Fair Maid of Bohemia: A Nicholas Bracewell Mystery

Nicholas Bracewell #9

by Edward Marston

Opportunity has struck for theatre company Lord Westfield's Men. Invited to perform at the wedding celebrations of Sophia Magdalena, the fair maid of Bohemia, the company's book holder Nicholas Bracewell and his acting troupe begin the journey across Europe. But treacherous seas are the least of Nicholas's worries when an actor is killed.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Tudor Period, Historical

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston

Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.


Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal

Reviews

[Mél ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very happy to discover Marston!

Can't wait to read another book from this series.

[Sammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok, but I think relies too much on people already being familiar with the characters and their past exploits to stand truly on its own. It feels like there's a lot of "in the know" stuff that anyone picking up this random book without reading the previous is unaware of. There is also no character development, again most likely because all that has already been done previously. Having said that, the story itself is self-contained, which makes for a less frustrating read anyway.

[BeesReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of this series set in the world of Elizabethan theatre that I have been reading over the past couple of years in completely random order (depending on when they appear on the bargain shelves of a local store). In this one, the plague - black death - has resurfaced in London and the authorities have put a ban on plays. The company fearful that they will lose their livelihoods get invited by the Emperor of Bohemia to perform for him. A slimmed down troop depart for the continent. Murder and mayhem ensue. Our hero, Nicholas Bracewell, is Mr Goody Two Shoes as ever. Enjoyable historical romp. Though well-researched (regarding Elizabethan theatre - costume, performances, administration etc), these books aren't particularly demanding and are perfect for reading in bed.

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quickly finished, this little book was a spot buy in a charity shop. I hadn’t realised it was a book in a series: covid regulations precluded a good rummage into the front pages!
So... the story is... ok. The author has clearly done a pile of research and you get a sense of place. I would not say I was immersed (even if we passed through various European cities, ending up in Prague) nor would I say I was dragged along like I am with Patrick O Brian’s books. It passed the time, and occupied some space, and kept me gently reading until the end.
I did feel like I was outside the story: perhaps some more witty byplay, or some more fleshed out characters would have helped? It just struck me that there would have been a pile of in jokes and repartee between the players, especially since as actors they could have had some marvellous lines. When they do speak they can declaim, and the writer can declaim very well. But the comedy is less well done, and we are simply told about the humour rather than shown it.
If I see another of these I might get it, but only, if there was nothing else that caught me.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Edward Marston books and this one was no exception.
The plague is back in London and Westfield's Men are once again going on tour. However, this is a tour with a difference. The actors are to travel to Prague, via Holland and Germany. Their goal? To perform a play in the centre of Prague for some important people. Until Westfield's Men arrive in the city, they are unaware of their ultimate destination.
Bracewell and Firethorn are also charged with taking a small box and some papers to Prague and must give them to a certain person, who would know the meaning of both.
As per usual, trouble and murder follow the acting troupe as they wend their way towards Prague, but Nicholas Bracewell soon sorts it all out.

[Robert Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1997, The Fair Maid of Bohemia is the 9th in the series of Elizabethan mysteries featuring Nicholas Bracewell, member of an acting troupe based in London. In this adventure, the onset of plague is instrumental in the group accepting a request to perform at the Royal Court in Prague in front of the mad king Rudolf II of Bohemia. This makes for a colourful backcloth to what is a thin and often predictable plot, but this is usual in a series where interaction between regular characters is such a strong feature. Very enjoyable.

[Soozee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more unusual as the troupe are taken overseas to Prague to avoid the plague; but the usual high standard of historical accuracy and character portrayal pervades. However, I found the plot itself a little contrived and not really handled as well as in others in this excellent series. Overall it was still fun to read, but didn't quite hit the high standard attained by others in the series.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another light mystery from Marston, which keeps you guessing until the end.

[Elisabeth Bibbings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another not-too-taxing romp with Westfield's Men through the Tudor period.
Plague has struck London, causing theatres to close, and actors to be out of work. Fortunately, a Bohemian princess has seen the last performance of the troupe before they are shut down, and she demands their presence at the Bohemian court. Following the Emperor's invitation/command, they set out on a journey to Prague - but two mysterious parcels are entrusted to them, and someone knows Nicholas Bracewell is carrying them . . .
As ever, Laurence Firethorn is larger than life, Barnaby Gill is his camp opponent, Owen Elias just loves everything about life, and Nicholas Bracewell keeps everybody together and sane - well, sort of.

[Nicky Warwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last one of Edward Marstons books that I have at the moment.
This is book 9 in the Elizabethan series featuring Nicholas Bracewell & the Westfields Men theatre troupe.
We find the troupe accepting an invitation to play in Bohemia and the story follows their journey across Europe.
These really are sweet little stories with characters you begin to like despite the fact they are not in the league of other Elizabethan era novels I've read. I'll probably look out for Mr Marstons books in future though

[James Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this book- a mystery story set in the colourful and chaotic world of Elizabethan theatre. The latter is brilliantly depicted, and Marston has a fantastic ear of the English idiom. The characters are interesting and well-crafted and the plot is excellent. I loved it, and will continue with the series.

[Karla Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book

[Annette O'grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

another very good read. loving all the characters in these books

[Mark Pasquini · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seemed a little slow and plodding. Story line was forced in spots. A beach read.

[Janey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable Nicholas Bracewell book, with the added dimension of travel in Europe which was interesting.

[Sarah Menzies long · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murder mystery and an historical fiction. What's not to like.

[Emma Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent romp through sixteenth century Europe. Very easy to read with playful characters.

[Matthew Harwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining and exciting piece of historical crime fiction. This unique story style is thoroughly enjoyable and an entertaining series throughout.

[Cat. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is another in the Westfield's Men series, set in Elizabethan England. This time, however, the troupe of actors are forced to leave London to avoid the plague. The authorities have shut down all places where people congregate in order to cut down on potential infection.

Instead of touring the provinces, however, the actors are requested to perform in Bohemia for the Holy Roman Emperor. Before they leave, Nicholas is taken aside by two individuals and asked to carry messages to Bohemia. Immediately upon arriving on the mainland, one of the troupe is murdered, and it becomes obvious that the intended victim was Nicholas himself.

Once they arrive in Prague, at least one of the messages is impossible to deliver because the recipient is imprisoned. The Emperor appears to have lost his mind, and someone is still trying to kill Nicholas.

Good story. I knew who the bad guy was, but in spite of that it was nice to see the guys seeing something besides London.

[Vicky Thomasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Nicholas Bracewell Mysteries series and the 9th episode is just as good as the other 8. This time the theatre company take a trip away from London and tour Europe. This episode is refreshing and full to the brim of excitement.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Travel to Bohemia for a wedding. Gold transmutation. Good play, okay plot and action. Usual good job in this series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Helene Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review - Not my favourite of the Bracewell novels - I preferred The Roaring Boy and The Laughing Hangman. However, I really enjoyed the change of scenery in this one, and the involvement in something larger than themselves. The idea of a Catholic vs. Protestant conspiracy following them across the continent gave a wider importance. I like the books in this series especially when they involve the wider historical context, as this one does.

Genre? - Historical / Crime / Mystery

Characters? - Nicholas Bracewell / Anne Hendrik / Lawrence Firethorn / Edmund Hoode / Owen Elias / George Dart / James Ingram

Setting? - London (England) & Bohemia (Germany)

Series? - Nicholas Bracewell #9

Recommend? – Yes

Rating - 17/20

[Catherine Pinkett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author who has many published mystery series. This is an Elizabethan mystery from The Bracewell mysteries series. Nicholas Bracewell is part of a roving theatre group called The Westfield Players. In this particular book, the group are invited to travel overseas to Bohemia for the imperial court. I enjoyed this book, but did not find it particularly special. The plot was OK, the ending was surprising, however there was insufficient evidence included about anyone to lead you to any suspect and although the ending was adequate, I personally didn't think there was sufficient argument as to how Nicholas Bracewell came to the conclusion. The characters were not that well formed, perhaps starting at the beginning of the series would have already better introduced the main characters. I liked Nicholas,but again wanted to know him better.
Having said all that, it was a light easy read mystery, not significantly heavy on the historical insight if that's your bag then such authors like Hiliary Mantel are for you. I liked it enough to try the first couple of this series to see what I think after that!