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Francis Bacon Mystery #5
Let Slip the Dogs
It’s 1591, Midsummer at Richmond Palace, and love is in the air — along with the usual political courtships and covert alliances. Secret trysts, daring dalliances, and a pair of pedigreed hounds keep Francis Bacon and his gallant team busy while trying to catch one devilishly daring murderer.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2018
About the author
Anna Castle
37 books238 followersAnna Castle writes the Francis Bacon mysteries and the Professor & Mrs. Moriarty mysteries. She has earned a series of degrees -- BA in the Classics, MS in Computer Science, and a Ph.D in Linguistics -- and has had a corresponding series of careers -- waitressing, software engineering, grammar-writing, assistant professor, and archivist. Writing fiction combines her lifelong love of stories and learning. She physically resides in Austin, Texas and mentally counts herself a queen of infinite space.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 7, 2020
Queen Elizabeth is making her “summer progress,” visiting her various palaces along with her entire Court — her courtiers, ladies-in-waiting, Privy Council and other peripheral hangers-on. Trumpet will be marrying Stephen Delabere, who we met in book 1, now Lord Dorchester, at Richmond Palace. There will be a royal hunt the day after the wedding. Stephen has been named Master of the Privy Buckhounds and Tom is his Gentleman of the Privy Buckhounds. Francis Bacon is also in attendance as one of those counselors and hangers-on.
The appeal of this book is in all the various affairs among the Court - and most of them are completely factual. Sir Walter Ralegh was indeed involved (secretly married) with Bess Throckmorton, one of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting, without the Queen’s permission. Sir Walter tells Tom he believes she will eventually forgive him — and she does, although Sir Walter and his wife spend some time in the Tower first.
Lady Penelope Rich, the sister of the 2nd Earl of Essex, had a years-long affair with Sir Charles Blount, quite an open secret; her husband eventually divorced her, and her numerous children by Blount were made illegitimate. She later was married to Blount by a future Archbishop of Canterbury, but her marriage was not accepted by the then-monarch, King James I, and she lived the rest of her life in disgrace. One hopes she was at least happy with him.
So the fact that Trumpet hires a professional whore to consummate her wedding with Stephen, whilst she and Tom are otherwise intimately occupied — well, it’s just par for the course. Technically adultery, of course, and reprehensible by our standards, but people of status couldn’t just marry whom they chose. Anyway, Stephen behaves equally reprehensibly.
As usual, there are murders to solve.
4 stars.
The appeal of this book is in all the various affairs among the Court - and most of them are completely factual. Sir Walter Ralegh was indeed involved (secretly married) with Bess Throckmorton, one of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting, without the Queen’s permission. Sir Walter tells Tom he believes she will eventually forgive him — and she does, although Sir Walter and his wife spend some time in the Tower first.
Lady Penelope Rich, the sister of the 2nd Earl of Essex, had a years-long affair with Sir Charles Blount, quite an open secret; her husband eventually divorced her, and her numerous children by Blount were made illegitimate. She later was married to Blount by a future Archbishop of Canterbury, but her marriage was not accepted by the then-monarch, King James I, and she lived the rest of her life in disgrace. One hopes she was at least happy with him.
So the fact that Trumpet hires a professional whore to consummate her wedding with Stephen, whilst she and Tom are otherwise intimately occupied — well, it’s just par for the course. Technically adultery, of course, and reprehensible by our standards, but people of status couldn’t just marry whom they chose. Anyway, Stephen behaves equally reprehensibly.
As usual, there are murders to solve.
4 stars.
March 2, 2022
Rated 5 stars and my favorite so far in this delightful series. #5 in the Francis Bacon historical mystery series set in late 16th century during the reign of Elizabeth I. Francis Bacon has 2 murders to solve with the help of his clerk, Thomas Clarady and the spirited Alice "Trumpet". No spoilers other then to say that I loved the dogs and Francis has an involvement with a secondary character that I hope is featured in #6 The Spymaster's Brother. While reading this I also listened to the wonderful Audio narration by Philip Battley. Highly recommend this entertaining series! Best to read in order.
October 31, 2022
This is the latest book in this series of mysteries set in Elizabethan England. This time, the various characters are at a country palace for summer festivities, and bodies start showing up as usual. Most of the book is taken up by inter palace politics, descriptions of dresses, fancy dinners, romantic subplots (including a particularly absurd and immoral one with two of the main characters and a wedding night), hunts, and various other royal froth.
The mystery its self is really simple and is almost pushed aside for the other content, and the author wraps up the "will they/won't they" ongoing plot with Alice Trumpington and Thomas Clarady for now at least.
Trumpet as she's called is less obnoxious than the previous couple books, but instead of showing how clever and insightful she is, the book simply declares it, repeatedly, to make sure you understand that she's stronger, and smarter, and better, and prettier, and braver than all the rest.
The mystery its self is really simple and is almost pushed aside for the other content, and the author wraps up the "will they/won't they" ongoing plot with Alice Trumpington and Thomas Clarady for now at least.
Trumpet as she's called is less obnoxious than the previous couple books, but instead of showing how clever and insightful she is, the book simply declares it, repeatedly, to make sure you understand that she's stronger, and smarter, and better, and prettier, and braver than all the rest.
February 12, 2021
Another installment in the Elizabethan murder mystery series starring my favorite team of sleuths, led by Francis Bacon. I did miss Christopher Marlowe in this one; he at least got a cameo in book 4. In book 5, Alice Trumpington finds a wealthy husband and manages to hoodwink him into thinking he slept with her on their wedding night while she was off sleeping with Tom. Tom is learning the ways of court as Gentleman of the Hounds, and running into more secrets than he ever wanted to know. Two young members of the nobility have been murdered because of secrets they know. Sir Walter Ralegh is in charge of investigating all deaths near the Queen, but has secrets of his own to keep. Great fun. I look forward to catching up with the whole crew in book 6.
July 28, 2023
This was quite good with more of the humor that was so attractive in the earlier books. These are just perfect summer mystery reads.
August 7, 2018
I was provided this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book is set in the 1500s in England. Lady Alice is one of the Queens ladies and she is set to marry Lord Stephen but she is in love with Tom, a barrister in training. During Midsummer Eve celebration a man does under suspicious circumstances. Tom, Lady Alice and Francis Bacon, Tom's mentor start an investigation. There are lots of shenanigans going on with almost everyone having illicit affairs with each other. Because of this it seems that everyone has something to hide so anyone could be a murderer. On their wedding night Lord Stephen has a trust with smothering while Lady Alice and Tom consummate their love. The next morning Lord Stephen comes looking for his old friend Tom because his lover suddenly died of an apparently poisoned love potion. Is this murder related to the other one? Will all the illicit affairs be uncovered! Will Tom and Lady Alice be in danger because of what they know? Finally will the murders be solved or will the murdered get away? Filled with humor, mystery, colorful description of England in the 1500s, this book is an excellent mystery that was hard to put down. I can't wait to see what additional antics these characters get into in the next book. This book was simply delightful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2018
I really like this novel. It is set at the court of Queen Elisabeth I of England and filled with real historical figures who are depicted true to their real personality. You might think that that narrows down the search for the murderer but the fact that we know a certain person died of old age does not mean he or she was innocent does it?
Sir Francis Bacon, who is a real historical figure and one of the best legal minds of his times, and his two young sidekicks try to solve the murder of the man found dead in an orchard but in the meantime they all fall in love. Trumpet and Tom have to blind-side her new husband and Sir Francis has to keep his homosexual affair hidden because the queen loathes scandals. But they are not the only couples. Thus creating very humorous scenes where every haystack and shed is "occupied" when the lovers seeks a quite place. The fact that one of the leading roles is gay is something my gay friend will appreciate. He always complains that in mean stream novels hardly any homosexual people take the lead.
The fact that the story is so well researched historically (I am reading the biography of Sir Walter Ralegh at the moment as well) offers us glimpses iof court life. The wigs of the queen, the hard working lives of the ladies-in-waiting, the fact that the queen could order nobles to marry each other etc.
This is book 5 in a series and I had not read the prior ones but that is not a problem. However it was such a joy to read it I ordered the first one in the series as well. And that one is FREE.
Sir Francis Bacon, who is a real historical figure and one of the best legal minds of his times, and his two young sidekicks try to solve the murder of the man found dead in an orchard but in the meantime they all fall in love. Trumpet and Tom have to blind-side her new husband and Sir Francis has to keep his homosexual affair hidden because the queen loathes scandals. But they are not the only couples. Thus creating very humorous scenes where every haystack and shed is "occupied" when the lovers seeks a quite place. The fact that one of the leading roles is gay is something my gay friend will appreciate. He always complains that in mean stream novels hardly any homosexual people take the lead.
The fact that the story is so well researched historically (I am reading the biography of Sir Walter Ralegh at the moment as well) offers us glimpses iof court life. The wigs of the queen, the hard working lives of the ladies-in-waiting, the fact that the queen could order nobles to marry each other etc.
This is book 5 in a series and I had not read the prior ones but that is not a problem. However it was such a joy to read it I ordered the first one in the series as well. And that one is FREE.
February 26, 2019
Queen Elizabeth's court is on summer progress and present is Francis Bacon and of course Thomas Clarady his assistant. Alice Trumpington is serving the queen and her wedding to Stephan is taking place while at Richmond palace. Tom volunteers to stay in the rooms above the kennel and helps with the dogs that were a gift ot the queen. When Trumpet and another maid discover a dead body the fun begins. Tom and Trumpet know it's murder and convince Bacon to look into it. Tom and Trumpet finally get to spend a night together, her wedding night. Only to find a dead lady in Stephan's bed the next morning. Tongue in cheek humor when they stumble on other couples in the act in the woods and on palace grounds. Anna Castle can be tongue in cheek and deadly serious in this fun romp with Francis Bacon, Tom, and Trumpet. With two murders to solve and love to be had this is a time to Let Slip the Dogs for a great read.
August 20, 2018
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because it was an overall very enjoyable read. Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review, but I would have rounded upwards anyway.
The historical side -- Francis Bacon himself, the Queen, her court -- is well researched and very nicely presented, giving a vivid image of the time, the place, and the characters. None of the historical figures that appear in the book behave in a way inconsistent with what we know about them, yet they are also fully rounded characters, convincing and lively.
The mystery side, on the other hand, is less successful, lacking in complexity (which is actually realistic, but not very effective on the pages of a book) and providing a less than satisfying solution. However, the other elements still make it a good read.
The historical side -- Francis Bacon himself, the Queen, her court -- is well researched and very nicely presented, giving a vivid image of the time, the place, and the characters. None of the historical figures that appear in the book behave in a way inconsistent with what we know about them, yet they are also fully rounded characters, convincing and lively.
The mystery side, on the other hand, is less successful, lacking in complexity (which is actually realistic, but not very effective on the pages of a book) and providing a less than satisfying solution. However, the other elements still make it a good read.
August 21, 2018
Let The Dogs Slip , the fifth book in Anna Castle’s Francis Bacon series.... is as addictive as bacon !
The Queen and her Court are in Richmond for Summer - which includes Trumpet and her upcoming wedding. Francis Bacon is assisting with the French Ambassador while Thomas has fortunately found a position in the Royal Kennels that keeps him close to Trumpet.
Castle has woven a rich tapestry of the English Court and the intrigue keeps the reader following the threads. I eagerly await the new adventures of Francis Bacon and friends.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kay
The Queen and her Court are in Richmond for Summer - which includes Trumpet and her upcoming wedding. Francis Bacon is assisting with the French Ambassador while Thomas has fortunately found a position in the Royal Kennels that keeps him close to Trumpet.
Castle has woven a rich tapestry of the English Court and the intrigue keeps the reader following the threads. I eagerly await the new adventures of Francis Bacon and friends.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kay
October 19, 2018
I made the assumption that this book would be "just okay" for me, as I'm not one to include much historical fiction on my reading list. I'm happy to say I was wrong. I really enjoyed the book, and I read it out of turn from the rest of the series.
I'm always drawn in by character, and was well versed enough in history to recognize the historic figures and to feel like they were authentic in portrayal. The story was fun. Trumpet and Clarady work well together, and Francis Bacon comes across as a solid lead to anchor a potential televised murder mystery series.
A well done book. I received a free copy for review through NetGalley.
I'm always drawn in by character, and was well versed enough in history to recognize the historic figures and to feel like they were authentic in portrayal. The story was fun. Trumpet and Clarady work well together, and Francis Bacon comes across as a solid lead to anchor a potential televised murder mystery series.
A well done book. I received a free copy for review through NetGalley.
November 26, 2019
Fifth in the series, and probably the most lighthearted installment so far. Part of this is becAuse of setting--for varied personal and professional reasons, all of the primnry collaborative intelligencers (Bacon, Tom, and Trumpet) are with the Queen's Court while she is visiting at a castle for celebrating Midsummer with a traditional stag hunt. This means we get to learn about the new locale, the festive and hunting traditions, as well as deal with the unsolved murder of a Frenchman in the apple orchard. Also, love is in the air: several different couples are caught in flagrante delicto, so the suprressed secrets grow exponentially.
August 8, 2018
It’s 1591, and the Queen and her entourage are at Richmond Palace. The peace one morning is disturbed by the scream of a lady-in-waiting, having discovered a body. Immediately the Captain of the Guard Sir Walter Ralegh is called for to announce his verdict. Which is one of accident but Lady Alice and Tom Clarady are not convinced, and investigate with the help of Francis Bacon.
Really enjoyed this Bacon mystery, as I have all in this lovely series. It is well-written, with some likeable, well-drawn characters.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Really enjoyed this Bacon mystery, as I have all in this lovely series. It is well-written, with some likeable, well-drawn characters.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
August 15, 2018
I received this book as an ARC free in exchange for an honest review. This is the first time in a long time that I haven’t guessed who the murderer was until near the end. Full of both intrigue and suspicion. I love that the characters are now growing and maturing into adulthood and all it throws at them, and that the majority of the focus is on tom and trumpet and the scandal that such trysts could case over the centuries especially within the higher circles. All in all very well written and flowed smoothly through the book I cannot wait for the next book and what awaits the favourites.
September 5, 2018
This was my first Francis Bacon book in the series. At first I had a hard time grasping the story, but when I finally read more, it held my attention. This was well done with research in culture, clothing, architecture, need I say more. It got a WOW factor out of me. The information and description was very well done; ie the midwife for the departed. The humour in the characters were well done to pull all this investigative sleuthing together with the trio. Well done, I learned a lot about that period, like a Humanities class. I recd this ARC and providing my honest review.
August 12, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review so, here it is:
Great read! Even though I have not yet read the rest of the series, I had no trouble finding my bearing with all the characters. It seems that being at the court of Elizabeth I one had to be alert to foil the plots of ennemies and, for once, it took me a while to figure out who the guilty party was. Now, I have to get my hand on the rest of the series 😊
Great read! Even though I have not yet read the rest of the series, I had no trouble finding my bearing with all the characters. It seems that being at the court of Elizabeth I one had to be alert to foil the plots of ennemies and, for once, it took me a while to figure out who the guilty party was. Now, I have to get my hand on the rest of the series 😊
August 16, 2018
This is my first experience in the Francis Bacon series and I think I've been missing something here. But, not all is lost since I can go back and get the first 4 books and NOT miss out. This was very mysterious until the very end who did the killings and I was very enthusiastic about learning some British history as well, which is one reason I love historical fiction/mysteries.
I was provided an ARC of this book and I am giving my honest opinion of this awesome book.
I was provided an ARC of this book and I am giving my honest opinion of this awesome book.
August 28, 2018
I liked this book, until the very graphic stag hunt scene. I could have done without such a vivid and lengthy description of the hunt.
Perhaps just elude to the hunt? I am so sorry, and I may sound foolish, but it just really disturbed me. Other than that, I thought this was quite a fun and interesting read! I definitely recommend this book, as long as hunting scenes don't disturb you. I received this book as an ARC in return for my review.
Perhaps just elude to the hunt? I am so sorry, and I may sound foolish, but it just really disturbed me. Other than that, I thought this was quite a fun and interesting read! I definitely recommend this book, as long as hunting scenes don't disturb you. I received this book as an ARC in return for my review.
October 11, 2018
As good as it always is. Never disappointing.
I've read all the the Francis Bacon mysteries and still long for more. Though Sir Robert Cecil makes a brief appearance, the story centres history in the main characters and story. We also see a more personal glimpse of Elizabeth Regina. It may be awhile before Francis and his group are back but I look forward to the development of new characters introduced in this story.
I've read all the the Francis Bacon mysteries and still long for more. Though Sir Robert Cecil makes a brief appearance, the story centres history in the main characters and story. We also see a more personal glimpse of Elizabeth Regina. It may be awhile before Francis and his group are back but I look forward to the development of new characters introduced in this story.
July 7, 2020
Stuck at home in quarantine? Go on a summer Progress with Queen Elizabeth to Richmond Palace. What a fun summer romp for our friends Tom and Trumpet. This book was light and fun and just what I needed. Anna Castle's description of the Queen's court was excellent, and her writing as witty as ever. The actual murder mystery plot was light, but it was a delightful progressing of all of the characters' relationships, which at this point in the series is what we want.
February 9, 2025
Bacon, Tom, and Trumpet spend this story at Richmond Palace in the summer of 1591. The queen is there, along with the entire court. It's a happy time with the French ambassador on hand as well. Tom and Trumpet are looking forward to her upcoming wedding to Stephen, the earl, although for different reasons.
The happy time for all is dashed by a murder in the garden. And although not informed to do so, Bacon, Tom, and Trumpet go about solving the murder. I enjoyed the story as it plays out.
The happy time for all is dashed by a murder in the garden. And although not informed to do so, Bacon, Tom, and Trumpet go about solving the murder. I enjoyed the story as it plays out.
July 3, 2020
Excellent
Again another clever adventure for these delightful main characters and fascinating how Francis Bacon is portrayed. Other well known 'real ' personalities ' show up well!
Fa
Again another clever adventure for these delightful main characters and fascinating how Francis Bacon is portrayed. Other well known 'real ' personalities ' show up well!
Fa
September 29, 2021
Marriage and Murder
Of all the books in this series, thus far, this is my favorite. It brings Trumpet and Tom together, shows Francis to be more resolute and dedicated to justice than before and is otherwise filled with action.
Of all the books in this series, thus far, this is my favorite. It brings Trumpet and Tom together, shows Francis to be more resolute and dedicated to justice than before and is otherwise filled with action.
August 9, 2018
An enjoyable way to spend a few hours reading. Considering the dire consequences of their little intrigues and infidelities at that time, you wouldn’t think so many people would engage in them!
September 4, 2018
What an amazing story. Full of intrigue and suspense. Definitely can’t guess who the suspect is until the very end. Can’t wait for the next one.
September 1, 2022
This setting is at court and Trumpet is a lady in waiting. She is also due to marry Stephen (from book one). Quite enjoyable, but it seemed a pretty short book.
July 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this series so far, but Book 5 was a bit of a disappointment. The actual murder mystery is rather lame and pretty much solves itself as the culprits behave idiotic and more or less reveal themselves, so that Francis' investigative mind has no chance to shine. In contrast, Thomas shines at everything he does or touches, be it dogs or women, to the point of me wanting to roll my eyes. Most of the book is taken up by lovers' trysts, romances and court intrigues. Plus a rather bizarre and unlikely wedding night ploy and more coincidences that any story can cope with. I still enjoyed the setting and historic details, but all in all it was a bit disappointing. Hoping the next book in series will revert to more brain and less body.
August 21, 2018
Loved this book! All the books in this series are such a joy to read! This one was no exception. I love the way the story always keeps going at a good pace, just filled to the brim with period details and multi-faceted characters (including the dogs), all leading to a satisfying conclusion! These mysteries that Anna Castle writes are so well-thought out -- intelligent and engaging! A pleasure to read!
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
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August 18, 2018A historical mystery that will grab your attention and not let go!
Well written with a good story line and credible characters
Well written with a good story line and credible characters
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews