Review: 4.5/5 Stars: Mystery and Intrigue Against a Historical Backdrop
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 3, 2014
Written against the backdrop of Elizabethan England with its power struggles, religious intolerance and endless plotting Rory Clements offers a plausible story which weaves the lives of fictional characters with authentic historical people and events.  History buffs will definitely appreciate the author’s very creative look at this period of history. Mary, Queen of Scots, is being held prisoner near John Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford. Although her prison is a very luxurious one, there is a conspiracy afoot to help her escape  and claim the throne of England which she believes to be rightfully hers.  But is this really a plot to help her escape or is it a plot to assassinate her in the guise of an escape?  John and his hired man Boltfoot Cooper have been given the assignment of uncovering the conspiracy and those who are involved. The plot is convoluted and includes several characters who turn out to be other characters.  It is made even more dramatic by the fact that John Shakespeare, author William Shakespeare’s fictional older brother, suspects his family  and friends may be involved in some way.  The author is quite masterful at blending real historical characters and events with fictional ones to enhance the story line and he effectively uses Will, along with his fiance Anne Hathaway who at the age of 26 seduces 18 year old Will and eventually marries him.  Readers also get a graphic look at the brutality resulting from the religious divide between Catholics and Anglicans during this period.  One of the nastiest characters I’ve ever encountered and a legitimate historical figure is Richard Topcliffe, a man who prides himself on ferreting out and torturing Catholic priests. John does find some diversion with Kat Whetstone, an enticing and independent young lady who is ahead of her time.  Kat has her eye on being a business woman rather than leading the life of servitude to a husband which is the common lot of women of that era.  For John, she is an oasis in the midst of the uncertainty and intrigue surrounding him and his family. This book is my second read in the John Shakespeare series which includes 6 full length novels and one novella.  John Shakespeare, an “intelligencer” or spy for Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster and advisor to Elizabeth 1, is a man who describes himself as being “on the side of Queen and country” and as the “Queen’s Man” he comports himself very well in his first assignment.  The Queen’s Man is not only an intriguing mystery, but a well-written look at history. As a bonus, at the end of the book the author includes a group of historical notes which will give the reader further insight into the people and events of the time.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a good mystery with a touch of romance.