Incendium ... fire and death in the name of piety ...
I love historical mystery fiction - especially when featuring some ell known players such as Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and favourite of Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Elizabeth’s reign saw a number of plots and rebellions. The plots came from a number of sources: disgruntled nobles; Catholics and from overseas. Plots often had an aim of removing Elizabeth from power and replacing her with Mary, Queen of Scots. Many were motivated by religious belief. Often funded by powerful leaders from overseas, these plots posed a significant risk to Elizabeth’s crown. The best documented of the plots are the Northern Rebellion (1569); Barge Incident; Ridolfi Plot (1571); Throckmorton Plot (1583) and the Babington Plot (1586).
As in reality, there is a plot against the Queen following what was known as the Ridolfi Plot (1571). There were plots on both sides of the English Channel as Paris prepares for the wedding of Henry of Navarre and Marguerite de Valois (which in itself is just a prelude to the St Bartholomew Day's massacre). Of course, this doesn't take into account all the petty rivalries and jealousies among her household and court, for which a whispered word here or there could lead to the downfall and execution of a favourite. Dr Christopher Radcliffe, lawyer and spy for the Earl of Leicester, is given the task of navigating the murky depths of the court to investigate and root out treason and its culprits wherever they may be. But the word "incendium" hints of a new plot against the Queen.
Swanston gives us a real feel for Elizabeth London, the "viper's nest", where there are more real life treasonable plots than you could poke a stick at. And just when you think all is resolved, you find yourself only halfway through. Very clever writing.
see also: Elizabeth Plots & Rebellions
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