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Marwood and Lovett #4
The Last Protector
From the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Ashes of London comes the next book in the phenomenally successful series following James Marwood and Cat Lovett.
A dangerous secret lies beneath Whitehall Palace…
Brother against brother. Father against son. Friends turned into enemies. No one in England wants a return to the bloody days of the Civil War. But Oliver Cromwell’s son, Richard, has abandoned his exile and slipped back into England. The consequences could be catastrophic.
James Marwood, a traitor’s son turned government agent, is tasked with uncovering Cromwell’s motives. But his assignment is complicated by his friend – the regicide’s daughter, Cat Lovett – who knew the Cromwells as a child, and who now seems to be hiding a secret of her own about the family.
Both Marwood and Cat know they are putting themselves in great danger. And when they find themselves on a top secret mission in the Palace of Whitehall, they realize they are risking their lives…and could even be sent to the block for treason.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2020
475 people are currently reading
1220 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Taylor
301 books56 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
February 17, 2020
Andrew Taylor's latest addition to his 17th century series featuring James Marwood and the daughter of the regicide, Cat Lovett, captures the dangerous and turbulent times under the restored King. Whilst at the beginning the King proved to be popular, replacing the last protector,son of Oliver Cromwell, Richard, this is no longer the case, there is now a ground swell of antipathy and hostile feelings towards the King. There is unhappiness at his extravagance, the licentiousness and immorality of the court, there is a growing nostalgia of the past golden age of the Protectorate, and many who would welcome its return. There are those amongst the King's circles who are willing to play with fire, ostensibly claiming allegiance and loyalty, but planning and engaging in treacherous activities.
Richard Cromwell, in exile in Europe, fleeing his considerable debts is deemed to no longer to be a threat, but he has returned in disguise, missing his home, family and country, and the potential horrors of another Civil War hang in the air. Cat, now married to the elderly architect, Simon Hakesby, is finding married life is not the safe and secure prospect she had envisaged, Simon is less appreciative of her strengths, his health is failing, and his poor decision making places their lives at risk. She finds herself ensnared in the dangerous intrigues of others with Elizabeth Cromwell, Richard's daughter, renewing her acquaintance with Cat, Richard wants access to Simon's plans of Whitehall palace gardens to get hold of a parcel hidden by his mother. Simon falls over himself to help Richard, paying little regard to Cat's desperate worries, but she is held back from asking for help from Marwood, feeling a misplaced loyalty to Simon. Marwood is tasked to spy on a forbidden duel, which makes him a target of the King's favourite, the Duke of Buckingham, an entitled, powerful, influential, confident and ambitious man. In a narrative where Cat and Marwood face the possibility of treason charges, a country's fate hangs in the balance.
Wilson's impressive research ensures that the London and England he depicts has a strong sense of authenticity, with its brothel houses, the political intrigues, the sewers and their maintenance, the poverty, and a Parliament unwilling to play ball with a King desperate for money. Marwood finds himself in the line of fire, given he is working for Joseph Williamson, the Under Secretary of State to Lord Arlington, who are trying to bring down Buckingham and the power he wields with the King. He is going to have use all his wits and intelligence to ensure Cat's safety and that he himself survives the plots and secrets rife in London. This is a wonderful historical series that I have followed from the beginning, it is atmospheric, and captures the period details beautifully. This will appeal to those who love their well written historical fiction and particularly to those who are interested in 17th century England. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
Richard Cromwell, in exile in Europe, fleeing his considerable debts is deemed to no longer to be a threat, but he has returned in disguise, missing his home, family and country, and the potential horrors of another Civil War hang in the air. Cat, now married to the elderly architect, Simon Hakesby, is finding married life is not the safe and secure prospect she had envisaged, Simon is less appreciative of her strengths, his health is failing, and his poor decision making places their lives at risk. She finds herself ensnared in the dangerous intrigues of others with Elizabeth Cromwell, Richard's daughter, renewing her acquaintance with Cat, Richard wants access to Simon's plans of Whitehall palace gardens to get hold of a parcel hidden by his mother. Simon falls over himself to help Richard, paying little regard to Cat's desperate worries, but she is held back from asking for help from Marwood, feeling a misplaced loyalty to Simon. Marwood is tasked to spy on a forbidden duel, which makes him a target of the King's favourite, the Duke of Buckingham, an entitled, powerful, influential, confident and ambitious man. In a narrative where Cat and Marwood face the possibility of treason charges, a country's fate hangs in the balance.
Wilson's impressive research ensures that the London and England he depicts has a strong sense of authenticity, with its brothel houses, the political intrigues, the sewers and their maintenance, the poverty, and a Parliament unwilling to play ball with a King desperate for money. Marwood finds himself in the line of fire, given he is working for Joseph Williamson, the Under Secretary of State to Lord Arlington, who are trying to bring down Buckingham and the power he wields with the King. He is going to have use all his wits and intelligence to ensure Cat's safety and that he himself survives the plots and secrets rife in London. This is a wonderful historical series that I have followed from the beginning, it is atmospheric, and captures the period details beautifully. This will appeal to those who love their well written historical fiction and particularly to those who are interested in 17th century England. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
April 29, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed no. 4 in the series. The adventures of James Marwood and Cate Lovett are really keeping me entertained. I so look forward to 'The royal secret', no. 5.
March 16, 2020
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this, the fourth in series. Every school child in Britain will learn about the Great fire of London, as I did. But what happened afterwards? Well, London became an enormous building site as the city was more or less rebuilt. I found this very interesting. In addition, we’ve all heard of Oliver Cromwell and what happened to him. But what about his survivors? This becomes the central plot in this story. A very informative and entertaining read. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
January 29, 2020
A rather uninspiring and patchy plot undermines the wonderfully evocative sense of place in this novel, with a particularly bitty final section that failed to impress. There was too much of the bumbling Marwood and nowhere near enough Cat, but they do make a compelling pair when on page together.
Overall, an underwhelming read.
ARC via Netgalley
Overall, an underwhelming read.
ARC via Netgalley
August 5, 2020
The Last Protector is the fourth book in Andrew Taylor’s series of historical mysteries featuring James Marwood and Cat Lovett. The majority of the historical mysteries I read (and that are published) are set in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, so I really like the fact that this series is set in a period that is not so familiar. The mystery part of the story works as a standalone, although I’d recommend reading at least one or two of the other books in the series in order to get a better sense of the Marwood/Lovett dynamic.
As in the previous three books, the story comprises a clever mystery that evolves slowly as the author gradually pulls together his different story threads and combines it with a wealth of interesting historical detail skilfully woven into the background. This story begins around four months after the events of book three The King’s Evil, and we find Cat Lovett now married to the elderly architect Simon Hakesby (and finding her marriage is not bringing her the security and stability she had expected), while James Marwood continues to prosper in his post as secretary to (and sometimes spy for) Joseph Williamson, Under Secretary of State to Lord Arlington.
It’s 1668, and Charles II’s extravagance and licentious behaviour have made him deeply unpopular, with many starting to hanker after the ‘more Godly’ days of the Protectorate. Nobody wants to return to the bloody days of civil war, but there are those close to the throne who would seek even greater power than they already have and threaten the already unstable position of the King and the monarchy in general.
When The Last Protector opens, Marwood is sent to observe a duel between the Duke of Buckingham – a favourite of the King – and Lord Shrewsbury, which ends with one man killed and Shrewsbury badly injured. Williamson needs a first-hand account of the proceedings; Buckingham is becoming increasingly powerful, which makes him a potential danger to the throne and the country – and Williamson and his master need a way to keep him in line.
Cat Hakesby is walking home through the streets of the Citywhen she is hailed by a woman she doesn’t immediately recognise. The woman is close to her own age and well dressed – and then Cat recalls her identity; she is Elizabeth Cromwell, granddaughter of Oliver, and she treats Cat like a long-lost bosom friend, talking eagerly and wistfully about the days they played together as children. Cat, however, has a completely different recollection and can’t help but be rather suspicious – and her suspicions are borne out when Elizabeth invites Cat and Hakesby to dinner, and then starts asking about the plans for the old Cockpit building in the grounds of the palace of Whitehall. Cat immediately realises that this is the real reason for Elizabeth’s chumminess – and also that the elderly gentleman she introduces as a family friend is in fact, her father Richard the titular Last Protector (he became Lord Protector of England after the death of his father, Oliver Cromwell, but his ‘rule’ lasted for only nine months) who has been living abroad in exile. If recognised he could be arrested, but he has come to England after receiving a letter written by his mother on her deathbed, which indicates that she left something – he hopes something valuable – within the old Cockpit building, and he wants to find it and use it to pay off his debts.
Cat wants to distance herself from the Cromwells immediately – merely associating with them could bring accusations of treason – but Hakesby, never a supporter of the King, is overjoyed at the thought of being of help to such a ‘great man’. Cat is nervous about the whole thing, and even though they haven’t seen each other for months, wants to talk to Marwood about it and ask for his advice. But her husband scrutinises all her movements and she cannot seek him out.
From these two disparate events – a duel and a not-so-chance meeting – Andrew Taylor weaves together a well-paced story of intrigue and escalating danger. When Buckingham learns of Richard’s presence in England and of Elizabeth’s friendship with Cat – whose father was one of those who signed Charles I’s death warrant – Cat finds herself at the centre of a dangerous conspiracy while Marwood has also run into problems which lead directly back to Buckingham and a plot to destabilise the monarchy.
As has happened in the previous books, Cat and Marwood find themselves embroiled in the same situation albeit in different ways and from different angles, but in this book, they interact rarely, unable to communicate openly because they are being watched by Buckingham’s men – and I confess I did miss their conversations and discussions. Theirs is an odd relationship; they’re not exactly friends but the things they’ve been through together have engendered a deep trust between them, and they seem able to understand and intuit certain things about each other that others do not. They’re very different personalities – Cat is sharp and prickly where Marwood is quieter and sometimes rather hapless, although he’s definitely growing as a character, becoming more courageous and confident in his own abilities and accomplishing some very skilful political manouevring at the end.
As always, the author makes excellent use of his historical backdrop and does a wonderful job of bringing Restoration London to life. The Last Protector is a well-crafted, well-researched novel that weaves together fact and fiction to form an intriguing and engrossing story, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to historical mystery aficionados – especially those looking for something set outside the Georgian/Victorian eras.
As in the previous three books, the story comprises a clever mystery that evolves slowly as the author gradually pulls together his different story threads and combines it with a wealth of interesting historical detail skilfully woven into the background. This story begins around four months after the events of book three The King’s Evil, and we find Cat Lovett now married to the elderly architect Simon Hakesby (and finding her marriage is not bringing her the security and stability she had expected), while James Marwood continues to prosper in his post as secretary to (and sometimes spy for) Joseph Williamson, Under Secretary of State to Lord Arlington.
It’s 1668, and Charles II’s extravagance and licentious behaviour have made him deeply unpopular, with many starting to hanker after the ‘more Godly’ days of the Protectorate. Nobody wants to return to the bloody days of civil war, but there are those close to the throne who would seek even greater power than they already have and threaten the already unstable position of the King and the monarchy in general.
When The Last Protector opens, Marwood is sent to observe a duel between the Duke of Buckingham – a favourite of the King – and Lord Shrewsbury, which ends with one man killed and Shrewsbury badly injured. Williamson needs a first-hand account of the proceedings; Buckingham is becoming increasingly powerful, which makes him a potential danger to the throne and the country – and Williamson and his master need a way to keep him in line.
Cat Hakesby is walking home through the streets of the Citywhen she is hailed by a woman she doesn’t immediately recognise. The woman is close to her own age and well dressed – and then Cat recalls her identity; she is Elizabeth Cromwell, granddaughter of Oliver, and she treats Cat like a long-lost bosom friend, talking eagerly and wistfully about the days they played together as children. Cat, however, has a completely different recollection and can’t help but be rather suspicious – and her suspicions are borne out when Elizabeth invites Cat and Hakesby to dinner, and then starts asking about the plans for the old Cockpit building in the grounds of the palace of Whitehall. Cat immediately realises that this is the real reason for Elizabeth’s chumminess – and also that the elderly gentleman she introduces as a family friend is in fact, her father Richard the titular Last Protector (he became Lord Protector of England after the death of his father, Oliver Cromwell, but his ‘rule’ lasted for only nine months) who has been living abroad in exile. If recognised he could be arrested, but he has come to England after receiving a letter written by his mother on her deathbed, which indicates that she left something – he hopes something valuable – within the old Cockpit building, and he wants to find it and use it to pay off his debts.
Cat wants to distance herself from the Cromwells immediately – merely associating with them could bring accusations of treason – but Hakesby, never a supporter of the King, is overjoyed at the thought of being of help to such a ‘great man’. Cat is nervous about the whole thing, and even though they haven’t seen each other for months, wants to talk to Marwood about it and ask for his advice. But her husband scrutinises all her movements and she cannot seek him out.
From these two disparate events – a duel and a not-so-chance meeting – Andrew Taylor weaves together a well-paced story of intrigue and escalating danger. When Buckingham learns of Richard’s presence in England and of Elizabeth’s friendship with Cat – whose father was one of those who signed Charles I’s death warrant – Cat finds herself at the centre of a dangerous conspiracy while Marwood has also run into problems which lead directly back to Buckingham and a plot to destabilise the monarchy.
As has happened in the previous books, Cat and Marwood find themselves embroiled in the same situation albeit in different ways and from different angles, but in this book, they interact rarely, unable to communicate openly because they are being watched by Buckingham’s men – and I confess I did miss their conversations and discussions. Theirs is an odd relationship; they’re not exactly friends but the things they’ve been through together have engendered a deep trust between them, and they seem able to understand and intuit certain things about each other that others do not. They’re very different personalities – Cat is sharp and prickly where Marwood is quieter and sometimes rather hapless, although he’s definitely growing as a character, becoming more courageous and confident in his own abilities and accomplishing some very skilful political manouevring at the end.
As always, the author makes excellent use of his historical backdrop and does a wonderful job of bringing Restoration London to life. The Last Protector is a well-crafted, well-researched novel that weaves together fact and fiction to form an intriguing and engrossing story, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to historical mystery aficionados – especially those looking for something set outside the Georgian/Victorian eras.
February 4, 2024
Another exciting episode in the lives of Marwood and Cat Lovett, now Hakesby. Loosely based on events during the reign of Charles II, it sees the Duke of Buckingham plotting with Richard Cromwell, secretly returned from exile abroad, to overthrow the king. This isn’t something that happened but the Duke certainly involved himself in political intrigue and the duel between himself and Shrewsbury at the beginning of the novel is based on fact.
No 5 is on my bookshelf already as I’m still thoroughly enjoying this series.
No 5 is on my bookshelf already as I’m still thoroughly enjoying this series.
April 18, 2020
thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for an open and honest review
this the latest in the marwood and Lovett series felt was the weakest so far in the series and was really slow to get going and wasn't that exciting, maybe in the future Lovett can play a larger role in further plots.
this the latest in the marwood and Lovett series felt was the weakest so far in the series and was really slow to get going and wasn't that exciting, maybe in the future Lovett can play a larger role in further plots.
April 23, 2021
The space of time between reading the third book of the series (2019) and this one was substantial, but Taylor writes so well and the characters are etched in memory...so it all works. I thought this was going to close up the series, but no. I will attack the fifth as soon as I am able to keep things a bit fresher in my memory. Both Cat and Marwood are distinct characters a reader easily invests in, but they are both certainly challenged with difficult hurdles in this episode. The bad guys make the spine tingle.
Read
December 13, 2020We have spies, old and new family secrets, duelling aristocrats (literally and figuratively), politics, religion, murders, corruption, street violence and brothels. This is the London of Charles II's disreputable reign so none of the above should be a surprise.
There is almost too much going on, but Taylor manages to hold the threads together, partly by disposing of awkward characters and partly through a rapid tidy up at the end.
There is almost too much going on, but Taylor manages to hold the threads together, partly by disposing of awkward characters and partly through a rapid tidy up at the end.
January 27, 2020
I'm so glad that James Marwood is back. I thought the series was finished after book 3 - I don't remember where I heard/read that, but I'm delighted we got more.
I love this series, and Andrew Taylor weaves a fabulous tale of intrigue set around the court of King Charles II. The plot is fast paced with Marwood fleeing for his life on more than one occasion.
I feel James Marwood has really grown as a character.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC.
I love this series, and Andrew Taylor weaves a fabulous tale of intrigue set around the court of King Charles II. The plot is fast paced with Marwood fleeing for his life on more than one occasion.
I feel James Marwood has really grown as a character.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC.
April 3, 2020
This is such a good series and The Last Protect is a fine addition to it. The location and setting are fabulous - late 1660s in London - and it's all beautifully described. The honeymoon period following the restoration of Charles II is definitely over. The risk of yet more civil war is increasing and Marwood and Catt find themselves once more right in the deadly heart of it. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
April 2, 2020
A friend of mine recently recommended this series as he knows I enjoy the C.J. Sansom Shardlake series so when I saw this ARC available for request on NetGalley I immediately clicked the button.
Despite not having read the first three books I found it quite easy to follow the plot which relates to Charles II, the Duke of Buckingham and Richard Cromwell (son of Oliver and the Last Protector of the title).
Our hero/detective James Marwood is occasionally required to act as a spy for the King. His master, Joseph Williamson, the Under Secretary of State to Lord Arlington and Lord Arlington are desperate to find evidence (cough, manufacture) against the Duke of Buckingham and send James to spy on a duel between Buckingham and Lord Shrewsbury, which leaves one man dead and Lord Shrewsbury seriously injured.
Our heroine, Cat Hakesby, is married to an elderly architect and seems to be prospering when she runs across an old acquaintance, Elizabeth Cromwell, a meeting which turns out to be anything but coincidental. Drawn against her will into intrigue involving her husband, Buckingham and the Cromwells, Cat's world collides with James' (and not for the first time I understand).
Based on certain historical facts Andrew Taylor has woven a gripping tale of plots, favours and the sheer wretchedness of life for women, servants and the underclass. Learn about the Bawdy House riots, the half-life of the last Protector, the mazer-scourers, and how absolutely foul people can be to others.
A cracking read, I will get the previous books and read them shortly!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Despite not having read the first three books I found it quite easy to follow the plot which relates to Charles II, the Duke of Buckingham and Richard Cromwell (son of Oliver and the Last Protector of the title).
Our hero/detective James Marwood is occasionally required to act as a spy for the King. His master, Joseph Williamson, the Under Secretary of State to Lord Arlington and Lord Arlington are desperate to find evidence (cough, manufacture) against the Duke of Buckingham and send James to spy on a duel between Buckingham and Lord Shrewsbury, which leaves one man dead and Lord Shrewsbury seriously injured.
Our heroine, Cat Hakesby, is married to an elderly architect and seems to be prospering when she runs across an old acquaintance, Elizabeth Cromwell, a meeting which turns out to be anything but coincidental. Drawn against her will into intrigue involving her husband, Buckingham and the Cromwells, Cat's world collides with James' (and not for the first time I understand).
Based on certain historical facts Andrew Taylor has woven a gripping tale of plots, favours and the sheer wretchedness of life for women, servants and the underclass. Learn about the Bawdy House riots, the half-life of the last Protector, the mazer-scourers, and how absolutely foul people can be to others.
A cracking read, I will get the previous books and read them shortly!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 2, 2020
James Marwood returns for a fourth outing, thank goodness, this series just keeps getting better! Marwood's masters suspect the Duke of Buckingham of challenging the King. Marwood is charged with gathering information, he also discovers that Cat Hakesby has become involved in the Duke's affairs, as a childhood friend has contacted her. Unfortunately for Cat, the childhood friend is Elizabeth Cromwell, daughter of Richard Cromwell, the last Lord Protector.
Once again we get a historical mystery/thriller which entertains and informs. Full of intrigue, unforgettable characters and a plot which keeps you engaged until the last page. Here's hoping this isn't Marwood's last adventure, this reader hopes the series will continue well into the future.
Once again we get a historical mystery/thriller which entertains and informs. Full of intrigue, unforgettable characters and a plot which keeps you engaged until the last page. Here's hoping this isn't Marwood's last adventure, this reader hopes the series will continue well into the future.
December 16, 2020
This has the merits of any good historical crime novel - bags of plausible colour but not prettified (sewer and bawdy house both figure), a twisty plot and a reasonably sympathetic protagonist. But what lifts it above average is how cleverly it uses the real political machinations of the period - riots, duels and manoeuvres against a background of those who, weary of the Restoration, hanker for the old Protectorate. I found this thought-provoking; and I liked the character of the ultimate outsider, Ferrus.
December 18, 2020
Excellent entry in the Marwood-Lovett series. The Duke of Buckingham bad guy thing is in full force here, with the added spice of Tumbledown Dick Cromwell showing up like a bad penny in London. Taylor continues to write marvelous historical fiction. Cannot get enough of his books !
April 14, 2024
Not quite as enjoyable as the previous three, felt a little far fetched and laboured.
September 23, 2020
This is the fourth sequence in the James Marwood and Catherine Lovett series. Marwood works as a spy/clerk for Williamson the Undersecretary to Lord Arlington at White Hall, he occasionally has work for the king via Mr Chiffinch. He knows Cat Lovett now Mrs Hakesby through their previous adventures but they have not communicated for some time. In this novel, there is unrest in London and the Duke of Buckingham has some ulterior motive. How is Cat involved and what will James become involved in? There is a conflict between parliament, the King and Buckingham but the read is kept guessing about who sides with whom and what are the real issues.
This is a good story from the off as it steps right into the conflict and it is unclear just how the sides will develop. The main characters, Cat and James are intrically woven into the historical events surrounding the London post Great Fire and jostling for position of those at the Royal Court.
There is nothing to dislike in this story as it is well thought out period novel giving a good balance of the violence,lewdness and general stink of the times. Some violence and some sex but none that I felt was out of context of the story.
I particularly liked the blend of the intrigue with the need of characters to exist within the historical frame work. Well done Andrew Taylor, a very good read. Enough for me to round up my 4.75 to a 5 which I rarely give.
Thanks to the Hampshire library e book service.
This is a good story from the off as it steps right into the conflict and it is unclear just how the sides will develop. The main characters, Cat and James are intrically woven into the historical events surrounding the London post Great Fire and jostling for position of those at the Royal Court.
There is nothing to dislike in this story as it is well thought out period novel giving a good balance of the violence,lewdness and general stink of the times. Some violence and some sex but none that I felt was out of context of the story.
I particularly liked the blend of the intrigue with the need of characters to exist within the historical frame work. Well done Andrew Taylor, a very good read. Enough for me to round up my 4.75 to a 5 which I rarely give.
Thanks to the Hampshire library e book service.
October 2, 2021
I did enjoy this book (have read all the James Marwood and Catherine Lovett series) - this is all about an uprising planned by George Villiers (the Duke Of Buckingham) and educates about lesser known historical figures such as Richard Cromwell. I like the characters more and more (especially Cat who has depth and complexity) and I love the slow burning chemistry between her and James Marwood.
The problem with this book (for me anyway) is it has a very complex plot and if I wasn’t able to read every day I was having to constantly read back to make the plot clear. Just found it a bit too convoluted and without a clear trajectory. Meant sometimes I was skipping bits and didn’t want to as I was interested in the story.
Three stars from me - but plot too convoluted and at times confusing!
The problem with this book (for me anyway) is it has a very complex plot and if I wasn’t able to read every day I was having to constantly read back to make the plot clear. Just found it a bit too convoluted and without a clear trajectory. Meant sometimes I was skipping bits and didn’t want to as I was interested in the story.
Three stars from me - but plot too convoluted and at times confusing!
May 19, 2020
I think I'm getting bored with this series as I didn't enjoy this as much as the others. Here Marwood and Lovett get entangled in a plot led by Oliver Cromwell's son in which the duke of Buckingham seems to be pulling the strings. Okay but wasn't as engaged with it as first 3 books.
January 31, 2021
Oliver Cromwell was Lord Protector to the Commonwealth of England, Ireland and Scotland. He was a direct descendent of the infamous Thomas Cromwell, who served at the side of King Henry VIII only to meet with one of the more brutal executions in British history. Alas, Oliver’s end was not much better. After his role in the British Civil War that saw two kings executed, he lived the rest of his life loved by some and hated by others. When he eventually succumbed to malarial fever at the age of 59, his body was exhumed after burial and beheaded --- his head stuck on a stake for all to see, smeared with excrement.
It is important to understand the history of the Cromwells when reading THE LAST PROTECTOR as it plays a big role in the narrative that Andrew Taylor creates to tell this story. Oliver Cromwell’s son, Richard, the Lord Protector of England in his father’s wake, is an unpopular figure. He is trying to keep a low profile as he and his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, are just outside of Whitehall in 1668 visiting with the Hakesby family, among others.
Simon Hakesby, a well-known surveyor and architect, is ailing. Readers of Taylor’s work will be familiar with Simon’s wife, Catherine, who was known as Cat Lovett prior to her marriage. Mistress Elizabeth Cromwell passed away three years ago and at the time of her death was the Lady Protectress of England. It was alleged that some of the last words she uttered before succumbing to her illness was “Ferrus will help him,” a reference made about Richard. We soon learn that Ferrus is a mere mazer-scourer’s laborer whose best friends appear to be animals. Astute readers will recognize that Ferrus will end up playing an important role in the book.
We learn that Cat and Elizabeth were childhood friends, which Cat kept even from her husband. She knows the Cromwell family intimately, including many of their secrets. Now, Elizabeth is reunited with the young girl she knew as Catty, and she and her father will need her assistance and protection during the action that follows. The ruler of England is now King Charles II, and he is no fan of the Cromwells, especially since Oliver had been one of those who signed the order of execution for his father, King Charles I, at the end of the Civil War.
Cat will not be alone in her endeavors and allegiance to the Cromwell family as she is reunited with an “old friend,” who is none other than James Marwood, a traitor’s son turned government agent. Cat and Marwood initially met during the Great Fire 18 months prior and since then have become indebted to each other through successive adventures of peril and intrigue. If you would like to learn more about them, I recommend reading the previous three entries in this stellar series: THE ASHES OF LONDON, THE FIRE COURT and THE KING’S EVIL. You will not be disappointed.
Marwood realizes what Cat is doing, and he honors his obligation to her rather than turning in the Hakesbys and Cromwells to King Charles II to make favor. She tells him that two gentlemen in particular, Roger Durrell and a former clergyman named Veal, may be following them with nefarious intentions. There is also a big secret known to the Cromwells and Cat that lies deep within Whitehall under the nose of Charles II. It will take all the cunning and guile that Cat and Marwood can muster to help uncover it and escape with their own lives. But what is life without adventure?
Andrew Taylor’s historical fiction is fun to read. He breathes life into these (mostly) real flesh-and-blood characters and sets them against the backdrop of a grand story to the point where you may as well be reading a fictional tale of political intrigue and espionage set in old England. British and European history class was never as enjoyable as it is in Taylor’s hands!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
It is important to understand the history of the Cromwells when reading THE LAST PROTECTOR as it plays a big role in the narrative that Andrew Taylor creates to tell this story. Oliver Cromwell’s son, Richard, the Lord Protector of England in his father’s wake, is an unpopular figure. He is trying to keep a low profile as he and his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, are just outside of Whitehall in 1668 visiting with the Hakesby family, among others.
Simon Hakesby, a well-known surveyor and architect, is ailing. Readers of Taylor’s work will be familiar with Simon’s wife, Catherine, who was known as Cat Lovett prior to her marriage. Mistress Elizabeth Cromwell passed away three years ago and at the time of her death was the Lady Protectress of England. It was alleged that some of the last words she uttered before succumbing to her illness was “Ferrus will help him,” a reference made about Richard. We soon learn that Ferrus is a mere mazer-scourer’s laborer whose best friends appear to be animals. Astute readers will recognize that Ferrus will end up playing an important role in the book.
We learn that Cat and Elizabeth were childhood friends, which Cat kept even from her husband. She knows the Cromwell family intimately, including many of their secrets. Now, Elizabeth is reunited with the young girl she knew as Catty, and she and her father will need her assistance and protection during the action that follows. The ruler of England is now King Charles II, and he is no fan of the Cromwells, especially since Oliver had been one of those who signed the order of execution for his father, King Charles I, at the end of the Civil War.
Cat will not be alone in her endeavors and allegiance to the Cromwell family as she is reunited with an “old friend,” who is none other than James Marwood, a traitor’s son turned government agent. Cat and Marwood initially met during the Great Fire 18 months prior and since then have become indebted to each other through successive adventures of peril and intrigue. If you would like to learn more about them, I recommend reading the previous three entries in this stellar series: THE ASHES OF LONDON, THE FIRE COURT and THE KING’S EVIL. You will not be disappointed.
Marwood realizes what Cat is doing, and he honors his obligation to her rather than turning in the Hakesbys and Cromwells to King Charles II to make favor. She tells him that two gentlemen in particular, Roger Durrell and a former clergyman named Veal, may be following them with nefarious intentions. There is also a big secret known to the Cromwells and Cat that lies deep within Whitehall under the nose of Charles II. It will take all the cunning and guile that Cat and Marwood can muster to help uncover it and escape with their own lives. But what is life without adventure?
Andrew Taylor’s historical fiction is fun to read. He breathes life into these (mostly) real flesh-and-blood characters and sets them against the backdrop of a grand story to the point where you may as well be reading a fictional tale of political intrigue and espionage set in old England. British and European history class was never as enjoyable as it is in Taylor’s hands!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
October 4, 2021
Like the three earlier books in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed Andrew Taylor's 'The Last Protector'. This series is set in the years immediately after the Great Fire of London and features the adventures of James Marwood and Cat Lovett. The stories are set against a background of rebuilding London, the ongoing issues between the Church of England and the Church of Rome and the cut and thrust of power politics in London at the time.
In this book Oliver Cromwell's son Richard secretly returns from exile in France in order to find a hidden package. As ever, Cat and Marwood are required to risk all to avoid falling foul of various Lords, Masters and also the King.
If you like historical adventure, this is the book for you - I recommend it very highly and eagerly anticipate the 5th book in the series, 'The royal secret'.
In this book Oliver Cromwell's son Richard secretly returns from exile in France in order to find a hidden package. As ever, Cat and Marwood are required to risk all to avoid falling foul of various Lords, Masters and also the King.
If you like historical adventure, this is the book for you - I recommend it very highly and eagerly anticipate the 5th book in the series, 'The royal secret'.
October 5, 2024
Anglija, 1668-ieji. Vis dar nepamirštas brolžudiškas Oliverio Cromwellio sukilimas. Ir, regis, niekas nenorėtų, kad tie laikai sugrįžtų. Bet ar tikrai? Į Londoną iš tremties paslapčiomis sugrįžta Oliverio sūnus. Sugrįžta visai ne politiniais tikslais, o norėdamas atrasti motinos paslėptą lobį ir taip pataisyti savp katastrofišką finansinę situaciją. Bet kai kas jį atpažįsta. Ir žinoma, nedelsdamas nusprendžia įtraukti į savas politines intrigas.
Cat Lovett prieš savo valią priversta padėti Richardui Cromwelliui lobio paieškose, tačiau vien pažintis su juo gali moterį, išdaviko dukterį, pasmerkti ešafotui. Jamesas Marwoodas norėtų jai padėti, bet paprasčiausias kelias – įduoti Cromwellį – netinka, nes taip po smūgiu bus pakišta ir Cat. O kilpa veržiasi...
Tayloro istoriniai detektyvai būtų gal ir neblogi, bet turi vieną trūkumą – pagrindiniai veikėjai mane siutina. 90 procentų laiko jie elgiasi kaip idiotai, kasdami sau duobę. Žinoma, pabaigoje iš jos išlipa – neretai aplamdyti, ne be praradimų, bet išlipa. Nes ciklą reik tęsti, nu.
Jei ne ta porelė, šitas romanas ir visai būtų geras. Tai tegul bus keturi iš penkių. Bet labai skysti keturi. Ir subręskit jau, nu! Jamesai, Cat – girdit?
Cat Lovett prieš savo valią priversta padėti Richardui Cromwelliui lobio paieškose, tačiau vien pažintis su juo gali moterį, išdaviko dukterį, pasmerkti ešafotui. Jamesas Marwoodas norėtų jai padėti, bet paprasčiausias kelias – įduoti Cromwellį – netinka, nes taip po smūgiu bus pakišta ir Cat. O kilpa veržiasi...
Tayloro istoriniai detektyvai būtų gal ir neblogi, bet turi vieną trūkumą – pagrindiniai veikėjai mane siutina. 90 procentų laiko jie elgiasi kaip idiotai, kasdami sau duobę. Žinoma, pabaigoje iš jos išlipa – neretai aplamdyti, ne be praradimų, bet išlipa. Nes ciklą reik tęsti, nu.
Jei ne ta porelė, šitas romanas ir visai būtų geras. Tai tegul bus keturi iš penkių. Bet labai skysti keturi. Ir subręskit jau, nu! Jamesai, Cat – girdit?
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January 22, 20243.75 / 5
July 31, 2024
I'm addicted to this series! Well written, 17th century intrigue. I've learned so much about an era I had read much about but mostly found confusing. The characters are mostly flawed by today's standards but have earned my respect for their survival in the time of much turmoil. Can't wait to read #5!
April 19, 2022
Restoration plots, intrigue and sewers!
February 10, 2023
Another enjoyable book in the Marwood/Lovett series, with a full compliment on intrigue and a bit of action as well. Mr. Marwood (or Marworm in the Duke of Buckingham’s parlance) becomes more sophisticated with each book, and in “The Last Protector” is both clever and lawyerly (the two not being necessarily synonymous). I shall read on to see, among other things, if Marwood and Lovett ever recognize what I’m certain has been obvious to most readers from the start.
May 3, 2024
Goooood
June 29, 2020
If I stay up too late reading then I have to give it 5 stars. This isn’t my favorite one but still entertaining. I can’t help but really like Marwood and Cat.
September 22, 2020
The latest in the Marwood/Lovett historical crime series pushes both characters to their furthest limits and embroils them in the most complex and dangerous conspiracy yet. Marwood has to get his hands bloody this time. The outcome may not set them free but it brings them to a place of respite. Will this be the final novel in the series? Only time will tell. - BH.
February 23, 2020
The series continues with Marwood and Cat on good form. Very enjoyable period detail and good writing and plot, although the behaviour of some of the characters - and that they are allowed to get away with it - is a bit unbelievable.
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