A body in the Thames, a silver seal, and a conspiracy that could bring down an empire -- John Lovat must uncover the truth before his family's darkest secrets are exposed.

London, 1588.

The Spanish Armada has been vanquished, and Queen Elizabeth rides in triumph through a jubilant London.

But beneath the pageantry, the city seethes with danger.

When the body of a Portuguese nobleman washes up on the banks of the Thames, a silver seal around his neck, suspicion falls squarely on Lord Rokesby -- the very man who dined with him the night before.

To protect the family name, Rokesby's illegitimate half-brother, John Lovat, is forced to investigate. A rake, gambler and reluctant scholar, Lovat is hardly the man for the task. Yet as he digs deeper, he unravels a conspiracy that reaches far beyond a single murder.

Betrayal, infidelity, and hidden allegiances threaten to ensnare him at every turn. And when Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth's ruthless spymaster, takes an interest, Lovat finds himself plunged into a deadly game where one false step could cost him his life.

Perfect for fans of C.J. Sansom, Rory Clements, Leonard Tourney and S.J. Parris.

PRAISE FOR JONATHAN DIGBY:

????? 'I was totally engrossed in the characters and the plot. The fact that it was was in the 16th century was even better.' Waldorf.

????? 'A thoroughly good yarn.' David S.

????? 'A thoroughly enjoyable and historically insightful read, hard to put down.' Kindle Reader.

????? 'Good, fast paced read, historically plausible, good atmosphere.' Richard S.

????? 'I love this kind of novel that keeps me guessing.' Scott M.A.

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• Mystery, Thriller & SuspenseCrime FictionHeist

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• Print Length: 428 Pages
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