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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
324 books67 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve enjoyed Taylor’s Marwood series which, until this latest book, has been set during the reign of Charles II. We have now leapt twenty years forward. Jamie Marwood and Cat are married and have three children, all of whom play a role in the story. The background is the Glorious Revolution of 1688-89 that ousted the Catholic James II from the throne and provided the impetus for the Jacobite Rebellion.
I found the first half of the book a very slow read but that changes in the second half. There is intrigue upon intrigue, Marwood loses sight of who to trust, and the children become enmeshed in the plot in different ways. Cat, his wife, is involved as always but not directly. The action is fast and furious much of the time and the uncovering of the plot is quite satisfying and surprising. There is a lot of extraneous detail however, such as Marwood’s son, Jack’s, love for Arabella and his lack of application to his studies, that added nothing to the storyline. Others may enjoy that aspect, of course, but I can’t see the point of it.
I’m not sure that this series will continue. If it does, I’m sure I will want to read the next volume but I’ll be hoping it’s better than this.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an advanced review copy.
I found the first half of the book a very slow read but that changes in the second half. There is intrigue upon intrigue, Marwood loses sight of who to trust, and the children become enmeshed in the plot in different ways. Cat, his wife, is involved as always but not directly. The action is fast and furious much of the time and the uncovering of the plot is quite satisfying and surprising. There is a lot of extraneous detail however, such as Marwood’s son, Jack’s, love for Arabella and his lack of application to his studies, that added nothing to the storyline. Others may enjoy that aspect, of course, but I can’t see the point of it.
I’m not sure that this series will continue. If it does, I’m sure I will want to read the next volume but I’ll be hoping it’s better than this.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an advanced review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1688 England, Andrew Taylor’s *Treason* finds King James II celebrating a newborn heir while the country simmers on the edge of rebellion. Rumours of the child's illegitimacy run rampant, upside-down crowns are painted on the streets of London, and treasonous pamphlets circulate. Caught in the centre of this looming revolution are Whitehall official James Marwood and his architect wife, Cat. When a dead body is discovered alongside seditious propaganda, the couple is dragged directly into a dangerous conspiracy.
While *Treason* delivers a richly detailed look at late Stuart England, it also highlights a permanent shift in the trajectory of the series. Readers who enjoyed the self-contained, atmospheric murder mysteries of the early books may find the current direction frustrating. The franchise has largely morphed from classic historical detective fiction into a political spy thriller. Forcing the same core characters into major macro-political historical events over and over has made the plots feel more sprawling and contrived, with Whitehall espionage and court intrigue taking centre stage over localized puzzle-solving.
This shift in genre has also permanently altered the central character dynamics. While James Marwood remains a stoic, relatable, and dutiful anchor, the partnership with Cat Lovett has broken the magic of the original premise. Cat’s character loop feels entirely stagnant. Initially, her stubbornness was a survival mechanism for a woman navigating a volatile world. However, even after gaining a family and domestic stability, she continues to operate with the same rigid, self-serving wilfulness. Because she refuses to compromise, her independent streaks read as purely selfish, consistently destabilizing Marwood's life and shifting the series away from any sense of genuine investigative teamwork.
Ultimately, *Treason* is a well-researched historical thriller, but its appeal depends entirely on reader preference. Those who enjoy high-stakes political intrigue and espionage will find much to admire. However, readers looking for a focused, character-driven murder mystery without the heavy political backdrop may find that this instalment, and the modern direction of the series as a whole, completely misses the mark.
*(Note: Review based on an early copy of the 2027 release, with thanks to Netgalley.)*
While *Treason* delivers a richly detailed look at late Stuart England, it also highlights a permanent shift in the trajectory of the series. Readers who enjoyed the self-contained, atmospheric murder mysteries of the early books may find the current direction frustrating. The franchise has largely morphed from classic historical detective fiction into a political spy thriller. Forcing the same core characters into major macro-political historical events over and over has made the plots feel more sprawling and contrived, with Whitehall espionage and court intrigue taking centre stage over localized puzzle-solving.
This shift in genre has also permanently altered the central character dynamics. While James Marwood remains a stoic, relatable, and dutiful anchor, the partnership with Cat Lovett has broken the magic of the original premise. Cat’s character loop feels entirely stagnant. Initially, her stubbornness was a survival mechanism for a woman navigating a volatile world. However, even after gaining a family and domestic stability, she continues to operate with the same rigid, self-serving wilfulness. Because she refuses to compromise, her independent streaks read as purely selfish, consistently destabilizing Marwood's life and shifting the series away from any sense of genuine investigative teamwork.
Ultimately, *Treason* is a well-researched historical thriller, but its appeal depends entirely on reader preference. Those who enjoy high-stakes political intrigue and espionage will find much to admire. However, readers looking for a focused, character-driven murder mystery without the heavy political backdrop may find that this instalment, and the modern direction of the series as a whole, completely misses the mark.
*(Note: Review based on an early copy of the 2027 release, with thanks to Netgalley.)*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Received as an Advance Reading Copy from Netgalley
Andrew Taylor’s historical fiction completely captures the mood of the times (late 1600s) and brings the period to life not only in the Royal Palaces but also in the way that the ordinary people lived. This novel is set in 1688 under the rule of King James II. A newborn heir should bring certainty to the reign but rumours abound concerning the legitimacy of the infant together with the return to Catholicism that is so unpopular provides for an unsettled country. London in 1688 comes to life with finely detailed descriptions of the layout of the city and references the impact of the earlier Fire of London on the geography of the area. The protagonist, James Marwood, is reluctantly drawn into the intrigue.
The balance between working within the King’s jurisdiction and the court system, the double dealing and treachery that takes place at the court is clearly defined. “A man was a slave to his words …., but the master of his silence!” p368
The character descriptions are depicted in such a way as to enable the reader to easily conjure an image of the person.
“He was shrewd enough, particularly when his own interests were involved and with a useful ability to alter his opinions in an instant that had enabled him to survive several catastrophic falls from political grace” p84 (referring to the Duke of Sunderland and the tricky times they lived in.)
“Sunderland was a master of delegation and shunned any form of drudgery like the plague”. p85
There is plenty of action, chases and plot twists that keep the reader enthralled and turning the page to find out what happens next. The afterword that gives further clarification on the historical facts and the setting of the novel is a much appreciated added bonus. Another historical crime triumph from Andrew Taylor that would suit fans of CJ Samson, Rory Clements, SJ Parris....
Andrew Taylor’s historical fiction completely captures the mood of the times (late 1600s) and brings the period to life not only in the Royal Palaces but also in the way that the ordinary people lived. This novel is set in 1688 under the rule of King James II. A newborn heir should bring certainty to the reign but rumours abound concerning the legitimacy of the infant together with the return to Catholicism that is so unpopular provides for an unsettled country. London in 1688 comes to life with finely detailed descriptions of the layout of the city and references the impact of the earlier Fire of London on the geography of the area. The protagonist, James Marwood, is reluctantly drawn into the intrigue.
The balance between working within the King’s jurisdiction and the court system, the double dealing and treachery that takes place at the court is clearly defined. “A man was a slave to his words …., but the master of his silence!” p368
The character descriptions are depicted in such a way as to enable the reader to easily conjure an image of the person.
“He was shrewd enough, particularly when his own interests were involved and with a useful ability to alter his opinions in an instant that had enabled him to survive several catastrophic falls from political grace” p84 (referring to the Duke of Sunderland and the tricky times they lived in.)
“Sunderland was a master of delegation and shunned any form of drudgery like the plague”. p85
There is plenty of action, chases and plot twists that keep the reader enthralled and turning the page to find out what happens next. The afterword that gives further clarification on the historical facts and the setting of the novel is a much appreciated added bonus. Another historical crime triumph from Andrew Taylor that would suit fans of CJ Samson, Rory Clements, SJ Parris....
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have read the entire Marwood and Cat series but I did find myself checking to see if I'd missed the last book because there is quite a jump forward in time. This latest outing is set in 1688, when James II finally has his long awaited male heir. Instead of popular celebration there is tension on the streets of London as the King's attempt to pull England back toward Catholicism is causing widespread unrest. It's an interesting bookend to the very start of this series when Charles II was returned to power and was taking revenge on those who had killed his father.
When an old nemesis returns, Marwood is plunged into the middle of a plot to undermine the legitimacy of the newly born Prince and, before long the whole family is drawn into danger. And it really is the whole family - the twins James and Francis and their sister Sophia, all play an important part in the plot,
I soon fell back into Andrew Taylor's wonderfully vivid portrayal of London and the politics of Whitehall swirling around the KIng. I wished there had been more of Cat who seemed a little side-lined in this story, and I missed spending time with her architectural business and the reconstruction of London which are elements I always enjoy. I also thought that the young James' passion for the unsuitable Arabella felt like a rather pointless diversion. Despite these slight missteps, the plot had plenty of action, a fair few twists and turns and a good ending.
As Andrew Taylor points out in the author's note at the end of the book, the Glorious Revolution is a little-celebrated event in British History but it was hugely important in the creation of a our constitutional monarchy and, as with all good historical fiction, it made me want to read more about the period. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hemlock Press for the ARC.
When an old nemesis returns, Marwood is plunged into the middle of a plot to undermine the legitimacy of the newly born Prince and, before long the whole family is drawn into danger. And it really is the whole family - the twins James and Francis and their sister Sophia, all play an important part in the plot,
I soon fell back into Andrew Taylor's wonderfully vivid portrayal of London and the politics of Whitehall swirling around the KIng. I wished there had been more of Cat who seemed a little side-lined in this story, and I missed spending time with her architectural business and the reconstruction of London which are elements I always enjoy. I also thought that the young James' passion for the unsuitable Arabella felt like a rather pointless diversion. Despite these slight missteps, the plot had plenty of action, a fair few twists and turns and a good ending.
As Andrew Taylor points out in the author's note at the end of the book, the Glorious Revolution is a little-celebrated event in British History but it was hugely important in the creation of a our constitutional monarchy and, as with all good historical fiction, it made me want to read more about the period. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hemlock Press for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The seventh book in the series featuring James Marwood and his wife Cat. The action in the previous book took place in 1671; this book jumps forward to 1688 and a change of Kings, from Charles II to James II. King James has announced the birth of his son, but not everyone is happy, as the prospect of a Catholic King brings reminders of the persecutions of the past. Dissenters are at work to undermine the king. James Marwood is recruited, unwillingly, to get to the bottom of the plot; a plot that will draw in all the members of his family.
I found the first half of the book slow going, but thankfully the pace increased in the second half. The previous books have always been enjoyable for the dynamics of the relationship between James and Cat; now, in this book, as a long term married couple, the energy between them seems to have dwindled. They both come across as tired, James is a shadow of his former self and Cat has become more of a background character. The historical detail is always interesting and well done, the writing excellent and the plot was engaging. I'm not sure where this series is going, but hopefully, if there is another book, James and Cat will be more inspiring. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the story and would always recommend this series.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
I found the first half of the book slow going, but thankfully the pace increased in the second half. The previous books have always been enjoyable for the dynamics of the relationship between James and Cat; now, in this book, as a long term married couple, the energy between them seems to have dwindled. They both come across as tired, James is a shadow of his former self and Cat has become more of a background character. The historical detail is always interesting and well done, the writing excellent and the plot was engaging. I'm not sure where this series is going, but hopefully, if there is another book, James and Cat will be more inspiring. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the story and would always recommend this series.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
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.
September 19, 2026
I’m a huge fan of anything Andrew Taylor writes so it’s always a 5* . I found our lovely couple worryingly at odds with one another in this book however they have been together a long time, Cat has always been a bit of a hot head and with the worry of teenage boys and a 12 year old girl and of Marwood’s and her job’s & finances I guess disharmony would be the norm.
The added story of a period of history I was unaware of was fascinating and has sent me off to find out more, always the sign of an interesting book.
The story itself is absorbing, quick moving and very readable
Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review
The added story of a period of history I was unaware of was fascinating and has sent me off to find out more, always the sign of an interesting book.
The story itself is absorbing, quick moving and very readable
Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I hadn’t read anything by Andrew Taylor previously and so came to his book, set in the 1680’s completely unaware the lives and circumstances of the main characters, James and Cat Marwood. James II is on the throne and finally has a male heir, or does he; will the country now turn towards Rome and the Pope; what are the strange signs appearing around London; why all the dead bodies and who is responsible? With his family in danger, James is manipulated to investigate what’s happening and which duplicitous characters are behind the events. A well-researched historical murder mystery which I enjoyed and now intend to read previous books in this series
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews