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In the Company of Knaves: The Lost Years of William Shakespeare Book 3
London, winter of 1589. The city is alive with intrigue, and anticipation.
The players of Lord Strange’s Men are rehearsing a daring new play, penned by one of their promising young actors, William Shakespeare. But excitement turns to disaster when the authorities shutter the theatre over a trivial offense, plunging Will into uncertainty and despair.
Determined to press on, he begins crafting a grisly revenge tragedy—Titus Andronicus—hoping to sell it to another troupe. But before he can do so, his entire collection of playscripts is stolen. His reputation, his career—everything is at stake.
To have any hope of retrieving the stolen works, Will must step beyond the candlelit world of the theater and into London’s criminal underbelly. His unlikely ally? Edward ‘Cutting’ Ball, a notorious thief and conman with his own agenda. As their hunt takes them through back alleys, hidden taverns, and the grand halls of power, they uncover a tangled web of theatrical rivalries, treachery, and courtly conspiracy—one that reaches all the way to Queen Elizabeth herself.
With his future hanging in the balance, Will must navigate a world where a wrong word can mean the gallows, and the greatest performances happen off the stage.
Will Shakespeare outwit the thieves—or become a pawn in a deadlier game?
'Anthony R. Wildman crafts a powerful tale that will attract mystery and historical fiction readers as well as literary fans of well-crafted novels based on real people.' - Midwest Book Review
'I loved it. One of the best historical books that I've read in a long time.' - Reedsy Discovery
'A truly remarkable blend of historical fiction and speculative biography, this book is a must-read for history enthusiasts and lovers of literary drama alike' - International Review of Books
The players of Lord Strange’s Men are rehearsing a daring new play, penned by one of their promising young actors, William Shakespeare. But excitement turns to disaster when the authorities shutter the theatre over a trivial offense, plunging Will into uncertainty and despair.
Determined to press on, he begins crafting a grisly revenge tragedy—Titus Andronicus—hoping to sell it to another troupe. But before he can do so, his entire collection of playscripts is stolen. His reputation, his career—everything is at stake.
To have any hope of retrieving the stolen works, Will must step beyond the candlelit world of the theater and into London’s criminal underbelly. His unlikely ally? Edward ‘Cutting’ Ball, a notorious thief and conman with his own agenda. As their hunt takes them through back alleys, hidden taverns, and the grand halls of power, they uncover a tangled web of theatrical rivalries, treachery, and courtly conspiracy—one that reaches all the way to Queen Elizabeth herself.
With his future hanging in the balance, Will must navigate a world where a wrong word can mean the gallows, and the greatest performances happen off the stage.
Will Shakespeare outwit the thieves—or become a pawn in a deadlier game?
'Anthony R. Wildman crafts a powerful tale that will attract mystery and historical fiction readers as well as literary fans of well-crafted novels based on real people.' - Midwest Book Review
'I loved it. One of the best historical books that I've read in a long time.' - Reedsy Discovery
'A truly remarkable blend of historical fiction and speculative biography, this book is a must-read for history enthusiasts and lovers of literary drama alike' - International Review of Books
- GenresHistoricalFiction
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
About the author
Anthony R. Wildman
6 books9 followersAnthony Wildman is a historical novelist who has written five novels and a travel memoir to date. He has a passionate interest in history and story-telling, and lives in Melbourne, Australia.
Born in Hertfordshire, England, Anthony emigrated to Australia with his family in 1967. He grew up and was educated in Adelaide, where he acquired a degree in History and Politics from the University of Adelaide, an education that provided the fuel for a lifelong fascination with both subjects.
He has lived in Melbourne and Sydney, and has journeyed extensively throughout Europe, Asia and America, satisfying his love of travel and new experiences.
Born in Hertfordshire, England, Anthony emigrated to Australia with his family in 1967. He grew up and was educated in Adelaide, where he acquired a degree in History and Politics from the University of Adelaide, an education that provided the fuel for a lifelong fascination with both subjects.
He has lived in Melbourne and Sydney, and has journeyed extensively throughout Europe, Asia and America, satisfying his love of travel and new experiences.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 15, 2025
It is not often that I start a book I am reviewing and am immediately engaged but In the Company of Knaves managed to capture my attention from the outset. It helped that I love Shakespeare and historical fiction, of course, but these things offer no surety that I will enjoy the book in front of me.
And I did. Very much.
Our main protagonist is William Shakespeare at the beginning of his career and we follow him as he tries to extricate himself from a very difficult position. The company of which he is an actor has been banned from performing and in addition, the complete copies of the plays that the company performs have disappeared - stolen.
The action of the book then takes us through the solving of the whereabouts of the plays and the overturning of the ban. We are led into the lowest parts of London, where thieves and opportunists thrive and we inhabit the taverns where the aspiring writers and actors retreat to, to discuss and analyse and relax after performances. But Wildman also takes us to noble houses and the "rock stars" of the day like Walter Raleigh, all courting the favour of Queen Elizabeth and hoping that their star will be in the ascendant, if only they can keep themselves in the Queen's orbit, if that's not mixing metaphors. Not an easy feat as Wildman illustrates that even playwrights can be pawns in the power games of those above them.
The strength of this book lies in Wildman's writing. He is able to evoke place easily. He has taken key characters of the day, like Christopher Marlowe, and brought them alive in his text through the dialogue and the believable scenarios in which he depicts them. It's not done with the "thees" and "thous" of Shakespeare's plays but there is an inflection offered through the word choices and the stresses which suggests an older time.
I loved it. One of the best historical books that I've read in a long time, just for its pure enjoyability, and I will be reading the first two this year for sure. If you like your fiction based on history with the stress on "story" then these are the books for you.
Bravo, Anthony Wildman! Bravo!
I read this book as an ARC through Reedsy Discovery. This is an unbiased representation of my view of the book.
And I did. Very much.
Our main protagonist is William Shakespeare at the beginning of his career and we follow him as he tries to extricate himself from a very difficult position. The company of which he is an actor has been banned from performing and in addition, the complete copies of the plays that the company performs have disappeared - stolen.
The action of the book then takes us through the solving of the whereabouts of the plays and the overturning of the ban. We are led into the lowest parts of London, where thieves and opportunists thrive and we inhabit the taverns where the aspiring writers and actors retreat to, to discuss and analyse and relax after performances. But Wildman also takes us to noble houses and the "rock stars" of the day like Walter Raleigh, all courting the favour of Queen Elizabeth and hoping that their star will be in the ascendant, if only they can keep themselves in the Queen's orbit, if that's not mixing metaphors. Not an easy feat as Wildman illustrates that even playwrights can be pawns in the power games of those above them.
The strength of this book lies in Wildman's writing. He is able to evoke place easily. He has taken key characters of the day, like Christopher Marlowe, and brought them alive in his text through the dialogue and the believable scenarios in which he depicts them. It's not done with the "thees" and "thous" of Shakespeare's plays but there is an inflection offered through the word choices and the stresses which suggests an older time.
I loved it. One of the best historical books that I've read in a long time, just for its pure enjoyability, and I will be reading the first two this year for sure. If you like your fiction based on history with the stress on "story" then these are the books for you.
Bravo, Anthony Wildman! Bravo!
I read this book as an ARC through Reedsy Discovery. This is an unbiased representation of my view of the book.
June 25, 2026
In the Company of Knaves is a wonderfully entertaining blend of historical fiction, mystery, and literary intrigue that brings the young William Shakespeare vividly to life.
Anthony R. Wildman masterfully recreates Elizabethan London, immersing readers in a world of bustling theaters, political maneuvering, criminal networks, and artistic ambition. The result is a richly textured novel that feels both authentic and exhilarating.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of William Shakespeare not as the untouchable literary icon history remembers, but as a struggling young playwright fighting to establish himself in an uncertain and often dangerous world. Watching Will navigate professional setbacks, personal doubts, and mounting threats adds both humanity and emotional depth to the story.
The theft of his playscripts provides a compelling central mystery that drives the narrative forward at an impressive pace. What begins as a personal crisis quickly expands into a fascinating web of rivalries, conspiracies, and hidden agendas that stretch from London’s criminal underworld to the highest levels of Elizabethan society.
Edward “Cutting” Ball is an especially memorable character. His uneasy partnership with Shakespeare creates much of the novel’s energy, providing wit, tension, and unpredictability throughout their investigation. Their relationship feels authentic and adds an engaging layer to the story as two men from vastly different worlds are forced to rely upon one another.
Wildman’s depiction of the theatrical world is equally captivating. Readers gain insight into the challenges faced by actors, playwrights, and theater companies during a time when political sensitivities, censorship, and financial uncertainty could destroy careers overnight. The behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of plays such as Titus Andronicus are particularly fascinating.
What makes the novel especially successful is the way it balances historical detail with suspenseful storytelling. The research is clearly extensive, yet it never overwhelms the narrative. Instead, it enriches the atmosphere and allows readers to become fully immersed in Shakespeare’s world.
For fans of historical mysteries, Elizabethan history, literary fiction, and stories that imagine the lives behind famous figures, In the Company of Knaves is an absolute delight. It is intelligent, engaging, and filled with enough intrigue, danger, and drama to keep readers turning pages late into the night.
A thoroughly entertaining historical adventure that proves some of the greatest stories happen long before they reach the stage.
Anthony R. Wildman masterfully recreates Elizabethan London, immersing readers in a world of bustling theaters, political maneuvering, criminal networks, and artistic ambition. The result is a richly textured novel that feels both authentic and exhilarating.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of William Shakespeare not as the untouchable literary icon history remembers, but as a struggling young playwright fighting to establish himself in an uncertain and often dangerous world. Watching Will navigate professional setbacks, personal doubts, and mounting threats adds both humanity and emotional depth to the story.
The theft of his playscripts provides a compelling central mystery that drives the narrative forward at an impressive pace. What begins as a personal crisis quickly expands into a fascinating web of rivalries, conspiracies, and hidden agendas that stretch from London’s criminal underworld to the highest levels of Elizabethan society.
Edward “Cutting” Ball is an especially memorable character. His uneasy partnership with Shakespeare creates much of the novel’s energy, providing wit, tension, and unpredictability throughout their investigation. Their relationship feels authentic and adds an engaging layer to the story as two men from vastly different worlds are forced to rely upon one another.
Wildman’s depiction of the theatrical world is equally captivating. Readers gain insight into the challenges faced by actors, playwrights, and theater companies during a time when political sensitivities, censorship, and financial uncertainty could destroy careers overnight. The behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of plays such as Titus Andronicus are particularly fascinating.
What makes the novel especially successful is the way it balances historical detail with suspenseful storytelling. The research is clearly extensive, yet it never overwhelms the narrative. Instead, it enriches the atmosphere and allows readers to become fully immersed in Shakespeare’s world.
For fans of historical mysteries, Elizabethan history, literary fiction, and stories that imagine the lives behind famous figures, In the Company of Knaves is an absolute delight. It is intelligent, engaging, and filled with enough intrigue, danger, and drama to keep readers turning pages late into the night.
A thoroughly entertaining historical adventure that proves some of the greatest stories happen long before they reach the stage.
January 20, 2025
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In the Company of Knaves: The Lost Years of William Shakespeare, Book 3 by Anthony Wildman, is a historical fiction story about the struggling playwright and his trials writing the play Titus Andronicus. Mr. Wildman is a novelist from Australia.
It’s 1859 and William Shakespeare’s career seems to be over before it started. Living in London without his family, his theatre group, Lord Stange’s Men, has been shut down for seemingly a minor reason.
Shakespeare is forced to write the play Titus Andronicus, for a rival company, however, one day his entire collection of unfinished plays is stolen. While attempting to find the thief, the young playwright is thrown into the cesspool of Elizabethan court intrigue.
I’ve never heard of the play Titus Andronicus, but frankly, it doesn’t sound too bad. The play, as the author mentions, is still in question whether or not it was written by William Shakespeare.
In the Company of Knaves by Anthony Wildman shows Shakespeare as an ambitious, idealistic young man. It was interesting to read how religious and social upheavals of the time shaped his writing.
Shakespeare’s partner for this book, Edward “Cutting” Ball plays an antithesis to the young writer as an amoral, yet charming thief. Ball, by the way, was a real criminal at the time, but the author says he probably wasn’t as appealing.
I enjoyed the nuances of Shakespeare, making him a real character, a struggling playwright and actor. I found the author’s historical research to be excellent. This, in my opinion, made the books since we know very little about Shakespeare during this time.
The novel offers an engaging narrative and acknowledges its limitations which is always appreciated. I enjoyed the interpretation of historical events, as well as the ethical considerations which the characters tackle.
Even though this book is third in The Lost Years of William Shakespeare series it’s still a standalone work. I enjoyed the novel even though I’m not familiar with the play, or Shakespeare’s life in general besides the rudimentary knowledge from high school and my own reading, which is lacking tremendously on this subject.
December 31, 2024
In the heart of Elizabethan London, a stolen play threatens to unravel Shakespeare’s career—and his life—in the third installment of Wildman’s The Lost Years of William Shakespeare series. It’s the winter of 1589. Shakespeare’s career is thrown into chaos when Lord Strange’s Men are shut down over a minor infraction. Forced to write Titus Andronicus for a rival company, Shakespeare’s plans quickly collapse when the manuscript—and the company’s entire collection of plays—are stolen. Desperate, Shakespeare enlists the help of the resourceful Edward ‘Cutting’ Ball. Their search leads them deep into a deadly web of theatrical rivalries and political machinations that reach the court of Queen Elizabeth I herself.
Wildman crafts a nuanced portrait of Shakespeare as a man torn between ambition and self-doubt—a relatable figure grappling with the weight of his time. Edward, a morally ambiguous yet charismatic character, serves as a fascinating counterpoint to Shakespeare’s idealism. The dynamic between these two men—one a playwright, the other a thief—adds layers of tension and complexity to the plot. Wildman excels at weaving historical context into the narrative without overwhelming the reader. The political intrigues of Elizabeth I’s court and the cutthroat world of rival theater companies are seamlessly integrated into the story. The stakes are high, not just for Shakespeare, but for the people and institutions that orbit his world.
Wildman’s prose is both elegant and accessible, capturing the cadence of Elizabethan English while remaining compelling for modern readers. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of ambition run deep throughout the novel. Wildman captures Shakespeare’s internal struggle to reconcile creative integrity with the harsh realities of survival in a ruthless, competitive world—an enduring conflict that still resonates today. A thrilling blend of historical intrigue, personal ambition, and theatrical rivalry. Lovers of Shakespeare, historical fiction, and compelling, character-driven stories won’t want to miss this one.
Wildman crafts a nuanced portrait of Shakespeare as a man torn between ambition and self-doubt—a relatable figure grappling with the weight of his time. Edward, a morally ambiguous yet charismatic character, serves as a fascinating counterpoint to Shakespeare’s idealism. The dynamic between these two men—one a playwright, the other a thief—adds layers of tension and complexity to the plot. Wildman excels at weaving historical context into the narrative without overwhelming the reader. The political intrigues of Elizabeth I’s court and the cutthroat world of rival theater companies are seamlessly integrated into the story. The stakes are high, not just for Shakespeare, but for the people and institutions that orbit his world.
Wildman’s prose is both elegant and accessible, capturing the cadence of Elizabethan English while remaining compelling for modern readers. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of ambition run deep throughout the novel. Wildman captures Shakespeare’s internal struggle to reconcile creative integrity with the harsh realities of survival in a ruthless, competitive world—an enduring conflict that still resonates today. A thrilling blend of historical intrigue, personal ambition, and theatrical rivalry. Lovers of Shakespeare, historical fiction, and compelling, character-driven stories won’t want to miss this one.
January 30, 2025
I believe that I have read all of the author's previous books, and stories. He has made his way onto my favorite author's lists. His excellent work continues with this, his latest book. Wildman is superb at writing historical fiction. His knowledge of the history and events happening around the time of the book is impressive. He makes his main character, William Shakespeare, come alive! Imbuing Shakespeare with all the emotions, feelings, biases, fears, and doubts that really make the book worth reading.
In this particular book, Shakespeare finds himself back in London with his acting troupe. Some shady politics infect his ability to put on plays, so while waiting for the events to clear, he begins writing a new play. A theft occurs, plunging him back into his amateur detective mode. With help from friends and some sketchy acquaintances, he struggles to solve the crime. (I'm trying hard not to give away any of the plot).
Without giving too much away, Wildman provides a believable beginning, a exciting plot, and a completely satisfying end. No dragons, magic, time warps, or space bats. Just a very entertaining and entirely believable book!
I sincerely recommend this book to any historical fiction fan. It's the complete package. I am eagerly awaiting Wildman's next book!
In this particular book, Shakespeare finds himself back in London with his acting troupe. Some shady politics infect his ability to put on plays, so while waiting for the events to clear, he begins writing a new play. A theft occurs, plunging him back into his amateur detective mode. With help from friends and some sketchy acquaintances, he struggles to solve the crime. (I'm trying hard not to give away any of the plot).
Without giving too much away, Wildman provides a believable beginning, a exciting plot, and a completely satisfying end. No dragons, magic, time warps, or space bats. Just a very entertaining and entirely believable book!
I sincerely recommend this book to any historical fiction fan. It's the complete package. I am eagerly awaiting Wildman's next book!
December 23, 2025
Hard to put down!
As were the first two books in this (all too brief) series, In the Company of Knaves kept my attention from the first page to the last, and left me startled at the end that it was over too soon.
The characters are so believable and the story moves with both intrigue and predictability that makes you come to know them. Mr. Wildman so described the city that you could see it (and smell it! in your mind.
I really enjoyed this series. The brief descriptions of Will’s trysts in books two and three were unnecessary to the storyline, but were less lurid than many movies and books today.
This is the end of the series, I fear. I would hope for another as Will establishes himself at the Globe. Great series!
As were the first two books in this (all too brief) series, In the Company of Knaves kept my attention from the first page to the last, and left me startled at the end that it was over too soon.
The characters are so believable and the story moves with both intrigue and predictability that makes you come to know them. Mr. Wildman so described the city that you could see it (and smell it! in your mind.
I really enjoyed this series. The brief descriptions of Will’s trysts in books two and three were unnecessary to the storyline, but were less lurid than many movies and books today.
This is the end of the series, I fear. I would hope for another as Will establishes himself at the Globe. Great series!
September 13, 2025
In the Company of Knaves is a smart and engaging historical mystery that brings Shakespeare’s world to life with vivid detail. Anthony Wildman captures the tension of Elizabethan London, mixing theater, crime, and court intrigue into a fast-moving and atmospheric story. The unlikely partnership between Shakespeare and Edward “Cutting” Ball adds wit and energy, while the stolen playscripts create a gripping mystery that keeps you turning the pages. A rich and entertaining read for fans of historical fiction and literary drama.
January 10, 2025
In 1589 Shakespeare and Lord Stranger’s Men have their right to perform removed. Will decides to use his time wisely by writing a new play Titus Andronicus. Then the play and his box of plays is stolen and a desperate search is commenced with the help of Cutting Ball and his gang of thieves.
Very well written adventure starring William Shakespeare. Good characters and well paced. Why were they banned and who stole the plays? Enjoy finding out.
Very well written adventure starring William Shakespeare. Good characters and well paced. Why were they banned and who stole the plays? Enjoy finding out.
January 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this novel, following William Shakespeare as he tried to recover his plays that had been stolen from him. It didn't bring too much of the tudor royal court into it, which was good. It focused mainly on the ordinary folk of the time, including a ruffian and hid sister. A few other famous names popped up, Sir Walter Raleigh, Marlowe, Green to name a few, but they kept to the fringes.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.
February 1, 2025
My review of this book will appear in the May 2025 edition of the Historical Novel Society's Book Reviews found at https://www.historicalnovelsociety.org which are in print and online.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews