In the heart of Elizabethan England, Richard Shakespeare dreams of a glittering career in one of the London playhouses, a world dominated by his older brother, William. But he is a penniless actor, making ends meet through a combination of a beautiful face, petty theft, and a silver tongue. As William's star rises, Richard's onetime gratitude is souring and he is sorely tempted to abandon family loyalty. So when a priceless manuscript goes missing,...

May 1953. As the country prepares for the coronation of Elizabeth II, the optimistic mood is spoiled for DI Edgar Stephens and his wartime comrade, magician Max Mephisto, when they are informed by a high-ranking general that their old commander, Colonel Cartwright, has been murdered. This general found some puzzling items in Cartwight's pockets, not least a playbill featuring Tony "The Mind" Mulholland (deceased), and a playing card, the ace of hearts:...

“A highly colorful, swashbuckling read, one that will give you new respect for Britain’s first Elizabeth.” —Seattle Times

An illuminating revisionist biography about Queen Elizabeth I and her merchant-adventurers who terrorized the seas, extended the Empire, and amassed great wealth for the throne.

Extravagant, whimsical, and hot-tempered, Elizabeth was the epitome of power, both feared and

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A journalist in 1956 Britain takes on the story of a young actress' suicide attempt, only to find she might be his sister.

Autumn has fallen on Wiltshire, but as the air grows crisp and the trees turn a resplendent gold, a sinister presence arrives in the form of a horrifying murder. Bartholomew Reade, a player in a traveling troupe, has been found stabbed, sprawled on a low mound outside the village, a reed pen jabbed into his throat. On the night of the murder, a bleeding woman collapses at the doorstep of herbalist Bess Ellyott desperately seeking help. Could she have...

In 1599 England, twelve-year-old lying, thieving Will Sparrow runs away, meets many colorful characters on the road, and then reluctantly joins a traveling "oddities" exhibit, where he learns to see beyond appearances.

Queen Elizabeth's reign is threatened by familial betrayal and Spain's invading army. She and her shrewd advisor must act to safeguard to the lives of her people. When the dashing seafarer, Walter Raleigh, captures her heart, Elizabeth is forced to make her most tragic sacrifice for the good of her country. A tale of one woman's crusade to control her love, destroy her enemies and secure her position as a beloved icon of the western world.

Nicholas Holt is called upon to find the murderer of one of Elizabeth I's ladies-in-waiting, but finds the queen may be as dangerous as the killer if he fails in his mission.

A novel of political intrigue in 16th century England during the reign of Elizabeth I. Opposing forces are searching for a secret diary in which the Virgin Queen recorded her abortion and named Mary Queen of Scots her heir. The revelations could destroy the kingdom. By the author of Firedrake's Eye.

A chronicle of Elizabeth I's role in the wars of religion credits her with securing England's future as a world power, covering topics ranging from the queen's use of ambivalence as a political tool to her tolerance in religious matters and the challenges of the Reformation.