April 27, 2020
Set in 1586, Parris’s fine sixth thriller featuring Giordano Bruno (after 2016’s Conspiracy) takes Bruno, an Italian heretic, philosopher, ex-priest, and spy, to England to inform Elizabeth’s spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham of a plot, led by Anthony Babington, to kill the queen. Bruno is chagrined to find that Walsingham already knows of the plot and has sent a spy, Clara Poole, into the midst of the conspirators. However, a young woman identified as Clara is soon found murdered, her body dumped in an unconsecrated graveyard. Walsingham asks Bruno to infiltrate Babington’s group and discover who killed Clara. The action starts slowly as Parris supplies the background of the bitter conflict between Elizabeth and her cousin Mary, both of whom believe themselves to be the rightful queen of England. From the moment the perceptive and courageous Bruno agrees to go undercover, the story fairly races along, filled with murders, kidnapping, political intrigue, ciphers, romance, and a spot of torture. Those who enjoy a ripping yarn as well as history buffs who demand accuracy in the details will be satisfied. Agent: Deborah Schneider, ICM.