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Kit Marlowe #9
Queen's Progress
As advance guard for the Queen's Progress, Christopher Marlowe tackles murder and intrigue within some of England's grandest stately homes.
May, 1591. When Queen Elizabeth decides to embark on a Royal Progress, visiting some of the grandest homes in England, her new spymaster, Sir Robert Cecil, sends Kit Marlowe on ahead, to ensure all goes smoothly. But Marlowe's reconnaissance mission is dogged by disaster: at Farnham Hall, a body is hurled from the battlements; at Cowdray Castle, a mock tournament ends in near tragedy; at Petworth, a body is discovered in the master bedroom, shot dead.
By the time he reaches Chichester, Marlowe fears the worst. Are the incidents linked? Is there a conspiracy to sabotage the Queen's Progress? Who is pulling the strings - and why? To uncover the truth, Marlowe must come up with a fiendishly clever plan.
May, 1591. When Queen Elizabeth decides to embark on a Royal Progress, visiting some of the grandest homes in England, her new spymaster, Sir Robert Cecil, sends Kit Marlowe on ahead, to ensure all goes smoothly. But Marlowe's reconnaissance mission is dogged by disaster: at Farnham Hall, a body is hurled from the battlements; at Cowdray Castle, a mock tournament ends in near tragedy; at Petworth, a body is discovered in the master bedroom, shot dead.
By the time he reaches Chichester, Marlowe fears the worst. Are the incidents linked? Is there a conspiracy to sabotage the Queen's Progress? Who is pulling the strings - and why? To uncover the truth, Marlowe must come up with a fiendishly clever plan.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2018
5 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Trow
149 books119 followersMeirion James Trow is a full-time teacher of history who has been doubling as a crime writer for seventeen years. Originally from Ferndale, Rhondda in South Wales he now lives on the Isle of Wight. His interests include collecting militaria, film, the supernatural and true crime.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 2, 2018
Historical fiction featuring Christopher Marlowe as Queen Elizabeth’s advance scout to find a route for her tour of the English countryside, where the queen and her many attendants become visible to her subjects. This tour was known as a “progress,” and included sequential visits to the country houses of nobles. They entertained the queen with masques (stage performances), speeches, music, food, and drink. During Marlowe’s advance visits, several unexplained deaths and unpleasant incidents took place. The story revolved around solving the mystery of these incidents.
I found this novel quite unique in its setting and storyline. The author provided vivid descriptions of England in 1591 using period-appropriate language, in the time of Shakespeare (spelled Shaxsper) and Marlowe. I was interested to find out how these seemingly unrelated events were eventually explained. This story has an extremely long build-up and a quick denouement. I found it a solid story that transported me into the time-period. Recommended to readers of historical fiction of the Elizabethan era.
I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a candid review.
I found this novel quite unique in its setting and storyline. The author provided vivid descriptions of England in 1591 using period-appropriate language, in the time of Shakespeare (spelled Shaxsper) and Marlowe. I was interested to find out how these seemingly unrelated events were eventually explained. This story has an extremely long build-up and a quick denouement. I found it a solid story that transported me into the time-period. Recommended to readers of historical fiction of the Elizabethan era.
I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a candid review.
June 18, 2018
Poor prose. Perhaps good for YA. DNF.
ARC courtesy NetGalley.
ARC courtesy NetGalley.
December 1, 2018
May, 1591. When Queen Elizabeth decides to embark on a Royal Progress, visiting some of the grandest homes in England, her new spymaster, Sir Robert Cecil, sends Kit Marlowe on ahead, to ensure all goes smoothly.
So, covertly employed as spies, but overtly as harbinger's of the Queen's progress, Kit Marlowe and Thom Sledd (his faithful stage manager), head out of London for Middleham. A couple of suspicious deaths puts a proverbial spanner in the works - and Kit investigates. Along the way we are introduced to a veritable cast of questionable characters including Nicholas Faunt, another of Walsingham's former spies, and the ever present busy-body and budding playwright, Will Shaxsper.
Well written as always, humourous, subtle, action-aplenty, treason, plots, personal and political jousting. A great story that has a rather good twist at the end.
Full review here @ Melisende's Library
So, covertly employed as spies, but overtly as harbinger's of the Queen's progress, Kit Marlowe and Thom Sledd (his faithful stage manager), head out of London for Middleham. A couple of suspicious deaths puts a proverbial spanner in the works - and Kit investigates. Along the way we are introduced to a veritable cast of questionable characters including Nicholas Faunt, another of Walsingham's former spies, and the ever present busy-body and budding playwright, Will Shaxsper.
Well written as always, humourous, subtle, action-aplenty, treason, plots, personal and political jousting. A great story that has a rather good twist at the end.
Full review here @ Melisende's Library
May 28, 2018
The Queen is ready to go on her progress. She will be staying at some of the richest and stately homes. To be sure her path will be secure, and the Queen safe a person is sent forth to visit in advance. Kitt Marlowe is this person. With his felliw riders they set out on their way. First a grandfather is thrown to gis death. Than a woman is shot dead. Everything that should not happen, is happening. What can they do to insure the Queen' s safety?
A book of intrigue, and mystery. Interesting.
5 Stars
A book of intrigue, and mystery. Interesting.
5 Stars
April 20, 2018
I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an ARC of this ebook via NetGalley.
This historical mystery features Christopher Marlowe first and foremost as a spy and investigator in Cecil's vast network, with his talent as a playwright and entertainer serving as a convenient and productive cover role. While this novel is the ninth in the author's Christopher Marlowe series and I might have enjoyed it more had I read the previous eight novels, I had no trouble following the plot without having read them. Queen's Progress has a lively and engaging mystery, however, the plot's progression relies upon a series of extremely unlikely events. SPOILER ALERT!!!
SPOILER ALERT!!!
For example, there is no way a royal visit would ever have been granted to a family that wasn't already highly in favor and hadn't been extremely thoroughly vetted, so the Middlehams would have been arrested long before any of the events in the book could have unfolded. In addition, the Queen was so well known that there is simply no way a man could have played her part for courtiers who knew her and interacted with her on a regular basis. Also, her not being escorted by her regular ladies-in-waiting, as well as her regular bodyguards and a full contingent of soldiers for protection would have tipped off the entire gathering that something was amiss. These and other details make the ending falter in what is an otherwise entertaining historical mystery.
This historical mystery features Christopher Marlowe first and foremost as a spy and investigator in Cecil's vast network, with his talent as a playwright and entertainer serving as a convenient and productive cover role. While this novel is the ninth in the author's Christopher Marlowe series and I might have enjoyed it more had I read the previous eight novels, I had no trouble following the plot without having read them. Queen's Progress has a lively and engaging mystery, however, the plot's progression relies upon a series of extremely unlikely events. SPOILER ALERT!!!
SPOILER ALERT!!!
For example, there is no way a royal visit would ever have been granted to a family that wasn't already highly in favor and hadn't been extremely thoroughly vetted, so the Middlehams would have been arrested long before any of the events in the book could have unfolded. In addition, the Queen was so well known that there is simply no way a man could have played her part for courtiers who knew her and interacted with her on a regular basis. Also, her not being escorted by her regular ladies-in-waiting, as well as her regular bodyguards and a full contingent of soldiers for protection would have tipped off the entire gathering that something was amiss. These and other details make the ending falter in what is an otherwise entertaining historical mystery.
July 12, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read in the Kit Marlow series, and I loved it. Even though I haven’t read the other books, I still understood everything. Some of the characters weren’t described in detail, because they were probably introduced in past novels, but it wasn’t a big problem.
I loved the mystery elements of the story. I had no idea what the solution would be. Each of the stops on the planned route of the Queen’s Progress had to be cancelled due to a commotion or death on the property. Each situation seemed so unique that I wondered how they could be connected. The mystery came together in a great ending.
Some of Christopher Marlow’s contemporaries were in the story. Robert Cecil, Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster, was an important character. Will “Shaxsper” also made a couple of appearances in the Rose theatre. I loved how he made up words when he spoke to other people, because he created many of the words that we use today.
I loved this story, and I will definitely look for more in this series in the future!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher on NetGalley.
I loved the mystery elements of the story. I had no idea what the solution would be. Each of the stops on the planned route of the Queen’s Progress had to be cancelled due to a commotion or death on the property. Each situation seemed so unique that I wondered how they could be connected. The mystery came together in a great ending.
Some of Christopher Marlow’s contemporaries were in the story. Robert Cecil, Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster, was an important character. Will “Shaxsper” also made a couple of appearances in the Rose theatre. I loved how he made up words when he spoke to other people, because he created many of the words that we use today.
I loved this story, and I will definitely look for more in this series in the future!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher on NetGalley.
April 19, 2018
Kit Marlowe, playwright and sometimes spy, is back on another adventure. This time he is enlisted by Sir Robert Cecil to arrange for all the entertainment and logistics for Queen Elizabeth's Royal Progress as she visits the homes of some of her subjects. But, as Kit and his crew travel to each manor, tragedies strike which prompt Kit to cancel the slated stops at those venues. Are these tragedies isolated incidents or are they all somehow connected? It's up to Kit and his crew to figure things out.
I enjoyed this book. The characters are well developed and the plot is plausible. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
I enjoyed this book. The characters are well developed and the plot is plausible. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
June 30, 2018
Marlowe is sent by Robert Cecil to scope out places for the Queen to 'progress' - a way for the people to see their monarch but also a way for the monarch to leave her own properties to be aired and cleaned. Elizabeth I's progresses were legendary and brought many a rich man to near bankruptcy. As usual Marlowe is only told half of the story and has to work out the rest for himself.
I love this series, Kit Marlowe is such an intriguing character to write about and this instalment is yet another hugely entertaining read. Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Severn House, for the opportunity to review an ARC.
I love this series, Kit Marlowe is such an intriguing character to write about and this instalment is yet another hugely entertaining read. Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Severn House, for the opportunity to review an ARC.
November 4, 2025
The playwright Christopher Marlowe is charged with protecting Queen Elizabeth in 1591 whilst her court is on progress. There is the mystery of a body found at one of the homes the queen will visit. All well and good so far but the book lacks real intrique and danger so it becomes dull and at time longwinded, especially when at times it's not clear which household we are at.
There's some interactions with Shakespeare but for some reason the author wants to spell his name, Shaxsper all very pretentious.
Not a series that grabs me enough to want to contine with.
There's some interactions with Shakespeare but for some reason the author wants to spell his name, Shaxsper all very pretentious.
Not a series that grabs me enough to want to contine with.
December 10, 2019
I love anything Tudor so this one was no exception. I really enjoyed this one.
The characters were wonderful and the plot was simply awesome.
This is a new to me author and I will be watching for her in the future.
I highly recommend for Tudor lovers like me.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
The characters were wonderful and the plot was simply awesome.
This is a new to me author and I will be watching for her in the future.
I highly recommend for Tudor lovers like me.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
August 23, 2018
It's May 1591, and Elizabeth Regina wants to have a grand progress. Kit Marlowe is put in charge. Of course, deceit and death ensu I really like the series, but the closer the timeline gets to 1593, the sadder I feel.
September 17, 2018
The Kit Marlowe series is very well written, with a charming protagonist. The one small quibble I have is that the transitions from one potential progress site were not always clear. I didn't spot the real villain until he was revealled. The humour makes it a fun read.
March 31, 2020
Love this series of books - wish they were a bit cheaper though, I can only buy one every so often
but what a treat when I do.
They mix Elizabethan history with a large pinch of salt and are hugely enjoyable to read.
but what a treat when I do.
They mix Elizabethan history with a large pinch of salt and are hugely enjoyable to read.
April 23, 2018
Entertaining.
September 16, 2018
I like this series.
October 13, 2020
Great story from time's gone by people are the same today as then.
June 29, 2018
In 1591 Queen Elizabeth decides to go on a progress. It is up to Marlowe to ensure the festitives are handled correctly, but it doesn't take long for the first death. What really is happening, it's for Marlowe to discover.
I liked the idea of the story but not the excution. I just couldn't get that interested in it. 2 stars for finishing the book, but only just.
A NetGalley book
I liked the idea of the story but not the excution. I just couldn't get that interested in it. 2 stars for finishing the book, but only just.
A NetGalley book
May 30, 2018
A really good historical murder come spy book which sees Kit Marlowe overseeing things for Queen Elizabeth 1 progress. Marlowe comes across intrigue, betrayal and murder and the historical research is very good and it brings the times to life.
July 8, 2018
The Queen’s Progress is likely excellent read for fans of renaissance mystery. The language felt a bit clunky and over descriptive, but I expect it fulfilled the purpose of the author, M.J. Trow.
The overall impression was neither comfortable nor engaging, due mainly to the heaviness of the linguistic choices. That said, Trow successfully painted clear pictures throughout the book.
At this time, it remains unclear who I would recommend the book to. It is not one I should enjoy reading again nor would I seek out the author for other works – which is not to say it is poorly written, only that it did not appeal to this reviewer.
The overall impression was neither comfortable nor engaging, due mainly to the heaviness of the linguistic choices. That said, Trow successfully painted clear pictures throughout the book.
At this time, it remains unclear who I would recommend the book to. It is not one I should enjoy reading again nor would I seek out the author for other works – which is not to say it is poorly written, only that it did not appeal to this reviewer.
September 14, 2018
More Elizabethan plots and shenanigans
This is the latest in the hugely successful and popular Kit Marlowe series. Christopher Marlowe (Kit) is a playwright, actor and ex-projection (spy) to the court of Queen Elizabeth 1. His life is spent around the Rose theatre where he mixes with the likes of Philip Henslowe, the theatre’s owner, Tom Sledd the Stage Manager and the actors Sir Christopher Hatton and Ned Alleyn, not to mention the much-reviled Will Shaksper.
When Sir Robert Cecil, the Queen’s Spymaster, calls him in, he is happy to take on the job of checking that the Queen will be safe from attack when she embarks on one of her ‘Progresses’, this time to the South including Titchfield, Petworth and Chichester. It is on these progress that the Queen is most visible to all and therefore at the most risk of plots against her life.
As Kit, together with Tom Sledd, visit each of the castles on the route, there emerges a disturbing pattern of deaths and near misses. Clearly, the Queen does have something to fear, but can she cancel her Progress without losing face?
Kit Marlowe is a likeable character with fingers in many pies and is the ideal frontman for this Elizabethan romp. In addition, there are many more intriguing characters, fleshing out the tale with aplomb.
A fast-paced and easy read, this will not disappoint existing Trow fans and will no doubt attract new followers. Almost a five star, but the odd lapse into modern idiom just stopped it getting first to the post.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
This is the latest in the hugely successful and popular Kit Marlowe series. Christopher Marlowe (Kit) is a playwright, actor and ex-projection (spy) to the court of Queen Elizabeth 1. His life is spent around the Rose theatre where he mixes with the likes of Philip Henslowe, the theatre’s owner, Tom Sledd the Stage Manager and the actors Sir Christopher Hatton and Ned Alleyn, not to mention the much-reviled Will Shaksper.
When Sir Robert Cecil, the Queen’s Spymaster, calls him in, he is happy to take on the job of checking that the Queen will be safe from attack when she embarks on one of her ‘Progresses’, this time to the South including Titchfield, Petworth and Chichester. It is on these progress that the Queen is most visible to all and therefore at the most risk of plots against her life.
As Kit, together with Tom Sledd, visit each of the castles on the route, there emerges a disturbing pattern of deaths and near misses. Clearly, the Queen does have something to fear, but can she cancel her Progress without losing face?
Kit Marlowe is a likeable character with fingers in many pies and is the ideal frontman for this Elizabethan romp. In addition, there are many more intriguing characters, fleshing out the tale with aplomb.
A fast-paced and easy read, this will not disappoint existing Trow fans and will no doubt attract new followers. Almost a five star, but the odd lapse into modern idiom just stopped it getting first to the post.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
August 7, 2018
As much as I love historical fiction, if it is too immersed in language from five centuries ago it can get dry. Luckily, this book didn't have that problem. We have here a book of intrigue and murder around a queen who really just wants to stay alive but also has to see her public once in a while. Overall, a fantastic read and I can't wait to read more.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews