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Traitor's Moon
England-1679- Charles II reigns, the Restoration is in sway, but the country bristles with unrest. The air is rife with rumors of plots and counterplots designed for seizing sudden power. In London no priest is safe from the hangman's noose as unruly mobs, spurred on by Titus Oates' revelations of a popish conspiracy, roam the streets seeking out all adherents to the papacy. These are times when a strong devotion to almost any principle or party is difficult-and dangerous.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1952
4 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Robert Neill
16 books9 followersRobert Geoffrey Neill (1905 – 1979) was an English writer of historical fiction.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_...
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_...
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 26, 2011
This is by far the best book I've ever plucked out of the garbage. Faint praise masks the truth: this is indeed a very good book, and one whose fictions blend with the real-life circumstances and setting. Neill does an admirable job of weaving a story where history is an important element while it remains an exciting adventure where the fate of the protagonists is not set in stone.
To this non-expert in English history, at least. I would need a second read through with a web browser open to Wikipedia to figure out which characters and what events are fabrications.
Even if it is mostly fictional, the story has a feeling of versimilitude about it: this is a world where social class is all-important, where society is divided not just by Protestant and Catholic, but by the sides taken during the English Civil War.
In short, it was intriguing to read, the characters were all interesting (though it was never clear to me what Mansell's motivation was in pursuing Penelope Langley, as they were of rival families), and I'm pleased enough to seek out more by Neill.
To this non-expert in English history, at least. I would need a second read through with a web browser open to Wikipedia to figure out which characters and what events are fabrications.
Even if it is mostly fictional, the story has a feeling of versimilitude about it: this is a world where social class is all-important, where society is divided not just by Protestant and Catholic, but by the sides taken during the English Civil War.
In short, it was intriguing to read, the characters were all interesting (though it was never clear to me what Mansell's motivation was in pursuing Penelope Langley, as they were of rival families), and I'm pleased enough to seek out more by Neill.
October 18, 2019
Found on the floor at an Estate Sale in a jumble of spilled books, this 1952 book caught my eye with an interesting illustrated dust jacket. "A thrilling novel of 17th Century England." Truth.
Following an apprentice clock maker through turbulent political & religious times, and courtship of a girl from The North. The author walks us through an interesting 1679 London of coffeehouses, and a loose justice system manipulated by covert actions. Throw in an Astronomer, proper society manners, and English countryside rides. The author offers a wide variety of detailed characters and keeps the story moving - suspenseful & interesting. Mr O'Neill can certainly turn a phrase. Love older books!
Following an apprentice clock maker through turbulent political & religious times, and courtship of a girl from The North. The author walks us through an interesting 1679 London of coffeehouses, and a loose justice system manipulated by covert actions. Throw in an Astronomer, proper society manners, and English countryside rides. The author offers a wide variety of detailed characters and keeps the story moving - suspenseful & interesting. Mr O'Neill can certainly turn a phrase. Love older books!
February 28, 2020
Disappointing, especially as I approached this with very fond memories of Neill's Mist Over Pendle.
Maybe giving it two stars is a little harsh: this is a good old-fashioned historical romp. Neill manages to walk a fine fine between historical accuracy and "odds-bodkins" dialogue and descriptions.
I just wish I cared: about the characters, about the context. Mist Over Pendle comes with an immediate dramatic hook: witchcraft, possible injustice, high drama. This story of the predicament of Catholics during the Restoration requires a lot of exposition, and a lot of added drama (star-crossed romance between two of the most annoying young people you would ever want to meet; lace smuggling) to try to rub the sticks of a plot together.
Especially disappointing because I live about five miles north of the setting -- but I don't feel that the atmosphere of 17th century south Lancashire is particularly well done.
Maybe giving it two stars is a little harsh: this is a good old-fashioned historical romp. Neill manages to walk a fine fine between historical accuracy and "odds-bodkins" dialogue and descriptions.
I just wish I cared: about the characters, about the context. Mist Over Pendle comes with an immediate dramatic hook: witchcraft, possible injustice, high drama. This story of the predicament of Catholics during the Restoration requires a lot of exposition, and a lot of added drama (star-crossed romance between two of the most annoying young people you would ever want to meet; lace smuggling) to try to rub the sticks of a plot together.
Especially disappointing because I live about five miles north of the setting -- but I don't feel that the atmosphere of 17th century south Lancashire is particularly well done.
February 13, 2024
This book sat on my shelf for years just waiting..... It was very good, with great characters and plotting. Taking place in England, when the King was once again restored the throne. But the Whigs still plotted against the throne and it was far from safe
June 6, 2017
I don't know why, but I simply love this book, have been reading it every year since I was 14.
October 29, 2019
Read this when I was 14, nearly 40 years ago! Think I enjoyed it then. Wonder what I'll think now.
Enjoyed this but remembered nothing about it from 1975. Set in a period I know little about - the time of the Popish Plot. My main criticism would be the suddenness of the ending, but worth a read.
Enjoyed this but remembered nothing about it from 1975. Set in a period I know little about - the time of the Popish Plot. My main criticism would be the suddenness of the ending, but worth a read.
January 27, 2023
it was good and i liked the plot but it seemed to have shifted at some point
May 28, 2025
Grandma’s book club
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews