Now Guy Fawkes is a problem in Ireland, burning a symbolic catholic? Yeah, not popular. Halloween is but 5th November, no.  I do understand that it's a popular celebration, today largely stripped of symbolism (except in some areas, mostly in Northern Ireland where sectarianism is still a ugly, divisive issue) so that did shadow my reading of the book.

Gwen Tyndall is an old school-friend of Daisy and invites her to the firework display they have every year, during the celebrations Gwen's father and a visitor is killed in an apparent murder-suicide. Things aren't so clear and it all starts to unravel. Daisy is pregnant and many things are not as easy as they should be.

Those kids were brats. I have a lot of pity for Babs during the aftermath and I hope things will get better for her.

I enjoyed the fast paced action and twisting plot of this novel. Not having read the first three books in this series, I had no trouble jumping into the story and getting to know the characters. Marbeck is a protagonist that the reader roots for, even if not all of his actions are completely honorable.

Marbeck receives his instructions from an underling of Secretary Cecil, who rose to power under Queen Elizabeth I and continues under the new Stuart king. As an intelligencer, which sounds so much more sophisticated than spy, Marbeck is becoming disillusioned with his unsettled life, various aliases, and doubt that his reports are always used for the best.

Before he can consider another type of life, he is caught up in a meandering investigation that begins with the ravings of a madman and the vague hints of a Jesuit priest. Marbeck is sure that gunpowder is being hoarded but struggles to determine where or why.

This is an action packed adventure centered on one of the best known historical events of the early 17th century. Marbeck has a bad feeling about the Parliament meeting scheduled for the 5th of November, but more than one force is working against him.

My only complaint? The ending isn't really an ending. I'll have to wait to learn Marbeck's fate in Pilkington's next tale.

I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel. Opinions expressed are my own.

“Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot…”

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bookshelves: earlymodern16c-18c, britain-england, history, nonfiction, fraudio, spies, published-1996

The Gunpowder Plot: Terror and Faith in 1605 (1996) A non fiction book by Antonia Fraser, unabridged and read by Patricia Gallimore.

What else could come after a re-visit to V for Vengeance?






This is how I like my history, Fraser and Ackroyd are the best IMHO, but I am not so sure I am buying into the Shakespeare connection - what do you think!?