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John Grey Historical Mystery #2
A Masterpiece of Corruption
It is December 1657. John Grey has returned to the study of law in London. He receives a mysterious invitation which seems to have come from some of his mother's royalist friends - possibly members of the largely ineffectual secret organisation, the Sealed Knot. He is amused rather than otherwise that they would think him stupid enough to join them and thinks it may be entertaining to tell them so to their faces. On arriving at Sir Richard Willys's chambers at Gray's Inn, however, he finds that the invitation was never intended for him - to his horror, Grey is warmly greeted as a royalist conspirator sent over from Brussels to murder Oliver Cromwell. It soon becomes clear that the man he has been mistaken for is his own father, a long-time royalist exile. The question is how he can prevent the murder without betraying his father ...
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 14, 2016
16 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
L.C. Tyler
34 books90 followersL. C. Tyler grew up in Essex and studied geography at Jesus College Oxford University and systems analysis at City University in London. During a career with the British Council he lived in Malaysia, Sudan, Thailand and Denmark. More recently he has been based in Islington and West Sussex and is an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, of which he was previously Chief Executive. He is married and has two children and one dog.
Series:
* Elsie and Ethelred Mystery
* John Grey Historical Mystery
Series:
* Elsie and Ethelred Mystery
* John Grey Historical Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 30, 2023
When I purchased this for 1.99 I was happy to have a book of this depth covering such an interesting period of history. No, it is not similar to the serious book from Mantel (Wolf Hall), but has more entertaining viewpoints and episodes to keep the story light whenever possible. Now the book is 7.99, so I guess I was lucky to respond to one of those emails from Amazon offering me books the database believes I will enjoy.
I am likely to read other books in this series. There are 9! It was certainly a very interesting period of history, one I am thankful to not have lived in.
I am likely to read other books in this series. There are 9! It was certainly a very interesting period of history, one I am thankful to not have lived in.
January 3, 2018
Republican John Grey finds himself in all sorts of trouble when the Sealed Knot - the secret organisation working to restore Charles Stuart to England's throne - confuse him with his Royalist father. Trapped between both sides, and expendable to both, Grey is soon up to his eyes in plots and counterplots. Over complicated in places and dry in others, this is nevertheless an intriguing look at the Commonwealth of England in the early 1650s. 3-3.5 stars.
December 29, 2018
This delightful book is the 2nd part of the exciting John Grey series by the author L.C. Tyler.
Again this book has been a joy to read, for it keeps the reader entertained throughout, simply because the book has been written in a thrilling way with a certain humorous twist.
The historical details about this period of history has been very well researched by the author and excellently explained in his author's note.
The tale is set during the years AD 1657-1658 within the English Republic with as it Head of State, the formidable Oliver Cromwell.
This story once again features of course our main character John Grey, who's attempting to resume his legal career in Lincoln's Inn, when all of a sudden he receives a mysterious message from a certain "Mr SK", and in his own trustful way John Grey believes it to be a harmless diversion.
This same message was really intended for somebody else entirely, for the message contains the plot for the assassination of the Lord Protector, the very same Oliver Cromwell, and so Grey finds himself in the middle of things and situations that he desperately wanted to avoid at all costs.
With the luck of a so called double agent, for the Sealed Knot believes him to be on their side while on the other hand Cromwell's Secretary of State, the famous John Thurloe, believes him to be on his side, although Grey himself in unsure that either are on his side, but what follows is an exciting and thrilling mystery in which John Grey must do all to save his skin while at the same time try to discover the culprit who wants to assassinate the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell.
Really recommended, for this is a wonderful book and thus "A Very Enjoyable Masterpiece"!
Again this book has been a joy to read, for it keeps the reader entertained throughout, simply because the book has been written in a thrilling way with a certain humorous twist.
The historical details about this period of history has been very well researched by the author and excellently explained in his author's note.
The tale is set during the years AD 1657-1658 within the English Republic with as it Head of State, the formidable Oliver Cromwell.
This story once again features of course our main character John Grey, who's attempting to resume his legal career in Lincoln's Inn, when all of a sudden he receives a mysterious message from a certain "Mr SK", and in his own trustful way John Grey believes it to be a harmless diversion.
This same message was really intended for somebody else entirely, for the message contains the plot for the assassination of the Lord Protector, the very same Oliver Cromwell, and so Grey finds himself in the middle of things and situations that he desperately wanted to avoid at all costs.
With the luck of a so called double agent, for the Sealed Knot believes him to be on their side while on the other hand Cromwell's Secretary of State, the famous John Thurloe, believes him to be on his side, although Grey himself in unsure that either are on his side, but what follows is an exciting and thrilling mystery in which John Grey must do all to save his skin while at the same time try to discover the culprit who wants to assassinate the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell.
Really recommended, for this is a wonderful book and thus "A Very Enjoyable Masterpiece"!
January 3, 2020
This reader admits, unabashedly, that he loves British historical fiction and, voila, along comes this month "A Masterpiece of Corruption" by L.C. Tyler that fits the bill.
It is London and it’s December, 1657. Shakespeare’s been dead for four years and Elizabeth I for 54! And it’s currently the austere (some say frightening) days of Cromwell’s Commonwealth.
John Grey is back in London, working hard to complete his law studies to resume his legal career—and he’s sorely devoted to this. Since the execution of Charles I, the country has been without a royal ruler after centuries, and the promises of golden rainbows (and a hare in every pot), many folks are becoming most disenchanted. Alas, in between reading torts and eating tarts, he receives a letter from a mysterious Mr. S.K. And the plot really begins to sicken. He is tempted by Mr. SK and before he knows it, he’s in the middle of some serious conspiracy work: between the staunch Republicans backing Cromwell (of which he’s one) and the very secret Royalists group (the Sealed Knot), who are trying very earnestly to reinstate the monarchy.
Ooops, John thinks. What have I gotten myself in to? This is a plot to assassinate the Lord Protector (Cromwell). Before one can say “Bob’s your uncle,” he’s agreed to this plot--and he wants no part of it. Due to some serious mistaken identity, now things are really precarious. But Grey is no dummy and because he knows he’s in well over his head, he uses those brains of his to work his way out—which involves a lot of double agentry.
Tyler’s involved, often convoluted, work is mesmerizing—the intrigues of politics, religion, and conscious are at work here with John—as we explore Commonwealth England and the Royalist Netherlands, where Charles’ son Charles is in exile. Interesting, these politics, for under Cromwell, people are rounded up in churches and thrown in the Tower of London simply for celebrating Christmas. In the other, a suspicious and damaged exiled royal family is preparing an invasion if necessary to win back the throne and exact revenge. Dangerous times they are, for all concerned, and the young, politically naïve John Grey sees the truth of all this, this time of crisis.
Students of English history know the ultimate outcome, of course, but for the sake of the novel, it’s interesting to read along and not look ahead to the facts. Tyler’s style of writing borders on the academic, much like C.J. Sansom and Hillary Mantel have done with their Henry VIII stories and like M.J. Trow has done with his Kit Marlowe series. Historians will favor this version over other, more romantic accounts.
It is London and it’s December, 1657. Shakespeare’s been dead for four years and Elizabeth I for 54! And it’s currently the austere (some say frightening) days of Cromwell’s Commonwealth.
John Grey is back in London, working hard to complete his law studies to resume his legal career—and he’s sorely devoted to this. Since the execution of Charles I, the country has been without a royal ruler after centuries, and the promises of golden rainbows (and a hare in every pot), many folks are becoming most disenchanted. Alas, in between reading torts and eating tarts, he receives a letter from a mysterious Mr. S.K. And the plot really begins to sicken. He is tempted by Mr. SK and before he knows it, he’s in the middle of some serious conspiracy work: between the staunch Republicans backing Cromwell (of which he’s one) and the very secret Royalists group (the Sealed Knot), who are trying very earnestly to reinstate the monarchy.
Ooops, John thinks. What have I gotten myself in to? This is a plot to assassinate the Lord Protector (Cromwell). Before one can say “Bob’s your uncle,” he’s agreed to this plot--and he wants no part of it. Due to some serious mistaken identity, now things are really precarious. But Grey is no dummy and because he knows he’s in well over his head, he uses those brains of his to work his way out—which involves a lot of double agentry.
Tyler’s involved, often convoluted, work is mesmerizing—the intrigues of politics, religion, and conscious are at work here with John—as we explore Commonwealth England and the Royalist Netherlands, where Charles’ son Charles is in exile. Interesting, these politics, for under Cromwell, people are rounded up in churches and thrown in the Tower of London simply for celebrating Christmas. In the other, a suspicious and damaged exiled royal family is preparing an invasion if necessary to win back the throne and exact revenge. Dangerous times they are, for all concerned, and the young, politically naïve John Grey sees the truth of all this, this time of crisis.
Students of English history know the ultimate outcome, of course, but for the sake of the novel, it’s interesting to read along and not look ahead to the facts. Tyler’s style of writing borders on the academic, much like C.J. Sansom and Hillary Mantel have done with their Henry VIII stories and like M.J. Trow has done with his Kit Marlowe series. Historians will favor this version over other, more romantic accounts.
May 4, 2016
‘A Masterpiece of Corruption’ by L C Tyler
Published by Constable, 14 January 2016. ISBN: 978-1-4721-1496-9
It is the winter of 1657. Lawyer John Grey receives a rather mysterious letter at his lodgings in Lincoln’s inn. He is perplexed because the letter is not addressed to him but signed by Mr S K and begs his presence at Gray’s Inn, in the spirit of friendship. John Grey suspects who Mr S K maybe, and that the letter is the result of his meddling mother. He decides to visit Mr S K and nip any relationship in the bud.
And so John Gray ventures out into the cold snowy December night, but all does not go as planned, as the letter was intended for someone else entirely, and John Gray finds himself in the middle of a plot to assassinate the Lord Protector. That John Grey is not a royalist is something he needs to keep to himself, and so unwittingly he finds
himself in the role of double agent. Discretion is therefore of the essence, and if he can keep his head, prevent a murder and keep both camps happy, he may actually keep his head.
However the arrival of Aminta Clifford posing as his cousin does nothing to allay his fears. She announces that she will be staying for some weeks and has placed herself under his protection. She is not known for her discretion.
Meanwhile, with both the Sealed Knot and Cromwell's Secretary of State, John Thurloe, believing he is on their side, he is treading a fine line, and becomes very inventive when challenged as to his progress with the assassination.
Assuming many aliases’s and trying to keep himself alive, Gray finds himself in many unsought locations, and not all to his liking. Several persons come to his aid but all have a little job he can do for them, and every little job lands him deeper in the do do.
A masterpiece of penmanship. Entertaining, enjoyable and quite brilliant. Be you a Royalist or a Cromwellian , you will find this a riveting read. Highly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes
Published by Constable, 14 January 2016. ISBN: 978-1-4721-1496-9
It is the winter of 1657. Lawyer John Grey receives a rather mysterious letter at his lodgings in Lincoln’s inn. He is perplexed because the letter is not addressed to him but signed by Mr S K and begs his presence at Gray’s Inn, in the spirit of friendship. John Grey suspects who Mr S K maybe, and that the letter is the result of his meddling mother. He decides to visit Mr S K and nip any relationship in the bud.
And so John Gray ventures out into the cold snowy December night, but all does not go as planned, as the letter was intended for someone else entirely, and John Gray finds himself in the middle of a plot to assassinate the Lord Protector. That John Grey is not a royalist is something he needs to keep to himself, and so unwittingly he finds
himself in the role of double agent. Discretion is therefore of the essence, and if he can keep his head, prevent a murder and keep both camps happy, he may actually keep his head.
However the arrival of Aminta Clifford posing as his cousin does nothing to allay his fears. She announces that she will be staying for some weeks and has placed herself under his protection. She is not known for her discretion.
Meanwhile, with both the Sealed Knot and Cromwell's Secretary of State, John Thurloe, believing he is on their side, he is treading a fine line, and becomes very inventive when challenged as to his progress with the assassination.
Assuming many aliases’s and trying to keep himself alive, Gray finds himself in many unsought locations, and not all to his liking. Several persons come to his aid but all have a little job he can do for them, and every little job lands him deeper in the do do.
A masterpiece of penmanship. Entertaining, enjoyable and quite brilliant. Be you a Royalist or a Cromwellian , you will find this a riveting read. Highly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes
June 8, 2016
I love libraries. One little card can open up worlds of wonder, excitement, education and enjoyment...for free!!
This book was another chance pick up - knowing I would lose nothing by taking it home for a look.
It is a novel but the history is as correct as it can be; as are many of the people and settings. Cromwell and Charles ll are not my forte, which made this book all the more interesting. The central theme is The Sealed Knot Society, which I had a little knowledge of previously. I know a lot more now.
Locations shift between London and Brussels with a fair bit of sea sickness in between.
A thoroughly good read,
This book was another chance pick up - knowing I would lose nothing by taking it home for a look.
It is a novel but the history is as correct as it can be; as are many of the people and settings. Cromwell and Charles ll are not my forte, which made this book all the more interesting. The central theme is The Sealed Knot Society, which I had a little knowledge of previously. I know a lot more now.
Locations shift between London and Brussels with a fair bit of sea sickness in between.
A thoroughly good read,
July 17, 2023
Actual rating: 2.5, rounded up (I almost hate myself for this!) for superficial things such as: an intriguing cover, great title, and fascinating subject matter. And the subject matter, while definitely right up my alley, could have been handled in a much better fashion, given another author!
Yes, this was a disappointing read, but not from the get-go. At first, as it drew all its elements and especially characters, together, it had real potential of being a juicy, insightful look at my favorite historical time period. Alas, it did not come anywhere near fulfilling that potential! I love reading and learning about the English Civil War and the Restoration--mainly because my favorite book of all time: AN INSTANCE OF THE FINGERPOST, is set in that time frame--but masterpieces are very few and this is NOT one of them, despite its title!
I began to feel alarmed when it became apparent that the Sealed Knot people were extremely loose-lipped (they would never have survived during WWII!) and bandied about names and plans without any discretion! How could they be so naive?! I had to wonder if this was how they actually behaved or if it was just a tactic by the author to show their incompetence? Since the issue is never addressed, I still don't know!
I ended up dividing the book into three parts: the first third with its set-up of people and plans, made me hope for more substance, but then we came to the really awful and redundant second third, which made me want to stop reading and chalk it up to a waste of time; however, I persevered and finally, the last third improved somewhat, by the introduction of Charles II and the twisty knitting together of the pieces into somewhat of a cohesive plot. It never rises to the level of the David Liss books, which it seems to be attempting to mimic, but it does wrap things up in a predictable way.
All-in-all, this book is told more like a game of checkers rather than chess, as there is no subtlety or strategy involved.
Please, Goodreads, give us some half-stars for more precise ratings!
Yes, this was a disappointing read, but not from the get-go. At first, as it drew all its elements and especially characters, together, it had real potential of being a juicy, insightful look at my favorite historical time period. Alas, it did not come anywhere near fulfilling that potential! I love reading and learning about the English Civil War and the Restoration--mainly because my favorite book of all time: AN INSTANCE OF THE FINGERPOST, is set in that time frame--but masterpieces are very few and this is NOT one of them, despite its title!
I began to feel alarmed when it became apparent that the Sealed Knot people were extremely loose-lipped (they would never have survived during WWII!) and bandied about names and plans without any discretion! How could they be so naive?! I had to wonder if this was how they actually behaved or if it was just a tactic by the author to show their incompetence? Since the issue is never addressed, I still don't know!
I ended up dividing the book into three parts: the first third with its set-up of people and plans, made me hope for more substance, but then we came to the really awful and redundant second third, which made me want to stop reading and chalk it up to a waste of time; however, I persevered and finally, the last third improved somewhat, by the introduction of Charles II and the twisty knitting together of the pieces into somewhat of a cohesive plot. It never rises to the level of the David Liss books, which it seems to be attempting to mimic, but it does wrap things up in a predictable way.
All-in-all, this book is told more like a game of checkers rather than chess, as there is no subtlety or strategy involved.
Please, Goodreads, give us some half-stars for more precise ratings!
October 26, 2023
I am not fond of spy novels, and this series seems unlikely to convert me.
John Grey, a law student in London, finds himself drawn into (apparently for the second time, in this second book of the series) espionage between Oliver Cromwell's supporters and exiled Royalists hoping for the return of King Charles Stuart. John suffers from a character flaw difficult for a spy to surmount: he is too honest. This also makes him a pretty awful liar. He seems the definition of hapless, stumbling into and out of trouble with equal ease.
This entire adventure occurs as Cromwell is facing his imminent demise, with no idea if he might name a successor who will maintain the nascent Republic. Meanwhile, the exiled King appears to be too lazy to be be even tricked into attempting a return to England to reclaim his throne. This leaves the spy masters on both sides playing convoluted games with each other, with multiple double agents and people on both sides jockeying to be in a good position to survive whatever side comes out on top in the power struggle.
Grey seems ill equipped to escape his demise, yet by dumb luck, and ineptitude among all of the agents competing for attention, somehow Grey survives to see the next stage of history unfold.
The author does a nice job of integrating her fictional characters with historical figures, but I simply did not find John Grey, or his annoying Royalist cousin Aminta, very engaging. I have another book in the series on my shelf, and may read it just to see what transpires after Cromwell's passing, but this was not a page-turner, and offered scant suspense to the depicted events.
Okay for passing some time, but I won't recommend anyone hunt down a copy.
John Grey, a law student in London, finds himself drawn into (apparently for the second time, in this second book of the series) espionage between Oliver Cromwell's supporters and exiled Royalists hoping for the return of King Charles Stuart. John suffers from a character flaw difficult for a spy to surmount: he is too honest. This also makes him a pretty awful liar. He seems the definition of hapless, stumbling into and out of trouble with equal ease.
This entire adventure occurs as Cromwell is facing his imminent demise, with no idea if he might name a successor who will maintain the nascent Republic. Meanwhile, the exiled King appears to be too lazy to be be even tricked into attempting a return to England to reclaim his throne. This leaves the spy masters on both sides playing convoluted games with each other, with multiple double agents and people on both sides jockeying to be in a good position to survive whatever side comes out on top in the power struggle.
Grey seems ill equipped to escape his demise, yet by dumb luck, and ineptitude among all of the agents competing for attention, somehow Grey survives to see the next stage of history unfold.
The author does a nice job of integrating her fictional characters with historical figures, but I simply did not find John Grey, or his annoying Royalist cousin Aminta, very engaging. I have another book in the series on my shelf, and may read it just to see what transpires after Cromwell's passing, but this was not a page-turner, and offered scant suspense to the depicted events.
Okay for passing some time, but I won't recommend anyone hunt down a copy.
April 5, 2025
This is shaping up to be a cracking series set in the time of Cromwell and Charles II. John Grey is a republican, but in this book his loyalties become rather divided. He is employed by Cromwell's men and enters a world of double agents and spies and the shadowy world of the Sealed Knot who seek the restoration of King Charles. His mother is married to a Republican (although her first husband still lives) and corresponds with the King secretly.
Grey is 'invited' to a meeting of Royalist spies, only to discover they actually have mistaken him for someone else. However, he goes along with the deception, playing a dangerous game of double agent, and his efforts find him in prison and then shipped off to Brussels to the King's court.
The historical basis of the book is excellent, well researched, and the author has a dry humour and turn of phrase that really appeal to me. I am enjoying the series immensely.
Grey is 'invited' to a meeting of Royalist spies, only to discover they actually have mistaken him for someone else. However, he goes along with the deception, playing a dangerous game of double agent, and his efforts find him in prison and then shipped off to Brussels to the King's court.
The historical basis of the book is excellent, well researched, and the author has a dry humour and turn of phrase that really appeal to me. I am enjoying the series immensely.
June 11, 2020
I found it hard to get into this book, but once I did I enjoyed it. I liked the historical content, with a mix of real and fictional characters. It's not a period I know lots about, so cant comment if it is very accurate.
I have read some of L C Tyler's Herring series of books but they have a very different, lighter humour than in this series.
I have read some of L C Tyler's Herring series of books but they have a very different, lighter humour than in this series.
November 22, 2023
I think I liked it, or I liked it but maybe I shouldn't have? Definitely not your usual 17th century spy novel. Not totally convinced that the main character knew what he was doing, even though there were many moments where he seemed really intelligent. Presumably this was the point?
September 5, 2018
This is turning into a very good series of books, better than the first instalment, I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
October 2, 2019
The complicated life of the double agent. Gets a little too complicated towards the end. Amusing though.
September 18, 2022
A little too Keystone Kops for me. Or maybe Perils of Pauline would be more accurate. Toward the end, I was just hoping for someone, anyone, to seem competent.
March 4, 2024
Dry humor
A farce with misunderstandings and deceptions. No one could make so many poor choices! A turbulent time is the perfect setting for mystery and humor.
A farce with misunderstandings and deceptions. No one could make so many poor choices! A turbulent time is the perfect setting for mystery and humor.
June 2, 2023
I'm still not sure of how much I like these mysteries set in Cromwell's England in the 17th century but this is the second I've read so there must be some appeal. One thing I like is that I don't know that much about that time period so I have sought out some more information.
July 9, 2016
Mistaken for another man, law student John Grey is summoned to Lincoln's Inn by the mysterious Mr SK. Intrigued he visits and finds himself at the centre of a plot to assassinate Oliver Cromwell and restore the monarchy to Commonwealth England. Grey already has history with Mr Thurloe, Cromwell's security advisor, and becomes a double agent. Not sure who to trust, including his own family, Grey is placed in danger and even in The Tower.
Generally I am a big fan of historical fiction and this one stacked up well, interesting period and complicated plot, but I found it hard to get into. This is possibly because the characters didn't seem well-fleshed out, or because the plot looped back on itself several times and became hard to follow. Either way I didn't enjoy the book as much as I anticipated.
Generally I am a big fan of historical fiction and this one stacked up well, interesting period and complicated plot, but I found it hard to get into. This is possibly because the characters didn't seem well-fleshed out, or because the plot looped back on itself several times and became hard to follow. Either way I didn't enjoy the book as much as I anticipated.
December 23, 2015
Another brilliant John Carey novel by L.G. Tyler.
His stories are always edge of the seat writings and this is no exception.
This involves an assassination of Oliver Cromwell by a secret society named "The Sealed Knot".
It also hints that Grey is a double agent - working for both the Roundheads and the Cavaliers.
A great read!
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Little, Brown Book Group via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
His stories are always edge of the seat writings and this is no exception.
This involves an assassination of Oliver Cromwell by a secret society named "The Sealed Knot".
It also hints that Grey is a double agent - working for both the Roundheads and the Cavaliers.
A great read!
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Little, Brown Book Group via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
Read
August 13, 2016I simply did not enjoy this book tbh, it was slow and generally quite boring, yes it was fast paced as the author claimed and it did have good plots and good twists but it simply wasn't my favourite historical mystery I have read and quite frankly I have read much better in the process. Overall not my favourite read but another to tick off my goodreads challenge
January 25, 2024
Very interesting, especially if you like history (as I do). not so much a 'historical mystery' as a historical spy story, set in the last days of the rule of Oliver Cromwell. John and Aminta are on fine form. Sometimes it's hard work to keep track of all the twists in the plot, but it's well worth it. Four stars out of five.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews