The Conspirators
About this ebook
London, 1605
With the new King James on the throne, England is still fiercely divided between Catholic and Protestant. Ordered to keep watch on well-known Papist Thomas Percy, cousin of the Earl of Northumberland, Government spy Martin Marbeck's assignment takes on a greater urgency when rumours reach him of a terrible danger aimed at the King.
But with no idea where this threat comes from, and his spymaster Sir Robert Cecil’s refusal to take it seriously, Marbeck is at a loss. And his efforts to concentrate on affairs of state are complicated by affairs of the heart - in the elegant and shapely form of Charlotte de Baume.
By the time Marbeck uncovers the terrifying truth, he has only days to expose the conspirators. The safety of the realm is at stake... Marbeck must draw on every scrap of his courage, his sharp wits and his plain stubbornness to prevent a catastrophe...
Praise for The Conspirators:
‘Pilkington’s 4th mystery featuring intelligencer Martin Marbeck sustains suspense throughout’ - Publisher’s Weekly
‘Pilkington does a masterful job of meticulously grounding this novel in the actual historical events surrounding the infamous Gunpowder Plot’ - Booklist
‘Marbeck is a terrific protagonist and we come to like, respect and admire him’ - Historical Novels Review
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About the author
A writer for over forty years, John Pilkington was born in Lancashire and worked at many jobs including laboratory assistant, farm worker, weaver, shipping clerk, picture frame-maker and cabaret musician before finding his true vocations. He has written plays for radio and theatre, television scripts for a BBC soap, a short-lived children’s series and numerous works of historical fiction, including several Elizabethan mystery series for award-winning publisher Boldwood Books. He lives in a village on a tidal estuary in Devon with his long-term partner.
