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Daniel Pursglove #3
Rivers of Treason
'What a wonderful storyteller Maitland is' THE TIMES
DANIEL PURSGLOVE BOOK THREE
From the stark Yorkshire landscape to the dark underbelly of Jacobean London, Daniel Pursglove's new mission sees him fall prey to a ruthless copycat killer...
London, 1607. As dawn breaks, Daniel Pursglove rides north, away from the watchful eye of the King and his spies.
He returns, disguised, to his childhood home in Yorkshire - with his own score to settle. The locals have little reason to trust a prying stranger, and those who remember Daniel do so with contempt.
When a body is found with rope burns about the neck, Daniel falls under suspicion. On the run, across the country, he is pursued by a ruthless killer whose victims all share the same gallows mark. Are these the crimes of someone with a cruel personal vendetta - or has Daniel become embroiled in a bigger, and far more sinister, conspiracy?
A new river of treason is rising, flowing from the fields of Yorkshire right to the heart of the King's court . . .
PRAISE FOR THE DANIEL PURSGLOVE SERIES
'Dark and enthralling' ANDREW TAYLOR
'This gripping thriller shows what a wonderful storyteller Maitland is' THE TIMES
'Colourful and compelling' SUNDAY TIMES
'Full of tension and danger... powerfully atmospheric' JENNIFER SAINT
'Goes right to the heart of the Jacobean court' TRACY BORMAN
'Spies, thieves, murderers and King James I? Brilliant' CONN IGGULDEN
'There are few authors who can bring the past to life so compellingly... Brilliant writing and more importantly, riveting reading' SIMON SCARROW
'A beautifully crafted thriller... Breathtaking and bone-chilling' MANDA SCOTT
'Maitland is a superlative historical novelist' REBECCA MASCULL
'Devilishly good' DAILY MAIL
'The intrigues of Jacobean court politics simmer beneath the surface in this gripping and masterful crime novel' KATHERINE CLEMENTS
'Beautifully written with a dark heart, Maitland knows how to pull you deep into the early Jacobean period' RHIANNON WARD
DANIEL PURSGLOVE BOOK THREE
From the stark Yorkshire landscape to the dark underbelly of Jacobean London, Daniel Pursglove's new mission sees him fall prey to a ruthless copycat killer...
London, 1607. As dawn breaks, Daniel Pursglove rides north, away from the watchful eye of the King and his spies.
He returns, disguised, to his childhood home in Yorkshire - with his own score to settle. The locals have little reason to trust a prying stranger, and those who remember Daniel do so with contempt.
When a body is found with rope burns about the neck, Daniel falls under suspicion. On the run, across the country, he is pursued by a ruthless killer whose victims all share the same gallows mark. Are these the crimes of someone with a cruel personal vendetta - or has Daniel become embroiled in a bigger, and far more sinister, conspiracy?
A new river of treason is rising, flowing from the fields of Yorkshire right to the heart of the King's court . . .
PRAISE FOR THE DANIEL PURSGLOVE SERIES
'Dark and enthralling' ANDREW TAYLOR
'This gripping thriller shows what a wonderful storyteller Maitland is' THE TIMES
'Colourful and compelling' SUNDAY TIMES
'Full of tension and danger... powerfully atmospheric' JENNIFER SAINT
'Goes right to the heart of the Jacobean court' TRACY BORMAN
'Spies, thieves, murderers and King James I? Brilliant' CONN IGGULDEN
'There are few authors who can bring the past to life so compellingly... Brilliant writing and more importantly, riveting reading' SIMON SCARROW
'A beautifully crafted thriller... Breathtaking and bone-chilling' MANDA SCOTT
'Maitland is a superlative historical novelist' REBECCA MASCULL
'Devilishly good' DAILY MAIL
'The intrigues of Jacobean court politics simmer beneath the surface in this gripping and masterful crime novel' KATHERINE CLEMENTS
'Beautifully written with a dark heart, Maitland knows how to pull you deep into the early Jacobean period' RHIANNON WARD
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 18, 2023
Rivers of Treason is the third book in the author’s series set in England during the reign of James I and featuring reluctant spy, Daniel Pursglove. It’s the follow-up to The Drowned City and Traitor in the Ice both of which I’ve read and reviewed. Rivers of Treason is very much a continuation of the story that commenced in The Drowned City so, although there are a few brief recaps of events in earlier books, I would recommend reading the series from the beginning.
Daniel is still involved in the hunt for Spero Pettingar, the only conspirator involved in the failed Gunpowder Plot who evaded capture, and the gruesome interrogations and executions that followed. I confess that until I read the historical notes at the end of the first book I hadn’t realised Spero Pettingar was a real historical figure. In fact, I was convinced his name was an anagram!
The author continues to introduce tantalising details about Daniel’s troubled past. The identity of his father, even his own real name, remain just as much a mystery to him as it does to the reader, although he is beginning to uncover small clues about his childhood. But some of these provoke more questions than answers. Daniel can look after himself and that’s just as well because he has made himself some formidable enemies. There’s one in particular whose hatred for Daniel is very personal. Unfortunately, people who get involved with Daniel, or try to help him, have a habit of ending up dead, often in particularly unpleasant ways. And if Daniel is often perplexed by the motivations behind certain characters’ actions than he’s in good company because the fiendishly intricate plot definitely demands concentration on the part of the reader.
No historical novel set in the period is complete without an appearance by one of the Cecil family; in this case it’s Robert Cecil. I actually felt some sympathy for him having to deal with the petulant, impulsive King James who seems more interested in adding wild beasts to his menagerie than matters of state. Having said that, with the Gunpowder Plot still within recent memory, the King can be forgiven for taking steps to thwart any future attempt. This gives rise to a neat little side plot. I really enjoyed the insight into the Stuart court: the lavish feasts, preening courtiers and extravagant masques. I can recommend reading the fascinating ‘Behind the Scenes of this Novel’ and Glossary (which goes beyond brief definitions) in which you can find out about such things as purveyance, huffcap, Jenny Hanivers and what it means to be ‘bumpsy’.
Weather has played a key part in the previous two books: the Great Flood of 1606 in The Drowned City and the Great Frost of 1607 in Traitor in the Ice. In Rivers of Treason it’s the impact of both of these on livelihoods that is the focus. ‘Food is scarce: half the farmland in the west was ruined by salt in the flood, thousands of cattle and sheep drowned or frozen, winter wheat wiped out by frost, and the land now too sodden to be worked for weeks.’ It’s no wonder there is a pervading atmosphere of unrest.
As always, the author conjures up the sights, sounds and smells of London – the latter being invariably unpleasant. ‘A thick blanket of fog oozed up over the city as dusk crept in. It rose like marsh gas from the open sewers and reeeking cellars, and from the slug-grey river itself.’
Rivers of Treason is an absorbing, intricate historical thriller whose startling conclusion will leave you eager to find out what happens next. Personally, I hope this features more of the mysterious Cimex. (If you would like to be whisked away to an earlier time period, the author also writes medieval novels under the name of Karen Maitland.)
Daniel is still involved in the hunt for Spero Pettingar, the only conspirator involved in the failed Gunpowder Plot who evaded capture, and the gruesome interrogations and executions that followed. I confess that until I read the historical notes at the end of the first book I hadn’t realised Spero Pettingar was a real historical figure. In fact, I was convinced his name was an anagram!
The author continues to introduce tantalising details about Daniel’s troubled past. The identity of his father, even his own real name, remain just as much a mystery to him as it does to the reader, although he is beginning to uncover small clues about his childhood. But some of these provoke more questions than answers. Daniel can look after himself and that’s just as well because he has made himself some formidable enemies. There’s one in particular whose hatred for Daniel is very personal. Unfortunately, people who get involved with Daniel, or try to help him, have a habit of ending up dead, often in particularly unpleasant ways. And if Daniel is often perplexed by the motivations behind certain characters’ actions than he’s in good company because the fiendishly intricate plot definitely demands concentration on the part of the reader.
No historical novel set in the period is complete without an appearance by one of the Cecil family; in this case it’s Robert Cecil. I actually felt some sympathy for him having to deal with the petulant, impulsive King James who seems more interested in adding wild beasts to his menagerie than matters of state. Having said that, with the Gunpowder Plot still within recent memory, the King can be forgiven for taking steps to thwart any future attempt. This gives rise to a neat little side plot. I really enjoyed the insight into the Stuart court: the lavish feasts, preening courtiers and extravagant masques. I can recommend reading the fascinating ‘Behind the Scenes of this Novel’ and Glossary (which goes beyond brief definitions) in which you can find out about such things as purveyance, huffcap, Jenny Hanivers and what it means to be ‘bumpsy’.
Weather has played a key part in the previous two books: the Great Flood of 1606 in The Drowned City and the Great Frost of 1607 in Traitor in the Ice. In Rivers of Treason it’s the impact of both of these on livelihoods that is the focus. ‘Food is scarce: half the farmland in the west was ruined by salt in the flood, thousands of cattle and sheep drowned or frozen, winter wheat wiped out by frost, and the land now too sodden to be worked for weeks.’ It’s no wonder there is a pervading atmosphere of unrest.
As always, the author conjures up the sights, sounds and smells of London – the latter being invariably unpleasant. ‘A thick blanket of fog oozed up over the city as dusk crept in. It rose like marsh gas from the open sewers and reeeking cellars, and from the slug-grey river itself.’
Rivers of Treason is an absorbing, intricate historical thriller whose startling conclusion will leave you eager to find out what happens next. Personally, I hope this features more of the mysterious Cimex. (If you would like to be whisked away to an earlier time period, the author also writes medieval novels under the name of Karen Maitland.)
April 11, 2023
‘Rivers of Treason‘ is the third book in the Daniel Pursglove series, and yes, before you ask, you should definitely read the previous two.Some of the background is explained but it isn’t nearly enough to get a good handle on the continuing storyline, the character that is Daniel or his actions.
Daniel is supposed to stay in London. But Daniel often doesn’t do as he’s told so he rides off to Yorkshire and the village where he was born. Daniel has a score to settle. Well, more than one, to be fair. But there are things he needs to learn first, pieces of a puzzle he needs to put together. Daniel thinks his childhood home is where he will find the answers to his questions, but he will need to be careful so as not to be discovered.
When a body is found, fingers immediately point to the stranger in the midst of the village, and Daniel has no choice but to flee. However, it seems the killer is following him across the country, leaving bodies in his wake. Is the murderer trying to send a message, just having fun, on a personal vendetta? Or is Daniel in deeper trouble than he realises?
I thought ‘Rivers of Treason‘ got off to somewhat of a slow start. Daniel seemed to do a lot of traveling back and forth, but other than it didn’t really feel like much was happening. There was no way I was going to give up though, because I have really been enjoying this series. And once things started to pick up somewhat, I once again became entirely immersed and keen to find out more about Daniel’s past. Although the reader gets to know him a little better, there still seems to be much left to discover. Bit of a mystery still, this here Daniel.
That said, good grief, is this series complex or what?! I admit I’m not at all familiar with this era in English history, apart from knowing a wee bit about the Gunpowder plot. I often struggle to keep the names of characters, real or fictional, clear in my head. I have a hard time figuring out what their positions are, especially with respect to the King. It seems evil plotters and conspiracies are everywhere, and for many it is apparently nothing more but a fun game of politics and power.
I can’t imagine the research that must go into these novels. The fabulous descriptions almost make you feel like your foot is stuck in mud, or gag at the food that’s served. Maitland’s writing really brings this part of history to life, creating an atmosphere that is wonderfully immersive. Gruesome murders aside, and there’s one I’m particularly upset about, there are also a few wonderful subplots. One, involving an apothecary, definitely caught my attention. Others just managed to confuse me. For now. I’m assuming it’ll all become clear at some point. Somehow, it feels as if the story takes two steps forward and then one back again. If at any point I was waiting for some clarity, it didn’t really appear. I didn’t mind though. I enjoyed this third instalment once it got going, and I think readers of historical fiction fans will do so as well.
I sure hope the author knows where Daniel’s story is going though, because I sure as heck don’t, but I’m eager to find out.
Daniel is supposed to stay in London. But Daniel often doesn’t do as he’s told so he rides off to Yorkshire and the village where he was born. Daniel has a score to settle. Well, more than one, to be fair. But there are things he needs to learn first, pieces of a puzzle he needs to put together. Daniel thinks his childhood home is where he will find the answers to his questions, but he will need to be careful so as not to be discovered.
When a body is found, fingers immediately point to the stranger in the midst of the village, and Daniel has no choice but to flee. However, it seems the killer is following him across the country, leaving bodies in his wake. Is the murderer trying to send a message, just having fun, on a personal vendetta? Or is Daniel in deeper trouble than he realises?
I thought ‘Rivers of Treason‘ got off to somewhat of a slow start. Daniel seemed to do a lot of traveling back and forth, but other than it didn’t really feel like much was happening. There was no way I was going to give up though, because I have really been enjoying this series. And once things started to pick up somewhat, I once again became entirely immersed and keen to find out more about Daniel’s past. Although the reader gets to know him a little better, there still seems to be much left to discover. Bit of a mystery still, this here Daniel.
That said, good grief, is this series complex or what?! I admit I’m not at all familiar with this era in English history, apart from knowing a wee bit about the Gunpowder plot. I often struggle to keep the names of characters, real or fictional, clear in my head. I have a hard time figuring out what their positions are, especially with respect to the King. It seems evil plotters and conspiracies are everywhere, and for many it is apparently nothing more but a fun game of politics and power.
I can’t imagine the research that must go into these novels. The fabulous descriptions almost make you feel like your foot is stuck in mud, or gag at the food that’s served. Maitland’s writing really brings this part of history to life, creating an atmosphere that is wonderfully immersive. Gruesome murders aside, and there’s one I’m particularly upset about, there are also a few wonderful subplots. One, involving an apothecary, definitely caught my attention. Others just managed to confuse me. For now. I’m assuming it’ll all become clear at some point. Somehow, it feels as if the story takes two steps forward and then one back again. If at any point I was waiting for some clarity, it didn’t really appear. I didn’t mind though. I enjoyed this third instalment once it got going, and I think readers of historical fiction fans will do so as well.
I sure hope the author knows where Daniel’s story is going though, because I sure as heck don’t, but I’m eager to find out.
February 13, 2023
This is the third book in KJ Maitland’s 17th century mystery series and continues Daniel Pursglove’s search for the mysterious Spero Pettingar. If you haven’t read the first two (The Drowned City and Traitor in the Ice) I strongly recommend that you do so before starting this book. Even though I’ve read both of them, the plot is so complex I found it difficult to keep track of what was happening at times, so I think coming straight to this book could be quite confusing.
The series is set in the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a failed attempt by Catholic conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate the King (James I of England and VI of Scotland). In the first book, Daniel Pursglove was released from Newgate Prison by the King’s advisor, FitzAlan, on the condition that he would hunt down and identify one of the escaped conspirators, a man known only as Spero Pettingar. As Rivers of Treason opens, Daniel has still not caught Spero but the mystery surrounding his whereabouts continues to deepen.
It’s now 1607 and the Great Frost that has held England in its grip during the winter is beginning to thaw. Without FitzAlan’s permission, Daniel has headed north to his childhood home in Yorkshire, not on the King’s business this time, but hoping to find answers about his own past. When an old woman is found murdered, however, Daniel finds himself under suspicion and is forced to flee across the country, pursued by a sinister man with a distinctive black and white beard. Has Daniel stumbled upon the trail of Spero Pettingar at last or has he become caught up in another, even bigger conspiracy?
I enjoyed this book, despite feeling that there was too much going on, a criticism I’ve had of the first two books in the series as well. I would have preferred a tighter focus on the central mystery, which often seems to get lost under the numerous subplots Maitland throws into the story. Having said that, some of the subplots were quite fascinating, such as one involving a London apothecary commissioned by the King to make an antidote to poison. After narrowly avoiding death in the Gunpowder Plot, it’s understandable that James has developed a paranoia about further attempts on his life! During Daniel’s time in Yorkshire, meanwhile, we learn a little bit more about our protagonist’s past and although I still don’t feel that we know him very well, it was good to have some questions answered.
I also love the atmosphere Maitland creates in this series, making it easy to feel immersed in the early 17th century, particularly where she describes the lives of the ordinary people Daniel meets on his travels but also in her descriptions of the Jacobean court. In this book, we follow the preparations for an elaborate masque (play or entertainment) written by the playwright Ben Jonson, with the set and costumes designed by the architect Inigo Jones. Jonson and Jones really did collaborate on many court masques, but this is the first time I’ve read about their work together, so I found that aspect of the story interesting.
Rivers of Treason finishes on something of a cliffhanger, leaving us wondering what Daniel is going to do next. I hope we won’t have to wait too long for the next book so that we can find out!
The series is set in the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a failed attempt by Catholic conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate the King (James I of England and VI of Scotland). In the first book, Daniel Pursglove was released from Newgate Prison by the King’s advisor, FitzAlan, on the condition that he would hunt down and identify one of the escaped conspirators, a man known only as Spero Pettingar. As Rivers of Treason opens, Daniel has still not caught Spero but the mystery surrounding his whereabouts continues to deepen.
It’s now 1607 and the Great Frost that has held England in its grip during the winter is beginning to thaw. Without FitzAlan’s permission, Daniel has headed north to his childhood home in Yorkshire, not on the King’s business this time, but hoping to find answers about his own past. When an old woman is found murdered, however, Daniel finds himself under suspicion and is forced to flee across the country, pursued by a sinister man with a distinctive black and white beard. Has Daniel stumbled upon the trail of Spero Pettingar at last or has he become caught up in another, even bigger conspiracy?
I enjoyed this book, despite feeling that there was too much going on, a criticism I’ve had of the first two books in the series as well. I would have preferred a tighter focus on the central mystery, which often seems to get lost under the numerous subplots Maitland throws into the story. Having said that, some of the subplots were quite fascinating, such as one involving a London apothecary commissioned by the King to make an antidote to poison. After narrowly avoiding death in the Gunpowder Plot, it’s understandable that James has developed a paranoia about further attempts on his life! During Daniel’s time in Yorkshire, meanwhile, we learn a little bit more about our protagonist’s past and although I still don’t feel that we know him very well, it was good to have some questions answered.
I also love the atmosphere Maitland creates in this series, making it easy to feel immersed in the early 17th century, particularly where she describes the lives of the ordinary people Daniel meets on his travels but also in her descriptions of the Jacobean court. In this book, we follow the preparations for an elaborate masque (play or entertainment) written by the playwright Ben Jonson, with the set and costumes designed by the architect Inigo Jones. Jonson and Jones really did collaborate on many court masques, but this is the first time I’ve read about their work together, so I found that aspect of the story interesting.
Rivers of Treason finishes on something of a cliffhanger, leaving us wondering what Daniel is going to do next. I hope we won’t have to wait too long for the next book so that we can find out!
June 4, 2024
This is the third is K J Maitland’s excellent ‘Daniel Pursglove’ series, set in the years immediately after the Gunpowder Plot. For me, this is the best of the three. The author is excellent on research and historical detail and comfortably takes the reader through the slums of London or the mud of the countryside
The book is set in Yorkshire, Bristol and London as Daniel searches for the mysterious Spero Pettingar as well as murderers aplenty, details of his parentage and much more. At this book’s heart, like the other two, is the Royal Court’s fear of further plots to kill the King. Daniel becomes an unwilling pawn in helping to search out plotters, priests, spies and Catholics.
An excellent book – I look forward to reading the next in the series.
The book is set in Yorkshire, Bristol and London as Daniel searches for the mysterious Spero Pettingar as well as murderers aplenty, details of his parentage and much more. At this book’s heart, like the other two, is the Royal Court’s fear of further plots to kill the King. Daniel becomes an unwilling pawn in helping to search out plotters, priests, spies and Catholics.
An excellent book – I look forward to reading the next in the series.
June 15, 2024
Rally enjoyed this book can’t wait to see how the series ends in the final book
April 25, 2023
In this brilliant historical novel, Rivers of Treason, we follow Daniel as he heads down the passageways and streets of London and Bristol Told from his point of view, it’s very vividly described, from the streets to the houses, not a detail has been left unturned in this one. Their ways of thinking, actions, how they talk and events that transpire are very reminiscent of the days of old. The author always does a wonderful job of taking you back to those times. What we see on the streets is a very tough, bleak and harsh world. Because it’s written from the main character’s eyes it means that we get a more in-depth point of view of all the tiny details that go into solving the mystery as well.
This one is well paced and really well written too. It’s a fairly easy one to read and you can easily pick it up without reading the other two. There’s one nod to the first one but nothing that is really integrated within the storyline. I don’t want to say too much but the ending definitely left it open for more and I’m sure hoping there is!
A completely gripping, absorbing, edge of your seat and gritty read. Couldn’t recommend this one anymore if you love historical with a dash of crime.
This one is well paced and really well written too. It’s a fairly easy one to read and you can easily pick it up without reading the other two. There’s one nod to the first one but nothing that is really integrated within the storyline. I don’t want to say too much but the ending definitely left it open for more and I’m sure hoping there is!
A completely gripping, absorbing, edge of your seat and gritty read. Couldn’t recommend this one anymore if you love historical with a dash of crime.
November 13, 2023
Don't get me wrong: this is a good book filled with the scent of early 17th c. England. Daniel Pursglove sets out on his own to try to uncover some details about his past and, in the process, uncovers a plot against King James. The novel takes place in Yorkshire, Brighton, and London. In each place, Daniel faces adversaries that make this book a kind of a Tudor James Bond.
So why only two stars? First, if you have yet to read the first two books in this series, you'll be lost as much of the plot proceeds from those books. Fortunately, I have read the two predecessors. The second reason for the low rating is that the story ends without an ending; just a segue way to the next book. This was the case with the second Pursglove book, but in Rivers of Treason the unsatisfactory abrupt end left me feeling cheated.
So why only two stars? First, if you have yet to read the first two books in this series, you'll be lost as much of the plot proceeds from those books. Fortunately, I have read the two predecessors. The second reason for the low rating is that the story ends without an ending; just a segue way to the next book. This was the case with the second Pursglove book, but in Rivers of Treason the unsatisfactory abrupt end left me feeling cheated.
March 14, 2023
The third outing for Daniel and again I loved this book and how the author writes with such clarity of the period that you can believe that you are there with the characters. If I have one small complaint with this book it seemed to be just a bit to long, with slightly too much emphasis on past situations that had been covered in the previous books. As this series cannot be read out of order, i do not think that this was needed in as much detail as it was in sections. But as I say this is only a small gripe on my part. Other than that this was a really good read and I look forward to more from this author.
June 15, 2024
Looking forward to completing this series. Really enjoyed it
April 28, 2025
Still a bit slow in terms of the central plot for me. Despite this, I will be reading the final book just to find the resolution. Fairly fun but this could have been at most a trilogy for me
April 13, 2023
Rivers of Treason is the third book in KJ Maitland's brilliant historical Daniel Pursglove series and I highly recommend that you read the first two books in the series before jumping into this one as the action starts happening straight away and it's sometimes complex to follow even if you do know all the characters!
Lots of tension and danger in this one as Daniel tries to evade his pursuers, learns more about himself and gets embroiled in espionage and murder. The time of James I is brilliantly evoked with tensions between Catholics and Protestants, English and Scots. Daniel has to walk a tightrope between the warring factions, saving his own neck while trying not to imperil his innocent friends.
Excellent fun and I can't wait for book four!
Lots of tension and danger in this one as Daniel tries to evade his pursuers, learns more about himself and gets embroiled in espionage and murder. The time of James I is brilliantly evoked with tensions between Catholics and Protestants, English and Scots. Daniel has to walk a tightrope between the warring factions, saving his own neck while trying not to imperil his innocent friends.
Excellent fun and I can't wait for book four!
April 12, 2023
Another masterclass in Jacobean history from KJ Maitland. This the third in the series is as gripping as the previous two and it’s been wonderful being back in the dark and depressive cities of London and Bristol with Daniel again.
Politics and intrigue are in full force as we follow Daniel and the court of King James. More of Daniel’s backstory is shared with us in this mystery and it links brilliantly to the story. Atmospheric and as murky as you’d expect the 17th century to be, this is another brilliantly researched tale.
Politics and intrigue are in full force as we follow Daniel and the court of King James. More of Daniel’s backstory is shared with us in this mystery and it links brilliantly to the story. Atmospheric and as murky as you’d expect the 17th century to be, this is another brilliantly researched tale.
March 19, 2023
This is the third in the Jacobean series set in the years immediately after the Gunpowder Plot featuring Daniel Pursglove and his search for the missing conspirator Spero Pettingar.
The weather has played a major role in both the previous two books with a flood and the great freeze and this time it is the thaw following the great freeze that is impacting on people’s lives. K J Maitland is second to none at historical detail and descriptive writing and we feel every step as Daniel plows his way through the mud in Yorkshire. The settings in this book range from the slums of London, to a large house in Yorkshire and then to the court and the author describes each one for us brilliantly which really brings the story to life.
Despite the wonderful writing, I was left feeling a bit dissatisfied by this third novel. Daniel does a lot of travelling around and there are several deaths along the way but at the end, we aren’t any further forward. If anything, his situation has become even less clear than before. I also felt that the book was quite long with various side plots that almost obscured the main story line.
I would recommend this to lovers of Historical Fiction involving plotting and political intrigues. This is however, very much the third book of a series and relies heavily on the reader having read the previous two. I think it would be difficult to read this as a standalone.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Headline for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The weather has played a major role in both the previous two books with a flood and the great freeze and this time it is the thaw following the great freeze that is impacting on people’s lives. K J Maitland is second to none at historical detail and descriptive writing and we feel every step as Daniel plows his way through the mud in Yorkshire. The settings in this book range from the slums of London, to a large house in Yorkshire and then to the court and the author describes each one for us brilliantly which really brings the story to life.
Despite the wonderful writing, I was left feeling a bit dissatisfied by this third novel. Daniel does a lot of travelling around and there are several deaths along the way but at the end, we aren’t any further forward. If anything, his situation has become even less clear than before. I also felt that the book was quite long with various side plots that almost obscured the main story line.
I would recommend this to lovers of Historical Fiction involving plotting and political intrigues. This is however, very much the third book of a series and relies heavily on the reader having read the previous two. I think it would be difficult to read this as a standalone.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Headline for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 28, 2023
Again, I had a great time reading this novel!! Very entertaining through all the subplots which bring up tension from all sides. Brilliant descriptions of people's surroundings, whether of natural catastrophes (here, after the long frost) or of a dark, creepy London. I like Daniel' s character very much for his resilience to hardship, leading to much action which I really enjoyed in this novel! A complex plot right at the heart of historical events makes this novel very interesting indeed. I can't wait for book 4 (I have already pre-ordered it).
November 18, 2024
My Rating ~ 3.5*
Rivers of Treason by K.J. Maitland published with Headline in April 2023 and is the third book in the Daniel Pursglove series. I read and thoroughly enjoyed Books 1 & 2, The Drowned City and Traitor in the Ice, but, for various reasons, I never caught up with books 3 & 4. So in order to remedy that, and as we are coming to year end, I have decided to read a few books that have been on my teetering TBR for too long, as the 2025 pile begins to grow.
Rivers of Treason takes us back to the dank and darkness of 1607. Following The Gunpowder Plot and its unsuccessful attempt to assassinate King James I of England in 1605, tensions are still rife between religious groups. King James I is justifiably paranoid that there will be further attempts on his life and that of his family. With traitors hiding in plain sight, fear and scepticism are frequent among all strata of society.
Daniel Pursglove has been through the mill. His story is a complex one but his strength of conviction and his belief in truth and justice drive him forward. Daniel travels under various guises as he navigates the threats that permeate the very air that he breathes. On a more personal mission he embarks on a treacherous journey back to the place of his birth but he soon finds himself tangled in a deadly web of deceit and murder, leaving him exposed and running for his life.
As I’m not au fait with English history I did struggle at times with all the names and historical references so I made a decision to just read the novel as an adventure. I would however recommend that you do start this series from the beginning in order to get a true sense of the history, the plot and the characters. Daniel Pursglove is a fantastically cast protagonist. He is generous and heroic but also ruthless and gutsy when required. As rumour of another possible conspiracy grows legs, Daniel is caught up in a game of cat-and-mouse, one that involves rational thinking and clever actions. With the clock ticking, and some rather gruesome discoveries, Daniel is again battling for his very survival in this complex and quite intricate tale. Every thread is a crucial element to the story so this is definitely not a book to skim on any level.
Like the previous two books in this series, K.J. Maitland has written another atmospheric novel with that pervasive and threatening vibe that disconcerts and creates a sense of unease. Using fiction intertwined with fact adds a very authentic edge to the story, with the mysterious Daniel Pursglove continuing to fascinate as he searches for foe in every crook and cranny. Rivers of Treason is a solid addition to this series, a must for history buffs and for all who are intrigued with the activities of the royal court of King James I.
Rivers of Treason by K.J. Maitland published with Headline in April 2023 and is the third book in the Daniel Pursglove series. I read and thoroughly enjoyed Books 1 & 2, The Drowned City and Traitor in the Ice, but, for various reasons, I never caught up with books 3 & 4. So in order to remedy that, and as we are coming to year end, I have decided to read a few books that have been on my teetering TBR for too long, as the 2025 pile begins to grow.
Rivers of Treason takes us back to the dank and darkness of 1607. Following The Gunpowder Plot and its unsuccessful attempt to assassinate King James I of England in 1605, tensions are still rife between religious groups. King James I is justifiably paranoid that there will be further attempts on his life and that of his family. With traitors hiding in plain sight, fear and scepticism are frequent among all strata of society.
Daniel Pursglove has been through the mill. His story is a complex one but his strength of conviction and his belief in truth and justice drive him forward. Daniel travels under various guises as he navigates the threats that permeate the very air that he breathes. On a more personal mission he embarks on a treacherous journey back to the place of his birth but he soon finds himself tangled in a deadly web of deceit and murder, leaving him exposed and running for his life.
As I’m not au fait with English history I did struggle at times with all the names and historical references so I made a decision to just read the novel as an adventure. I would however recommend that you do start this series from the beginning in order to get a true sense of the history, the plot and the characters. Daniel Pursglove is a fantastically cast protagonist. He is generous and heroic but also ruthless and gutsy when required. As rumour of another possible conspiracy grows legs, Daniel is caught up in a game of cat-and-mouse, one that involves rational thinking and clever actions. With the clock ticking, and some rather gruesome discoveries, Daniel is again battling for his very survival in this complex and quite intricate tale. Every thread is a crucial element to the story so this is definitely not a book to skim on any level.
Like the previous two books in this series, K.J. Maitland has written another atmospheric novel with that pervasive and threatening vibe that disconcerts and creates a sense of unease. Using fiction intertwined with fact adds a very authentic edge to the story, with the mysterious Daniel Pursglove continuing to fascinate as he searches for foe in every crook and cranny. Rivers of Treason is a solid addition to this series, a must for history buffs and for all who are intrigued with the activities of the royal court of King James I.
April 13, 2023
This is now the third book in the Daniel Pursglove series of historical mysteries and once again we meet Daniel when he is embroiled in the shady world of intelligencers and conspirators. Never one for making life easy for himself we travel with Daniel back to his native Yorkshire where he attempts to make sense of his past and of the secrets which have been hidden there for so long.
With a new King barely settled onto his throne, this new Jacobean age is a time of unease and religious mistrust. People are naturally wary of strangers and Daniel, ever the master of disguise, and subterfuge, discovers that he must keep his considerable wits about him as he seeks to keep one step ahead of those dangerous individuals who seek to pursue him, almost to death. Drawn into a ring of conspiracy, Daniel neither knows nor understands what the aim of the game is however, the one thing he knows for certain is that there is someone following him who is intent on harm.
This series just continues to go from strength to strength, meticulously researched, as always, and beautifully atmospheric, we walk the same mud encrusted streets as Daniel, we share a pot of small beer in dusty taverns and listen in on clandestine conversations which drop us very firmly in England in 1607. The story ends on something of a cliffhanger which lends itself very nicely to a further continuation of this excellent historical series.
March 14, 2024
Daniel goes rogue in RIVERS OF TREASON, attempting to chase down answers that have sprung up in his previous missions.
I enjoyed returning to Jacobean England and the tensions between Catholics and Protestants. It's a world of spies and informants that can be abused to hurt enemies and often catches many innocents by association. It makes for a tense background and means you mistrust everyone around him - even before the murders start.
I liked how this book started drawing the overarching mystery together. The series is certainly heading towards its finale as questions are beginning to get answers. It is rewarding to get some answers, and hints that the mystery of the Spiero will soon be revealed.
It also feels like circling back, in a good way. The book returns to both his childhood home (that we've heard so much about) and to Bristol, where the first book is set. The familiar setting means more time can be spent on solving mysteries left or connected to what was there before.
I really appreciated the glossary this time (and read it first) as there are a fair few dialect terms used. It also adds a good dose of background to the book about what certain types of food and drink were, or punishments.
The next book, A PLAGUE OF SERPENTS, is the finale - and I am looking forward to getting the last lot of answers.
I enjoyed returning to Jacobean England and the tensions between Catholics and Protestants. It's a world of spies and informants that can be abused to hurt enemies and often catches many innocents by association. It makes for a tense background and means you mistrust everyone around him - even before the murders start.
I liked how this book started drawing the overarching mystery together. The series is certainly heading towards its finale as questions are beginning to get answers. It is rewarding to get some answers, and hints that the mystery of the Spiero will soon be revealed.
It also feels like circling back, in a good way. The book returns to both his childhood home (that we've heard so much about) and to Bristol, where the first book is set. The familiar setting means more time can be spent on solving mysteries left or connected to what was there before.
I really appreciated the glossary this time (and read it first) as there are a fair few dialect terms used. It also adds a good dose of background to the book about what certain types of food and drink were, or punishments.
The next book, A PLAGUE OF SERPENTS, is the finale - and I am looking forward to getting the last lot of answers.
April 18, 2023
Rivers of Treason is the third novel in a series following Daniel Pursglove and set in Jacobean England. This is a dark and gripping thriller/murder mystery with a copycat killer on the loose. Set in the year 1605, in the aftermath of the gunpowder plot, the story takes us from the stark Yorkshire countryside to the dark underbelly of Jacobean London. I was immediately drawn into this compelling tale with tension and danger around every corner. The atmosphere the author creates undoubtedly transports the reader to this period of time, along with her detailed descriptions and attention detail in the costumes, the settings and the food. Who knew humble pie was an actual pie made from the entrails of animals!
The series continues to be beautifully written and incredibly well researched. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way and I’m still reeling from the shocking and gruesome murder of a side character I was not expecting to perish. Daniel Pursglove continues to be a favourite main character and more about his childhood and mysterious background is revealed. It’s advisable to read the first two books in the series to get background history of the characters and story progression.
Books one and three are definitely my favourites. There is no release date for a 4th book as yet, but there must be one planned the series cannot possibly end there. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted review copy
The series continues to be beautifully written and incredibly well researched. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way and I’m still reeling from the shocking and gruesome murder of a side character I was not expecting to perish. Daniel Pursglove continues to be a favourite main character and more about his childhood and mysterious background is revealed. It’s advisable to read the first two books in the series to get background history of the characters and story progression.
Books one and three are definitely my favourites. There is no release date for a 4th book as yet, but there must be one planned the series cannot possibly end there. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted review copy
March 11, 2023
Daniel Pursglove returns for the 3rd time in Rivers of Treason as we are taken on a spellbinding journey through London in 1607.
I am convinced K.J. Maitland must have a time machine as the Series is so atmospheric, the pages come alive with each word.
This 3rd installment is full of mystery, intrigue and peril as Daniel and those around him, are at risk of a copy cat killer who seems to appear wherever Daniel escapes to.
Daniel is a likeable protagonist and when we find the King's life is in danger, K.J.Maitland keeps us on tenterhooks as we wait to find out the fate of the king and whether Daniel will become entangled in the plot to assassinate the King and the Princes.
An absolute must for historical fiction fans.
I am convinced K.J. Maitland must have a time machine as the Series is so atmospheric, the pages come alive with each word.
This 3rd installment is full of mystery, intrigue and peril as Daniel and those around him, are at risk of a copy cat killer who seems to appear wherever Daniel escapes to.
Daniel is a likeable protagonist and when we find the King's life is in danger, K.J.Maitland keeps us on tenterhooks as we wait to find out the fate of the king and whether Daniel will become entangled in the plot to assassinate the King and the Princes.
An absolute must for historical fiction fans.
May 7, 2023
Returning from Battle Abbey , Daniel Pursglove has been told to stay in London. However his interest in his childhood foe Fairfax has brought him to East Yorkshire. Gaining more questions than answers and escaping a murder accusation, Pursglove travels to Bristol to find the Yena. Again his enemies are ahead of him and he barely escapes with his life. Now convinced there is another plot to kill King James, Daniel does not know who to trust.
This is the third outing for Daniel Pursglove, Maitland's Jacobean anti-hero. As ever the themes of sorcery and evil are written throughout and the weather and darkness are omnipresent. The plot is confusingly twisty but very well constructed and the ending sets up the next in the series. I love the setting and the plotting.
This is the third outing for Daniel Pursglove, Maitland's Jacobean anti-hero. As ever the themes of sorcery and evil are written throughout and the weather and darkness are omnipresent. The plot is confusingly twisty but very well constructed and the ending sets up the next in the series. I love the setting and the plotting.
April 14, 2023
I do love the Daniel Pursglove series but like many reviewers, I find that there is an awful lot going on, detracting from the main plot. The atmosphere created in this Jacobean world is excellent and it is very easy to get lost in the atmosphere and descriptions which is both a compliment and a criticism. Despite not knowing 100% what was going on, I really enjoyed the ending and it has set it up perfectly for the next in the series... if I've committed this far then I might as well carry on!
September 13, 2023
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
As I have come to expect from this excellent series it is beautifully written and researched, with a clever mix of fictional and real characters. Atmospheric clever descriptive and totally engaging from first to last page, with a real feel for time and place. Speaking of which this is the third book in this series, and I assume judging by the cliffhanger ending a new book is to follow, hopefully very soon.
Completely recommended.
As I have come to expect from this excellent series it is beautifully written and researched, with a clever mix of fictional and real characters. Atmospheric clever descriptive and totally engaging from first to last page, with a real feel for time and place. Speaking of which this is the third book in this series, and I assume judging by the cliffhanger ending a new book is to follow, hopefully very soon.
Completely recommended.
May 12, 2023
Mysteries in the Daniel Pursglove series are gripping and well plotted. They makes you travel in time and space to a realistic and vivid Jacobean London.
This is another solid mystery and it's also a good way to learn about that time and the characters.
Daniel is as well plotted as usual and I loved the storytelling. The solid mystery kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
This is another solid mystery and it's also a good way to learn about that time and the characters.
Daniel is as well plotted as usual and I loved the storytelling. The solid mystery kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
May 11, 2024
You really must read the two preceding books in this series to get a handle on this complex and ongoing plot. And yet it’s that very complexity that draws me to it, wondering where the story is going next. I’ve always found the reign of James I to be somewhat of a non-event bar the Gunpowder Plot, but the author manages to bring it into focus and give it life. Looking forward to reading the final instalment
October 19, 2025
I’m on the fence about this series. I love the historical detail and the world the author has created but I struggle to keep up with what’s going on. I read the first book in this series ages ago so it was very difficult to try and remember who all the characters were who suddenly popped up. I think there are actually a few too many characters to be keeping hold of here - hoping the payoff in book 4 will make everything clear!
November 13, 2023
Treachery, intrigue and danger abound in this third book of the Daniel Pursglove series. And, as with all of Karen Maitland's books, the plot moves along at a pace but with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Well researched, vivid in their historical setting these are great books to lose yourself in. This book ends, poised for the next in the series. I can't wait to read it.
May 21, 2025
Zo ongelofelijk sfeervol en spannend deze historische thrillers. Een complot om koning James te vermoorden, conflict tussen katholieken en protestanten, Daniel Pursglove -de held- achtervolgt door een man met een witte streep in zijn baard - the Badger- wie is hij? en een aantal gruwelijke moorden.Nu nog het laatste deel!
June 14, 2023
Another really good read from KJ Maitland. You can imagine yourself alongside Daniel squelching through mud and all sorts and the descriptions of daily life are very vivid. I don't think we realise just how dangerous every day life was then. Looking forward to the next book.
July 18, 2023
Excellent
I like the fact that more of Daniel has been revealed in the latest book. It was gripping, an excellent story. It was fast paced and I’m so sad to have finished it!
I am hoping book 4 comes out very soon, there’s still so much more to Daniel’s story….
I like the fact that more of Daniel has been revealed in the latest book. It was gripping, an excellent story. It was fast paced and I’m so sad to have finished it!
I am hoping book 4 comes out very soon, there’s still so much more to Daniel’s story….
August 18, 2024
Very good third book in the Daniel Pursglove series but a bit more rambling than the others. Still enjoyable but missed a bit of the drama of those that have gone before. I am looking forward to reading the fourth, and final, book to find out how the loose ends will all get tied up.
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