The Privateers

England, 1604.

All eyes are on London as a high-powered delegation arrives to initiate vital treaty talks, to bring an end to almost twenty years of bitter warfare with Spain.

King James wants to be known as The Peacemaker King – but there are ruthless men who profit from war, and who will stop at nothing to sabotage the negotiations.

Marbeck, Lord Secretary Cecil’s best intelligencer, is feeling underused. So, when the new spymaster, dour Levinus Monk, orders him to keep a watch on Somerset House where the talks will be held, he sets to the task with alacrity.

But almost at once things start to go awry, when an attempt is made on the life of the Spanish ambassador.

Marbeck utilises his underworld contacts and follows the trail from the Thameside wharfs to distant Weymouth. Caught up in a web of intrigue, he finds himself in a savage battle on windswept Chesil Beach, where he is pushed to the limits of his powers - in which survival is the only goal left.

Praise for The Privateers:

‘The 3rd in the Marbeck 17th century spy series once again succeeds. Perfect for readers who delight in political intrigue and secret agent shenanigans’ - Library Journal

‘A brilliant and exceptional novel... John Pilkington is a preeminent writer and historian. 5 stars.’ - NetGalley