This story takes place in 1598, the time of the Irish rebellion and Spanish wars. Nicholas Shelby (a doctor) and his Italian wife, Bianca, have been ‘persuaded’ to spy for Robert Cecil and are sent to Ireland with the Earl of Essex. Meanwhile, back in Southwark, where they own a pub, there’s corruption and shady dealings with local officials who are working to obtain money and have no worries about killing to keep it. I'm still not sure this could be described as crime fiction but nonetheless I enjoyed it. It's well written and the author manages to convey the fears and tension of the time, particularly around the threat of invasion by Spain.
Review by: Norfolk Gal, Oundle Crime
