the king's evil james marwood & cat lovett book 3

Marwood is sent to retrieve confidential papers from the home of the now dead Richard Abbot, but the scene at the home with dead rats, leads to suspicions of poisoning and murder and a visit to the home of a merchant of luxury goods, Mr Fanshawe, the owner of a recently acquired Barbary lion, and where Abbot's widow is now residing. Two girls, a maid and stepdaughter, engage in witchcraft with the intent of seeking a death. Cat's traumatic personal history has left her valuing her independence and vows to never marry again, although the unacknowledged feelings that Cat and Marwood have for each other results in a spiky and volatile relationship. It features James Marwood, clerk to Joseph Williamson and Lord Arlington, the Secretary of State, and the now widowed architect Cat Hakesby, running the firm after the death of her cantankerous husband. Once again Andrew Taylor immerses us into his atmospheric, beautifully crafted and well researched historical fiction set in the 17th century Restoration period in England under the reign of Charles II with all its political intrigue and treachery. *A big thank-you to Andrew Taylor, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review* This book offers well-presented historical background with an engaging plot, and although not a masterpiece in the genre, it is an entertaining read for the fans of historical fiction. James Markwood and Cat Hakesby, well-acquainted and with yet too independent and too proud to admit their true feelings, get involved in mysterious events and political intrigue. The Royal Secret is based on a historic event, negotiations between the kings of England and France. Actually, this book can be read as a standalone as although there are some references to previous books, they do not spoil the fun of reading. Mr Taylor's book have been around me for some time, even bought two of them, however, they are still on the to-read shelf. I am a reader who is not afraid to start a new series in the middle of it or, as is the case this time.

The king's evil james marwood & cat lovett book 3