LoveReading Says
Walsingham spy now in the service of Sir Robert Cecil, John Shakespeare, older brother of William, finds his trusted band of fellow spies are being picked off one by one, oh, and the Spanish are landing in Cornwall and somehow the exorcising of mad women is bothering him. Shakespeare always has lots to contend with which is what makes these adventures so compulsive. This is his fifth, as good as ever. The historical detail is terrific and the action fast and furious. Do read them.
Click here to see the new book in the John Shakespeare series, The Queen's Man.
In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for The Heretics a small number of Lovereading members were lucky enough to be invited to review this title - 'A tremendous read. Absolutely grips your imagination. Once again religion and politics are at the fore front of this fabulous book.' – Susan Walsh.
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Reviewed by Sarah BroadhurstSarah Broadhurst spent her early working life in the book trade in both retail and wholesale until the arrival of children forced her to look for freelance work she could do from…
More reviews by Sarah Broadhurst About The Heretics
England may have survived the Armada threat of 1588, but when Spanish galleys land troops in Cornwall on a lightning raid seven years later, is it a dry-run for a new invasion? Revenge for the sacking of Spanish shipping and ports? A warning shot to Drake and Hawkins? Or is there, perhaps, a more sinister motive?
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The Heretics Synopsis
England may have survived the Armada threat of 1588, but when Spanish galleys land troops in Cornwall on a lightning raid seven years later, is it a dry-run for a new invasion? Revenge for the sacking of Spanish shipping and ports? A warning shot to Drake and Hawkins? Or is there, perhaps, a more sinister motive?
The Queen is speechless with rage at Spain's temerity. Sir Robert Cecil demands answers. But as John Shakespeare tries to get a grip on events, England's secret defences begin to unravel as one by one his network of spies is horribly murdered. But what has all this to do with Thomasyn Jade, a girl driven to the edge of madness by the foul rituals of exorcism?
And what is the link to a group of priests held prisoner in the bleak confines of Wisbech Castle? From the pain-wracked torture rooms of the Inquisition in Seville to the marshy wastes of fenland, from the wild coasts of Cornwall to the sweat and sawdust of the Elizabethan playhouses, and from the condemned cell at Newgate to the devilish stench of brimstone and fear as demons are driven out by unspeakable means, THE HERETICS builds to a terrifying climax that threatens the life of the Queen herself.
The John Shakespeare series:
1. Martyr
2. Revenger
3. Prince
4. Traitor
5. The Heretics
6. The Queen's Man
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781848544369 |
| Publication date: |
13th February 2014 |
| Author: |
Rory Clements |
| Publisher: |
John Murray Publishers Ltd an imprint of John Murray General Publishing Division |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
434 pages |
| Series: |
John Shakespeare |
| Primary Genre |
Historical Fiction
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| Other Genres: |
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| Recommendations: |
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Rory Clements Press Reviews
We have asked a select number of members and browsers to review The Heretics. You can read their reviews below.
Susan Walsh - 'A tremendous read. Absolutely grips your imagination. Once again religion and politics are at the fore front of this fabulous book.' Click Here to read the full review
Berwyn Peet - 'Clever, exciting historical thriller set in Shakespearian times...a great addition to the series about John Shakespeare but you don't need to have read the earlier ones to really enjoy this.' Click Here to read the full review
Sue Gale - 'Further travails of John Shakespeare and his family as he undertakes work on behalf of the Government of Elizabeth I. Favours are given and acted upon to obtain the final goal. A must read.' Click Here to read the full review
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'Rory Clements again brings to life the dark side of Elizabethan England'
Daily Mail
Praise for the John Shakespeare series:
'Clements can be seen as doing for Elizabeth's reign what CJ Sansom does for Henry VIII's ... What's impressive in the latest is how much of Tudor society it crams in, from the court and Derby's estate to outlaws and the soldiers in its concluding scene'
Sunday Times
'There's plenty of thrills ... the multiple plot elements are well-handled ... there's much that's enjoyable and Clements' orchestration of the narrative is skillful' www.displacementactivity.co.uk
'The best yet in Rory Clements magnificent series about John Shakespeare... As always, the historical detail is fascinating and sometimes delightfully obscure ... another sumptuous feast that will leave you sated - but craving for the next helping! Crimesquad
'I found this the best book in the series' Historical Novels Review
'Rory Clements again brings to life the dark side of Elizabethan England' Daily Mail
'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
About Rory Clements
Rory Clements is the bestselling author of the John Shakespeare series of Tudor spy thrillers. His six acclaimed novels, Martyr, Revenger, Prince, Traitor, The Heretics and The Queen's Man, follow Elizabeth's Intelligencer, John Shakespeare, brother to the playwright William, through the dark underworld of Tudor England as he unmasks the traitors and conspirators who plot against the Queen. The seventh John Shakespeare novel, Holy Spy, is due to be published in February 2015. Rory Clements won the Crime Writers' Association Ellis Peters Historical Fiction Award in 2010 for Revenger, and has been shortlisted for CWA Awards for Martyr, Prince and The Heretics. A TV series is currently in development.
Author photo © Madeleine Clements
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