Traitor (John Shakespeare #4)

Author(s): Rory Clements

Historical Fiction

The Elizabethan navy has a secret weapon: an optical instrument so powerful it gives England unassailable superiority at sea. Spain will stop at nothing to steal it and seize the two men who understand its secrets - its operative William Ivory, known as the 'Queen's Eye', and its inventor, the maverick magician Dr Dee. With a second Armada threatened, intelligencer John Shakespeare is sent north to escort Dr Dee to safety. But his mission is far from straightforward. Dee's host, the Earl of Derby, cousin to Elizabeth, is dying in agony, apparently poisoned. Who wants him dead and why? What lies behind the lynching of the recusant priest Father Matthew Lamb? And what exactly is the connection between these events and the mysterious and beautiful Lady Eliska? While Shakespeare attempts to untangle a plot that points to treachery at the very highest reaches of government, he also faces serious accusations far closer to home. With so much at stake, must he choose between family and his duty to Queen and country? Moving from the Catholic heartlands of Lancashire to a vagabond camp in the heart of England, and from the deck of Admiral Frobisher's flagship off the Brittany coast to the secret meetings of Elizabeth's closest associates, Traitor is award-winning writer Rory Clements' most intriguing and compelling novel to date.

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Praise for Prince: 'A genuine page turner, and cleverly weaves in real historical events and personalities. Fans will not be disappointed' -- Eastern Daily Press 'Intriguing ... wonderfully graphic and descriptive. Clements richly deserves the accolade: "faster moving than C.J. Sansom' -- Bookbag 'Clements' thrilling murder mysteries are a real cut above ... steeped in authentic 16th-century politics, the plots are complex and clever, and the characters believable and engrossing. But his greatest gift is the ability to bring to life the squalor, intrigue and perils of Tudor London and amidst it all create a superbly tense and entertaining mystery. Roll on Mr Shakespeare's Act IV' -- Lancashire Evening Post 'Blending fact with fiction Clements tells a rip-roaring yarn with vigour and energy and a huge enthusiasm for the period ... a novel lacking neither action nor spice. An undeniably enjoyable and lively plot that gathers pace and excitement throughout. A devilishly good read' -- Crime Time 'There is a veritable cornucopia of elements to praise here ... John Shakespeare is one of the great historical sleuths' -- Barry Forshaw 'This very well-plotted, erudite, historical mystery has many twists and turns which make for a very vivid story line. A very absorbing read with a real quality, similar in style but perhaps faster moving, than books by James Forrester or C.J. Sansom. I consider it one of the best books I've read this year. I will certainly look out for more stories by this very talented writer' -- Eurocrime Praise for Martyr and Revenger:'A cracking plot full of twists right up to the last minute. I look forward to the next' -- Sunday Express 'Beautifully done ... alive and tremendously engrossing' -- Daily Telegraph 'A colourful history lesson ... exciting narrative twists' -- Sunday Telegraph 'Enjoyable, bloody and brutish' -- Guardian 'An engrossing thriller' -- Washington Post 'An excellent debut' -- Publishers Weekly 'This is a historical thriller to send a shiver down your spine ... atmospheric - the evocation of the filth and debauchery of London is quite exceptional - it demonstrates the compelling eye for detail and character that Bernard Cornwall so memorably brought to Rifleman Sharpe. I could not tear myself away, it is that good' -- Daily Mail Praise for Prince: 'A genuine page turner, and cleverly weaves in real historical events and personalities. Fans will not be disappointed' -- Eastern Daily Press 'Intriguing ... wonderfully graphic and descriptive. Clements richly deserves the accolade: "faster moving than C.J. Sansom' -- Bookbag 'Clements' thrilling murder mysteries are a real cut above ... steeped in authentic 16th-century politics, the plots are complex and clever, and the characters believable and engrossing. But his greatest gift is the ability to bring to life the squalor, intrigue and perils of Tudor London and amidst it all create a superbly tense and entertaining mystery. Roll on Mr Shakespeare's Act IV' -- Lancashire Evening Post 'Blending fact with fiction Clements tells a rip-roaring yarn with vigour and energy and a huge enthusiasm for the period ... a novel lacking neither action nor spice. An undeniably enjoyable and lively plot that gathers pace and excitement throughout. A devilishly good read' -- Crime Time 'There is a veritable cornucopia of elements to praise here ... John Shakespeare is one of the great historical sleuths' -- Barry Forshaw 'This very well-plotted, erudite, historical mystery has many twists and turns which make for a very vivid story line. A very absorbing read with a real quality, similar in style but perhaps faster moving, than books by James Forrester or C.J. Sansom. I consider it one of the best books I've read this year. I will certainly look out for more stories by this very talented writer' -- Eurocrime Praise for Martyr and Revenger:'A cracking plot full of twists right up to the last minute. I look forward to the next' -- Sunday Express 'Beautifully done ... alive and tremendously engrossing' -- Daily Telegraph 'A colourful history lesson ... exciting narrative twists' -- Sunday Telegraph 'Enjoyable, bloody and brutish' -- Guardian 'An engrossing thriller' -- Washington Post 'An excellent debut' -- Publishers Weekly 'This is a historical thriller to send a shiver down your spine ... atmospheric - the evocation of the filth and debauchery of London is quite exceptional - it demonstrates the compelling eye for detail and character that Bernard Cornwall so memorably brought to Rifleman Sharpe. I could not tear myself away, it is that good' -- Daily Mail

After a career in national newspapers, Rory Clements now lives in a seventeenth-century farmhouse in Norfolk and writes full time. When not immersing himself in the Elizabethan world, he enjoys village life and a game of tennis with friends. He is married to the artist Naomi Clements-Wright.

General Fields

  • : 9781848544307
  • : John Murray General Publishing Division
  • : John Murray Publishers Ltd
  • : 0.64
  • : 01 March 2012
  • : 233mm X 156mm X 37mm
  • : United Kingdom
  • : 01 May 2012
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Rory Clements
  • : Paperback
  • : 1
  • : 496