Francis Bacon is charged with investigating the murder of a fellow barrister at Gray’s Inn. He recruits his unwanted protégé Thomas Clarady to do the tiresome legwork. The son of a privateer, Clarady will do anything to climb the Elizabethan social ladder. Bacon’s powerful uncle Lord Burghley suspects Catholic conspirators of the crime, but other motives quickly emerge. Rival barristers contend … contend for the murdered man’s legal honors and wealthy clients. Highly-placed courtiers are implicated as the investigation reaches from Whitehall to the London streets. Bacon does the thinking; Clarady does the fencing. Everyone has something up his pinked and padded sleeve. Even the brilliant Francis Bacon is at a loss — and in danger — until he sees through the disguises of the season of Misrule.
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I enjoyed this book for a variety of reasons. The timeframe along with the physical setting, the language, environment, description of clothing, behaviour and activities was enjoyable along with the personalities of the characters. The plot was interesting as was the challenge of gender roles.
Who knew that Francis Bacon was an able sleuth? This historical mystery demonstrates the ratiocination (a new word for me in this book) beloved by Francis in real life. The writer’s drawing of the characters in this novel feels right for the time period. Francis Bacon, Sir Walter Raleigh, Queen Elizabeth and the whole cast of characters make for an enjoyable read.
Good book
The author has brought that time period to life. From descriptions of the clothes to the atmosphere. I will definitely read another.
Riveting mystery with historical characters and setting. Highly entertaining with or without historical background knowledge.
The setting and time period. Interesting characters.
Good period piece about intrigue and murder in medieval times.
I really enjoyed the humor along with the who dunnit part
Unlikely plot but interesting characterization. Lots of 16th century words tossed in to make it sound authentic. Possible murder motives not thoroughly introduced which made solution harder to believe. I can’t recommendend.
Had to use the dictionary to get started with the language used ( 1500 English).
Then it was an entertaining read. A good mystery with great characters.
This book is well-written and (presumably) well-researched. I felt that i was learning about life in Elizabethan England as we spent time with Francis Bacon and his law students.
Interesting who-done-it with characters based on Francis Bacon and other well-known figures from the Elizabethan era
Very clever.
Very interesting premise: Bacon as Sherlock Holmes.
It was hard to keep all together. I didn’t like it much
didnt finish it
Just did not care for it, did not finish
It was a different, time/piece murder mystery.
Interesting historical fiction
I couldn’t finish this s book. Too stupid.