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Christopher Marlowe Mystery #1
A Prisoner in Malta
In 1583, the nineteen-year-old Christopher Marlowe---with a reputation as a brawler, a womanizer, a genius, and a social upstart at Cambridge University---is visited by a man representing Marlowe's benefactors. There are rumors of a growing plot against her majesty Queen Elizabeth I, and the Queen's spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, has charged young Marlowe with tracking down the truth. The path to that truth seems to run through an enigmatic prisoner held in complete seclusion in a heavily guarded dungeon in Malta. Marlowe must use every bit of his wits, his skills, and his daring to unravel one of the greatest mysteries in history and help uncover and unravel scheme of assassination and invasion, one involving the government of Spain, high ranking English nobles, and even Pope himself.
Christopher Marlowe---Elizabethan playwright, poet, and spy---is one of the most enigmatic figures in Renaissance England. The son of a shoemaker from Canterbury, he attended Cambridge University on scholarship and, while frequently in trouble, was bailed out through the intercession of Queen Elizabeth I's Privy Council. Long rumored to have been an agent on behalf of the Queen's spymaster, Edgar Award winner Phillip DePoy's new series brings Marlowe and his times to life.
Christopher Marlowe---Elizabethan playwright, poet, and spy---is one of the most enigmatic figures in Renaissance England. The son of a shoemaker from Canterbury, he attended Cambridge University on scholarship and, while frequently in trouble, was bailed out through the intercession of Queen Elizabeth I's Privy Council. Long rumored to have been an agent on behalf of the Queen's spymaster, Edgar Award winner Phillip DePoy's new series brings Marlowe and his times to life.
310 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2016
8 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Phillip DePoy
36 books84 followersPhillip DePoy has published short fiction, poetry, and criticism in Story, The Southern Poetry Review, Xanadu, Yankee, and other magazines. He is currently the creative director of the Maurice Townsend Center for the Performing Arts at the State University of West Georgia, and has had many productions of his plays at regional theaters throughout the south. He is the recipient of numerous grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the state of Georgia, the Georgia Council for the Arts, the Arts Festival of Atlanta, the South Carolina Council for the Arts, etc. He composed the scores for the regional Angels in America and other productions and has played in a numerous jazz and folk bands. In his work as a folklorist he has collected songs and stories throughout Georgia and has worked with John Burrison, the foremost folklorist in the south and with Joseph Cambell.
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February 28, 2017
Going to the library on a lazy Saturday is a dangerous proposition, especially without a mission. Unlike a bookstore, at the library you can have all the books - or at least according to the card holder guidelines, one hundred check-outs at a time.
Librarians are worse than any bookseller too, they entice you the way no sales table can -- by creating displays, like 'Fall in love with First Lines' and 'If you liked this, you'll like that'. Something that just begs you to investigate. I succumbed to one such display and picked up a book whose title and cover sang to me...The English Agent. Scanning the inside cover, I found that it was book two - I quickly remedied that problem (reading in order is a must) by locating a digital copy of A Prisoner in Malta in Overdrive and made my way, practically whistling, to check out.
One might wonder why this book called to me - I'm not a history buff and have never really ventured into a ton of historical fiction either. BUT, I do have a passing interest in Shakespeare and a couple of months ago I came across this article that gave more credence to Marlowe's influence on Shakespeare, even attributing co-authorship of some work. I've always known of some theories along these lines, but this in particular is what was floating around the surface of my brain when I ran across this book.
In truth, I'm probably an excellent fit for this book - I'm someone who's not overly familiar and who is willing to let go of accuracy in the name of a good time. The mystery is mostly based around a true plot to poison Queen Elizabeth I...for reasons, mostly religious ones:
"In point of fact, Marlowe’s father had been born just after King Henry VIII’s Act of Supremacy, the law that established the English King, and not a foreign pope, as head of the church. The Anglican Communion was in all other ways indistinguishable from the Catholic—confusing times for the religious in England. But by the time Henry’s daughter Elizabeth was on the throne, that confusion had been removed: it was illegal to be a Catholic in England. The Pope’s subterranean war to pull England back into the fold was met by Elizabeth’s iron determination to uphold her father’s law, provoking the most savage plots and heartbreaking betrayals in the history of the country. So Marlowe was absolutely unwilling to admit any religious affiliation, especially to such rude strangers."
Major historical players are present, like Dr. Rodrigo Lopez:
“Dr. Lopez?” Pygott jeered, recognizing the famous name. “The Portuguese Jew bastard what made poisons for Robert Dudley?”
And if that name isn't familiar, perhaps this fellow, the original spymaster:
"Sir Francis Walsingham, principal secretary to Queen Elizabeth, was the man in charge of Her Majesty’s foreign, domestic, and religious policy. His reputation was towering, and Marlowe found himself in reluctant awe. A rabid Protestant, he had, almost single-handedly, enabled exploration of foreign lands, established English colonies across the globe, and created the greatest navy in the world."
And, of course, a young but brilliant student and aspiring poet/playwright, Christopher Marlowe:
“Marlowe,” he said. His voice was unexpectedly melodious, like the low notes of a viola da gamba. Marlowe nodded once and, with some effort, held his tongue. “We require your services.” Marlowe swallowed. “The Queen and I,” Walsingham continued.
“I—I’m not certain—sir,” Marlowe stammered.
“My men have been watching you for two years,” Walsingham interrupted, “in Canterbury and in Cambridge. You are a remarkable young person. We believe that you have certain talents which will serve your country well.” “Talents?” His voice sounded strange in that room. “You are unsurpassed in your ability at using words to persuade,” Walsingham began, “and if your words fail, you are likewise adept with a dagger and a rapier. You rarely exhibit fear. You never avoid confrontation. Your theatrical talents make you a man able to play many parts. Your amorous exploits are legendary among your companions. And you are a spectacularly convincing liar.”
One of the things I loved about this writing was how artfully crafted it was - carefully weaving history and intention into the fiction. Even though I'm not even remotely intimate with Marlowe's factual personal history, what I do know is that he died young in a fight over a bar tab - I think it's a fair assumption that someone who dies over something so silly is someone who has faulty fear and confrontation synapses.
DePoy is not only thoughtful, but he's funny. For me, the storytelling was a reminiscent mixture of several movies that I adore, “Shakespeare in Love”, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”, and the “The Princess Bride”. DePoy weaves the creation of Marlowe’s poem “The Passionate Shepard to his Love” into the story while he’s sleuthing, there is some nearly absurd humor with clever word play in the dialogue exchanges, and even, a laughably inconceivable villain.
All the while, the action and mystery never stop – it’s almost ridiculous in how it never stops. The turns and twists abound and character after character are introduced. In fact, DePoy quips:
“Well,” Marlowe allowed, “the possibility being the killer had been building in my mind for some time. First, I systematically eliminated all other suspects.”
“By which you mean you guessed incorrectly several times.”
“Yes,” Marlowe plunged ahead,”
Though the journey is truly the long way around, all the groundwork is there to solve this plot. Personally, it seemed there was purpose in such a long journey, the purpose of showing the breadth of turmoil and intrigue possible for the period. For this reason it did drag a smidge in the middle but this could easily be a symptom of how quickly I consumed the book – I raced through it in less than a day. I could say how a smidge more attention to atmospheric detail would have been swell to really land us in Renaissance England, but I can’t fault the dialogue heavy narrative for a character that was himself, a playwright.
Overall, I pretty much adored this read and might even compliment the next librarian I see for their book-pushing ways. The English Agent is on my night stand for soonish consumption, and in the meantime as a once upon a time thespian myself, these Christopher Marlowe words will stick with me:
“Theatre is the truest metaphor of life we human beings have yet invented. Better: this life is a play, you understand?”
Librarians are worse than any bookseller too, they entice you the way no sales table can -- by creating displays, like 'Fall in love with First Lines' and 'If you liked this, you'll like that'. Something that just begs you to investigate. I succumbed to one such display and picked up a book whose title and cover sang to me...The English Agent. Scanning the inside cover, I found that it was book two - I quickly remedied that problem (reading in order is a must) by locating a digital copy of A Prisoner in Malta in Overdrive and made my way, practically whistling, to check out.
One might wonder why this book called to me - I'm not a history buff and have never really ventured into a ton of historical fiction either. BUT, I do have a passing interest in Shakespeare and a couple of months ago I came across this article that gave more credence to Marlowe's influence on Shakespeare, even attributing co-authorship of some work. I've always known of some theories along these lines, but this in particular is what was floating around the surface of my brain when I ran across this book.
In truth, I'm probably an excellent fit for this book - I'm someone who's not overly familiar and who is willing to let go of accuracy in the name of a good time. The mystery is mostly based around a true plot to poison Queen Elizabeth I...for reasons, mostly religious ones:
"In point of fact, Marlowe’s father had been born just after King Henry VIII’s Act of Supremacy, the law that established the English King, and not a foreign pope, as head of the church. The Anglican Communion was in all other ways indistinguishable from the Catholic—confusing times for the religious in England. But by the time Henry’s daughter Elizabeth was on the throne, that confusion had been removed: it was illegal to be a Catholic in England. The Pope’s subterranean war to pull England back into the fold was met by Elizabeth’s iron determination to uphold her father’s law, provoking the most savage plots and heartbreaking betrayals in the history of the country. So Marlowe was absolutely unwilling to admit any religious affiliation, especially to such rude strangers."
Major historical players are present, like Dr. Rodrigo Lopez:
“Dr. Lopez?” Pygott jeered, recognizing the famous name. “The Portuguese Jew bastard what made poisons for Robert Dudley?”
And if that name isn't familiar, perhaps this fellow, the original spymaster:
"Sir Francis Walsingham, principal secretary to Queen Elizabeth, was the man in charge of Her Majesty’s foreign, domestic, and religious policy. His reputation was towering, and Marlowe found himself in reluctant awe. A rabid Protestant, he had, almost single-handedly, enabled exploration of foreign lands, established English colonies across the globe, and created the greatest navy in the world."
And, of course, a young but brilliant student and aspiring poet/playwright, Christopher Marlowe:
“Marlowe,” he said. His voice was unexpectedly melodious, like the low notes of a viola da gamba. Marlowe nodded once and, with some effort, held his tongue. “We require your services.” Marlowe swallowed. “The Queen and I,” Walsingham continued.
“I—I’m not certain—sir,” Marlowe stammered.
“My men have been watching you for two years,” Walsingham interrupted, “in Canterbury and in Cambridge. You are a remarkable young person. We believe that you have certain talents which will serve your country well.” “Talents?” His voice sounded strange in that room. “You are unsurpassed in your ability at using words to persuade,” Walsingham began, “and if your words fail, you are likewise adept with a dagger and a rapier. You rarely exhibit fear. You never avoid confrontation. Your theatrical talents make you a man able to play many parts. Your amorous exploits are legendary among your companions. And you are a spectacularly convincing liar.”
One of the things I loved about this writing was how artfully crafted it was - carefully weaving history and intention into the fiction. Even though I'm not even remotely intimate with Marlowe's factual personal history, what I do know is that he died young in a fight over a bar tab - I think it's a fair assumption that someone who dies over something so silly is someone who has faulty fear and confrontation synapses.
DePoy is not only thoughtful, but he's funny. For me, the storytelling was a reminiscent mixture of several movies that I adore, “Shakespeare in Love”, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”, and the “The Princess Bride”. DePoy weaves the creation of Marlowe’s poem “The Passionate Shepard to his Love” into the story while he’s sleuthing, there is some nearly absurd humor with clever word play in the dialogue exchanges, and even, a laughably inconceivable villain.
All the while, the action and mystery never stop – it’s almost ridiculous in how it never stops. The turns and twists abound and character after character are introduced. In fact, DePoy quips:
“Well,” Marlowe allowed, “the possibility being the killer had been building in my mind for some time. First, I systematically eliminated all other suspects.”
“By which you mean you guessed incorrectly several times.”
“Yes,” Marlowe plunged ahead,”
Though the journey is truly the long way around, all the groundwork is there to solve this plot. Personally, it seemed there was purpose in such a long journey, the purpose of showing the breadth of turmoil and intrigue possible for the period. For this reason it did drag a smidge in the middle but this could easily be a symptom of how quickly I consumed the book – I raced through it in less than a day. I could say how a smidge more attention to atmospheric detail would have been swell to really land us in Renaissance England, but I can’t fault the dialogue heavy narrative for a character that was himself, a playwright.
Overall, I pretty much adored this read and might even compliment the next librarian I see for their book-pushing ways. The English Agent is on my night stand for soonish consumption, and in the meantime as a once upon a time thespian myself, these Christopher Marlowe words will stick with me:
“Theatre is the truest metaphor of life we human beings have yet invented. Better: this life is a play, you understand?”
January 29, 2016
I was hesitant to read this novel for one reason…..it sounded strange. Legendary playwright Christopher Marlowe meets James Bond? Sounds random and frankly a little strange. But lately I’ve had really good luck with novels that ‘sound strange’ but end up being really good so I decided to give this one a go.
In my mind I was thinking, either this is going to work or it isn’t and I will be able to tell fairly quickly. I was surprise at how well the story flowed. The Tudor period is FULL of novels….almost all set in England. So when I saw that someone was plotting to kill Queen Elizabeth, my natural instinct told me a majority of the novel would take place in England…..but the title indicated a more exotic location. I was thrilled that Marlowe’s investigating took him out of England and to Malta! It was refreshing for me as a reader to be somewhere else but yet surrounded with a familiar period and history.
One thing that I was particularly impressed by was DePoy’s ability to write a well researched novel without all that research taking center stage. I think one of the challenges with writing historical fiction (or any of it’s sub genres) is writing a balanced story where history AND characters find similar ‘glory’ within the story. This story had the potential to become bogged down with details, but DePoy did a fantastic job writing well drawn and complete characters who took center stage. I was impressed by DePoy’s ability to do both research and characters justice!
Marlowe’s character was a great protagonist! He was smart and witty but he is also flawed. I felt like there is more to learn about Marlowe in future books and I liked that. I love a character that unfolds and develops with the story and I think that DePoy wrote Marlowe’s character to be like that.
The only thing that I struggled a bit with was there was a lot going on within the plot. I think other reviews noted similar issues so I am glad I wasn’t the only one. The plot is tedious with a lot of sub plots going on and things to keep track of. It’s some times hard to distinguish whats central and important to the main plot and what is just filler or distraction. For me personally, I struggled to keeps things straight at times.
But that said, this story was exceptionally satisfying. There was plenty of action, swordplay, double crossing, mystery, and intrigue to satisfy my ‘historical mystery’ need. And I think this series has the potential to develop and grow in many ways! If you enjoy Tudor or historical mysteries, with a spymaster then this is a wonderful read!
See my full review here
In my mind I was thinking, either this is going to work or it isn’t and I will be able to tell fairly quickly. I was surprise at how well the story flowed. The Tudor period is FULL of novels….almost all set in England. So when I saw that someone was plotting to kill Queen Elizabeth, my natural instinct told me a majority of the novel would take place in England…..but the title indicated a more exotic location. I was thrilled that Marlowe’s investigating took him out of England and to Malta! It was refreshing for me as a reader to be somewhere else but yet surrounded with a familiar period and history.
One thing that I was particularly impressed by was DePoy’s ability to write a well researched novel without all that research taking center stage. I think one of the challenges with writing historical fiction (or any of it’s sub genres) is writing a balanced story where history AND characters find similar ‘glory’ within the story. This story had the potential to become bogged down with details, but DePoy did a fantastic job writing well drawn and complete characters who took center stage. I was impressed by DePoy’s ability to do both research and characters justice!
Marlowe’s character was a great protagonist! He was smart and witty but he is also flawed. I felt like there is more to learn about Marlowe in future books and I liked that. I love a character that unfolds and develops with the story and I think that DePoy wrote Marlowe’s character to be like that.
The only thing that I struggled a bit with was there was a lot going on within the plot. I think other reviews noted similar issues so I am glad I wasn’t the only one. The plot is tedious with a lot of sub plots going on and things to keep track of. It’s some times hard to distinguish whats central and important to the main plot and what is just filler or distraction. For me personally, I struggled to keeps things straight at times.
But that said, this story was exceptionally satisfying. There was plenty of action, swordplay, double crossing, mystery, and intrigue to satisfy my ‘historical mystery’ need. And I think this series has the potential to develop and grow in many ways! If you enjoy Tudor or historical mysteries, with a spymaster then this is a wonderful read!
See my full review here
March 3, 2016
First Sentence: Christopher Marlow started at the newly mown lawn, and the tower of St. Benet’s Church reaching sweetly toward God in morning’s light.
Young Oxford student Christopher Marlow is recruited by representatives of Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster to Queen Elizabeth. There is a plot brewing against the Queen. The person with its details is being held in seclusion within a heavily guarded dungeon in Malta. Against foreign governments, including representatives of the Pope, Marlow must rescue the prisoner, and help to save the Queen from assignation and England from invasion.
Talk about intriguing subterfuge from the very first page! There is no gentle entry into this story. No, the excitement begins on the very first page.
Depoy’s dialogue has just the right hint of the period to it, and is always a pleasure to read. His humor and insightfulness is evident—“How long will this trip take?” “Another two hours, possibly three.” ”How long if we ask the driver to speed the horses?” “Five hours.” “How is it longer,…if we go faster?” “If your eye is fixed on a destination in the distance,…it’s impossible to watch the road in front of you.” There is nothing like a bit of cat-and-mouse on the high seas when combined with delightful repartee—“Take the longboat by ourselves, set the sail and manage.” “Can you sail a boat like that?” “NO…You’re the one from the proud race of circum-navigating sea folk!” “I’m a doctor!” “I’m a student!” While the dialogue for Marlow is quick and clever, he soon sows himself as someone not to be underestimated.
One will be amused by the references to Shakespeare’s/Marlow’s plays—“What surprised him was how comforting he found the prospect of death. Dying was only a chance to sleep…” The way in which Marlow views a situation or location as a scene in a play to gain a clear perspective is very clever.
The history surrounding the plot is critical to the story, and it is included in a way that not only educates us, but intrigues us. This was a time of tremendous plotting and upheaval, and where women could be as, and occasionally more, capable and powerful than were men. We are also made aware of how strict and precise the laws of the period could be—“No longer dressed in her gray man’s costume, she wore a plain green linen dress. …the Queen’s Sumptuary Laws allow both lower and upper classes of women to wear that particularly color.”
“A Prisoner in Malta” is filled with high action, plot twists, and double-crosses on double crosses. The history and characters are wonderful and, has one of the best conclusions one can remember reading.
A PRISONER IN MALTA (Hist Mys-Kit Marlow-England/Malta-1583) – VG+
DePoy, Phillip – Standalone
Minotaur, January 2016
Young Oxford student Christopher Marlow is recruited by representatives of Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster to Queen Elizabeth. There is a plot brewing against the Queen. The person with its details is being held in seclusion within a heavily guarded dungeon in Malta. Against foreign governments, including representatives of the Pope, Marlow must rescue the prisoner, and help to save the Queen from assignation and England from invasion.
Talk about intriguing subterfuge from the very first page! There is no gentle entry into this story. No, the excitement begins on the very first page.
Depoy’s dialogue has just the right hint of the period to it, and is always a pleasure to read. His humor and insightfulness is evident—“How long will this trip take?” “Another two hours, possibly three.” ”How long if we ask the driver to speed the horses?” “Five hours.” “How is it longer,…if we go faster?” “If your eye is fixed on a destination in the distance,…it’s impossible to watch the road in front of you.” There is nothing like a bit of cat-and-mouse on the high seas when combined with delightful repartee—“Take the longboat by ourselves, set the sail and manage.” “Can you sail a boat like that?” “NO…You’re the one from the proud race of circum-navigating sea folk!” “I’m a doctor!” “I’m a student!” While the dialogue for Marlow is quick and clever, he soon sows himself as someone not to be underestimated.
One will be amused by the references to Shakespeare’s/Marlow’s plays—“What surprised him was how comforting he found the prospect of death. Dying was only a chance to sleep…” The way in which Marlow views a situation or location as a scene in a play to gain a clear perspective is very clever.
The history surrounding the plot is critical to the story, and it is included in a way that not only educates us, but intrigues us. This was a time of tremendous plotting and upheaval, and where women could be as, and occasionally more, capable and powerful than were men. We are also made aware of how strict and precise the laws of the period could be—“No longer dressed in her gray man’s costume, she wore a plain green linen dress. …the Queen’s Sumptuary Laws allow both lower and upper classes of women to wear that particularly color.”
“A Prisoner in Malta” is filled with high action, plot twists, and double-crosses on double crosses. The history and characters are wonderful and, has one of the best conclusions one can remember reading.
A PRISONER IN MALTA (Hist Mys-Kit Marlow-England/Malta-1583) – VG+
DePoy, Phillip – Standalone
Minotaur, January 2016
February 16, 2016
While historicals are not my usual read, I love mysteries and the blurb for this was intriguing. As it turned out, the story didn't grab me but it interested me enough to keep reading. Fiction that uses real people from history but puts them in a fictional situations has to tread a fine line between historical accuracy and fictional believability. I don't know much about the time period or the people so it worked for me on a historical level. Someone with more knowledge might feel differently. DePoy does clarify in an afterwards what was fact and what he took liberties with, something I appreciated.
The title is a bit misleading as the story encompasses far more than the prisoner but the blurb is spot-on. The story is twisty and windy and at times I needed both a timeline and a character cheat sheet. Honestly, the story was overly complicated at times and while there's lots of action and suspense, the story also drags. Additionally, Christoper Marlowe was so smart, and clever, and observant, and full of trivia, and so perfect that he felt unreal at times but more like a cliche.
The details and atmosphere are very well done; I felt like I was there. The action was plentiful, if occasionally unbelievable, and the romance predictable. While I probably won't pick up more in the series, I mostly enjoyed this one and I did enjoy learning more about the times and the people.
The title is a bit misleading as the story encompasses far more than the prisoner but the blurb is spot-on. The story is twisty and windy and at times I needed both a timeline and a character cheat sheet. Honestly, the story was overly complicated at times and while there's lots of action and suspense, the story also drags. Additionally, Christoper Marlowe was so smart, and clever, and observant, and full of trivia, and so perfect that he felt unreal at times but more like a cliche.
The details and atmosphere are very well done; I felt like I was there. The action was plentiful, if occasionally unbelievable, and the romance predictable. While I probably won't pick up more in the series, I mostly enjoyed this one and I did enjoy learning more about the times and the people.
March 20, 2017
Having read the second book first, I had to backtrack to the beginning or introduction to Christopher Marlowe as he is tested and tried before being reckoned Walsingham's paid investigator. This author puts great emphasis on dagger drawing and the dance of sword play. Marlowe's life was under threat so frequently and his wits tested by double agents at every turn to such an extent that it can only be comic since most tests were impossible to survive. Crisis calling my name, so need to cut this short. This was a refreshing take on Marlowe, very dramatic and very different from other historical fiction.
November 19, 2025
Don’t take it seriously. Just enjoy it. Quite a fun mystery with a little 16th century flair.
April 18, 2018
See my other reviews at Never Enough Books
In 1583, nineteen year old Christopher Marlowe is visited by a man claiming to represent his benefactors. The man comes with an offer from Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queen’s spymaster. Rumors abound of a plot to overthrow the Queen and Walsingham wants Marlowe to uncover the truth.
Marlowe has always been known as a brawler and womanizer, but he is also a genius. He’ll need all of his skills if he’s to try and solve the mystery Walsingham has handed him. For failure would mean death – not only for Marlowe but for Queen Elizabeth herself.
Christopher Marlowe is an interesting individual in that for as much as we know about him there is just as much that is unknown. Was he really a spy for Walsingham and the Privy Council? Did he write Shakespeare’s plays? Did he fake his own death?
In A Prisoner in Malta, Depoy attempts to answer at least one of those questions. In it, he has a young Marlowe “invited” to help uncover a plot to overthrow the Queen.
Historical purists are likely going to take issue with this novel. The way the characters speak is more akin to modern speech patterns than to how they likely spoke during that time. Also, there were times where it seemed Marlowe was almost too smart. In a few places he took intuitive leaps with minimal evidence that didn’t quite make sense.
Minor quibbles aside, A Prisoner in Malta was a good book. Readers who are looking for an entertaining read will likely enjoy it. It is a nice start to a series that has a good deal of promise.
In 1583, nineteen year old Christopher Marlowe is visited by a man claiming to represent his benefactors. The man comes with an offer from Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queen’s spymaster. Rumors abound of a plot to overthrow the Queen and Walsingham wants Marlowe to uncover the truth.
Marlowe has always been known as a brawler and womanizer, but he is also a genius. He’ll need all of his skills if he’s to try and solve the mystery Walsingham has handed him. For failure would mean death – not only for Marlowe but for Queen Elizabeth herself.
Christopher Marlowe is an interesting individual in that for as much as we know about him there is just as much that is unknown. Was he really a spy for Walsingham and the Privy Council? Did he write Shakespeare’s plays? Did he fake his own death?
In A Prisoner in Malta, Depoy attempts to answer at least one of those questions. In it, he has a young Marlowe “invited” to help uncover a plot to overthrow the Queen.
Historical purists are likely going to take issue with this novel. The way the characters speak is more akin to modern speech patterns than to how they likely spoke during that time. Also, there were times where it seemed Marlowe was almost too smart. In a few places he took intuitive leaps with minimal evidence that didn’t quite make sense.
Minor quibbles aside, A Prisoner in Malta was a good book. Readers who are looking for an entertaining read will likely enjoy it. It is a nice start to a series that has a good deal of promise.
February 23, 2016
While I typically love this author's novels, this one just didn't seem as strong to me. I liked the setting in Elizabethan London and Cambridge, but the mystery never pulled me in and I had trouble keeping all the characters straight. That said, this story is exceptionally well researched, and the set pieces and sword fights are fun. There are wonderful Shakespearean references throughout (like Easter eggs!), and this may well grow into a series I enjoy, but it's not there yet.
December 24, 2016
Almost as fun as the second in this series, which I accidentally read first. I love what DePoy has done with the very probable likelihood that Marlowe was a spy. There is not a ton of evidence to prove this, but plenty of supposition, and that's where these novels live. They take actual events, such as the Throckmorton Plot, and weave real facts into a story that could have involved Marlowe. Why not? It's fun and possible and Elizabethan fans ought to read these.
April 3, 2019
Christopher Marlowe, a poet, playwright, and possible agent provocateur was one of the brightest stars of Elizabethan England until he was murdered in a bar brawl in 1593. He was just twenty-nine. Though Marlowe is remembered for his plays, rumors have abounded since even before his death that he was involved with Elizabeth I's government. The Queen's Privy Council intervened on his behalf on at least one occasion for services rendered on behalf of Queen and country, but just what those services were remains a mystery. In A Prisoner of Malta, Edgar Award-winning author Phillip DePoy speculates about what those services might have been in his new series featuring Marlowe and various other real figures from Elizabeth I's court as they work to keep England safe from threats both within and without.
In 1583, Christopher Marlowe is a student at Cambridge when he is summoned by Sir Francis Walsingham, Her Majesty's Spymaster, to rescue a prisoner from a heavily guarded prison on the Mediterranean island of Malta. Marlowe and his companion, the Queen's physician Doctor Lopez, are barely on their way when word comes that Marlowe is the chief suspect in the murder of a hated classmate. As Marlowe uncovers more clues about the prisoner's identity, he finds that there is far more to Walsingham's assignment than he dreamed. If he fails to save the prisoner, solve the murder, and find his way to the truth through layers of deceit and betrayal, Marlowe will face worse than the hangman's noose. The very fate of the Queen and England itself could rest upon his shoulders.
Though many authors have made detectives of real historical figures (including Elizabeth I herself, somehow) few of them are as plausible in such a role as Christopher Marlowe. DePoy makes use of Marlowe's known characteristics- his wit, intelligence, and bravura- to bring his fictional spy and investigator to life with snappy dialogue and a thorough knowledge of the time period, its class distinctions, religious conflicts, and cultural quirks.
"'No,' she said sweetly. "I cannot be your religion.'
'A clever deflection,' he said, sitting back. 'You are as quick with words as you are with a rapier- and twice as deadly.'
'Are you quite finished?' She shook her head. 'You have a murder to solve, England to save, and no time to waste.'"
The dialogue often sounds like it could have been pulled from an Elizabethan-era play, and indeed, thoughts of the theater suffuse the story. Marlowe uses his own acting skills to confuse, charm, or run roughshod over his opponents, and he's not above spouting poetry to try to win over the women he admires. Given that the woman Marlowe falls for in this particular story is his intellectual equal, the poetry is appreciated, but comically ineffective at winning her heart. Fortunately, Marlowe is better at solving mysteries than wooing women, once again using his play-writing skills to develop a theatrical plot that helps him imagine the roots of the real plot against the throne.
And because all the world is a stage, DePoy gives us a grander scale than London and its surrounds. We are treated to dramatic sea chases, a daring prison escape, fast-paced swordfights, and characters who aren't what they seem at first or second glance. A Prisoner in Malta doesn't provide a deep look into the world of Elizabeth I's England, and that is one of its strengths. DePoy doesn't belabor his points or spend page after page dumping irrelevant information on the reader. He sticks to the parts that matter to the story and assumes the reader is smart enough to keep up. And if the appearance of a band of hashish-eating assassins seems unlikely, well, the plots of a lot of modern thrillers aren't too likely either but are no less fun for their improbability.
As the first entry in what will hopefully become an ongoing series (there are currently two books), A Prisoner in Malta does exactly what it set out to do: tell an exciting story of swords and spies in a glittering setting, starring a dashing and witty lead who just so happens to have been a real-life international man of mystery.
In 1583, Christopher Marlowe is a student at Cambridge when he is summoned by Sir Francis Walsingham, Her Majesty's Spymaster, to rescue a prisoner from a heavily guarded prison on the Mediterranean island of Malta. Marlowe and his companion, the Queen's physician Doctor Lopez, are barely on their way when word comes that Marlowe is the chief suspect in the murder of a hated classmate. As Marlowe uncovers more clues about the prisoner's identity, he finds that there is far more to Walsingham's assignment than he dreamed. If he fails to save the prisoner, solve the murder, and find his way to the truth through layers of deceit and betrayal, Marlowe will face worse than the hangman's noose. The very fate of the Queen and England itself could rest upon his shoulders.
Though many authors have made detectives of real historical figures (including Elizabeth I herself, somehow) few of them are as plausible in such a role as Christopher Marlowe. DePoy makes use of Marlowe's known characteristics- his wit, intelligence, and bravura- to bring his fictional spy and investigator to life with snappy dialogue and a thorough knowledge of the time period, its class distinctions, religious conflicts, and cultural quirks.
"'No,' she said sweetly. "I cannot be your religion.'
'A clever deflection,' he said, sitting back. 'You are as quick with words as you are with a rapier- and twice as deadly.'
'Are you quite finished?' She shook her head. 'You have a murder to solve, England to save, and no time to waste.'"
The dialogue often sounds like it could have been pulled from an Elizabethan-era play, and indeed, thoughts of the theater suffuse the story. Marlowe uses his own acting skills to confuse, charm, or run roughshod over his opponents, and he's not above spouting poetry to try to win over the women he admires. Given that the woman Marlowe falls for in this particular story is his intellectual equal, the poetry is appreciated, but comically ineffective at winning her heart. Fortunately, Marlowe is better at solving mysteries than wooing women, once again using his play-writing skills to develop a theatrical plot that helps him imagine the roots of the real plot against the throne.
And because all the world is a stage, DePoy gives us a grander scale than London and its surrounds. We are treated to dramatic sea chases, a daring prison escape, fast-paced swordfights, and characters who aren't what they seem at first or second glance. A Prisoner in Malta doesn't provide a deep look into the world of Elizabeth I's England, and that is one of its strengths. DePoy doesn't belabor his points or spend page after page dumping irrelevant information on the reader. He sticks to the parts that matter to the story and assumes the reader is smart enough to keep up. And if the appearance of a band of hashish-eating assassins seems unlikely, well, the plots of a lot of modern thrillers aren't too likely either but are no less fun for their improbability.
As the first entry in what will hopefully become an ongoing series (there are currently two books), A Prisoner in Malta does exactly what it set out to do: tell an exciting story of swords and spies in a glittering setting, starring a dashing and witty lead who just so happens to have been a real-life international man of mystery.
February 12, 2019
If you're looking for a swashbuckling adventure story, check out A Prisoner in Malta by Phillip DePoy. In this fast-moving historical mystery novel featuring Christopher Marlowe, the 19-year-old poet and playwright swashes buckles with the best of them. Naturally, he comes out on top (since this is, after all, the first book in a series).
But Kit Marlowe isn't the only character seized from the pages of history. The book is crammed with historical figures, including the man to whom the term "spymaster" was first applied: Sir Francis Walsingham. Walsingham was Queen Elizabeth I's Principal Secretary and her last line of defense against the many Catholic plotters who'd set out to kill her. And, yes, you guessed it: Walsingham drafts Marlowe into the action to foil the most ambitious of those plots.
A story grounded in historical events
The historical background to this tale is as well known as any in the long, troubled saga of the English throne. Queen Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, had reigned for 25 years by 1583, when the novel is set. But her position was far from secure. The powerful Spanish Empire schemed with Catholic sympathizers in England to replace Elizabeth with her Catholic cousin, Queen Mary of Scots. An English assassin would murder the Queen; simultaneously, Mary would travel to London while Spanish troops and mercenaries invaded the country from the Continent. Eventually, as we know, Walsingham succeeded in discovering and foiling the plot. He expelled the Spanish ambassador, thwarted the invasion, executed the English nobles who had engineered the conspiracy, and imprisoned and eventually beheaded Mary.
There are hints in the historical record that Christopher Marlowe may have had something to do with these events. In an investigation conducted four years later, the Privy Council ruled that "he had done her Majestie good service, & deserved to be rewarded for his fathfull dealinge." However, in 1583, Marlowe was a student at Cambridge University, a tavern-goer and brawler, and a budding poet. If he was in some way connected to Walsingham, there doesn't appear to be any evidence of it.
A stirring historical mystery novel starring Christopher Marlowe
Here's what to expect from A Prisoner in Malta:
** Delightful portraits of Marlowe, Walsingham, Walsingham's spirited 16-year-old daughter, and Queen Elizabeth's Portuguese-Jewish chief physician, Roderigo Lopez;
** well-researched scenes set in Cambridge, London, and the island of Malta;
** endless action, typically involving swords, daggers, and muskets; and
** so high a body count you'll lose track of it.
About the author
Phillip DePoy is the author of 20 novels and 43 plays. He won the Edgar Award for one of his plays. He is better known to readers for his series of Foggy Moskowitz novels. A Prisoner in Malta is the first of two Christopher Marlowe mysteries he's written so far. DePoy is also a performance artist.
But Kit Marlowe isn't the only character seized from the pages of history. The book is crammed with historical figures, including the man to whom the term "spymaster" was first applied: Sir Francis Walsingham. Walsingham was Queen Elizabeth I's Principal Secretary and her last line of defense against the many Catholic plotters who'd set out to kill her. And, yes, you guessed it: Walsingham drafts Marlowe into the action to foil the most ambitious of those plots.
A story grounded in historical events
The historical background to this tale is as well known as any in the long, troubled saga of the English throne. Queen Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, had reigned for 25 years by 1583, when the novel is set. But her position was far from secure. The powerful Spanish Empire schemed with Catholic sympathizers in England to replace Elizabeth with her Catholic cousin, Queen Mary of Scots. An English assassin would murder the Queen; simultaneously, Mary would travel to London while Spanish troops and mercenaries invaded the country from the Continent. Eventually, as we know, Walsingham succeeded in discovering and foiling the plot. He expelled the Spanish ambassador, thwarted the invasion, executed the English nobles who had engineered the conspiracy, and imprisoned and eventually beheaded Mary.
There are hints in the historical record that Christopher Marlowe may have had something to do with these events. In an investigation conducted four years later, the Privy Council ruled that "he had done her Majestie good service, & deserved to be rewarded for his fathfull dealinge." However, in 1583, Marlowe was a student at Cambridge University, a tavern-goer and brawler, and a budding poet. If he was in some way connected to Walsingham, there doesn't appear to be any evidence of it.
A stirring historical mystery novel starring Christopher Marlowe
Here's what to expect from A Prisoner in Malta:
** Delightful portraits of Marlowe, Walsingham, Walsingham's spirited 16-year-old daughter, and Queen Elizabeth's Portuguese-Jewish chief physician, Roderigo Lopez;
** well-researched scenes set in Cambridge, London, and the island of Malta;
** endless action, typically involving swords, daggers, and muskets; and
** so high a body count you'll lose track of it.
About the author
Phillip DePoy is the author of 20 novels and 43 plays. He won the Edgar Award for one of his plays. He is better known to readers for his series of Foggy Moskowitz novels. A Prisoner in Malta is the first of two Christopher Marlowe mysteries he's written so far. DePoy is also a performance artist.
September 3, 2017
There was a time I was deeply into spy novels via John Le Carre et al. It might have been a period that simply reflected the undercurrents of potential betrayal swirling about in my own life at the time and my reading was a thinly disguised coping technique.
So I was surprised to find that despite my love of Shakespeare, and the Elizabethan period I found this first work a bit of a slog. I put it down strictly to my own weakened ability these days to keep track of plot twists and my basic dislike of constantly switching loyalties. Rather than intriguing, I find it just tedious and I might as well admit it, I did some serious skipping at the half way point to cut to the chase at the end so to speak.
Nevertheless...those who adore such challenges, the puzzles that forever reconfigure in kaleidoscope fashion and the unexpected results that enrich a story's development, will be entranced because the characters are deftly sketched, the fight scenes vividly described and the overall writing is superior. Moreover, De Poy embroiders his fictional history with humour on a fabric of thorough research.
A series is obviously in the offing and the author has a full decade of Marlowe's life (until the young playwright's actual death in 1593) to explore all the possible ramifications of his premise and tell some wonderfully rip-roaring tales he clearly enjoys delivering.
So I was surprised to find that despite my love of Shakespeare, and the Elizabethan period I found this first work a bit of a slog. I put it down strictly to my own weakened ability these days to keep track of plot twists and my basic dislike of constantly switching loyalties. Rather than intriguing, I find it just tedious and I might as well admit it, I did some serious skipping at the half way point to cut to the chase at the end so to speak.
Nevertheless...those who adore such challenges, the puzzles that forever reconfigure in kaleidoscope fashion and the unexpected results that enrich a story's development, will be entranced because the characters are deftly sketched, the fight scenes vividly described and the overall writing is superior. Moreover, De Poy embroiders his fictional history with humour on a fabric of thorough research.
A series is obviously in the offing and the author has a full decade of Marlowe's life (until the young playwright's actual death in 1593) to explore all the possible ramifications of his premise and tell some wonderfully rip-roaring tales he clearly enjoys delivering.
January 14, 2026
Christopher Marlowe is definitely trending. The author tantalises us with a spy thriller/murder mystery extravaganza centering on the Cambridge student of 1583. Who’s your friend; who’s your enemy; who’s the traitor; what is going on; are you sure? Misinformation and constantly shifting alliances are the mainstay of this pertinent novel. Fortunately, as an Appendix, the author includes “A Few of the Historical Personages,” which lists Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) and Sir Francis Walsingham (1532-1590) at the head of the Gazetteer … delightful …
by
Stephen Greenblatt
by
Stephen Greenblatt
June 19, 2017
You know when you just want a clever story that flows nicely with a bit of a puzzle to it? This book fits that bill perfectly, I really enjoyed this novel and it didn't take me very long to read.
DePoy did a wonderful job of taking people who is actually lived during the 1500s and weaving them together into a story that kept the pages flipping.
This is not a deep, character developing book. This is simply a fun tale that is not overly romantic, very fast paced, and all about the plot.
It made me fall in love with stories again as I have been reading some material that has been on the serious and depressing side.
Would for sure recommend if a quick adventure to the time of Queen Elizabeth is what you seek.
DePoy did a wonderful job of taking people who is actually lived during the 1500s and weaving them together into a story that kept the pages flipping.
This is not a deep, character developing book. This is simply a fun tale that is not overly romantic, very fast paced, and all about the plot.
It made me fall in love with stories again as I have been reading some material that has been on the serious and depressing side.
Would for sure recommend if a quick adventure to the time of Queen Elizabeth is what you seek.
October 11, 2024
Fast moving and complicated plot within a bigger plot training young Christopher to become one of the greatest Elizabethan spies. If you enjoy the setting of late 1500's Europe and complicated, twisting mysteries where you are not sure who to really trust, you will have trouble putting this first installment of Marlowe mysteries down!
We follow Marlowe through the end of his training under Dr. Lopez for Walsingham, the first spymaster of England. Then, on a dangerous journey to Malta and Italy, only to arrive back in England and discover he is accused of murder of a fellow student at Cambridge. Much happens as he pulls apart the threads of all involved in the murder and the threat to poison Queen Elizabeth I.
We follow Marlowe through the end of his training under Dr. Lopez for Walsingham, the first spymaster of England. Then, on a dangerous journey to Malta and Italy, only to arrive back in England and discover he is accused of murder of a fellow student at Cambridge. Much happens as he pulls apart the threads of all involved in the murder and the threat to poison Queen Elizabeth I.
June 14, 2019
Snappy dialog, plenty of action, great storyline and interesting characters. All the makings of a great series.
My rating is only three because I found myself confused too many times and could not quite immerse myself into the historical period. I sympathize with writing a historical fiction that is not ‘slowed’ by authentic language. But I know Phillip Depoy is a very capable writer (I have read his Fever Devlin series) and feel a bit disappointed with this first Marlow book. But I enjoyed it enough to read more. I hope there are more.
My rating is only three because I found myself confused too many times and could not quite immerse myself into the historical period. I sympathize with writing a historical fiction that is not ‘slowed’ by authentic language. But I know Phillip Depoy is a very capable writer (I have read his Fever Devlin series) and feel a bit disappointed with this first Marlow book. But I enjoyed it enough to read more. I hope there are more.
March 1, 2021
This did what any good historical fiction based on real people does - -it made me want to learn everything I could about Christopher Marlowe and all the questions around him (I had previously known him in relation to Shakespeare, and apparently missed all the other possible intrigue).
Well-written, a messy mystery with humor sprinkled throughout. Marlowe is not exactly a loveable character, but he grew on me over the course of the book. I'll happily read the next one in the series!
Well-written, a messy mystery with humor sprinkled throughout. Marlowe is not exactly a loveable character, but he grew on me over the course of the book. I'll happily read the next one in the series!
July 24, 2017
A nice mystery. This is well written with lots of twists to the plot. The characters are quite unique and the author keeps you guessing. For me there was just a bit too much going on and it actually took away from the experience. I will try the next book in the series to see if it is similar or different. I recommend this to anyone who likes mystery with lots of action.
July 24, 2017
This series caught my eye when the second book came out, so I decided to start at the beginning. Playwright Christopher Marlowe is a college student recruited as a spy for the English government. Sent on a mission to help rescue a prisoner in Malta - who turns out to be a woman! Clever dialogue and a twisting plot - I look forward to reading the second book.
October 6, 2017
Fun but rather silly. A light and entertaining diversion, but a bit too ridiculous for me to give it a higher rating. If you are looking for swordplay and spies intertwined with wit and romance (and you've already read "The Princess Bride" and "The Prisoner of Zenda"), this might be OK as long as you don't take it too seriously.
March 25, 2018
So I'm a HUGE Philip DePoy fan of the Fever Devlin series. I think it may well be the best written mystery series ever. This is not that. While this was a clever tale, in no way was it anywhere close to the finesse of Fever. This mystery had a very complicated, well developed plot written pretty simply. So, I was a bit disappointed in the quality of the writing but not in the mystery.
May 12, 2025
The plot of this novel was intriguing and overall, I enjoyed Christopher Marlowe's adventures as a spy for Francis Walsingham but to me, there were too many plot twists in this story. With so many of them, the actual solving of the mystery became bogged down and confusing because there was an overabundance of red herrings. The whole plot became too complicated and too difficult to prove.
June 21, 2025
I just took a class on Queen Elizabeth I and her reign so this was a fun way to interact with the history. I think the background is really good to have. Maybe prior to reading if you aren't familiar with Queen Elizabeth's administration acquaint yourself because the characters are mostly real. I will be reading the next book
October 31, 2017
This isn't a book you can put aside, pick up a week later, and remember what was going on. There's dealing and double-dealing, and triple-dealing, and spies and counterspies, and others caught up in their webs of deceit.
September 3, 2021
Excellent read, there were so many twists with the different sympathizers for the Queen , double agents and trying to figure who killed Pygot. It was interesting to find out some facts about the Queen's master spy and how Christopher Marlowe became one.
July 10, 2024
I think this is the first book in a series featuring Christopher Marlowe as a young spy. This mystery/suspense novel keeps you guessing until the end. I will certainly be reading this book a second time down the road as it's got staying power.
May 9, 2017
tough start, ends well
July 10, 2017
Well written, witty dialogue. Plot pretty far-fetched, though.
August 24, 2017
3.5 stars.
Very interesting take on a Christopher Marlowe spy tale as he I believe rumoured to be a spy for Queen Elizabeth and friend to William Shakespeare.
Very interesting take on a Christopher Marlowe spy tale as he I believe rumoured to be a spy for Queen Elizabeth and friend to William Shakespeare.
October 2, 2019
Rich historical detail and a number of interesting plot twist.
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