The Queen's Men

Agents of the Crown #2

by Oliver Clements

The unputdownable and “lively” ( The New York Times ) Agents of the Crown series continues with this riveting novel following the original MI6 agent as he is assigned a dangerous mission to recreate a weapon from antiquity.

As she travels through Waltham Forest, Queen Elizabeth I is ambushed by masked gunmen who leave her carriage riddled with holes before disappearing into the night. Knowing that the perpetrators have the Queen’s carriage route, her Private Secretary, Sir Francis Walsingham, must find the mystery assailants before they can strike again.

While Queen Elizabeth’s Privy Council debates how to best secure the throne in the wake of the attack and Catholic Spain’s further intrusion into the Low Countries, the queen herself searches for the ultimate weapon to protect her country and Greek fire, the recipe of which disappeared with the collapse of the Byzantine Empire.

She orders her friend John Dee—scientist, philosopher, and spy—to rediscover this vital secret, despite his misgivings. For he understands that in a world fraught with coded messages, ruthless adversaries, and deadly plot, his mission to secure his nation’s future may prove impossible, unless he deploys the most effective weapon of intelligence.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, British Literature, Historical Mystery, Espionage, Historical

416 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2021

Reviews

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed Oliver Clements' The Queen's Men. Lately, I've hit a string of lackluster historical mysteries. They haven't been complete failures, but they've left me aware of some of the weaknesses of the genre: the overly simple mystery at the heart of the novel and historical characters that feel more like cardboard photo props than real people. The Queen's Men is delightfully free of these problems.

The mystery is complex, stretched out across time with small leads that keep bringing a solution near, but not quite close enough. Clements' tale is woven of multiple threads, so moments of crisis and resolution occur throughout the book. The ending is powerful and climactic (I'm pretty sure my reading speed doubled on the last few chapters), but there are other dramatic solutions to seemingly intractable problems throughout. Clements introduces readers to the complex politics of the time (the reign of Elizabeth I) in a way that makes that information essential to the story, rather than a didactic add-on.

The central characters—John Dee, Francis Walsingham, William Cecil, Christopher Hatton, and Jane Frummond—are complicated on their own and in relationship to one another. Of the five, Frummond is (as far as I know) the only non-historical character, and her presence is a particular delight, an adventurous woman both of and beyond her time.

This is a historical mystery that should delight anyone who enjoys the genre. It will also delight readers of historical fiction and readers of "real" history who need an occasional romp. It's well worth purchasing or requesting from your local library.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher; the opinions are my own.

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read all four of the books in this series by the publisher via NetGalley to celebrate the publication of the fourth book, The Queen's Lies, in August. I wasn't too thrilled with book one, which seemed a bit like a James Bond novel set in Elizabethan England. But this second book is much richer in plot and quite enjoyable. Of course, most of the story is about plots against the Queen which must be stopped. This may seem nerve-wrackingly close to modern day events with the recent assassination attempt against Donald Trump. Over four hundred later, men still want to change history by assassination.

I'm happy to see one or two strong women among the cast of characters, in addition to the queen, of course. I'll be interested to see where Clements takes the relationships he's forming. So enjoyable to spend a few hours in another place and time.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried it, jumping in at book two. I much prefer the series of books by S J Parris covering this period and these characters.

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book ! It's a great addition to the Elizabethan intrigue genre.

It has engaging, well drawn characters, accurate background history, is exciting, has excellent pacing and and the edge of seat plot with plenty of intrigue, filth and suspense. We know the true history, but the nefarious plots against her majesty in this book were plausible.

One needn't have read the first in the series, The Eyes of the Queen, though I wish I had, just because I enjoyed spending time in the era with Dr. Dee. I'll read it next, out of order... should be OK, as this story was pretty much stand alone.

I felt the two main female characters Jane Frommond and Ness Overbury [3 if one includes Elizabeth herself] were very well done, with their situations, background and era, not just token victims or female background objects, nor given inappropriate modern sensibilities or behavior, a pet peeve of mine.

All in all, I highly recommend this book and the Agents of the Crown series... hopefully to continue.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, swashbuckling read about the early days of the British Secret Service, MI5.

As the Queen and her entourage travel through a wooded landscape, a shot rings out! One of the Queen’s ladies, sitting where the Queen usually rides, is hit. Her Majesty’s guards immediately spring into action, but no clues are found.

This is, of course, long before the days of modern forensic science, and the way the crime is solved is nothing short of genius.

The Eyes of the Queen is the first in this series. Both books are absolutely worth a read.

I read this EARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster. Pub date 12/07/21

[Sarah W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting enough novel, although so many of the things I didn't like in the preceding book carry on in this one. The author is correct that the events of this book could have happened, but I find many of the characterizations of very real historical figures strain my ability to suspend disbelief. I also just don't like John Dee (as portrayed in this novel) at all, for all that he's going into debt to buy books.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a grand entertainment of a novel this is. “ The Queen’s Men”, by Oliver Clements is historical fiction, the second book to feature John Dee , a scientist ( if that word had been coined yet) in the days of QE1. More accurately, Dee dabbles in alchemy, astronomy, cartography and many other infant sciences of those days. Deeply devoted to , if not in love with her majesty, Dee is also employed by Queen Elizabeth’s master of spies, Francis Walshingham as the need arises. Arise it does one day when the Queen and her retinue is traveling back to London after a “ progress” , a series of visits to various country estates. Suddenly, the coach convoy is ambushed by masked musket - armed men. Her coach is riddled with musket balls, he guards blasted from their mounts. Has the Queen been assassinated?
Walshingham calls out all his men to find the attackers and is determined to find who hired them . Dee, who has been trying to refine gold from a pile of dirt from the new world, that is guaranteed rich in essence of gold, is once again rescued from the bailiffs who are about to send him to debtor’s prison, and set to work. That work is finding a “ recipe” for what was called “Greek Fire”, a sticky tar like -substance used by the Romans, Greeks, and Persians to set enemy ships afire. Should England have the stuff, it could destroy any fleet sent against the Kingdom’s navy. But for now, the assault on the Queen takes precedence. .
The queen’s men soon include Lady Jane Frommand, a lady in waiting to the Queen, who was present at the attempt on her life. Jane is every bit as sharp and inquisitive as John Dee. The tensions and byplay between them add a nice dimension to the book. Both characters are interesting and nicely enlarged. The plot, or plots, that they become entangled with are two : Who are the assassins and will the they try again? Second: can Dee find what he thinks he needs to make the ultimate weapon before he is stopped? The threats against the Queen and her secret weapon play out against history and the author mixes fact with fictions, cleverly bringing in a fascinating side adventure designed to safeguard the realm.
“ The Queen’s Men” (and a Woman or two) is fast, entertaining, sometimes funny, sometimes frightening entertainment. The first fifty pages or so are to set things up, and from then on it is a fast ride to a super climatic finish. You do not have to read the first book before reading this one, but you will want to , so get both and have a good time in Elizabethan England.
Cautions: Elizabethans of the book are not too delicate in their descriptions of bodily functions, or bodily fun, for that matter. Some perilous moments for the main characters. A bit of stretching historical truth to make things interesting ( see author’s endnotes.)

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

You could drive a train through all the holes in this plot... I enjoyed the concept of these novels, but not the execution. While historical fiction is indeed fiction, I find it hard to swallow when the historical characters are portrayed so widely differently from the generally accepted historical understanding of them. Walsingham is made out to be so incompetent that there is no way he would have been able to manage the intricate spy network that he did if he was actually as stupid and dense as this portrayal makes him seem. Other major problems I have with the plot:

- Who exactly does the Ottoman Empire seem to think is ruling England if we are to believe that the Queen is willing to return to Persia with them? Beyond the fact that they'll eventually realize Ness is not in fact the Queen of England, the concept is just all wrong.
- The demand letter (poem) in return for the naft is really not that complicated to understand, and if the reader can get the sense that they're asking for the Queen, why are Cecil and Walsingham so incredibly dense and literal? They actually sort through the Queen's jewels, taking the demand letter quite literally... really?
- The morning of the birthday celebrations, the Greek fire is stolen, and Cecil and Walsingham are both convinced that the group who took it is just going to sail away with it now and NOT try to use it to kill the Queen? Seriously? Have they forgotten that this group is of the Black Madonna cult or whatever that is dead set on killing the Queen?

By the end of it, the reader is so far ahead of the characters in terms of where the plot is going (the George and the dragon thing at the Dutch-built house is just so painfully obvious), that it just falls flat; it's all rather anti-climactic.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll give this one a 3.75. The story is chock full of details and ruminations that bog the mystery down, the mystery of just who wants to murder Queen Elizabeth in 1577. Queen Elizabeth's two spymasters, William Cecil and Frances Walsingham set their spies to work trying to unearth the would-be assassins before they can try again.

The story of full of real people and made-up characters as the author plays with history and creates a mystery out of a small incident. The descriptions of life in the Elizabethan era are wonderful and include scenes of every-day life for the rich, aristocrats, and the middling classes.

The pace of the story is slow and stately just like Queen Elizabeth's procession. The multiple plots tangle and tumble together knotted tightly and unpicked slowly and cautiously by the spymasters, John Dee, and Lady Jane Frommond.

If you like slow paced historical mysteries (this one heated up about page 150), you'll find this one worth the effort.

Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen's Men by Oliver Clements is a wonderful historical fiction that is the second book in the Agents of the Crown series.

I honestly really, really like this series. I am surprised more readers do not know about this hidden gem.

Using real figures such as John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I, and so on and weaving them into a fictional narrative that is full of intrigue, mystery, espionage, and high-stakes drama really makes for a great end result.

I am really looking forward to the new books!

Excellent.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Atria Books | Atria/Leopoldo & Co. for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub and Amazon accounts immediately. Date of Publication 12/7/21.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

two disparate plots going at the same time was a bit muddled. But otherwise a good book.

[Debra Pawlak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.com in return for a fair review. Going into this book, I wasn't quite sure if I would like it, but I have found a new literary hero (flawed for sure, but so much fun), Dr. John Dee, and a fabulous new author, Oliver Clements. Clements not only spins a great story, but he has fun in the telling. The author's sense of humor shines through on page after page with his snarky, but clever, remarks. I found myself re-reading many passages just for the giggle. For me, the story took second place and the way Clements wrote it won me over completely. It all starts out with an assassination attempt on Queen Elizabeth I (not to be confused with Elizabeth II--the current monarch). Set in the 1500s, John Dee is on a quest to create 'Greek fire'--a powerful weapon of war. His many failed attempts wreak havoc. He is also a 'friend' of the Queen and much to her dismay, calls her 'Bess' whenever they meet. His familiarity in front of her staff causes her to cringe and shoot him warning looks--all of which he takes in good stride. All kinds of things happen in the interim and there is never a dull moment--or page. Whether you like history or not, I highly recommend this book. It is written with intelligence and, at the same time, will make you laugh out loud. I had no idea that this was the second book in a series and you can be sure, I will be looking for the first one. I sincerely hope that many more will follow. Long live Dr. John Dee!

[Kidlitter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Any Tudor junkie will find this worth reading for the period details and the appearance of those stalwart spymasters Cecil and Walsingham, along with our hero spy Dr. John Dee continuing his efforts supporting his Good Queen Bess in England's religious and political turmoil. Clements seems to have listened to the disquiet of his lackluster portrayal of female characters in the first book, particularly his sexually insatiable Mary Queen of Scots and her cautious, secretive and controlling cousin Elizabeth. Here we are provided with another binary pairing, Mistress Jane Frommond who is as good as any man on horseback and twice as clever, and Ness Overbury, the Queen's physcial double but much more free with her sexual favors. Paired with Dee and Robert Beale, Walsingham's secretary, the four launch themselves into a very busy plot of chasing after the ultimate weapon of Greek Fire, impersonating the Queen and chasing after a bevy of assassins and plotters. Frommond is a welcome additon with her cool intellect and courage, if a little conveniently liberated. Ness is more problematic as she becomes the symbol and victim of the men's darker and exploitative designs. Elizabeth is a bit remote through all of this, but that may be exactly as it felt in this muddled, dramatic, disgusting and inspirational time in History. Onto the third in the An Agent of the Crown series, with fewer reservations now that that a few of the women are being allowed to do more than act as figureheads.

[Sarah Bohatka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings on this one. It wasn't bad per say and I actually enjoyed parts of it, however, I didn't feel like I could give it above a 3 because of how slow it was for me. I didn't dread reading it or anything but it did take a while to finish and I found myself not being very excited to read it.
The plot centers on several characters who are part of the queens unofficial secret service. They each have different talents and jobs. In the beginning, someone attempts to assassinate the Queen. (Elizabeth I). This begins a mystery of who the assassins were and what their goal was. The characters must figure this out and prevent the Queen from being attacked again. There are several other subplots going on as well.
The book synopsis seemed right up my alley. I love spies and history so I thought that this would be an easy read for me. The book was just not what I was expecting it to be. I was expecting more of a thriller based on the synopsis and quotes on the cover but it didn't actually have that much action. The characters weren't very interesting to me and the subplots were a bit random and unrelated. I was expecting more of an espionage thriller but there wasn't much of that here. There a lot more of making plans, going from place to place, and romantic drama. If you really love the Elizabethan era and history, you may enjoy this a lot more, it was just disappointing for me.

[Roberta Biallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like adventure, history, sword fights, espionage, and damsels in distress (who wind up kicking butt later) then you have to RUN (don't walk) to the nearest library or bookseller for a copy of this book! Even though it is the 2nd book in the Agents of the Crown series, it is possible to read it on its own. But you will still want to go BACK and read the other book, it's well worth it!

Once again, we find the enigmatic Dr. John Dee traveling the length and breadth of England in service to her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I (when he isn't trying to outrun the bailiffs and debt collectors). The Great Comet is seen in the sky overhead and the Queen has dreams of fire on the water. She orders Master Walsingham to bring her Dr. Dee to solve the mystery of Greek Fire.

Finding himself without much say in the matter, Dee takes up the task with fear and trepidation of the carnage such a weapon of mass destruction would be in the wrong hands. While tackling this burning problem (pun intended), he has had hands full with investigating an assassination attempt, thwarting another one, and rooting out another spy in the Queen's household.

'The Queen's Men' is an un-put-downable story which will keep you up at night and may cause you to burn your dinner while trying to read and cook at the same time. Enjoy!

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the second book in his Tudor spies series, readers follow John Dee as he attempts to unmask a host of assassins who attempted to murder Queen Elizabeth I in Waltham Forest. As the Privy Council seeks to protect their interests, secure the throne, and defend Spanish attacks against England and the Low Countries, Queen Elizabeth dispatches John Dee to discover the secrets of Greek fire, a dangerous and deadly weapon lost with the fall of the Byzantine Empire, with the intent to use it to secure her throne and defend the realm. In this dangerous political climate, readers venture to Europe with Dee in service of the Queen and in search of this weapon. A fantastic sequel to the first book in the series, Clements maintains the impeccable historical detail and fascinating historical characters in this novel, and the expansion of the plot beyond Tudor England adds to the scope of this novel. With new and higher stakes, Clements appropriately amps up the action and drama of this novel, while the new characters in this novel really add to his depiction of the political climate in sixteenth-century Europe. With fascinating characters, a beautifully detailed setting, and another compelling narrative, Clements’ latest book in his Tudor spies series is a fantastic must-read for fans of the genre.

Thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Atria/Leopold & Co. for the advance copy.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced, riveting historical thriller focusing on the activities of various supporters of Queen Elizabeth Tudor. While all of England watches the Great Comet of 1577, the queen falls ill with dysentery at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire & decides to return to London. As her entourage reaches Waltham Forest, they're attacked by a dozen gunmen who leave her carriage riddled with holes, killing a young Maid of Honor. Her spymaster, Francis Walsingham, was taken unaware; he'd heard no rumors of an attempt on the queen's life. To track down the would-be assassins, he must focus his network of spies. Loyal supporters of the queen, including another Maid of Honor, begin investigating. Queen Bess herself turns to an old friend, the scientist John Dee, to recreate the formula for Greek fire, a weapon lost with the Fall of Byzantium in 1453, to use against her Spanish enemies. The queen's psychological make-up, contemporary scientific theory, Tudor politics, religious rivalry, & attitudes on the position of women all play their part in Clements' 2nd novel of Her Majesty's Secret Service. 4 stars because of the "ick" factor, but still highly recommended. And Dee's dog survives the final assassination attempt.

[Patricia Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this one.

Pros: Excellent, gritty, you-are-there writing. The smells of Elizabethan London and the squalor are pitch-perfect. And when John Dee was in the dungeon of Mont St. Michel and trying to escape before the tide engulfed him I was as disgusted and terrified as if I were next to him. I also liked the characterizations of John Dee and Francis Walsingham; very human, with doubts.

Cons: I disliked the tense-switching, and had real reservations about the whole plotline concerning Mary Queen of Scots and her sexual self-gratification. There were no historical notes at the end - which would have been welcome - and, though I understood how this related to Mary's attempt to beat Walsingham at his own game, I felt that the extent that this was dwelt upon was gratuitously salacious and unnecessary. (I'm not a prude, I just didn't think it served the plot). I also thought the description of the set-up of the spy service at the end was, well, cheesy.

All in all, not sure if I'm going to continue this series. But I do love this period, and the idea of John Dee as a spy, so maybe...

[Granny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook which is read with panache by Matthew Lloyd Davies. That is the chief pleasure of this rather disappointing novel. All the main characters are historical figures from the Elizabeth the First's reign. While in reality these historical figures were crafy and clever, in this version they are perfect dunces. One is almost reduced to cheering for the ostensible villains. It is also a bit crude in places, further marring any gloss it might otherwise have had. If you think the British monarchy absurd and ridiculous, you might enjoy this sly parody. If not, you may well take offense at the inability of the Queen's best and brightest to figure out the obvious meaning in a barely disguised request from Sultan Murad of the Ottoman Empire. In reality, Elizabeth corresponded with the Sultan for 17 years. Those entrusted with the Queen's safety are laughably inept in the final scene as they cannot, despite the totally obvious plans of the Dutch assassins, grasp their plan. Still, I confess to finding it mildly entertaining as a refreshing change from all the novels which idolize the Elizabethan Age.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in this series and I was intrigued from the beginning (same with the first one). While I originally thought these books were about the exploits of Francis Walsingham, the first two focus much more John Dee’s escapades. This one included a strong female character with Mistress Frommond and she proved to be a match with Dr. Dee. This is excellent historical fiction, although I do question whether the Queen would have been quite so forgiving of Walsingham as she is in these books. There is a lot of “yucky stuff” to wade through and of course the violence which is apparently quite realistic in the historical context. Thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to reading the 3rd installment.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does the author twist history for his own purposes, making John Dee an unlikely 007-like agent "on Her Majesty's Secret Service?" Yes. Is there always a little too much preoccupation with grime and filth in his work--to an unpleasant degree? Yes. On the other hand, his characters are vivid and consistent, the locations are accurately described and the action is compelling. Does he remake Elizabethan England--and Elizabeth herself--in his own likeness? Also yes. Read--and enjoy--if you can suppress the urge to remember the 'real' history. This is well-written light entertainment on historical themes.

[Tonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

For lovers of history, particularly Elizabethan history, this is a must read. It features Dr. John Dee and his wife Jane, Sir Francis Walsingham, Sir William Cecil, and Elizabeth I. Non stop action and intrigue as they seek out the man who attempted to assassinate the Queen but, instead, killed her lady in waiting. At the same time, Dee is trying to extract gold from ore and to discover the formula for Greek Fire. I cannot wait to read the next book.

[David C Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well written series about Elizabethan England and loosely organized around the creation of the English intelligence services with the additional help of scientist and alchemist John Dee. Dee’s acuity plays against the bureaucratic obliviousness of spymaster Francis Walsingham who in this one is so oblivious and maladroit that it can hardly be believed. Indeed, the courtiers around Elizabeth are so self absorbed and thick that it’s a wonder the country made it to 1600.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining novel about political espionage in the time of Elizabeth I with quite a few thrilling moments. It begins with quite a scene in which the queen is almost shot (and one of her ladies does die) which sets the expectation that there will be more direct participation of the queen, which to my regret, does not come to pass aside from some short appearances. It's still a good yarn with a lot of good solid historical research and realism.

[John Callahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd novel of the agents of the crown series.
Dr. John Dee the eccentric scientist, philosopher and agent for the queen’s secret service. His mission is to recreate Creek Fire to be used as a weapon for England. He’s also trying to find out who attempted to kill the queen. He and Lady Jane Frommond , lady in waiting for Queen Elizabeth, find themselves in deep sewage waters ( so to speak). Dangerous , ruthless men and desperate plots stand in the way of their mission.

[Stacy Blomquist · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a bit of a mess, and the Beale sub-plot was ridiculously fantastical. The "twice-sceptered jewel" was obvious to the reader although all the members of the Privy Council scratched their heads in confusion. Finally, the conclusion was also obvious from the moment the topic of the play that the Queen was to see was identified.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in a series about the formation of the British Secret Service. While it was a good story it lagged in places and the writing was nothing to write home about. I felt about it very much as I did about the first in this series. I wonder if I will even bother reading the third and final volume.

[Mike Shoop · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting adventure story, just wish the narrative had been a bit leaner and that the pace had been faster. Liked the characters, the historical details, and the storylines were compelling, but it just dragged in spots. Didn't read the first in the series, but I don't think that mattered. Will I read any more of them? Possibly, but not anytime soon.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. The plot against Queen Elizabeth is not over, and after an attempted assassination, the perpetrators must be dealt with.

This was a well-written read. It was a bit difficult in areas, where it just felt as though the thoughts didn't fully come together. Overall, not a terrible read.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book in the series set in Elizabethan England. I enjoyed this action filled book and felt that it was well written, a historically accurate historical fiction book. The Queen’s Men is about a plot to kill Queen Elizabeth. Once again, John Dee is the protagonist of the story. I really enjoyed the subplots and felt that the author did an excellent job with character aand plot development. I am a fan of the series and I hope that there will be more books to come.