"It is March 1570. England is reeling from the Northern Rebellion, when Lords rose up and tried to marry Mary Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk and put her on the English throne.
A body is found in what appears to be a ritualistic killing. In his dwelling a message has been daubed on the wall with his blood –
First terror then death.
As John Dee and Margaretta delve further into a plot on Elizabeth’s life, more victims fall. A pattern emerges. Through a spiral of poisons and hidden messages, can they uncover the real killer, and be sure there is only one."
"In 1561, with Elizabeth I on the throne and Catholic plots brewing, a young German prince arrives in England claiming to be the rightful heir – the son of Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves.
Armed with jewels, letters, and Tudor looks, his claim threatens to upend the dynasty. But as poison spreads and secrets unravel, astrologer John Dee and his companion Margaretta must uncover the truth behind the prince’s origins. Their investigation spans England and Germany, revealing forbidden love, betrayal, and a dangerous plot with ties to the throne. Will they uncover the truth in time to save the queen?"
"Doctor John Dee and Margaretta, assisted by his pupil Christopher, are charged with unravelling the mystery. But then there is a kidnapping, a ransom threat and more bodies appear. Amongst secrets and rumours, the scandal of the Seymour Affair threatens to resurface. Elizabeth’s road to the throne could be ruined and with that comes the fall of the Tudor Dynasty.
Can John Dee keep Elizabeth’s secret before it casts a shadow over them all?"
"Finding the battered body of a young boy was not unusual in Bloody Mary’s cruel England. However, the stabbed tongue, a false seal and strange letter implicate Princess Elizabeth, threatening to bring down the Tudor Dynasty.
Doctor John Dee and his secret apprentice, Margaretta, using his brilliant mind and her strange abilities, embark on a perilous journey to solve this brutal murder. Before their work can really begin, another body is found. As Dee and Margaretta delve deeper into their investigation, they uncover a web of deceit, political intrigue and treachery that threatens to engulf them both. When more bodies are discovered and arrests are made, time is running out. With rumours of witchcraft and treason swirling around them, can they untangle the mystery before it’s too late?"
Join our community for the latest bookish news, reading recommendations, exclusive opening extracts, author events and competitions. It\'s all free. And enter a monthly draw to win a £50 Gift Card. See past winners here