State of Treason by Paul Walker
Publication Date: May 20, 2019
Sharpe Books
eBook & Paperback; 317 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
"A gripping and evocative page-turner that vibrantly brings Elizabeth's London to life." -Steven Veerapen, author of A Dangerous Trade
London 1578 - a cauldron of conspiracy, intrigue and torture.
The might of Spain and the growing influence of the Catholic League in France all threaten the stability of Queen Elizabeth and her state.
William Constable, a physician and astrologer, is summoned to the presence of the Queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham. He is charged to assist a renowned Puritan, John Foxe, in uncovering the secrets of a mysterious cabinet containing an astrological chart and coded message. Together, these claim Elizabeth has a hidden, illegitimate child (an “unknowing maid”) who will be declared to the masses and serve as the focus for an invasion.
Constable must uncover the identity of the plotters, unaware that he is also under suspicion.
A connection to his estranged mentor, Doctor Dee, comes under scrutiny.
Pressured into taking up a position as a court physician, Constable becomes a reluctant spy.
Do the stars and cipher speak true, or is there some other malign intent in the complex web of scheming?
Constable becomes an unwitting pawn, in a complex game of thrones and power.
State of Treason is the first in a series of Elizabethan thrillers featuring William Constable.
Recommended for fans of C.J. Sansom, S J Parris and Rory Clements.
Thoughts/Review:
State of Treason by Paul Walker, a first book of the William Constable Soy Thriller Series
I enjoyed this Historical Fiction with a mystery, thriller and espionage component set in the Elizabethan era. This is my favorite epoch in time in the Tudor timeline. The story begins in 1578, where a plot to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I is on foot. I love reading about this period for its renaissance revival, advancements of the time such as the British naval force which starts to triumph over Spain.
This is a character driven story about a fictional character I am certain you will absolutely love - William Constable, an astrologer, a physician, a mathematician and someone gifted with learning languages, who was brought to help decipher a plot to overthrow the reign of Elizabeth I.
Among the other characters that were a joy to read about were Walsingham, the queen’s spymaster, Doctor Dee and John Foxe. The pacing of the story was quick, the writing very readable despite the use of colloquialisms, which I enjoyed very much and really learning about what happened during the time with all of the conspiracies like a secret child and other Papist plots and to try to overthrow the monarchy.
I enjoyed this read so much that the I cannot wait for the second installation of this amazing book that is first in the series!!
Available on Amazon US and Amazon UK
About the Author
Paul Walker inherited his love of British history and historical fiction from his mother who was an active member of the Richard III Society.
State of Treason is the first in a planned series of Elizabethan spy thrillers. The plot is based around real characters and events in London of the 1570’s. The hero, William Constable, is an astrologer and also a skeptic. He is also a mathematician, astronomer and inventor of a navigational aid for ships. The distinction between astrology and astronomy was blurred in the sixteenth century.
The second book in the series, A Necessary Killing, was published in November 2019.
Paul is married and lives in a village 30 miles north of London. His writing is regularly disrupted by children and a growing number of grandchildren and dogs.
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Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, January 20
Review at Donna's Book Blog
Tuesday, January 21
Review at Books and Zebras
Wednesday, January 22
Excerpt at Jathan & Heather
Thursday, January 23
Feature at I'm Into Books
Review at Historical Graffiti
Friday, January 24
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Monday, January 27
Review at DFW's Historical Fiction + Adirondack Spirit Blog
Wednesday, January 29
Feature at The Book Junkie Reads
Saturday, February 1
Excerpt at booknook2020
Monday, February 3
Review at YA, It's Lit
Tuesday, February 4
Review at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, February 5
Interview at Passages to the Past
Thursday, February 6
Review at Nursebookie
Review at Tales from the Book Dragon
Giveaway INTERNATIONAL
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of State of Treason! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
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State of Treason
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