As King James I takes the throne of England, pirates take the seas, and a British royal spy uncovers their swashbuckling plot in this 17th-century mystery. Summer, 1604: England is on edge as a high-powered Spanish delegation arrives in London to start vital and long-awaited treaty talks. King James, a year into his reign, wants to be seen as the Peacemaker King, bringing an end to nearly twenty years of warfare with Spain which has left both countries exhausted and almost bankrupt. Yet there are some who profit from the war—and they cannot be allowed to threaten the peace negotiations. British intelligencer Martin Marbeck, working under a new spymaster, is charged with protecting the Spanish delegation. But even Marbeck hasn’t foreseen that the task will pit him against corsairs of the high seas, double agents, and corrupt noblemen who will stop at nothing to wreck the treaty. Suddenly Marbeck’s peacekeeping mission is his most deadly assignment yet. “The third entry in the early 17th-century spy series once again succeeds in exploring complicated times. Perfect for readers who delight in political intrigue and secret agent shenanigans no matter what time period.” —Library Journal
Reprint of the original, first published in 1871. The publishing house Anatiposi publishes historical books as reprints. Due to their age, these books may have missing pages or inferior quality. Our aim is to preserve these books and make them available to the public so that they do not get lost.
A 17th-century British royal spy uncovers a nefarious plot brewing in Oxford in this “fine series [of] derring-do and historical interest” (Kirkus Reviews). Spring, 1603: As Queen Elizabeth lay dying, England waits anxiously to know its future. The Virgin Queen hasn’t named an heir, refusing even to speak. Her cousin James, King of Scotland, is assumed to be her successor, but will the transition be peaceful? Sir Robert Cecil, Secretary of State, fears insurrection and has brought troops to the capital. But from where might the danger come—overseas, or from malcontents closer to home? Meanwhile, intelligencer Martin Marbeck finds himself wrongly suspected of corruption and frozen out of Cecil’s inner circle. When a Lady acquaintance asks him to check on her son in Oxford, Marbeck is happy for any excuse to leave London. It seems the young man has joined a fanatical Puritan sect, but his involvement is far more serious—and dangerous—than anyone had imagined. Suddenly, Marbeck finds himself confronting multiple plots that threaten not only the peace of the nation but the very fabric of England itself . . . “The fast-moving plot is never dull, making the prospect of more Marbeck welcome.” —Publishers Weekly “If further novels are as good as this one, the series could have a long run.” —Booklist
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