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Treason
Not yet published
Expected 25 Mar 27‘The master of historical crime fiction’ LAURA SHEPHERD-ROBINSONDon't miss the gripping new historical thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Ashes of London, perfect for fans of CJ Sansom, Robert Harris and Hilary Mantel
England, 1688
King James II finally has an heir – but not all are rejoicing. Protestant bishops have been sent to the tower, strange symbols are appearing on the streets of London and rumblings of dissent are whispered throughout the city.
Amidst the turmoil, Secretary James Marwood has been living a quiet life. But his peace is broken when a figure from the past emerges with a dangerous proposition. Change is coming, and Marwood needs an ally if he is to retain his position at Whitehall. So, reluctantly, he agrees to investigate an apparent suicide.
The man’s death is soon revealed to be a murder, and his past yields suspicious connections. Violence begins to erupt around the city, protestants raging against a Catholic king, and the atmosphere at court grows tense. Marwood’s investigation leads him to uncover a deadly and treasonous conspiracy, one that threatens the crown and the stability of the nation.
Praise for Andrew Taylor‘A grand piece of work – a triumph and one of Taylor’s best’ MICK HERRON
'A wonderful, subtle novel, set in a strange, enclosed world. Beautiful writing and a gloriously satisfying ending' ANN CLEEVES
'A Schooling in Murder turns the country house mystery inside out with wit and wisdom. Ten out of ten' THE TIMES
'Taylor's position at the apex of historical crime writers is reinforced' FINANCIAL TIMES
'Taylor’s ability to conjure time past is second to none' GUARDIAN
England, 1688
King James II finally has an heir – but not all are rejoicing. Protestant bishops have been sent to the tower, strange symbols are appearing on the streets of London and rumblings of dissent are whispered throughout the city.
Amidst the turmoil, Secretary James Marwood has been living a quiet life. But his peace is broken when a figure from the past emerges with a dangerous proposition. Change is coming, and Marwood needs an ally if he is to retain his position at Whitehall. So, reluctantly, he agrees to investigate an apparent suicide.
The man’s death is soon revealed to be a murder, and his past yields suspicious connections. Violence begins to erupt around the city, protestants raging against a Catholic king, and the atmosphere at court grows tense. Marwood’s investigation leads him to uncover a deadly and treasonous conspiracy, one that threatens the crown and the stability of the nation.
Praise for Andrew Taylor‘A grand piece of work – a triumph and one of Taylor’s best’ MICK HERRON
'A wonderful, subtle novel, set in a strange, enclosed world. Beautiful writing and a gloriously satisfying ending' ANN CLEEVES
'A Schooling in Murder turns the country house mystery inside out with wit and wisdom. Ten out of ten' THE TIMES
'Taylor's position at the apex of historical crime writers is reinforced' FINANCIAL TIMES
'Taylor’s ability to conjure time past is second to none' GUARDIAN
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 25, 2027
About the author
Andrew Taylor
320 books67 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fascinating period of English history! It is seldom that an author can perfectly interweave a mystery with real historical facts and tirn the novel into a gripping and interesting read!
Indeed, the 1680's proved to be a difficult time as far as the Crown was concerned: a catholic king reigning over a mostly protestant people. A prelude to a religious revolution surely...
Wondering about a murder, Marwood and his family will be involved in more than a murder investigation bringing much danger, action into their lives!
Full of twists and turns, the novel is keeping a good gripping pace while letting the reader wonder about the outcome(s!).
A very convincing and complex plot!
Each page of the book shows the author's impressive knowledge in history. I really had the feeling I was there, in London, on the Thames and family homes.
An excellent read ! No wonder Andrew Taylor remains one of my favourite authors!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Indeed, the 1680's proved to be a difficult time as far as the Crown was concerned: a catholic king reigning over a mostly protestant people. A prelude to a religious revolution surely...
Wondering about a murder, Marwood and his family will be involved in more than a murder investigation bringing much danger, action into their lives!
Full of twists and turns, the novel is keeping a good gripping pace while letting the reader wonder about the outcome(s!).
A very convincing and complex plot!
Each page of the book shows the author's impressive knowledge in history. I really had the feeling I was there, in London, on the Thames and family homes.
An excellent read ! No wonder Andrew Taylor remains one of my favourite authors!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For readers familiar with Andrew Taylor’s earlier novels featuring Cat and Marwood, this instalment moves their story forward by almost twenty years.
Set in the 1680s against the backdrop of the birth of James II’s son, the novel explores a nation unsettled by the prospect of a Catholic heir and the political tensions that linger in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Marwood and Cat find themselves drawn into another web of intrigue, one that proves both dangerous and deadly, threatening not only their friends but also their family.
As with the previous books in the series, Taylor combines meticulous historical detail with a gripping plot, vividly bringing the period to life while delivering a compelling and suspenseful story. The pacing is excellent, and the atmosphere is richly drawn throughout.
Once again, Andrew Taylor has produced an engrossing, unputdownable novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Set in the 1680s against the backdrop of the birth of James II’s son, the novel explores a nation unsettled by the prospect of a Catholic heir and the political tensions that linger in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Marwood and Cat find themselves drawn into another web of intrigue, one that proves both dangerous and deadly, threatening not only their friends but also their family.
As with the previous books in the series, Taylor combines meticulous historical detail with a gripping plot, vividly bringing the period to life while delivering a compelling and suspenseful story. The pacing is excellent, and the atmosphere is richly drawn throughout.
Once again, Andrew Taylor has produced an engrossing, unputdownable novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 20, 2026
Having been a long-term fan of Andrew Taylor, I was pleased to receive an early copy of the latest book in the Ashes of London series.
I enjoyed catching up with the familiar characters in Treason, although it was interesting to see how they have changed as the series has progressed. However, I found this book not as easy to follow as the previous books in the series, with lots of different characters to remember, which made the plot a little difficult to keep track of at times.
It was interesting to see how James and Cat’s family had grown in the intervening years. I also felt that their relationship did not seem as warm as in the previous books, and I missed some of the connection between them that I had enjoyed in earlier instalments.
That said, it was good to return to these characters and the world of the series, and there were still plenty of interesting elements to the story. Overall, though, I found this instalment less engaging than its predecessors.
I enjoyed catching up with the familiar characters in Treason, although it was interesting to see how they have changed as the series has progressed. However, I found this book not as easy to follow as the previous books in the series, with lots of different characters to remember, which made the plot a little difficult to keep track of at times.
It was interesting to see how James and Cat’s family had grown in the intervening years. I also felt that their relationship did not seem as warm as in the previous books, and I missed some of the connection between them that I had enjoyed in earlier instalments.
That said, it was good to return to these characters and the world of the series, and there were still plenty of interesting elements to the story. Overall, though, I found this instalment less engaging than its predecessors.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This novel takes Cat and James Marwood to 1688 - 20 years on. James II finally has a male heir but not everyone is happy. There is a fear of encroaching Catholicism and a plot is hatched to discredit the King and Queen and question the validity of the prince’s birth.
Both Cat and James are drawn into investigating the plot and are manipulated endangering their lives, their children and their liberty.
A very convincing and complicated plot. Full of twists and turns - an engrossing read.
As before the period is brought to life vividly and the characters developed sympathetically.
One to be recommended.
Both Cat and James are drawn into investigating the plot and are manipulated endangering their lives, their children and their liberty.
A very convincing and complicated plot. Full of twists and turns - an engrossing read.
As before the period is brought to life vividly and the characters developed sympathetically.
One to be recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the latest in the James Marwood & Cat Lovett series. The story revolves around King James II and his new-born son amidst a campaign against a Catholic monarchy. James, Cat and their children get caught up in the intrigue of the ‘upside down crown’.
This is a fascinating period of history. Taylor uses his historical knowledge to bring the period and the people to life. He combines the historic with an enthralling and gripping plot.
I really enjoyed this. It was atmospheric and suspenseful in a way that kept me reading.
Due to be published 27th March 2027. Thanks to NetGalley and Hemlock Press for the ARC.
This is a fascinating period of history. Taylor uses his historical knowledge to bring the period and the people to life. He combines the historic with an enthralling and gripping plot.
I really enjoyed this. It was atmospheric and suspenseful in a way that kept me reading.
Due to be published 27th March 2027. Thanks to NetGalley and Hemlock Press for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews