London 1604 – In the reign of King James I, religious tensions threaten to rise out of control.
Dedicated to his writing and performing, successful playwright, William Shakespeare, finds his life disturbed by the return of an old friend, Gabriel Catesby. As unsavoury events unfold, William accepts him into his company of players, The King’s Men, relying on his friend for protection against those who wish him harm.
When the King’s Men perform at a lord’s manor house, through Catesby’s connections, William is introduced to those who seek to use his influence, for a playwright’s words are powerful. And secret meetings with the likes of Guy Fawkes draw further questions about Catesby’s own intentions and loyalties.
As dangerous plots ensue, William becomes entangled with dangerous new alliances: alliances that teeter on the brink of treason.
Catesby's Ghost is a much anticipated return to the Mysteries of Shakespeare series, placing the playwright in the mix of the most infamous instance of domestic terrorism in English history.
Leonard Tourney came to BYU in 2006 after teaching at Western Illinois University, the University of Tulsa, and the University of California at Santa Barbara. A specialist in composition pedagogy and creative writing, Professor Tourney has authored scholarly articles in l7th century British literature, a critical biography of Joseph Hall, short fiction, and nine historical novels, the most recent a fictional memoir of William Shakespeare.
1604 William Shakespeare reluctantly allows school friend, Gabriel Catesby, into his players company. But with what consequences. An enjoyable historical mystery
Wonderful book. This does everything I want from historical fiction and everything I want from a mystery novel. Add the great writing and I'll be working my way through this series.
Shakespeare is not some remote paragon here; he is a man with a family, a job, and a serious problem. Yes, he has an extraordinary ability that has brought him from a youth spent in rural England to the heart of culture and power, London, but he has not forgotten where he came from, and his past won't let him escape. In an incredibly dangerous time in England, a childhood friend appears and may be drawing him into an intrigue that could put Shakespeare on the gallows.
If you have _any_ interest in reading historical fiction or mysteries, or just great writing, treat yourself to this book!
Another entertaining story from Leonard Tourney, channelling Will Shakespeare 's involvement in an episode of England's history that is still celebrated 4 centuries on. Cleverly done.