The Sinner's Mark

Nicholas Shelby #6

by S.W. Perry

Treason, heresy and revolt in Queen Elizabeth's England . . .
The year is 1600. With a dying queen on the throne, war raging on the high seas and famine on the rise, England is on the brink of chaos. And in London's dark alleyways, a conspiracy is brewing. In the court's desperate bid to silence it, an innocent man is found guilty - the father of Nicholas Shelby, physician and spy. As Nicholas races against time to save his father, he and his wife Bianca are drawn into the centre of a treacherous plot against the queen.
When one of Shakespeare's boy actors goes missing, and Bianca discovers a disturbing painting that could be a clue, she embarks on her own investigation. Meanwhile, as Nicholas comes closer to unveiling the real conspirator, the men who wish to silence him are multiplying. When he stumbles on a plan to overthrow the state and replace it with a terrifying new order, he may be forced to make a decision between his country and his heart . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Historical

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2023

About the author

S. W. Perry was a journalist and broadcaster before retraining as an airline pilot. He lives in Worcestershire, England with his wife.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed this latest in the series but felt it was a bit slow to get going but still have a few red herrings in there to delight the plot also felt could of been a tad shorter as well.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve become a great fan of this series set in late Elizabethan London. I’ve read the first four books in the series – The Angel’s Mark, The Serpent’s Mark, The Saracen’s Mark and The Heretic’s Mark – but, strangely enough, not this book’s predecessor, The Rebel’s Mark, despite having a copy on my bookshelf. Unfortunately, by the time I realised, I didn’t have time to go back and read that before reading this latest instalment. But I definitely will.  Although The Sinner’s Mark can be read as a standalone reading the series from the beginning will allow you to witness the progress of the relationship between physician and reluctant spy, Nicholas Shelby, and Bianca Merton, owner of the Jackdaw tavern. Also making a return appearance from previous books are Rose and Ned Monckton, now charged with overseeing the Jackdaw whilst Bianca pursues her apothecary business.

More significant is the arrival of a figure from Nicholas’s past, a strange and rather macabre individual who appears to want simply to renew their friendship but whom Bianca instinctively suspects may not be exactly what he seems. It creates an unaccustomed tension in Nicholas and Bianca’s relationship. What I particularly like is the way Nicholas’s and Bianca’s previous experiences have informed the development of their characters over the course of the series. Bianca retains the quick-wittedness gained from the adventures of her youth. However, her eagerness to see the wicked brought to justice means she sometimes places herself in risky situations. She is fiercely protective of Nicholas, conscious that his inability to save loved ones many years before has left him with feelings of guilt and a desire to make amends. Bianca warns, ‘Be careful, Nicholas. There’s nothing wrong with compassion, provided it doesn’t leave you blind to danger’.

Once again, the backdrop to the story is the turbulent period towards the end of Elizabeth I’s reign. As Robert Cecil warns, ‘There is a cold current running beneath the surface of this realm, Nicholas… a current I don’t much care for. People have come to the realization that the queen cannot live for ever. They can smell change coming. And change can be fertile ground for trouble’.  Ah, yes, Robert Cecil.  As I’ve noted in previous reviews, no historical mystery set in the reign of Elizabeth I would be complete without a member of the Cecil family. Having thought he’d successfully extricated himself from Cecil’s spy network, Nicholas finds himself having to call on Cecil’s help when his father is arrested for possessing a seditious tract. Owing Cecil a favour is a distinctly uncomfortable position to be in and it results in Nicholas being unwillingly drawn into investigating a plot that aims to create mayhem.

One of the things I’ve loved about the previous books is the way the author conjures up the sights, sounds and smells of Elizabethan London and he does it again here, this time adding a theatrical flourish with a famous playwright being amongst the actual historical figures to feature in the book.

Ending with fireworks, The Sinner’s Mark is a thrilling addition to a wonderful series. If you’re a fan of historical mysteries and haven’t discovered the series yet, then you’re in for a treat.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

1600 London. Nicholas Shelby's father is incarcerated for spreading seditious material. Bianca inherits a house from one of her medical suppliers. And an old friend from the Low Countries turns up in Bankside to see Nicholas.

A really enjoyable story with a few strands going on. The pair seem to attract dead bodies and danger - but it makes for an exciting read. Great stuff.

[Andy Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this from the Kindle library. Costing nothing it seemed worth it. This is the first book of Perry’s I’ve read and the 6th in his Nicholas Shelby series. It’s set in 1600 in London. Shelby is a doctor who has access to those nearest the Queen, and the Queen herself occasionally. It’s very much in the same vein as S.J. Parris and others, full of historical details in support of a gripping tale. I wish I had read these books in sequence, but I will certainly be reading the earlier ones.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘When treason wears a smile, a kingdom falls …’ - cover tag line.

My thanks to Atlantic Books/Corvus for an eARC via NetGalley of S.J. Perry’s ‘The Sinner’s Mark’.

This is Book 6 in Perry’s Jackdaw Mysteries, a series of historical thrillers set in Elizabethan England featuring physician and reluctant spy, Nicholas Shelby, and his wife, Bianca Merton, apothecarist and owner of the Jackdaw Tavern.

While the author provides some background, it is a series that I would recommend to lovers of historical mysteries. Reading in order allows for an appreciation of the changes in the characters’ lives over time and to savour Perry’s vivid descriptions of the Elizabethan world.

The year is 1600 and it is clear to all that the queen has not long to live. Added to this, war is raging on the high seas and the country is gripped by famine.

Nicholas is shocked to learn that his father, Thomas, has been arrested for possession of seditious religious material. As Nicholas races against time to save his father, he and Bianca find themselves drawn into a sinister conspiracy against the queen and state.

Added to this one of Shakespeare's boy actors has gone missing and Bianca has her suspicions about what has happened and embarks on her own investigation. No further details to avoid spoilers.

I enjoyed this very much. It was quite fun to have Will Shakespeare and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men as part of the plot. He always addresses Bianca as ‘Kate’ and when someone asks the reason she says: “Because he wrote a very poor play about the taming of a shrewish woman. The shrew was supposed to be me. But he hadn’t the courage to give her my name, so he called her Kate instead. He named the sister Bianca – lest I should fail to spot the amusement.”

Perry ends with a Historical Note that provides details of the events in England that had informed his storyline. I always appreciate when authors of historical fiction provide context for their plot.

Overall, I enjoyed ‘The Sinner’s Mark’ very much and feel that it and the Jackdaw Mysteries as a whole are exceptional historical thrillers.

Highly recommended.

[Martin Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another glorious story in the Jackdaw series continues to entertain.

It's 1600 - ten years since Nicholas Shelby was saved from himself by Bianca. Since then he has become a husband and father, a spy and a doctor whose methods have brought him into conflict with his profession.

Following the events of "The Rebel's Mark", Shelby has distanced himself from his former spymaster, Robert Cecil and uses his skills to help his neighbours in Bankside. Bianca's apothecary shop is thriving, as is the tavern. Queen Elizabeth I is fading and rumours of her imminent demise are causing ripples both within and without her government. Conspiracies are everywhere and England is on the brink of chaos. When Nicholas' father is accused of distributing seditious material, he is forced to accept help from Cecil. This soon draws him into a treacherous plot against the queen. At the same time the arrival of a old war friend and the disappearance of young boys in the area means Nicholas and Bianca are up to their necks in trouble.

Soon we are drawn into another labyrinthine story of deception, distrust, sedition and conspiracy. Nicholas is still warring with his devotion to his family and his country; Bianca sees things he does not, and this causes tension between them. Ned and Rose also suffer, when he falls under the spell of a Puritan preacher and fans of the series will in turn enjoy and mourn their journey.

The attention to detail we expect from the author is still present and London presents a dark and evil-smelling backdrop to a complex story; a central theme in this book is that of the Puritan's struggle to be accepted and it's hard to not sympathise with their plight. As usual we have a nice mix of well-drawn characters the reader will love, hate and sympathise over in equal measure. A nice afterword from the author places some of the events in context.

I was glad to accept a Netgalley ARC of the book but I'll definitely be first in the queue for a real copy when it's released. Recommended for long-time fans and those of Andrew Taylor and SJ Parris.

[Susie Helme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabethan mystery full of period character
Nicholas Shelby, the queens’ physician, is summoned. Queen Elizabeth is fading but is nevertheless still interested in ‘young men with good calves and passable looks’.
Shelby’s father is accused of distributing a seditious tract, and he is determined to clear his name. One of the suppliers of ingredients for wife Bianca’s simples, Aksel Leezen, has willed to her his house in the Steelyard. There, Leezen has left plaster casts of bones—écorché models, for studying anatomy, explains Nicholas—and a gruesome wooded effigy of a dead girl with half a face. Three young boys go missing.
An old war-buddy arrives—his marvellous name is Petrus Eusebius Schenk.
As Shakespeare’s players act the assassination of Julius Caesar, actors in another plot are laying dastardly plans. As well as the nods to the Gunpowder Plot, which would happen five years after the events in this story, there are bits that were inspired by real occurrences in Elizabethan London.
Dialogue is good, but we don’t really hear the voices of the characters. The Voice is that of omniscient narrator.
This is sixth in Perry's Elizabethan Jackdaw Mysteries series, and we know Nicholas, Bianca, Rose and Ned from the earlier books. Their characters are further developed here, and necessary backstory is well handled.
The plot develops languidly, and the slow pace allows for character development and scene-setting and gives one a feeling of the period, when even a trip across London required a horse ride, a wherry across the river, a stay in an inn.
Another element comes across as true to the period—the schizophrenic and precarious nature of the religious ups and downs and the shifting goalposts on what was considered heresy. The character Ned voices the experience of someone newly inspired by revolutionary Protestant sermons, and Schenk’s zealotry is believable.
This review first appeared in Historical Novels Review.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Petrus Eusebius Schenk appears in the Steelyard, a rundown Thames-side district, where Bianca has an old house left to her by a friend. Schenk is a mess of man to whom Bianca takes an instant dislike although he claims be an old friend of Nicholas. Bianca reluctantly agrees to let him stay in her old house. It turns out he is a member of the Brotherhood of the First Hand, an extreme Puritan sect that believes nothing should stand between a person and God – such as bishops, priests, bankers up to the Queen herself, the Establishment itself in fact . They distribute treasonous messages. Asher Montague is a hellfire parson with the same message, and he gains a following due to his brilliantly sermonizing, including Ned Monkton, Nicholas’s helper, much to Nicholas’s chagrin. Nicholas is asked by Lord Cecil to translate for a visiting Shiek he has met before in Marrakesh –an aside to the real story. There is much interaction with Will Shakespeare’s caste in his Julius Caesar, the first production of which is to be attended by the Establishment including the queen. A tempting target for the Brotherhood. Bianca ‘s suspicions of Schenk make her do some research, the result of which horrifies her. A bit slow, as in others of Perry’s books, in the beginning but again it has a gripping climax. The names are changed but a lot of the story is true, particularly about the extremism of the Puritans. There is even an almost word for word description of the death of a major character that appeared in an earlier book of Perry’s. Reading back to me reviews of this series, The earlier ones, Serpent’s and the Angel’s Mark, were 5 stars for me, but then the other Marks tailed down to 3. Perhaps the similarities of structure took away the impact of the later ones. Good history lessons though.

[Jenny Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another walk through Tudor London in 1600, with Dr Nicholas Shelby, his Italian apothecary wife, Bianca, and Rose and Ned Monkton, who are now in charge of The Jackdaw pub.

Bianca is left a house in the seedier part of Bankside, just as an old friend of her husband's from the Low Countries arrives in the city seeking to pick up old threads. Seditious pamphlets are discovered in various places, including in the ownership of Nicholas' father who has been imprisoned with the threat of amputation of his right hand, which would mean the end for a yeoman farmer. Still partly in the employ of Robert Cecil, Nicholas heads home to defend his father, where he hears of a firebrand preacher who has been stirring the discontent of those in the lower strata of English society.

The same preacher later arrives in London, and Robert Cecil is keen to find the source of the pamphlets: both the writer and the printer. Meanwhile, Bianca discovers some alarming things in the house she's inherited: some lifelike plaster models of human limbs and a strange cut out/painting of a haunting child. When three local boys go missing and a body is also discovered caught in the culvert below the house, the tension rises considerably. Bianca's suspicions grow as she becomes increasingly certain that her husband's friend is no such thing.

Plots, rumour and radicalism abound, enlivened by the inclusion of Will Shakespeare and his players who have been engaged to entertain Her Majesty at Nonsuch Park where things come to a head.

I've enjoyed every one of the books in this series and will be looking out for more. Well paced, likeable characters, convincing plots and lots of contemporary references which bring the sights and smells of London to life.

[Teresa Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sinner’s Mark by S W Perry
Having read the previous books in this series it was good to be back in the company of Nicholas Shelby and his wife Bianca. It is ten years since Bianca saved him when he tried to drown himself after the death of his first wife and unborn child. He is now working as a physician to the Queen and also works for Sir Robert Cecil as a spy. He receives news that his father has been arrested for possession of seditious literature and travels to Barnthorpe to release him from captivity.
Rumours abound about the imminent death of Elizabeth and what will happen to the country after her death. There are conspiracies everywhere and England could be tipped into catastrophe. Then a long lost friend reappears and worms his way into their household and also entices Ned to attend a church where a fire and brimstone preacher causes him to doubt wheat he has been told.
Bianca does not trust his friend but Nicholas is loath to hear anything against him. We are soon drawn into a complicated story of conspiracy and sedition. There is great attention to the historical detail of the time and readers of the series will enjoy travelling again with these well drawn characters. This is a book for those who enjoy the novels of Andrew Taylor and S J Parris - an exciting historical romp.
Many thanks to the author, to the publishers and to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Anne Szlachcic · Rating 4 out of 5]

England is in turmoil , with the Puritan movements involvement in political violence, to the coming to an end of the Queen's reign the "movers" and "shakers" are position themselves for the times ahead .
After the events in The Rebel's Mark Nicholas Shelby has distanced himself from spymaster Robert Cecil but all too soon he finds himself in need of Cecil's help - his father has been accused of distributing seditious material
Nicholas finds himself drawn into a plot against the Queen - wherever he turns there is deception , conspiracy and distrust . Will he have to make a decision between his family and his country - there are always those who will make the decision for him , to keep him quiet .
Bianca has also been drawn into her own investigation when one of Will Shakespeare's boy actors disappears - can she help find out what has happened to the boy ?

The Author has yet again produced a brilliant novel that intertwines historical fact with fiction , bringing to life , politics and times of the era .

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

1600 and Queen Elizabeth is dying, the Privy Council are as secretive as ever. For physician Shelby a call to his father's aid comes as a shock and the accusation of sedition is serious. However on his return to London he meets with an old friend and colleague from the war in the Low Countries. His wife Bianca has inherited an abandoned house and allows this friend to stay there but she is suspicious and even more so when he tries to convert Ned Monkton to his extremely puritanical views. However there is a bigger plot at foot.
Perry writes really entertaining novels about the inhabitants of London in the latter days of Elizabeth's reign. Here the side characters include one Will Shakespeare but this does not detract from the plot which is twisty and complex but ultimately solved. There is a real love for the people who inhabit the less glamorous parts of London, particularly Bankside, and the research is excellent.

[Teresa Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest in the Jackdaw series and the first time I have actually read it from a book, all the others I read on Borrowbox. I liked it but maybe not as much as some of the earlier stories. This one is set towards the very end of Queen Elizabeth's reign and Nicholas is no longer a spy for Robert Cecil, although still in contact with him and in need of his help when his father is in great danger. An old friend of Nicholas appears in need of assistance but Bianca is reluctant to trust him when her second sight makes her suspicious of his motives. This causes tension between the couple. The plot involves an extremist Puritan group and their plan to create a new world order. The historical detail is excellent as ever.

[Anne Siddell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story in the Jackdaw series, and once again S W Perry shines a light on a little-known (at least to me) aspect of late Elizabethan society, namely the rise of Puritanism. His descriptions of the sights, sounds and smells of late 15th century London are, as always, compelling and the inclusion of real historical figures such as Shakespeare adds interest. The relationship between Nicholas and Bianca continues to evolve and the minor characters are also well drawn.
It's not clear whether any future books are planned in this series, if not I shall be sorry to say goodbye to the Jackdaw.

[Michelle Wileman · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Jackdaw murders just get better and better, the 6 th in the series and a thrilling, much to be recommended story.

I love that they are closely link to history, the reappearance of William Shakespeare added to the air of authenticity. I could just feel myself enjoying his plays at the time with little witticisms and comments reflecting views of men about their womenfolk.

Beautifully written, engaging and an easy read. I do hope there will be another book in the series!

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review

[Jill Westerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst investigating the murder of a young man Nicholas Shelby hears that his father has been arrested and in danger of losing his right hand; he needs to travel home swiftly. At the same time his wife, Bianca, inherits a house previously owned by a businessman from the Low Countries and an old comrade of Nicholas arrives on London in straitened circumstances.

What follows is another gripping episode in the life of the physician Shelby with a plot to be uncovered and nobility at risk. Great fun. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy.

[Jean-Luc · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rise of political violence within the radical Puritanism movement at the end of Queen Elizabeth's reign is at the center of this brilliantly plotted historical whodunit full of sparkling dialogues and blessed with a terrific cast of exquisitely drawn characters.

A marvellous new addition to a much loved series, a fictional addiction that keeps getting better and better with each new title!

A highly entertaining romp that deserves to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

Many thanks to Atlantic Books and Netgalley for this fabulous ARC!

[Ciaran O'conboirne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel ! Edifying both from a historical and grammar context . Nicholas Shelby character always caught between a rock and a hard place but always the pragmatist. Writer always makes you see 3 sides ( government ,Dr Shelby and Catholic wife) Again like all the other books in this series the ruthless enforced conformity to the ‘protestant religion reverence to the queen and her enablers ‘privy council’ all keeping themselves well financed at the top of the foodchain. How English history repeats itself , remarkable .

[Justin Sarginson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A welcome return to these fabulous characters and to this great series. Once again, a substantial plot which twists and turns like a snake, which is incredibly fun to read and savour. There is no sign of staleness with this series, as the characters and scenarios age and evolve really very well and each new installment is always welcomed and appreciated.
Conspiracies and nuances abound.

[Steve Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treason, Treachery and an Assassination Plot

Another excellent book in The Jackdaw series.

A rich tale with fully rounded characters and an intriguing plot set in late Elizabethan England.

The combination of real historical figures and fictional ones is handled well and the story keeps the reader engaged throughout.

S W Perry is one of our finest historical fiction writers.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant novel in this series, an excellent mix of historical facts and fiction. A compelling, fast paced, and well written story that made us live in a critical historical moment and enjoyed a complex plot.
Good storytelling and character development.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Becs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series and this book did not disappoint! I feel I've been on the journey with these characters and am completely invested in their lives. The accuracy of the historical element adds to the well developed plot. I'm sure I will read the series again and live in hope of a seventh book in the series.
Highly Recommend!

[Bethan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. The sixth tale of Nicholas Shelby.
This time an old comrade from his days with the army in the Low Countries comes to visit.
Tales of sedition, treason and Puritanism are cleverly interwoven, affecting almost all members of the Jackdaw tavern in Bankside.
I was on the edge of my seat reading Bianca’s epic horse ride to Nonsuch Palace….

[Suzanne Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Tudor saga, but still entertaining and visual. I liked the way in which the plot unfolded rather than the rather hackneyed structure in which a crime is committed and then there’s the detection bit. It’s fair to say that as the story progressed the sequence of events became quite predictable but it was still a good read.

[Mark Walsingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bianca saves the day.

Another page turner from SW Perry. A nicely rounded conclusion to The Jackdaw Mysteries. Not for the first time Nicholas Shelby stumbles through the pages nearly but not quite seeing the threat for what it is. Luckily Bianca makes the breakthrough in the nick (sic) of time.

[Patricia Moren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another superb Historical Fiction by S W Perry. He manages each time to bring the historical period to life and make the characters so realistic. There was agreat buid up of tension towards to end of the book that reaching the end became essetial. Great read!

[Mrs Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series never disappoints

I love this Jackdaw series. I’ve read all the books now and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each one. The plots are clever, the characters well-drawn and the Jackdaw team are all very likeable. Highly recommended.

[martin crabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Thanks again S.W. Perry

A really good series of books. I love the picture of this time in history they create in my imagination. The characters and the humour. This author is responsible for the dark circles around my eyes from reading far too late into the night.😀

[alex presnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love historical mysteries but this one was a bit of a slog. The story was hard to believe although the central characters are likeable. It was all to contrived to be gripping. However I finished it and the ending did give an insight into the religious beliefs in the Elizabethan era.

[Joanne Dobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting elements to this, religion foreign merchants and their fate in London and friendships. I did enjoy it but found myself skipping a little to get to the end.