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Nicholas Shelby #5
The Rebel's Mark
Elizabeth's reign is reaching its winter and England's old adversaries are fading. But in a world on the brink of change, showing any weakness can be fatal...
1598. Nicholas Shelby, unorthodox physician and reluctant spy for Robert Cecil, has brought his wife Bianca and their child home from exile in Padua. Welcome at court, his star is in the ascendancy. But he has returned to a dangerous world.
Two old enemies are approaching their final reckoning. England and Spain are exhausted by war. In London, Elizabeth is entering the twilight of her reign. In Madrid, King Philip of Spain is dying. Perhaps now is the time for one last throw of the dice.
Elizabeth has seen off more than one Spanish attempt at invasion. But still she is not safe. In Ireland, rebellion against her rule is raging. And if Spain can take Ireland, England will be more vulnerable than ever.
When England's greatest living poet, Edmund Spenser, sends Robert Cecil an enigmatic and mysterious plea for help from his Irish fastness, Cecil dispatches Nicholas to investigate. Soon he and Bianca find themselves caught up not just in bloody rebellion, but in the lethal power-play between Cecil and the one man Elizabeth believes can restore Ireland to her, the unpredictable Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex.
1598. Nicholas Shelby, unorthodox physician and reluctant spy for Robert Cecil, has brought his wife Bianca and their child home from exile in Padua. Welcome at court, his star is in the ascendancy. But he has returned to a dangerous world.
Two old enemies are approaching their final reckoning. England and Spain are exhausted by war. In London, Elizabeth is entering the twilight of her reign. In Madrid, King Philip of Spain is dying. Perhaps now is the time for one last throw of the dice.
Elizabeth has seen off more than one Spanish attempt at invasion. But still she is not safe. In Ireland, rebellion against her rule is raging. And if Spain can take Ireland, England will be more vulnerable than ever.
When England's greatest living poet, Edmund Spenser, sends Robert Cecil an enigmatic and mysterious plea for help from his Irish fastness, Cecil dispatches Nicholas to investigate. Soon he and Bianca find themselves caught up not just in bloody rebellion, but in the lethal power-play between Cecil and the one man Elizabeth believes can restore Ireland to her, the unpredictable Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2022
220 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
S.W. Perry
11 books133 followersS. W. Perry was a journalist and broadcaster before retraining as an airline pilot. He lives in Worcestershire, England with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 2, 2022
I wasn’t sure whether to give this 3 or 4 stars. Some of the story of reluctantly agreeing to help Robert Cecil despite the danger and then resolving not to do it again was quite repetitive. That said, the historical fiction was very interesting and fits so well with my (albeit brief) research into the people and times. Worth a read.
May 28, 2023
I have been following these books for some time now and love finding out what new adventures Nicholas Shelby and his wife Bianca will get up to. This one is set at the very end of the 16th century and concerns the Irish rebellion, about which I knew nothing. The description is amazing as always in S. W. Perry's books and I love the way Nicholas seems to be a 'modern' doctor, discounting many of the quack cures that were around at the time. I do not know anything about the herbal cures used in Tudor times but I trust the author to have carried out enough research. He and his wife are an established couple now and she is also quite modern in her determination to accompany Nicholas on his travels, however dangerous. I am looking forward to the latest book in this series which I have reserved. I know it has nothing to do with the stories but I also love the beautiful covers.
April 5, 2025
Set in 1598/99, we travel with Dr Shelby and Bianca to Ireland.
He is to keep an eye on Robert Devereux. They get caught up with the fighting and become separated.
Another great read in the Jackdaw series. Lots of action (perhaps too much for one couple) but it makes for exciting reading.
He is to keep an eye on Robert Devereux. They get caught up with the fighting and become separated.
Another great read in the Jackdaw series. Lots of action (perhaps too much for one couple) but it makes for exciting reading.
March 12, 2022
Continuing the Jackdaw mysteries with our main characters Physician Nicholas Shelby and his wife Bianca. From the rebellion in Ireland to the politics in London both sides of Elizabeth’s court Robert Cecil and the Earl of Essex put Nicholas’s and Bianca’s life in grave danger being the pawns in their games.
A really good take on the espionage and intrigue at the end of Elizabeth’s reign and her continuing War with Spain. You will be drawn into the very dangerous and uncertain world of Elizabethan England.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A really good take on the espionage and intrigue at the end of Elizabeth’s reign and her continuing War with Spain. You will be drawn into the very dangerous and uncertain world of Elizabethan England.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2025
'The Rebel's Mark' is fifth in the addictive Jackdaw Mysteries series by SW Perry in which intrepid doctor Nicholas Shelby and his apothecary wife Bianca are sent to Ireland where Irish rebels fight the English. What an adventure it is, full of Elizabethan politics, religious division, spying, kidnapping, fighting, the cunning of some clever women and a shipwreck.
The story starts in 1598 with the shipwreck. A Spanish ship founders on Irish rocks and most aboard are lost, if not drowned they are murdered by the English soldiers who stumble on the wreck. Two women escape. Exactly why a Spanish ship should be so far from home is a mystery.
Robert Cecil, Secretary of State to Elizabeth I, sends Nicholas to Ireland to join Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, commander of the English army, but also as a spy. Bianca refuses to be separated from her husband and Nicholas gains permission for her to travel as part of the medical team. Their young son Bruno stays at home at the Jackdaw tavern, cared for by his mother's landlady Rose and her husband Ned Monkton. Nicholas' secret task is to meet with poet Edmund Spenser, he of the 'Faerie Queene.' Spenser is annoyingly tight-lipped. There are many personality clashes which add to the divisive politics of the time. Essex hates Cecil. One of Essex's commanders is a former admirer of Bianca and therefore sets against Nicholas. Who knows whose side Spenser is really on. How is the shipwreck connected to Anglo-Irish politics. And what of the Irish rebels, 'men in fur pelts and broacloth gowns sit upon shaggy ponies' led by the enigmatic Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone.
As always the story moves along at a cracking pace. Nicholas and Bianca both get into trouble and have their separate adventures while at home in Bankside, stolid Ned becomes curious about the murder of a young man and starts to ask awkward questions.
I'm loving this series. To get the most out of it, start with the first 'The Angel's Mark.'
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
The story starts in 1598 with the shipwreck. A Spanish ship founders on Irish rocks and most aboard are lost, if not drowned they are murdered by the English soldiers who stumble on the wreck. Two women escape. Exactly why a Spanish ship should be so far from home is a mystery.
Robert Cecil, Secretary of State to Elizabeth I, sends Nicholas to Ireland to join Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, commander of the English army, but also as a spy. Bianca refuses to be separated from her husband and Nicholas gains permission for her to travel as part of the medical team. Their young son Bruno stays at home at the Jackdaw tavern, cared for by his mother's landlady Rose and her husband Ned Monkton. Nicholas' secret task is to meet with poet Edmund Spenser, he of the 'Faerie Queene.' Spenser is annoyingly tight-lipped. There are many personality clashes which add to the divisive politics of the time. Essex hates Cecil. One of Essex's commanders is a former admirer of Bianca and therefore sets against Nicholas. Who knows whose side Spenser is really on. How is the shipwreck connected to Anglo-Irish politics. And what of the Irish rebels, 'men in fur pelts and broacloth gowns sit upon shaggy ponies' led by the enigmatic Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone.
As always the story moves along at a cracking pace. Nicholas and Bianca both get into trouble and have their separate adventures while at home in Bankside, stolid Ned becomes curious about the murder of a young man and starts to ask awkward questions.
I'm loving this series. To get the most out of it, start with the first 'The Angel's Mark.'
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
December 27, 2022
My thanks to Atlantic Books/Corvus for an eARC via NetGalley of S.J. Perry’s ‘The Rebel’s Mark’. It was first published in April 2022 with its paperback edition released on 1 January 2023.
This is Book 5 in Perry’s Jackdaw Mysteries, a series of historical thrillers set in Elizabethan England. As always background is provided for new readers, though it is a series that I would recommend reading in order to observe the development of its characters, certain ongoing plot threads, as well as to experience Perry’s vivid descriptions of the Elizabethan world.
It is now 1598 and three years have passed since the events of ‘The Heretic’s Mark’. Nicholas Shelby and his now wife, Bianca, have been summoned from Padua back to England and Nicholas has been appointed to serve as physician to the ageing Queen Elizabeth as well as to continue his work as a reluctant intelligencer for Elizabeth’s Secretary of State, Robert Cecil.
After receiving an enigmatic message from the poet Edmund Spencer, who is residing in Ireland, Cecil sends Nicholas, accompanied by Bianca, there in order to meet discreetly with him. It proves a dangerous undertaking as Ireland is torn by rebellion against the English occupation. No further details to avoid spoilers.
In his historical note Perry provides details of the events in England and Ireland that had informed his storyline.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘The Rebel’s Mark’ very much and have found the Jackdaw Mysteries to be an exceptional series of historical spy thrillers. Happily I see that a sixth book, ‘The Sinner’s Mark’ is due for publication in April 2023.
This is Book 5 in Perry’s Jackdaw Mysteries, a series of historical thrillers set in Elizabethan England. As always background is provided for new readers, though it is a series that I would recommend reading in order to observe the development of its characters, certain ongoing plot threads, as well as to experience Perry’s vivid descriptions of the Elizabethan world.
It is now 1598 and three years have passed since the events of ‘The Heretic’s Mark’. Nicholas Shelby and his now wife, Bianca, have been summoned from Padua back to England and Nicholas has been appointed to serve as physician to the ageing Queen Elizabeth as well as to continue his work as a reluctant intelligencer for Elizabeth’s Secretary of State, Robert Cecil.
After receiving an enigmatic message from the poet Edmund Spencer, who is residing in Ireland, Cecil sends Nicholas, accompanied by Bianca, there in order to meet discreetly with him. It proves a dangerous undertaking as Ireland is torn by rebellion against the English occupation. No further details to avoid spoilers.
In his historical note Perry provides details of the events in England and Ireland that had informed his storyline.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘The Rebel’s Mark’ very much and have found the Jackdaw Mysteries to be an exceptional series of historical spy thrillers. Happily I see that a sixth book, ‘The Sinner’s Mark’ is due for publication in April 2023.
March 22, 2022
This is the 5th book in the Author's Jackdaw series - a welcome return to the world of Nicholas Shelby
Nicholas and his wife , Bianca, have returned to Court from Padua .......... his star shining bright after his successes
But they are soon drawn into the plots and the politics of the time - especially the rebellion in Ireland
When Robert Cecil receives a pleading letter from England's greatest living poet in Ireland he dispatches Nicholas to investigate - just what is going on
Soon , drawn into not just the Rebellion plot but also those of Cecil's powerplay with Robert, Earl of Essex , Nicholas and Bianca find themselves in danger at every turn , who can they trust , who is friend or foe ?
This is yet another enthralling book by the Author who manages to bring the sights , sounds and politics of the time to life - However I felt that this book was not the Murder Mystery (which I preferred )of the previous books but more one inclined to the politics of the waning courts of the Monarchs of England and Spain
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Nicholas and his wife , Bianca, have returned to Court from Padua .......... his star shining bright after his successes
But they are soon drawn into the plots and the politics of the time - especially the rebellion in Ireland
When Robert Cecil receives a pleading letter from England's greatest living poet in Ireland he dispatches Nicholas to investigate - just what is going on
Soon , drawn into not just the Rebellion plot but also those of Cecil's powerplay with Robert, Earl of Essex , Nicholas and Bianca find themselves in danger at every turn , who can they trust , who is friend or foe ?
This is yet another enthralling book by the Author who manages to bring the sights , sounds and politics of the time to life - However I felt that this book was not the Murder Mystery (which I preferred )of the previous books but more one inclined to the politics of the waning courts of the Monarchs of England and Spain
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
September 28, 2022
Another Page Turner in The Jackdaw Series
The 5th book in the series loses nothing of the thrill factor as the trials and tribulations continue in the lives of Nicholas and Bianca.
Returned from Padua they are once more settled in Bankside where Rose & Ned have successfully overseen the rebuilding of The Jackdaw. Their peace however is soon interrupted when Nicholas is commanded by Robert Cecil to travel with the Earl of Essex to Ireland in the role of Army Physician. Cecils real intentions are of course that Nicholas be his eyes and ears in the progress of the ongoing conflict.
Accompanied by Bianca, who is to use her healing skills in helping her husband care for the war wounded, the pair soon find themselves in mortal danger from both sides.
Embroiled in a tangle of lies, deceit embezzlement and madness can they escape back to the shores of England to reveal the treachery and bring the culprits to justice or will this be the final book in which we say farewell to the folks of Southwark?
As with the preceding books The Rebel's Mark captivated me from Page 1 through to The Author's Notes.
A recommended read for followers of The Jackdaw.
The 5th book in the series loses nothing of the thrill factor as the trials and tribulations continue in the lives of Nicholas and Bianca.
Returned from Padua they are once more settled in Bankside where Rose & Ned have successfully overseen the rebuilding of The Jackdaw. Their peace however is soon interrupted when Nicholas is commanded by Robert Cecil to travel with the Earl of Essex to Ireland in the role of Army Physician. Cecils real intentions are of course that Nicholas be his eyes and ears in the progress of the ongoing conflict.
Accompanied by Bianca, who is to use her healing skills in helping her husband care for the war wounded, the pair soon find themselves in mortal danger from both sides.
Embroiled in a tangle of lies, deceit embezzlement and madness can they escape back to the shores of England to reveal the treachery and bring the culprits to justice or will this be the final book in which we say farewell to the folks of Southwark?
As with the preceding books The Rebel's Mark captivated me from Page 1 through to The Author's Notes.
A recommended read for followers of The Jackdaw.
May 1, 2025
A Spanish ship is wrecked on the Irish Coast, all crew slaughtered by Oliver Henshawe, the Spanish Princess escaped with Cochorra her Hispaniolan maid. They are tken by Tyrone Irish rebel. Bianca and Nicholas are there for two purposes; medical backup for the English army trying to keep Ireland for QE1 and to return Edmund Spenser to Cecil. Spenser proses to end the war by starving the Irish population. Biance is kidnapped by Tyrone to sure the Spanish Princess who is strangely ill being mistakenly fed hemlock. Bianca realizes this and “miraculously” cures her. She and Cachorra escape together and flee South to Nicholas near Dublin. Essex leads the British army but ill with syphilis he makes absurd decisions, paranoia he flees to England to kill ER1, then to pay homage, either way he loses. Vyves, crooked muster man and his nasty friend Scollot and Henshawe come to the Jackdoor to kill all, but Cachorra dramatically saves the day. Quite slow with a complex plot with Spanish Irish English interconnections, confusing rather, the usual dramatic end, Cachorra an interesting new character, otherwise a bit of slog.
November 25, 2024
Another cracking novel from S W Perry in which Dr Nicholas Shelby and his his wife, Bianca Merton, are recruited by Robert Cecil to leave their life around the Jackdaw pub and their son in care of friends on Bankside and go to Ireland to report on various military activities.
The story opens with a shipwreck in which a Spanish gentleman, his daughter and her maid are all flung overboard. The London court is concerned that the Spanish may be mounting an attack on England through Ireland and the Irish have their own fight going on. Various minor characters have nefarious schemes in operation; treason, treachery and trickery are all at work.
Great writing employing some fantastic similes throughout. If you pay attention, you may see the denouement coming but it still won't disappoint.
This is a series I know I'll come back to, and next time I'll read them in order. I'd love to discover that there's a seventh book on the way. It wouldbe worth waiting for.
The story opens with a shipwreck in which a Spanish gentleman, his daughter and her maid are all flung overboard. The London court is concerned that the Spanish may be mounting an attack on England through Ireland and the Irish have their own fight going on. Various minor characters have nefarious schemes in operation; treason, treachery and trickery are all at work.
Great writing employing some fantastic similes throughout. If you pay attention, you may see the denouement coming but it still won't disappoint.
This is a series I know I'll come back to, and next time I'll read them in order. I'd love to discover that there's a seventh book on the way. It wouldbe worth waiting for.
April 24, 2022
Returned to London from Padua, Nicholas Shelby is now a trusted physician to the Queen and Bianca has picked up with her tavern and apothecary businesses. Shelby is asked by Cecil to go to Ireland to speak to Edmund Spenser, poet and landholder. He and Bianca travel to a land which is wrought by rebellion and they hear that a Spanish ship has been wrecked but that a rich lady has survived, carrying an important diplomatic secret. When Spenser dies Nicholas is sent back to Ireland to serve as an army doctor, but this time he and Bianca have to cope with war.
This is a solid set of late Elizabethan crime novels and here the focus is on the Earl of Essex and the rebellion in Ireland. In this respect it makes for an original setting. I liked the weaving of the Irish tales into the story of the shipwreck and the character of Cachorra was a standout. Good, non-threatening entertainment
This is a solid set of late Elizabethan crime novels and here the focus is on the Earl of Essex and the rebellion in Ireland. In this respect it makes for an original setting. I liked the weaving of the Irish tales into the story of the shipwreck and the character of Cachorra was a standout. Good, non-threatening entertainment
April 17, 2022
Another great instalment in the Jackdaw Mysteries. An adventure in Ireland this time for Nicolas Shelby and his wife Bianca .
Nicolas is a spy for Robert Cecil , liegeman to Elizabeth 1st, and a physician in modern medicine. His wife owns The Jackdaw public hostelry and is an apothecary.
Fictional characters who play alongside histories noblemen and Royalty, and true events.
Would recommend all of these Jackdaw mystery books, but read in order as they continue along the reign of Elizabeth the first - from the Spanish Armada , French courts , into Ireland, London' east side and Royal Courts and Houses
The Angels Mark, The Serpents Mark, The Saracens Mark, The Heretics Mark, The Rebels Mark
Nicolas is a spy for Robert Cecil , liegeman to Elizabeth 1st, and a physician in modern medicine. His wife owns The Jackdaw public hostelry and is an apothecary.
Fictional characters who play alongside histories noblemen and Royalty, and true events.
Would recommend all of these Jackdaw mystery books, but read in order as they continue along the reign of Elizabeth the first - from the Spanish Armada , French courts , into Ireland, London' east side and Royal Courts and Houses
The Angels Mark, The Serpents Mark, The Saracens Mark, The Heretics Mark, The Rebels Mark
February 17, 2023
I enjoyed this next book in an excellent series. The main characters are well established and Nicholas and Bianca now have a four-year old son. At the behest of spymaster Robert Cecil, who serves the Protestant Queen Elizabeth, the intrepid pair are sent off to Ireland to report on the rebels and the unstable Earl of Essex as he is not to be trusted. All sorts of mayhem ensues, not least of which are the adventures of the daughter of a Spanish grandee and her servant from Hispaniola, a formidable woman with an encyclopedic memory. Meanwhile Ned and Rose tend the Jackdaw Tavern in London and care for Bruno, their son. It's a comfortable read with some exciting bits and a twist or two.
March 9, 2022
I'm indebted to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. It's a particular pleasure in this instance as I very much enjoy this author's work & this series of books has always been very well written & enjoyable to read.
I'm pleased to say that this book carries it's pedigree well. Very fun to read & its a very quick process to be hopelessly addicted to finding out what happens next.
The usual band of characters return, again travelling beyond London to the usual uncertainty, mystery & adventure. And what's not to like about that.
I'm pleased to say that this book carries it's pedigree well. Very fun to read & its a very quick process to be hopelessly addicted to finding out what happens next.
The usual band of characters return, again travelling beyond London to the usual uncertainty, mystery & adventure. And what's not to like about that.
August 13, 2022
I found the first few chapters to move slowly and almost put the book aside. I'm glad I continued on through to the end.
I loved the descriptions of Ireland, the marshes, the fog, the sunsets, and night stars, I could go on but won't. The author set a most magical setting in the face of the horrors of war. I also enjoyed the close encounters with Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex.
I sense this is the last book in the adventures of Nicholas, Bianca, Rose and Ned. I will miss them most heartedly.
I loved the descriptions of Ireland, the marshes, the fog, the sunsets, and night stars, I could go on but won't. The author set a most magical setting in the face of the horrors of war. I also enjoyed the close encounters with Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex.
I sense this is the last book in the adventures of Nicholas, Bianca, Rose and Ned. I will miss them most heartedly.
November 27, 2023
This was a welcome return to form after the previous book, The Heretic's Mark. As always, SW Perry's research is thorough and he's very skilled at using historical facts as the basis to fashion a plausible fictional tale. His descriptions of Ireland and its landscape are vivid and provide interesting background on the various mechanisms dreamed up by the Tudors to try and subjugate the country.
The political intrigue of the time is also well portrayed. This was another page-turner, and I'm glad to see it's not the last in the Jackdaw series.
The political intrigue of the time is also well portrayed. This was another page-turner, and I'm glad to see it's not the last in the Jackdaw series.
February 23, 2023
Intriguing racy plot combining an insight into ‘English’ politics/religion of the 1600 ‘s with a brief overview of the ‘brutal’ colonisation of Ireland by England. Edifying use of medieval words but strange use of the word ‘rebel’ in context to the indigenous Irish whose country was forcibly stolen by a foreign government. As an Irish person I learned a lot from this book about the English mindset ! The book itself was brilliant with well rounded characters . A must read !
February 21, 2024
if I could’ve given this a 3.5 I would’ve, I was not so enamoured of this edition as I have been on the others in the series… wars. death and corruption sounding only to familiar in this day and age….
In this series of books, I am drawn to the historical urban details of London, and the meshing of Bianca and Nicholas point of view on medicine … having said that, I really recommend this series of novels
In this series of books, I am drawn to the historical urban details of London, and the meshing of Bianca and Nicholas point of view on medicine … having said that, I really recommend this series of novels
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
This ‘Jackdaw’ book is set in Ireland towards the end of Elizabeth’s reign. It’s better than the Saracen’s Mark, (where Nicholas and Bianca are unhelpfully separated on different continents) but is still rather dull for the first half of the book where not much happens. Thankfully it does improve, and Cachorra is a good addition to the cast, but this book doesn’t match the first two in the series for intrigue and enjoyability.
April 26, 2022
The series improves as it goes along, remarkable as it has been great from the start
What an adventure. It made be look into so many details of the history of the period. Why did I know nothing of the Earl of Tyrone , when my family are originally from Ulster. Great reading with believable characters.
What an adventure. It made be look into so many details of the history of the period. Why did I know nothing of the Earl of Tyrone , when my family are originally from Ulster. Great reading with believable characters.
April 15, 2022
Another fantastic Historical Fiction story. The characters are so real that you feel that you could be there. This is one of my favourite periods in history but I wasn't aware of the battles in Ireland, So I have learnt something new as well as enjoying an engaging story. Great read!
April 23, 2022
Another compelling, entertaining, and engrossing book in this series.
Great historical background and character development, excellent storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Great historical background and character development, excellent storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 9, 2022
The jackdaw series
I loved these five books. Putting them down was an impossibility. I bordered on rudeness to my family, so enveloped was I with bianca and Nicholas.
The Jackdaw is pretty fast paced, edge of your seat stuff, yet not without love and redemption.
I loved these five books. Putting them down was an impossibility. I bordered on rudeness to my family, so enveloped was I with bianca and Nicholas.
The Jackdaw is pretty fast paced, edge of your seat stuff, yet not without love and redemption.
March 10, 2023
Loved this book.
Set against the backdrop of the Earl of Essex’s Irish expedition, the adventures of Dr Nicholas Shelby and Bianca his wife can be fantastical at times but thoroughly enjoyable for all that.
A romp through 16th century Ireland.
Set against the backdrop of the Earl of Essex’s Irish expedition, the adventures of Dr Nicholas Shelby and Bianca his wife can be fantastical at times but thoroughly enjoyable for all that.
A romp through 16th century Ireland.
June 16, 2023
It’s 1598 and Elizabeth I is old, the rebellion in Ireland is growing and Philip of Spain is dying. Nicholas Shelby, physician and reluctant spy for Robert Cecil, is drawn into a tangled web of conspiracy and murder.
A great historical adventure with lively characters and a gripping plot.
A great historical adventure with lively characters and a gripping plot.
July 11, 2024
Well, it was certainly better than the last one. At least there was some form of story here. It's just all very slow and laborious.
The whole book is just the laying down of wirds to tell you exactly what you thought would happen when you started.
The whole book is just the laying down of wirds to tell you exactly what you thought would happen when you started.
April 8, 2025
Another entertaining romp through the late Elizabethan period. Felt this story was more of a slow burner, whereas the ending seemed to gallop up and be over before there was time to sink a jug of sack. Looking forwards to reading the next instalment though.
May 10, 2025
Found this book very heavy reading and at times I got lost in the linking parts together. They were dark times that I found you always expecting the worse possible outcome therefore you are left with no light. Sorry. Elizabeth
June 8, 2025
Our trusty Doctor and his half-Italian, Catholic wife continue to take part in History. This time they meet Edmund Spenser (and are bored to death by The Faerie Queene), and the doomed 2nd Earl of Essex who loses his head. :O
One more book to go ...
One more book to go ...
April 26, 2022
Shellby & Bianca
I sincerely hope there is more of the same . A rollicking first class historical novel. Enjoyed it hugely.. More please
I sincerely hope there is more of the same . A rollicking first class historical novel. Enjoyed it hugely.. More please
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews