeffries responds with ‘The law makes no allowances for circumstance.’ True, in those days, there was no grace or mercy. Heads would be lopped off or hung and bodies butchered. Ironically, it is the very rigidness of law that eventually condemns Jeffries for treason—the very thing he has passed judgement on to countless others.
Yes, Jeffries acted on his King’s orders. But those orders were anything but fair and just. Could he have resisted? Yes. But would it have brought him death for disobedience. Maybe. Or at least banishment or removal from his office. He was not invincible. His own health ailments reminded him of his human frailty. But this allowed him to meet Jayne Harrier and to experience the heart of kindness from another when he wasn’t deserving. These compassionate gestures by Jayne and her son, Elias, come when Jeffries least deserves it. But temporary release from pain through Jayne’s treatments changes him long enough for us to see another side of him that we can embrace. For he is a man of great wit and skill and is capable of some good deeds and thoughts.
Highly flawed characters come alive on the stage of these pages. Real, multi-dimensional persons. Nothing about their lives or motives is simple or cut and dry.
This vivid and thorough examination of Jeffries’s character is fascinating for it splits the man from his position in brief moments to give us a thorough view of his complexities and contradictions in nature. Is he all bad, just serving his king, seeking recognition by exercising his power? Or is he acting out of dedication to the monarch in power who wants revenge and is determined to deliver the harshest of penalties to make a statement or example of everyone he sees as a traitor? This sort of delivery of power will only produce fear and not devotion in his subjects. Uprisings will be inevitable. But to a King drunk on the blood of revenge, he will continue to wield his swords, axes and nooses to make his point. So when Dame Alice Lisle is captured and convicted of treason on the accusation that she has offered a Monmouth supporter a place to sleep, her chance for a fair trial is forfeited. Her mental state is fragile and any knowledge of her actions are questionable. For it appears, revenge has taken precedence over justice. And she will pay for her late husband’s actions. Her biggest crime was once being married to the presiding judge who convicted and executed Charles I. It becomes obvious that King James II is acting out of malice by making her pay for her husband’s decision.
I could rave on endlessly and write an essay on the brilliant conversations between Jeffries and Elias, Jeffries and Jayne, Jeffries and Althea as they are priceless. I could listen to their verbal sparring all day! Such intelligent, insightful and sometimes witty responses stoked the fires of my inquisitive mind. The careful balance of holding their cards close to their chests, letting out little by little tidbits of truth, was a joy to watch. Suggestive, subtle and always in control of their words. No idle chatter between these folk!
I loved the strength and intelligence demonstrated by Althea and Jayne. These two women set down an unforgettable example of the importance of their contributions, education and position in society.
There are numerous phrases I appreciated in the novel and here are three:
‘A peaceful rebellion need not involve war.’
‘A time to win a country is when people turn against their king.’
‘Only a fool wagers money which he fears he may lose.’
And I must not forget the quote by Shakespeare and its relationship to the novel’s title:
‘All the world’s a stage, and all men and women merely players…’
I was transported effortlessly to the period of 1685-1688 and settled quickly into the highly detailed descriptions of the settings, food, dress, customs and rhetoric. This story of vengeance versus justice is delivered from the puppet’s hand of the king. Even the details of the forms of death for treason shook me. The cruelty was astounding but the kindness of some created rich and rare moments.
I loved so many things about this novel but there were some extra special scenes. I was quite moved by the last passages with Althea when she visits Jeffreys during his imprisonment, once King James II has been removed and William and Mary take over the throne. I revelled in their conversations and the change in Jeffreys countenance. To see glimpses of hope. These passages with her and Jeffreys inspired me to look at the complexities and contradictions of human nature again and reminded me how much people need encouragement—especially in the darkest of moments. And as the text states: ‘Hope is worth nurturing… while there is life, there is hope.’
This is without question the most fascinating literary historical fiction novel I have ever read. Dripping with power, intelligence and imagination. A riveting non-stop masterpiece that I struggled to put down and will never forget. An absolute must-read for 2024! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Huge thanks to Dmcprmedia and Allen and Unwin for the review copy and inclusion on the tour.
January 18, 2025
The Players is a sequel, of sorts, to The Swift and the Harrier. The time is 1685 and James II is on the throne. The story basically starts with the Monmouth Rebellion and through the Bloody Assizes, an interesting time in history, which I knew nothing about. Much of the book focuses on Judge Jeffreys, The Hanging Judge, as he came to be known, due to his sentencing of those who took part in the rebellion.
Lady Jane Harrier, now in her 70s, is the only character carried over from the previous book. Her son, Elias, the Duke of Granville, has grown to be very much like his late father, William Harrier. Another main character is the delightful Althea Ettrick, daughter of a local lawyer. I think Althea deserves her own book should Minette Walters wish to add another to this series.
My only niggle with The Players is it felt as if Lady Jane, Elias, and Althea were only there to provide the history rather than tell a story. There are some authors who can write history books that read like novels. This is a novel that has a tendency to read like a history book.
Lady Jane Harrier, now in her 70s, is the only character carried over from the previous book. Her son, Elias, the Duke of Granville, has grown to be very much like his late father, William Harrier. Another main character is the delightful Althea Ettrick, daughter of a local lawyer. I think Althea deserves her own book should Minette Walters wish to add another to this series.
My only niggle with The Players is it felt as if Lady Jane, Elias, and Althea were only there to provide the history rather than tell a story. There are some authors who can write history books that read like novels. This is a novel that has a tendency to read like a history book.
December 20, 2024
Two years ago, I read The Swift and the Harrier by Minette Walters and absolutely loved it. I didn’t realise when I accepted this book to be part of the blog tour, that’s it a loose sequel of sorts, featuring Lady Jayne again. I wanted to read it simply because it was Walters’ new book and after loving the previous one so much, I want to read anything else she writes from now on. I was delighted to realise who the very mysterious and interesting main character was and it was wonderful to get to see Lady Jayne at a very different time in her life.
“All the world’s a stage, and the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time, plays many parts.“
– As You Like It, William Shakespeare
If you’ve read The Swift and the Harrier that quote is very apt and might give you a clue as to what sort of role is being played here by one of the characters. It starts with a mysterious man, an ‘envoy’ attempting to dissuade the Duke of Monmouth, illegitimate son of King Charles II from raising up against the current King, his uncle, Charles II’s brother, the Catholic King James II. This is unsuccessful, the Duke does indeed attempt to invade England, raise an army and overthrow the Crown but this is shortly put down. The aftermath is known as The Bloody Assizes, a series of trials that started after this rebellion that determined the punishment of anyone found to be acting against the Crown.
The story follows several characters, including the mysterious man of many identities Lord Granville, Sir George Jeffries, a real person from this time known as ‘the Hanging Judge’ and a woman named Althea, an incredibly intelligent lady who is in her late twenties but who has isolated herself in her father’s home due to being born with a physical disability that often sees her shunned and for people to see her as mentally impaired as well. There is also of course Lady Jayne, who does play quite a large part in this story too, running a hospital and occasionally a few other things as well.
I found this very engaging and interesting, especially as someone who as I’ve mentioned plenty of times before, doesn’t have a great knowledge of English history. It’s so readable, it felt like it gave a decent background of the history of Charles II and James II but weaving it through the story of others in a way that felt so much more enjoyable because the focus was on them, with the changing monarchy issues a backdrop. I didn’t know much about (ok, anything) about the Bloody Assizes until this and it’s a brutal example of how people who were desperate and even clueless about what they might have been doing or joining in terms of the rebellion, faced the harshest and most gruesome of punishments with little regard for extenuating circumstances, actual proof or leniency. The sentence for treason was death (and a gruesome death at that, most of them were sentenced to be hung, cut down whilst still alive and quartered and then beheaded) and the judges had no choice but to implement it although they could then leave it up to the King to grant leniency, often in the form of commuting the sentence to slavery rather than death. King James II however, was not a benevolent or lenient King and it didn’t seem like he ever chose these options.
I found the sneaky manoeuvring by Lord Granville and Lady Jayne to be a lot of fun, I loved both of those characters, which makes sense really. I also really enjoyed the character of Lady Althea and I wish she’d had a little more page time….I felt like even though the book was gently nudging you in a particular direction, I wanted a couple of more concrete moments between two characters, just to really showcase that growing respect and admiration. This is 1600s Britain though, I don’t expect full on romance moments but I would’ve liked a few private indications or something. Or if the book hadn’t just skipped a few key scenes by jumping forward a couple of years at the end and it’s all happened and we didn’t get to witness any of it.
I was surprised to find myself more interested in the character of Sir Jeffries, the judge, the more the book went on. He’s a man portrayed as having a ferocious temper, quite offensive and insulting at the best of times. There are some interesting reasons given for the worst of this and his tendency to resort to drink but it was more when Walters attempted to humanise him and give voice to his conflicted feelings over his job and what it meant he had to do, that I found him to be the most interesting. This is of course, all merely speculation about someone who really did exist in history but I found it such a great addition to the story. He is at times, a source of anger and frustration for the reader but the story adds more depth to him.
This was quality historical fiction that gave me a chance to revisit a favourite character, meet a couple more and learn a few things! It also cements Minette Walters as a favourite author – I have her Black Death duology on my shelf and I can’t wait to read those too.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/DMCPR Media for the purpose of an honest review***
“All the world’s a stage, and the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time, plays many parts.“
– As You Like It, William Shakespeare
If you’ve read The Swift and the Harrier that quote is very apt and might give you a clue as to what sort of role is being played here by one of the characters. It starts with a mysterious man, an ‘envoy’ attempting to dissuade the Duke of Monmouth, illegitimate son of King Charles II from raising up against the current King, his uncle, Charles II’s brother, the Catholic King James II. This is unsuccessful, the Duke does indeed attempt to invade England, raise an army and overthrow the Crown but this is shortly put down. The aftermath is known as The Bloody Assizes, a series of trials that started after this rebellion that determined the punishment of anyone found to be acting against the Crown.
The story follows several characters, including the mysterious man of many identities Lord Granville, Sir George Jeffries, a real person from this time known as ‘the Hanging Judge’ and a woman named Althea, an incredibly intelligent lady who is in her late twenties but who has isolated herself in her father’s home due to being born with a physical disability that often sees her shunned and for people to see her as mentally impaired as well. There is also of course Lady Jayne, who does play quite a large part in this story too, running a hospital and occasionally a few other things as well.
I found this very engaging and interesting, especially as someone who as I’ve mentioned plenty of times before, doesn’t have a great knowledge of English history. It’s so readable, it felt like it gave a decent background of the history of Charles II and James II but weaving it through the story of others in a way that felt so much more enjoyable because the focus was on them, with the changing monarchy issues a backdrop. I didn’t know much about (ok, anything) about the Bloody Assizes until this and it’s a brutal example of how people who were desperate and even clueless about what they might have been doing or joining in terms of the rebellion, faced the harshest and most gruesome of punishments with little regard for extenuating circumstances, actual proof or leniency. The sentence for treason was death (and a gruesome death at that, most of them were sentenced to be hung, cut down whilst still alive and quartered and then beheaded) and the judges had no choice but to implement it although they could then leave it up to the King to grant leniency, often in the form of commuting the sentence to slavery rather than death. King James II however, was not a benevolent or lenient King and it didn’t seem like he ever chose these options.
I found the sneaky manoeuvring by Lord Granville and Lady Jayne to be a lot of fun, I loved both of those characters, which makes sense really. I also really enjoyed the character of Lady Althea and I wish she’d had a little more page time….I felt like even though the book was gently nudging you in a particular direction, I wanted a couple of more concrete moments between two characters, just to really showcase that growing respect and admiration. This is 1600s Britain though, I don’t expect full on romance moments but I would’ve liked a few private indications or something. Or if the book hadn’t just skipped a few key scenes by jumping forward a couple of years at the end and it’s all happened and we didn’t get to witness any of it.
I was surprised to find myself more interested in the character of Sir Jeffries, the judge, the more the book went on. He’s a man portrayed as having a ferocious temper, quite offensive and insulting at the best of times. There are some interesting reasons given for the worst of this and his tendency to resort to drink but it was more when Walters attempted to humanise him and give voice to his conflicted feelings over his job and what it meant he had to do, that I found him to be the most interesting. This is of course, all merely speculation about someone who really did exist in history but I found it such a great addition to the story. He is at times, a source of anger and frustration for the reader but the story adds more depth to him.
This was quality historical fiction that gave me a chance to revisit a favourite character, meet a couple more and learn a few things! It also cements Minette Walters as a favourite author – I have her Black Death duology on my shelf and I can’t wait to read those too.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/DMCPR Media for the purpose of an honest review***
October 28, 2024
Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The Bloody Assizes of 1685 is another blood stain that portrays the worst in humanity and how power can be abused.
Good and evil intertwine throughout history like a yin and yang.
A courageous few stood up to brutality and thwarted plans to execute and mistreat people.
In an era where the need for democracy and human rights echoed loudly and a sentence of death issued without merit by a system governed by lunatics and ego.
The Duke of Monmouth aligned with an army of Protestant rebels was defeated by his Uncle the King.
A charge of high treason with a death sentence was the punishment for all traitors.
Lady Jayne Harrier selflessly helped those incarcerated and fought to feed and care for those in overcrowded prisons.
The brutality of the movement and underlying motives were the driving force to make a difference and save as many as she could from ill fated destinies.
Rich in detail, vivid descriptions and successful transplantation of the reader to a distant history was all part of the appeal.
An educational and entertaining reimagining that reiterates the power women throughout the ages have.
The Bloody Assizes of 1685 is another blood stain that portrays the worst in humanity and how power can be abused.
Good and evil intertwine throughout history like a yin and yang.
A courageous few stood up to brutality and thwarted plans to execute and mistreat people.
In an era where the need for democracy and human rights echoed loudly and a sentence of death issued without merit by a system governed by lunatics and ego.
The Duke of Monmouth aligned with an army of Protestant rebels was defeated by his Uncle the King.
A charge of high treason with a death sentence was the punishment for all traitors.
Lady Jayne Harrier selflessly helped those incarcerated and fought to feed and care for those in overcrowded prisons.
The brutality of the movement and underlying motives were the driving force to make a difference and save as many as she could from ill fated destinies.
Rich in detail, vivid descriptions and successful transplantation of the reader to a distant history was all part of the appeal.
An educational and entertaining reimagining that reiterates the power women throughout the ages have.
February 1, 2025
I loved The Swift and the Harrier, but can't go on with this one. The story is very slow and the characters too simplistic. There is no real suspense or engagement hooks. I am disappointed that this is the sequel to that other great read.
November 16, 2025
This book is a fiction based on the Monmouth rebellion. A period of history that I knew little about. As always I’m keen to read more fact after reading such books in order to get the reality in place. The book itself suffers from the transposing of modern mores and ideas onto a time when it just wouldn’t have been a possibility; Dukes and well to do sitting down with their staff of teaching them Latin seems far fetched although leads to quite a good read. However, the book is long and didn’t need to be. It roams all over and at one point the two main protagonists are married, couldn’t remember that happening. Still, interesting story which prompts more study.
December 26, 2024
I love Minette Walter’s historical fiction, it’s always fast paced with lots of political intrigue throughout. This one is a continuation from the first instalment “The Swift and Harrier”. Hopefully there will be a third book.
December 27, 2024
Another outstanding novel from Minette Walters and the sequel to The Swift and the Harrier with unforgettable characters.
Set during King James II's reign, after the Battle of Sedgemoor and the Bloody Assizes, Lady Harrier, her enigmatic son and the reclusive daughter of a local magistrate try to save men from the gallows.
A must-read for anyone who loves historical novels set during the 17th Century.
My only quibble is why Allen and Unwin put a portrait of a mid-16th Century Tudor lady on the book cover when the novel is set in 1685 - late 17th Century.
Set during King James II's reign, after the Battle of Sedgemoor and the Bloody Assizes, Lady Harrier, her enigmatic son and the reclusive daughter of a local magistrate try to save men from the gallows.
A must-read for anyone who loves historical novels set during the 17th Century.
My only quibble is why Allen and Unwin put a portrait of a mid-16th Century Tudor lady on the book cover when the novel is set in 1685 - late 17th Century.
January 23, 2025
I remember liking the first book in this series, but struggled with this sequel. My main gripe is that for the majority of the book, nothing really happened. I also got confused with the volume of character names thrown about, including those we were supposed to remember from the previous book.
Lastly, I found the main character unbelievably virtuous and a know-it-all. Anyone could do anything and the man (and his eventual wife) would still be so polite. Give me a break.
Lastly, I found the main character unbelievably virtuous and a know-it-all. Anyone could do anything and the man (and his eventual wife) would still be so polite. Give me a break.
February 4, 2025
I’ve read and enjoyed several of the author’s early books, but none of her historical fiction, so I wanted to try it. I don’t know anything about this period of history, and I had a difficult time following (or caring about) the intrigue. I should probably just read a nonfiction account. The character of the “independent-minded daughter of a local lawyer” was annoyingly too good to be true. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish this. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
February 17, 2025
The Players is an entertaining historical fiction book with a good mix of suspense, seriousness, fun, and romance. It is like the Scarlet Pimpernel with a splash of the Crucible and the Lord Peter Wimsey books.
It is set in England in 1685 and mostly takes place after a failed rebellion against King James II by his illegitimate nephew, the Duke of Monmouth. After Monmouth’s defeat, James II began treason trials against the small number of poor English people who were accused of taking part in the rebellion or even giving aid of any sort to anyone who took part in the rebellion.
Elias, the Duke of Granville, is the main character, and while he refused to take part in the rebellion, he had compassion for those who did. The rebels were mostly poor and uneducated people who had been duped into joining the fight. Many of the people on trial hadn’t even been rebels. They had been falsely accused or had just given some sort of help to the rebels.
Elias and his mother, Lady Jayne Harrier, do everything they can to influence the judgements or help prisoners to escape. The relationship between Elias and his mother reminded me favorably of the relationship between Lord Peter Wimsey and his mother in Dorothy L. Sayers's detective books. The mother and son team were also assisted by a very intelligent woman, Althea Ettrick who was extremely knowledgeable about the law.
The main characters were all very likeable and competent. In fact, they may have all been a little too modern and kind in their views and attitudes toward the poor and needy. But I do not know a lot about this time period, so I can’t say for sure. This took place after the English Civil War, and during that war many conventional beliefs about society were challenged. Elias was especially too competent and almost always knew what to do in any situation, which lessened the sense of actual danger at times. But the characters’ likeability and competence made for an enjoyable reading experience.
Apparently this is a sequel, but I wasn’t aware of that when I read the book and I don’t think it detracted from my understanding or enjoyment of the book. Now I want to read the first book and other books by Minette Walters!
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing through Net Galley who allowed me to listen to the audio version of this book. Emma Gregory’s narration was excellent.
It is set in England in 1685 and mostly takes place after a failed rebellion against King James II by his illegitimate nephew, the Duke of Monmouth. After Monmouth’s defeat, James II began treason trials against the small number of poor English people who were accused of taking part in the rebellion or even giving aid of any sort to anyone who took part in the rebellion.
Elias, the Duke of Granville, is the main character, and while he refused to take part in the rebellion, he had compassion for those who did. The rebels were mostly poor and uneducated people who had been duped into joining the fight. Many of the people on trial hadn’t even been rebels. They had been falsely accused or had just given some sort of help to the rebels.
Elias and his mother, Lady Jayne Harrier, do everything they can to influence the judgements or help prisoners to escape. The relationship between Elias and his mother reminded me favorably of the relationship between Lord Peter Wimsey and his mother in Dorothy L. Sayers's detective books. The mother and son team were also assisted by a very intelligent woman, Althea Ettrick who was extremely knowledgeable about the law.
The main characters were all very likeable and competent. In fact, they may have all been a little too modern and kind in their views and attitudes toward the poor and needy. But I do not know a lot about this time period, so I can’t say for sure. This took place after the English Civil War, and during that war many conventional beliefs about society were challenged. Elias was especially too competent and almost always knew what to do in any situation, which lessened the sense of actual danger at times. But the characters’ likeability and competence made for an enjoyable reading experience.
Apparently this is a sequel, but I wasn’t aware of that when I read the book and I don’t think it detracted from my understanding or enjoyment of the book. Now I want to read the first book and other books by Minette Walters!
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing through Net Galley who allowed me to listen to the audio version of this book. Emma Gregory’s narration was excellent.
November 16, 2024
England, 1685. The country is once again divided when Charles II's illegitimate son, the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, arrives in Dorset to incite rebellion against his Catholic uncle. Monmouth's army is quickly defeated and anyone suspected to be his supporter will be hanged, drawn and quartered. As Dorset braces for carnage, Lady Jayne Harrier and her enigmatic son, assisted by the reclusive daughter of a local magistrate, contrive ways to save men from the gallows.
I ended up enjoying this more than I had expected! I initially thought this was a court drama involving political marriages and such. I was so delighted to see this was anything but!
It was so refreshing to follow characters like Elias (The Duke of Granville) and Althea who were both considered rebellious for the time period they lived in. They definitely had unique ways of handling things, despite of the dire situation they were in. I loved Althea’s intelligence and wisdom in her young age. My favourite character, however, was Lady Jayne Harrier who was just awesome!
This was a very fresh way of looking at the Bloody Jeffreys’ period. There were some quotes that I tabbed while reading, because I thought they really stood the test of time, such as “The rich assess their chances of success while the poor fight for ideals, and dreams are rarely rooted in caution.”
I was excited to see that Minette Walters had written another book about Lady Jayne Harrier - it’s one I’m adding to my growing TBR!
(Thanks to DMCPR Media and Allen & Unwin for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
I ended up enjoying this more than I had expected! I initially thought this was a court drama involving political marriages and such. I was so delighted to see this was anything but!
It was so refreshing to follow characters like Elias (The Duke of Granville) and Althea who were both considered rebellious for the time period they lived in. They definitely had unique ways of handling things, despite of the dire situation they were in. I loved Althea’s intelligence and wisdom in her young age. My favourite character, however, was Lady Jayne Harrier who was just awesome!
This was a very fresh way of looking at the Bloody Jeffreys’ period. There were some quotes that I tabbed while reading, because I thought they really stood the test of time, such as “The rich assess their chances of success while the poor fight for ideals, and dreams are rarely rooted in caution.”
I was excited to see that Minette Walters had written another book about Lady Jayne Harrier - it’s one I’m adding to my growing TBR!
(Thanks to DMCPR Media and Allen & Unwin for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
March 2, 2025
This is the second book in a series, but it reads like a standalone. That said, I immediately purchased the first book after finishing this one and plan to read it soon.. The characters were so vivid! It brought to life a part of British history I wasn’t as familiar with, I’m more than interested to now read the backstory that lead up this and revisit some of the same characters. I definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction..
May 17, 2025
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first one, the Swift and the Harrier, but I still got a lot out of the journey of Lord Granville and young Aletha Ettrick.
There could have been a lot more romance and a lot more detail about their steamy feelings, but I enjoyed reading about the political upheaval and the spy storyline.
Minette Walters obviously has a passion for historical fiction and I hope she continues with it because she's bloody wonderful.
There could have been a lot more romance and a lot more detail about their steamy feelings, but I enjoyed reading about the political upheaval and the spy storyline.
Minette Walters obviously has a passion for historical fiction and I hope she continues with it because she's bloody wonderful.
May 6, 2025
This is an exciting adventure story set in England around 1685 during the reign of King James II. It's a great historical fiction choice for me because I learned about the succession of Charles II and the British civil war. The historical setting was so interesting that it made me want to learn more about that period and its people. The main characters are well-written and engaging. The plot moves along quickly but not too quickly as to cause any confusion. I will be looking for more historical fiction from Minette Walters and recommend this book to those who like the mix of history and fiction in one book. Thank you to Net Galley for giving me a copy of this book.
September 1, 2025
Great read! Although it follows on from The Swift and The Harrier it’s not a direct sequel which was lucky as I haven’t read that one!
The novel is based around the failed Monmouth Rebellion and the Bloody Assizes that followed it. If you like fiction based on fact I recommend this one 👍
The novel is based around the failed Monmouth Rebellion and the Bloody Assizes that followed it. If you like fiction based on fact I recommend this one 👍
December 4, 2024
Always such a delight to read Minette Walters books. Loved it from cover to cover
July 27, 2025
Informative, fascinating, and absorbing!
The Players is an immersive, compelling tale set in England during 1685 when religious contention is rife, the illegitimate Protestant son of King Charles II, the Duke of Monmouth stages an ill-planned rebellion against his uncle, and the reigning King James II responds by sending his barbaric judge, Lord Jeffreys, to prosecute, sentence, and send to death in the harshest of ways all those who participated.
The prose is expressive and rich. The characters are strong, intelligent, independent, and cunning. And the engaging, well-paced plot is a captivating tale of life, loss, family, friendship, hope, death, bravery, tragedy, sacrifice, savagery, vengeance, and injustice.
Overall, The Players is another fascinating, gritty, engrossing read by Walters that does a brilliant job of highlighting her undeniable passion and tireless research into seventeenth-century England and the political tensions and attitudes that governed and ruled it.
The Players is an immersive, compelling tale set in England during 1685 when religious contention is rife, the illegitimate Protestant son of King Charles II, the Duke of Monmouth stages an ill-planned rebellion against his uncle, and the reigning King James II responds by sending his barbaric judge, Lord Jeffreys, to prosecute, sentence, and send to death in the harshest of ways all those who participated.
The prose is expressive and rich. The characters are strong, intelligent, independent, and cunning. And the engaging, well-paced plot is a captivating tale of life, loss, family, friendship, hope, death, bravery, tragedy, sacrifice, savagery, vengeance, and injustice.
Overall, The Players is another fascinating, gritty, engrossing read by Walters that does a brilliant job of highlighting her undeniable passion and tireless research into seventeenth-century England and the political tensions and attitudes that governed and ruled it.
March 24, 2025
I would love to see this adapted for the small screen.
March 22, 2025
An interesting period in British history and a real page turner. However, the writing and plot were simplistic. I still enjoyed the story though.
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