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The Chronicles of Christoval Alvarez #7
The Play's the Thing
When Kit Alvarez returns from Muscovy, it is to discover that her post as physician at St Thomas’s hospital has been given to another. Trying to eke out the small income she earns from some of Dr Nuñez’s private patients, she undertakes paid work as a copyist with James Burbage’s company. But the players’ companies find themselves under threat. Two of Burbage’s men are murdered. One of Henslowe’s men is attacked. And two important new plays go missing, one by Will Shakespeare and one by Christopher Marlowe. Are the thefts merely the work of a jealous unlicensed company? Or is there a conspiracy afoot to use the plays in some more dangerous game?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2016
112 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Ann Swinfen
45 books216 followersAnn Swinfen spent her childhood partly in England and partly on the east coast of America. She read Classics and Mathematics at Oxford, where she married a fellow undergraduate, the historian David Swinfen. While bringing up their five children and studying for an MSc in Mathematics and a BA and PhD in English Literature, she had a variety of jobs, including university lecturer, translator, freelance journalist and software designer.
She served for nine years on the governing council of the Open University and for five years worked as a manager and editor in the technical author division of an international computer company, but gave up her full-time job to concentrate on her writing, while continuing part-time university teaching. In 1995 she founded Dundee Book Events, a voluntary organisation promoting books and authors to the general public.
Her first three novels, The Anniversary, The Travellers, and A Running Tide, all with a contemporary setting but also an historical resonance, were published by Random House, with translations into Dutch and German. Her fourth novel, The Testament of Mariam, marked something of a departure. Set in the first century, it recounts, from an unusual perspective, one of the most famous and yet ambiguous stories in human history. At the same time it explores life under a foreign occupying force, in lands still torn by conflict to this day. Her latest novel, Flood, is set in the fenlands of East Anglia during the seventeenth century, where the local people fought desperately to save their land from greedy and unscrupulous speculators.
She now lives on the northeast coast of Scotland, with her husband (formerly vice-principal of the University of Dundee), a cocker spaniel and two Maine Coon cats.
She served for nine years on the governing council of the Open University and for five years worked as a manager and editor in the technical author division of an international computer company, but gave up her full-time job to concentrate on her writing, while continuing part-time university teaching. In 1995 she founded Dundee Book Events, a voluntary organisation promoting books and authors to the general public.
Her first three novels, The Anniversary, The Travellers, and A Running Tide, all with a contemporary setting but also an historical resonance, were published by Random House, with translations into Dutch and German. Her fourth novel, The Testament of Mariam, marked something of a departure. Set in the first century, it recounts, from an unusual perspective, one of the most famous and yet ambiguous stories in human history. At the same time it explores life under a foreign occupying force, in lands still torn by conflict to this day. Her latest novel, Flood, is set in the fenlands of East Anglia during the seventeenth century, where the local people fought desperately to save their land from greedy and unscrupulous speculators.
She now lives on the northeast coast of Scotland, with her husband (formerly vice-principal of the University of Dundee), a cocker spaniel and two Maine Coon cats.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 27, 2019
Alas! The End,
No spoilers in this review. Four stars is high praise, five stars I reserve for outstanding books.
Again, in this final book of the Christoval Alvarez Chronicles, as in all the previous ones, Ann Swinfen has written a splendid story that has been well-edited with no grammatical errors or typos. As with all the books in this series, the time period and "real" people have been meticulously researched and fact and fiction are seamlessly woven together to create a story kept me up long past my bedtime so I could finish it.
Kit returns from Muscovy ready to take up her life again, only to find that it is no longer there. She sets off joyfully one morning to St Thomas's hospital to take up her work again, only to be met with the news that her position as physician has been given to another. Naturally, she is upset, not only because of her patients, and not only because she feels cheated, but also because her life has suddenly become much more precarious. She has some money, but not a lot. She has a roof over her head for now, but for how much longer? How will she be able to feed herself and her dog? How will she be able to replace worn out clothing and boots? You will have to read the book to find out the answers to these questions, but I assure you it is well worth reading.
The author ended the series very well, in fact probably ended it in the only possible way, but I must admit to a feeling of wanting more. If Ann Swinfen reads this, could you please do one more book - an epilogue book perhaps with Kit in old age looking back over her life? Please.
No spoilers in this review. Four stars is high praise, five stars I reserve for outstanding books.
Again, in this final book of the Christoval Alvarez Chronicles, as in all the previous ones, Ann Swinfen has written a splendid story that has been well-edited with no grammatical errors or typos. As with all the books in this series, the time period and "real" people have been meticulously researched and fact and fiction are seamlessly woven together to create a story kept me up long past my bedtime so I could finish it.
Kit returns from Muscovy ready to take up her life again, only to find that it is no longer there. She sets off joyfully one morning to St Thomas's hospital to take up her work again, only to be met with the news that her position as physician has been given to another. Naturally, she is upset, not only because of her patients, and not only because she feels cheated, but also because her life has suddenly become much more precarious. She has some money, but not a lot. She has a roof over her head for now, but for how much longer? How will she be able to feed herself and her dog? How will she be able to replace worn out clothing and boots? You will have to read the book to find out the answers to these questions, but I assure you it is well worth reading.
The author ended the series very well, in fact probably ended it in the only possible way, but I must admit to a feeling of wanting more. If Ann Swinfen reads this, could you please do one more book - an epilogue book perhaps with Kit in old age looking back over her life? Please.
December 16, 2016
With Walsingham's death, his spy ring has been taken over and largely disbanded. Kit returns from Muscovy to discover that neither her primary occupation—physician to the poor—nor her secondary job of code breaking on behalf of Elizabeth I's government has survived her absence. To survive, she must take on private patients and help her friend Simon's players with copying scripts. But plays turn out to carry deeper messages than expected, including those of conspiracy and treason, ensuring that a code breaker's skills are indeed exactly what the situation requires.
A slower start than its predecessors, especially Voyage to Muscovy (my favorite so far, but then it's my area of specialization), but no fear. The characters are as delightful as ever, and Kit's adventures build, as always, to a rollicking finish. I'm looking forward to diving into book 8, released just in time for Christmas.
A slower start than its predecessors, especially Voyage to Muscovy (my favorite so far, but then it's my area of specialization), but no fear. The characters are as delightful as ever, and Kit's adventures build, as always, to a rollicking finish. I'm looking forward to diving into book 8, released just in time for Christmas.
April 29, 2016
Physician Kit Alvarez returns from Muscovy to resume the reins of her medical career at St. Thomas's hospital, to find that her promised employment has been given to another. Desperate for money to keep a roof over her head, she visits her old friend and mentor, Dr. Nunez who puts work her way caring for the great merchant families of London. To supplement this, Kit also takes on the unusual work, for her, of copying out plays for the Theatre in Shoreditch, home to James Burbage's company. But in quick succession, two of the company are murdered and when plays by Will Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe go missing, the plot begins to thicken.
I always enjoy finding a new author, particularly when I discover they've written lots of other books too! This is one of a series and though its easily read as a stand alone book, it has made me want to start at the beginning and work my way through. I thought it was very well written and researched and I liked in particular its authentic mixture of fact and fiction which really brought late 16th century London alive.
I always enjoy finding a new author, particularly when I discover they've written lots of other books too! This is one of a series and though its easily read as a stand alone book, it has made me want to start at the beginning and work my way through. I thought it was very well written and researched and I liked in particular its authentic mixture of fact and fiction which really brought late 16th century London alive.
March 26, 2024
Kit is still scrabbling for work enough to support her, her horse, and her dog. Following the death of the player's copyist by poisoning, she assumes the role. When another assault on a second copyist occurs and his works in progress are stolen; It presents a puzzle and a challenge for the players. The vulnerability of the written works of Marlowe and Shakespeare provides an interesting insight into the world of intellectual property during these medieval times. These crimes and others soon point to another "palace" plot for Kit to unravel.
November 27, 2021
This story takes place entirely in London and in the world of the theater and Will Shakespeare makes more than a passing appearance in Christoval's latest adventure, which was interesting. I kind of miss the high-seas and frozen waste adventures as in the previous books, but I liked this one too. I'm starting to really dislike Kit Marlowe. Did anyone else think of Shakespeare in Love while reading this book?
June 11, 2017
Enthralling/exciting
Yet another great episode in the life of Kit during Elizabethan Era England! I have been totally consumed reading this series. So well written! Characters come alive on the pages and the plot is filled with interesting information related to the times. A definite must read!
Yet another great episode in the life of Kit during Elizabethan Era England! I have been totally consumed reading this series. So well written! Characters come alive on the pages and the plot is filled with interesting information related to the times. A definite must read!
May 22, 2017
Still a good series
This is a good mystery although a bit thin. Fortunately it is padded out with delightful details of 1590s London. Ms Swinfen continues to be one of my favorite authors.
This is a good mystery although a bit thin. Fortunately it is padded out with delightful details of 1590s London. Ms Swinfen continues to be one of my favorite authors.
June 12, 2017
I moved right on to this from the last book and enjoyed it very much. Again, the period detail is fantastic and there is quite an intriguing whodunit at the core.
The way in which murders were investigated during the time was a real eye-opener.
The way in which murders were investigated during the time was a real eye-opener.
July 30, 2017
Nooooooo! I've reached the end of this delightful series and I'm not ready to say goodbye.
Breaking up with Kit Alvarez is so hard to do! Luckily for me, Swinfen has anther series of
Fenland books I haven't read yet. Her Medieval mysteries were also a treat.
Breaking up with Kit Alvarez is so hard to do! Luckily for me, Swinfen has anther series of
Fenland books I haven't read yet. Her Medieval mysteries were also a treat.
January 25, 2018
Another excellent installment in this series - once again the author makes the Elizabethan era come to life along with a host of characters that you become emotionally invested in. Not my favourite in the series but almost there!
October 2, 2017
Ann Swinfen does a wonderful job bringing the reader into her worlds. Her historical details are well researched.
March 12, 2018
Politics in both medieval times and in today remain the same. Very interesting the way Ann Swinfen is able to put both together.
September 24, 2018
Along with "Suffer the Little Children," this was one of my favorite books from this series, taking you behind the scenes (pun intended) at the Tudor theatres. Very enjoyable!
June 15, 2019
Loved it! It provided fun fiction about Marlowe and Shakespeare!
October 28, 2019
Truly engaging series
So enjoyable. Wonderfully written with so many faciinating historical and life facts of the time. Will read all of Ann Swines other books.
So enjoyable. Wonderfully written with so many faciinating historical and life facts of the time. Will read all of Ann Swines other books.
March 24, 2021
Another very good read bringing the theatre of Elizabethan London alive
June 1, 2023
A good story with interesting detail about the period and how plays and the theatre worked, kept me gripped but some bits of the plot seemed a bit unlikely hence only 4 stars
August 23, 2023
The saga continues!
This takes you on another journey with Kit into Elizabethan London so eloquently described by the author. Can't wait to see where the story will go next?
This takes you on another journey with Kit into Elizabethan London so eloquently described by the author. Can't wait to see where the story will go next?
February 10, 2017
Marvellous tales
Ann Swinfen transports us to the birth of Shakespeare's plays with the grimy realities of that time, all the while enchanting us with the exuberance of the theatre and a grand tale.
Ann Swinfen transports us to the birth of Shakespeare's plays with the grimy realities of that time, all the while enchanting us with the exuberance of the theatre and a grand tale.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews