"A fascinating and atmospheric historical crime mystery starring William Shakespeare as he investigates the death of one of Elizabeth I’s ladies-in-waiting."
Step this way if you love to unravel a historical mystery. Enter the world of one particular playwright, William Shakespeare, as he becomes embroiled in a murder investigation within the court of Elizabeth I. Shakespeare faces court intrigue and politics, a spymaster on the back foot, and a particularly dangerous foe. This novel forms a part of the William Shakespeare Mysteries series, and it is all too easy to fall into and believe in this compelling blend of fiction and history. I have read one of author Howard Linskey’s previous works of historical fiction, Hunting the Hangman, which he spent over three years researching, and you can feel the same care and attention has been taken within the pages of Muse of Fire. I forgot the here and now as I merged into the story, the sense of place is immense and the descriptive detailing transported me back in time. The characters, particularly those who are known, such as Shakespeare, Cecil, Essex, and of course Elizabeth are full of life and vitality. I loved the side story of the Globe Theatre, addition of quotes heading each chapter, and just how easy it was for me to picture, in vivd colour, the story as it unfurled. Muse of Fire is an absorbing and rewarding tale of plotting and conniving within one of the most fascinating periods of history.
| Primary Genre | Crime and Mystery |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
William Shakespeare is now both a man at court and a man of the theatre. Accepted into Elizabeth I's world, he is trusted to write plays for her. But his position is insecure, based entirely on the queen's whims.
When one of the her ladies-in-waiting is found dead, almost everyone suspects it was murder. But who stood to gain by her death? Were the rumours that she was with child when she died true, or was she merely a pawn in a greater game?
Sir Robert Cecil senses an opportunity to finally rid himself of his bitter rival, the Earl of Essex, who was seen with the girl before she died, and enlists Will to discover the truth.
But Will knows that the Earl of Southampton, his patron, already allies himself to the Earl of Essex. Once again he is caught between two powerful foes. But this time, he must choose a side if he is to survive.
A captivating and thoroughly researched crime thriller that paints a rich portait of the life of the greatest of writers.
Muse of Fire features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Recommendations, Crime and Mystery, Espionage and spy thriller, Historical Fiction, Thriller and Suspense, Historical crime and mysteries, Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives, Fiction, Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives, Historical crime and mysteries, Espionage and spy thriller, Historical Fiction
Muse of Fire is available in Paperback, Hardback
Muse of Fire was written by Howard Linskey and published by Canelo
Muse of Fire has 313 pages
Yes it is part of William Shakespeare Mysteries series
£17.09
