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Giordano Bruno #7
Alchemy
Prague, 1588
A COURT IN TURMOIL
The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, wants to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and his court is a haven for scientists, astrologers and alchemists. His abiding passion is the elusive hunt for the philosopher’s stone and thus immortality. The Catholic Church fears he has pushed too far – into the forbidden realm of heresy – while the greatest powers in Christendom are concerned about the imperial line of succession.
A MURDERED ALCHEMIST
Giordano Bruno is sent to his court by Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth 1’s spymaster. His task: to contact the famous English alchemist and mystic John Dee, another of Walsingham’s spies. But Bruno’s arrival in Prague coincides with the brutal murder of a rival alchemist – and John Dee himself has disappeared.
AN UNFORGIVING ENEMY
Ordered by the emperor to find the killer, Bruno’s investigations bring him face to face with an old enemy from the Inquisition and he finds himself once more pitted against the might of the Catholic Church. When another murder takes place, Bruno is forced to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew. And he soon realizes that his own life is at stake…
A COURT IN TURMOIL
The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, wants to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and his court is a haven for scientists, astrologers and alchemists. His abiding passion is the elusive hunt for the philosopher’s stone and thus immortality. The Catholic Church fears he has pushed too far – into the forbidden realm of heresy – while the greatest powers in Christendom are concerned about the imperial line of succession.
A MURDERED ALCHEMIST
Giordano Bruno is sent to his court by Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth 1’s spymaster. His task: to contact the famous English alchemist and mystic John Dee, another of Walsingham’s spies. But Bruno’s arrival in Prague coincides with the brutal murder of a rival alchemist – and John Dee himself has disappeared.
AN UNFORGIVING ENEMY
Ordered by the emperor to find the killer, Bruno’s investigations bring him face to face with an old enemy from the Inquisition and he finds himself once more pitted against the might of the Catholic Church. When another murder takes place, Bruno is forced to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew. And he soon realizes that his own life is at stake…
473 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2023
About the author
S.J. Parris
18 books894 followersPseudonym for author Stephanie Merritt
S.J. Parris began reviewing books for national newspapers while she was reading English literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. After graduating, she went on to become Deputy Literary Editor of The Observer in 1999. She continues to work as a feature writer and critic for the Guardian and the Observer and from 2007-2008 she curated and produced the Talks and Debates program on issues in contemporary arts and politics at London's Soho Theatre. She has appeared as a panelist on various Radio Four shows and on BBC2's Newsnight Review, and is a regular chair and presenter at the Hay Festival and the National Theatre. She has been a judge for the Costa Biography Award, the Orange New Writing Award and the Perrier Comedy Award. She lives in the south of England with her son.
S.J. Parris began reviewing books for national newspapers while she was reading English literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. After graduating, she went on to become Deputy Literary Editor of The Observer in 1999. She continues to work as a feature writer and critic for the Guardian and the Observer and from 2007-2008 she curated and produced the Talks and Debates program on issues in contemporary arts and politics at London's Soho Theatre. She has appeared as a panelist on various Radio Four shows and on BBC2's Newsnight Review, and is a regular chair and presenter at the Hay Festival and the National Theatre. She has been a judge for the Costa Biography Award, the Orange New Writing Award and the Perrier Comedy Award. She lives in the south of England with her son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
August 5, 2023
I really enjoy this series and was an auto request for me although I do admit to rolling my eyes a bit at the title: I have read many books in this genre and time period with Alchemy as the theme. However I’m sorry I doubted the author because this was a great read, set in Bohemia with Rudolph as Holy Roman Emperor. The plot was a good one and I really had no idea how the story would end. It felt like quite a long book but I took it slowly and was thoroughly absorbed. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
November 27, 2023
Peril in Prague…
The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, is fascinated by all things mystical, especially the fabled Philosopher’s Stone which it is said will give immortality to anyone who possesses it. He has filled his court in Prague with alchemists and mystics of all kinds, offering patronage to anyone he believes has the talent to make progress in his quest for the stone. At one time his favourite was John Dee, philosopher and mystic, late of Elizabeth’s court in England and one of Walsingham’s ring of spies, but recently John Dee’s position has slipped in favour of a younger man, a skilled alchemist called Zikmund Bartos. So when Bartos is found dead and horribly mutilated with cabalistic signs on his body, Dee falls under suspicion – it was known he resented the younger man’s rise. Walsingham asks Giordano Bruno to travel to Prague to aid Dee, but by the time Bruno arrives, Dee has disappeared…
I loved the first couple of books in this series about the fictional adventures of the real-life Giordano Bruno, but gradually Parris gave more prominence to his love interest – one of these dreadful anachronistic “strong females” that contemporary authors seem to feel obliged to insert inappropriately into historical fiction, who live outside all the conventions and outsmart and outfight all the men. I found her so annoying I stopped reading the books. So when I was sent a copy of this one for review I had mixed feelings about it. However I’m delighted to say that apparently their love affair is over and she’s still in England while Bruno is wandering the courts and universities of Reformation-era Europe alone – hurrah!
Parris’ great skill is in creating her settings and here she brings Rudolf’s court to life. It’s refreshing to get away from the Tudors and see what was happening in the rest of Europe at the time while, by bringing Dee and Bruno into the story, and Walsingham from a distance, there are still the connections with the English history of that period in which most historical fiction fans are well versed. Knowing nothing about Rudolf’s court I have no way to judge the accuracy of the portrayal of him and of Prague, but based on Parris’ previous outings in Tudor history I’m happy to assume this will have been just as well researched and based on a sound factual footing. It certainly seems to be the case that both Dee and Bruno did go to Prague in real life.
The upheavals in religion are still plaguing Europe with the Church of Rome and its adherents trying to undermine those of the monarchs who have turned to Protestantism. Rudolf is flirting not only with the new religion but with the supernatural – heresy as far as Rome is concerned, and entirely unsuited to his role as Holy Roman Emperor. Dee and Bruno too have both fallen foul of Rome for different reasons, so Rudolf’s openness is a kind of protection to them and to many others who have been exiled from their home countries. There is also a large Jewish enclave inside Prague, and Rudolf is tolerant towards them – too tolerant, in the eyes of many. The Jews in turn know that their position is precarious – if anything happens to turn Rudolf against them they will be expelled from the city, and may face even harsher treatment than that. All of these factors play into the plot.
I loved the setting and all this insight into the religious/political turmoils of the time. The plot itself, however, gets rather bogged down and occasionally lost among all the historical detail. Like so much contemporary fiction, the book could have easily lost a hundred pages and been the better for it – the central section required the exertion of willpower to pull myself through it. However the first and last thirds made up for this dip in the middle, and the solution when it eventually comes is a good mix of the personal and political and with enough thrills to raise the excitement level.
The characterisations are another of Parris’ strengths. Bruno is a likeable protagonist (even if I never can truly believe the real Giordano Bruno would have been anything like him) and in this one he has a young assistant, Besler, who is great fun – a young man brought up by strict Protestant parents sampling the delights of freedom for the first time. There’s a large cast of characters in Prague, most of whom are potential suspects and each of whom give us a look at some aspect of society, from the alchemists to the publicans to the religious leaders and the spies. And Rudolf himself is interestingly portrayed as a man who is highly superstitious, nervy, but also with a kind of determination not to be boxed in by the role he has inherited.
Overall, this one reminded me of why I loved the early books in the series and I enjoyed it far more with Bruno back as a loner. The historical setting is interesting and refreshingly different, and although I felt the plot was a bit weak in places and stretched out over far too many chapters where nothing much happened, in the end it all comes together satisfyingly. So long as Bruno stays away from “that woman”, I’ll be happy to read more of his wanderings through Europe and the adventures he meets there. 4½ stars for me, so rounded up.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, is fascinated by all things mystical, especially the fabled Philosopher’s Stone which it is said will give immortality to anyone who possesses it. He has filled his court in Prague with alchemists and mystics of all kinds, offering patronage to anyone he believes has the talent to make progress in his quest for the stone. At one time his favourite was John Dee, philosopher and mystic, late of Elizabeth’s court in England and one of Walsingham’s ring of spies, but recently John Dee’s position has slipped in favour of a younger man, a skilled alchemist called Zikmund Bartos. So when Bartos is found dead and horribly mutilated with cabalistic signs on his body, Dee falls under suspicion – it was known he resented the younger man’s rise. Walsingham asks Giordano Bruno to travel to Prague to aid Dee, but by the time Bruno arrives, Dee has disappeared…
I loved the first couple of books in this series about the fictional adventures of the real-life Giordano Bruno, but gradually Parris gave more prominence to his love interest – one of these dreadful anachronistic “strong females” that contemporary authors seem to feel obliged to insert inappropriately into historical fiction, who live outside all the conventions and outsmart and outfight all the men. I found her so annoying I stopped reading the books. So when I was sent a copy of this one for review I had mixed feelings about it. However I’m delighted to say that apparently their love affair is over and she’s still in England while Bruno is wandering the courts and universities of Reformation-era Europe alone – hurrah!
Parris’ great skill is in creating her settings and here she brings Rudolf’s court to life. It’s refreshing to get away from the Tudors and see what was happening in the rest of Europe at the time while, by bringing Dee and Bruno into the story, and Walsingham from a distance, there are still the connections with the English history of that period in which most historical fiction fans are well versed. Knowing nothing about Rudolf’s court I have no way to judge the accuracy of the portrayal of him and of Prague, but based on Parris’ previous outings in Tudor history I’m happy to assume this will have been just as well researched and based on a sound factual footing. It certainly seems to be the case that both Dee and Bruno did go to Prague in real life.
The upheavals in religion are still plaguing Europe with the Church of Rome and its adherents trying to undermine those of the monarchs who have turned to Protestantism. Rudolf is flirting not only with the new religion but with the supernatural – heresy as far as Rome is concerned, and entirely unsuited to his role as Holy Roman Emperor. Dee and Bruno too have both fallen foul of Rome for different reasons, so Rudolf’s openness is a kind of protection to them and to many others who have been exiled from their home countries. There is also a large Jewish enclave inside Prague, and Rudolf is tolerant towards them – too tolerant, in the eyes of many. The Jews in turn know that their position is precarious – if anything happens to turn Rudolf against them they will be expelled from the city, and may face even harsher treatment than that. All of these factors play into the plot.
I loved the setting and all this insight into the religious/political turmoils of the time. The plot itself, however, gets rather bogged down and occasionally lost among all the historical detail. Like so much contemporary fiction, the book could have easily lost a hundred pages and been the better for it – the central section required the exertion of willpower to pull myself through it. However the first and last thirds made up for this dip in the middle, and the solution when it eventually comes is a good mix of the personal and political and with enough thrills to raise the excitement level.
The characterisations are another of Parris’ strengths. Bruno is a likeable protagonist (even if I never can truly believe the real Giordano Bruno would have been anything like him) and in this one he has a young assistant, Besler, who is great fun – a young man brought up by strict Protestant parents sampling the delights of freedom for the first time. There’s a large cast of characters in Prague, most of whom are potential suspects and each of whom give us a look at some aspect of society, from the alchemists to the publicans to the religious leaders and the spies. And Rudolf himself is interestingly portrayed as a man who is highly superstitious, nervy, but also with a kind of determination not to be boxed in by the role he has inherited.
Overall, this one reminded me of why I loved the early books in the series and I enjoyed it far more with Bruno back as a loner. The historical setting is interesting and refreshingly different, and although I felt the plot was a bit weak in places and stretched out over far too many chapters where nothing much happened, in the end it all comes together satisfyingly. So long as Bruno stays away from “that woman”, I’ll be happy to read more of his wanderings through Europe and the adventures he meets there. 4½ stars for me, so rounded up.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
July 25, 2023
This book is the latest offering from a gifted author featuring Giordano Bruno who shows us a generous dollop of silliness in this episode. There are many comical threads throughout wherein Bruno must outwit, outlast and outsmart a variety of physical and personal challenges. He is sent to Prague to find alchemist John Dee on behalf of Sir Francis Walsingham and has quite a time of it. There are so many roadblocks and hazards along the way the reader almost gives up on the notion that Dee could still be alive...somewhere!
All seven of the books in this series are quite wonderful.
"I believe the angels came to me with this story as a warning to Your Majesty." Rudolf considered this, frowning. 'Hm. On the other hand, was not Bathsheba mother to King Solomon, who was David's heir and the greatest king whoever lived? So, you know. Pros and cons.'"
All seven of the books in this series are quite wonderful.
"I believe the angels came to me with this story as a warning to Your Majesty." Rudolf considered this, frowning. 'Hm. On the other hand, was not Bathsheba mother to King Solomon, who was David's heir and the greatest king whoever lived? So, you know. Pros and cons.'"
May 5, 2023
I read this through my online bookclub, Pigeonhole. It is the latest in the series about Bruno Giordano and presents as a rollicking ride, playing out in Prague. The emperor, Rudolph, a colourless man, has outrageous ambitions that transcend religious differences and at the same time is willing to pay alchemists who are able to deliver prized possessions- the Philosopher's Stone, Elixirs, Golems.
Filled with multiple characters, some utterly delightful including Bruno's apprentice Besler, and a young lady, Suki, wise beyond her years, we are drawn in to a riveting tale in which Bruno has to solve two murders. The first is Zigi Bartos, alchemist and friend to Suki, who is found hanging. The second is David, a Jewish bookseller. Murder, poison, secrets, deception, ambition, religious differences, illicit affairs, books, and a punch up or three and the reader is transported on a colourful journey that is written so well, one becomes totally immersed in the story. SJ Parris is at the top of her game when it comes to historical fiction, and I look forward to the next book in this series. 5 stars!
Filled with multiple characters, some utterly delightful including Bruno's apprentice Besler, and a young lady, Suki, wise beyond her years, we are drawn in to a riveting tale in which Bruno has to solve two murders. The first is Zigi Bartos, alchemist and friend to Suki, who is found hanging. The second is David, a Jewish bookseller. Murder, poison, secrets, deception, ambition, religious differences, illicit affairs, books, and a punch up or three and the reader is transported on a colourful journey that is written so well, one becomes totally immersed in the story. SJ Parris is at the top of her game when it comes to historical fiction, and I look forward to the next book in this series. 5 stars!
April 18, 2023
As always, excellent! An extremely interesting historical background (I learned a lot!) set in Prague, with an intriguing and most compelling plot. Bruno is never disappointing, and the other characters perfectly fit the chilling and fascinating world of alchemy.
I received a complimentary DRC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a complimentary DRC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
July 12, 2024
Not my favourite of this wonderful series as Bruno tries to solve a murder for the Emperor in Prague. All a bit long windee and meanders to a pretty predictable city conclusion. Good not great.
October 10, 2023
My first of the Giordano Bruno series. Parris writes historical suspense really well. Dark themes and well drawn characters. Great fun. Loved it.
June 11, 2023
Ah Bruno. As the 7th book in a series I can safely say I’m obsessed with this story, bruno: the dr, the spy, the heretic, the mystery. Since being run out of his home country for his theories and reading Bruno has been in many places working for many royals but none have benefited him a place to call home despite his uncoverings of betrayals, plots and murders. Prague is the next in a long list and as always Bruno is hopeful for patronage from the Emperor who rules these lands, even more so knowing the emperor has a liking for science and the unusual as well as having the most lax rules of religion, Prague is one place the Jews have not been run out off or mass murderer for existing. But this is Bruno’s story, so nothing will be as simple and easy as it seems. Bruno along with his apprentice travel to Prague on the request of John Dee, a friend and previous Englishman aswell as the English spy master Sir Francis Walsingham. Before they have even entered the city news travels of a hideous murder of one of the emperors favourite alchemists and rumours spread that the Jewish community has set a Gollum against their enemies. Bruno is not one to believe in any religious stories and makes it his mission to clear his good friend John Dee of any accusations, in doing so he dives deeper into the conspiracy’s surrounding the murder, risking his and his apprentices life’s and even coming face to face with an old enemy he hasn’t seen since fleeing his homeland. Truly unable to put this down, every chapter brings a new revelation and no one is what they seem. Multiple groups are both involved and vulnerable, from the Catholic Church, to the Jewish community, to the alchemists and even the emperor himself.
August 21, 2023
This is book number seven in this very good and enjoyable series. Our hero is Giordano Bruno of Nola a one-time Catholic priest, too clever by half and an escapee from the Inquisition. He has spent time in London but is too Catholic for the Protestants yet too heretical for the Catholics so struggles to settle anywhere to follow his studies which uncomfortably questions orthodox wisdoms. This book is set in Prague in 1588. Bruno has been asked by Francis Walsingham (Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster) to travel to Bohemia to meet and assist the esteemed alchemist, John Dee.
Prague, under Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf ll, is a permissive place where scientists, astrologers and alchemists are encouraged to work and expand the boundaries of knowledge. However, as the fly-cover warns is, it is also the place ‘where the search for immortality ends in death’.
Upon arrival, Bruno not only finds out that John Dee is missing, but also that a prominent alchemist has been brutally murdered. Rudolf orders Bruno to investigate the murder and he is soon caught up in a complex plot involving the Court, the Jewish community (who also live happily under Rudolf), Spanish thugs and the Catholic Church.
At 466 pages, this is a big book but worth every page. The plotting is always tight, the characters excellent and the tension remains right through to the end with several unexpected twists.
For fans of historical fiction, this is a very good and enjoyable series. Bruno is an original and credible hero set at a time of great change across the continent of Europe. In many ways Bruno sits right in the middle of that change which makes him both a dangerous and fascinating character. Highly recommended.
Prague, under Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf ll, is a permissive place where scientists, astrologers and alchemists are encouraged to work and expand the boundaries of knowledge. However, as the fly-cover warns is, it is also the place ‘where the search for immortality ends in death’.
Upon arrival, Bruno not only finds out that John Dee is missing, but also that a prominent alchemist has been brutally murdered. Rudolf orders Bruno to investigate the murder and he is soon caught up in a complex plot involving the Court, the Jewish community (who also live happily under Rudolf), Spanish thugs and the Catholic Church.
At 466 pages, this is a big book but worth every page. The plotting is always tight, the characters excellent and the tension remains right through to the end with several unexpected twists.
For fans of historical fiction, this is a very good and enjoyable series. Bruno is an original and credible hero set at a time of great change across the continent of Europe. In many ways Bruno sits right in the middle of that change which makes him both a dangerous and fascinating character. Highly recommended.
July 15, 2023
Bruno ends up in Prague, at the court of Emperor Rudolph who is a man of mercurial passions and inconsistent patronage. A man has been murdered, a friend of his is missing and the Jewish population are being blamed for releasing a Golem. The Emperor gives Bruno the task of finding the murderer which he does really much more by chance and having ruled everyone else out! There are some good scenes between him and an old enemy from the Catholic Church. This took a bit of time to get me interested as you have to become familiar with quite a vast array of characters; however, after that the story moves at a great pace and is another enjoyable instalment in the series, Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC.
July 23, 2023
Another brilliant story featuring Giordano Bruno, a vivid and well researched historical background, a solid plot that kept me guessing
Fun fact: i’m not a fan if the real Giordano Bruno even if his philosophical ideas are interesting and he is a stmbol of free thinking
Highly recommended
Many thanks to the publisher, all opinions are mine
Fun fact: i’m not a fan if the real Giordano Bruno even if his philosophical ideas are interesting and he is a stmbol of free thinking
Highly recommended
Many thanks to the publisher, all opinions are mine
April 22, 2024
Another thoroughly enjoyable adventure from a proven talent in the field. Honestly, I haven't much more to say than that - we've danced this dance before.
I most enjoyed the addition of new faces in this installment - Parris really made the most of an international adventure and of the complex and sometimes comically messy history of Prague - and the story was the usual enjoyable mix of twisty, turny, mildly silly, and very enjoyable.
Unfortunately, my ongoing gripe with the series (shoehorning underdeveloped, repetitive "love" infatuations between Bruno and the first female character unfortunate enough to earn an adjective) continues, and it's getting increasingly unpleasant. Bruno constantly repeats that he is nearly forty, and despite the fact we're repeatedly shown unhappy young women married to much older men, his love interests remain firmly in their twenties. With the addition of Bruno's plucky new assistant (who I hope will reappear in future books, because he's hilarious, and the shared banter is really refreshing), who is closer in age to these unhappy romantic prospects, it's just getting increasingly grating - and, if I'm honest, kind of gross.
Overall, though, this is definitely a very fun book, and it comes with the additional perk of its material not being based in a historical event that fans of historical mysteries written in this period are likely to know much about. The plot is mostly invented, rather than being based in a grand historic scheme, and not taking place in England grants much more room for surprises and originality rather than re-treading a lot of the same old ground as its genre stablemates. I foresee a return to the former in future books, and while I'm not mad about it - I'll be waiting for the next book just like everyone else - I'm glad we got a break from it for this one.
I most enjoyed the addition of new faces in this installment - Parris really made the most of an international adventure and of the complex and sometimes comically messy history of Prague - and the story was the usual enjoyable mix of twisty, turny, mildly silly, and very enjoyable.
Unfortunately, my ongoing gripe with the series (shoehorning underdeveloped, repetitive "love" infatuations between Bruno and the first female character unfortunate enough to earn an adjective) continues, and it's getting increasingly unpleasant. Bruno constantly repeats that he is nearly forty, and despite the fact we're repeatedly shown unhappy young women married to much older men, his love interests remain firmly in their twenties. With the addition of Bruno's plucky new assistant (who I hope will reappear in future books, because he's hilarious, and the shared banter is really refreshing), who is closer in age to these unhappy romantic prospects, it's just getting increasingly grating - and, if I'm honest, kind of gross.
Overall, though, this is definitely a very fun book, and it comes with the additional perk of its material not being based in a historical event that fans of historical mysteries written in this period are likely to know much about. The plot is mostly invented, rather than being based in a grand historic scheme, and not taking place in England grants much more room for surprises and originality rather than re-treading a lot of the same old ground as its genre stablemates. I foresee a return to the former in future books, and while I'm not mad about it - I'll be waiting for the next book just like everyone else - I'm glad we got a break from it for this one.
July 3, 2024
Set in Prague in 1588, this novel sees Giordano Bruno appear at the court of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, where he hopes to gain Rudolf’s patronage while at the same time carrying out more espionage jobs for Walsingham. When he arrives, the town is in chaos as an alchemist has been murdered and his body left hanging from the city’s bridge. Bruno is tasked with investigating the crime, but soon finds the tensions between various religious and political groups are obstructing his search for the truth.
It took me a while to get into this story, although I enjoyed the descriptions of Prague and the various characters that made their appearance. There is always an element of humour in these books, and Bruno’s exasperation with his naive new student Besler provides some amusement. After quite a lot of scene setting, the investigation gets underway and I was then gripped by an atmospheric and compelling story.
This is an intelligent and entertaining book with a complex plot and interesting characters. It shed light on an unfamiliar aspect of medieval history as well as being a thrilling mystery. Bruno is a great character and this is one of my favourite historical mystery series.
It took me a while to get into this story, although I enjoyed the descriptions of Prague and the various characters that made their appearance. There is always an element of humour in these books, and Bruno’s exasperation with his naive new student Besler provides some amusement. After quite a lot of scene setting, the investigation gets underway and I was then gripped by an atmospheric and compelling story.
This is an intelligent and entertaining book with a complex plot and interesting characters. It shed light on an unfamiliar aspect of medieval history as well as being a thrilling mystery. Bruno is a great character and this is one of my favourite historical mystery series.
April 5, 2024
Another in the Giordano Bruno series where Bruno the spy is sent by Elizabeth's court to discover what has happened to alchemist, John Dee.
Set in the main in Prague Parris gives us a sense of the city from the crowded streets to the squalor. You can almost smell the filth.
It was hard to keep track of some of the characters as the story at times got a bit convoluted although it was always engaging.
Set in the main in Prague Parris gives us a sense of the city from the crowded streets to the squalor. You can almost smell the filth.
It was hard to keep track of some of the characters as the story at times got a bit convoluted although it was always engaging.
June 28, 2024
Gah! A slow and rich build, an anxiety filled climax, and a wistful and satisfying conclusion, all laced with incredible setting and character development, not to mention interesting and thought-provoking social/religious commentary and history. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better historical fiction experience. SJ Parris and her Giordano Bruno series can live, rent free, on my bookshelf forever. Maybe Bruno can eke out one more?
A full and well-deserved 5 stars.
A full and well-deserved 5 stars.
February 13, 2024
Last one so far in series. Didn’t disappoint. Absolutely excellent
April 14, 2024
Really strong characters in a wild and elaborate mystery.
July 25, 2023
An intriguing murder mystery set against a very interesting historical background.
May 7, 2023
My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Alchemy’ by S.J. Parris.
I also took part in a group read hosted by The Pigeonhole that allowed me to share my thoughts with my fellow Pigeons.
This is the seventh in Parris’ series of historical political thrillers featuring ex-priest turned spy Giordano Bruno.
Prague, 1588. Giordano Bruno has been sent to the court of The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, by Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth I’s spymaster. His task is to contact the famous English alchemist and mystic John Dee, another of Walsingham’s spies currently in Prague. Yet Bruno’s arrival coincides with the brutal murder of a rival alchemist and John Dee himself has disappeared.
Rudolf wants to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and has made his court a haven for scientists, astrologers and alchemists. His abiding passion is the search for the philosopher’s stone. Yet the Catholic Church fears that he is flirting with heresy. In addition, there are concerns at the highest levels about the imperial line of succession.
The emperor orders Bruno to find the killer. Bruno complies assisted by his young traveling companion, Besler. However, his investigations bring him face to face with an old enemy from the Inquisition. No further details to avoid spoilers.
S.J. Parris excels at creating labyrinthine mysteries and she also has that rare ability to transport her readers into the time and place of her impeccably researched story, which allows for an immersive reading experience.
There’s plenty of excitement and twists along the way to solving the various mysteries. The characterisation was also strong. I enjoyed Bruno’s interactions with the hapless Besler and Susannah (Sukie), a quick witted Danish girl who was a friend of the murdered alchemist. Both clearly bring out the paternal side of his nature.
Overall, I found ‘Alchemy’ an excellent addition to this outstanding series.
Highly recommended.
I also took part in a group read hosted by The Pigeonhole that allowed me to share my thoughts with my fellow Pigeons.
This is the seventh in Parris’ series of historical political thrillers featuring ex-priest turned spy Giordano Bruno.
Prague, 1588. Giordano Bruno has been sent to the court of The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, by Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth I’s spymaster. His task is to contact the famous English alchemist and mystic John Dee, another of Walsingham’s spies currently in Prague. Yet Bruno’s arrival coincides with the brutal murder of a rival alchemist and John Dee himself has disappeared.
Rudolf wants to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and has made his court a haven for scientists, astrologers and alchemists. His abiding passion is the search for the philosopher’s stone. Yet the Catholic Church fears that he is flirting with heresy. In addition, there are concerns at the highest levels about the imperial line of succession.
The emperor orders Bruno to find the killer. Bruno complies assisted by his young traveling companion, Besler. However, his investigations bring him face to face with an old enemy from the Inquisition. No further details to avoid spoilers.
S.J. Parris excels at creating labyrinthine mysteries and she also has that rare ability to transport her readers into the time and place of her impeccably researched story, which allows for an immersive reading experience.
There’s plenty of excitement and twists along the way to solving the various mysteries. The characterisation was also strong. I enjoyed Bruno’s interactions with the hapless Besler and Susannah (Sukie), a quick witted Danish girl who was a friend of the murdered alchemist. Both clearly bring out the paternal side of his nature.
Overall, I found ‘Alchemy’ an excellent addition to this outstanding series.
Highly recommended.
August 4, 2023
I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alchemy is the seventh book in a series featuring Giordano Bruno, a sixteenth century free thinker. It is a rare historical novel that impresses me, particularly in this period of history which I know quite well, but like others in the series it does not disappoint.
The book is set in Prague during the Reign of Rudolph who was known for his patronage of early scientists. Alchemy was not just the search for eternal life or turning lead into gold, it was the search for knowledge of how substances react together and is the beginnings of the discipline of chemistry.
Bruno arrives in Prague in search of his friend the magician John Dee only to find he went missing three weeks earlier and a fellow Alchemist has just turned up murdered. Bruno is called in to investigate and is caught up in high politics, inter-religious tensions, and the perpetual struggle for power and influence at court. There are many twists and turns, reflecting the streets of the city, but of course are hero comes out on top.
It's a classic Bruno story, and one I really enjoyed reading. I think it stands up well on its own, whether or not you have read the other books in the series. Highly recommended.
Alchemy is the seventh book in a series featuring Giordano Bruno, a sixteenth century free thinker. It is a rare historical novel that impresses me, particularly in this period of history which I know quite well, but like others in the series it does not disappoint.
The book is set in Prague during the Reign of Rudolph who was known for his patronage of early scientists. Alchemy was not just the search for eternal life or turning lead into gold, it was the search for knowledge of how substances react together and is the beginnings of the discipline of chemistry.
Bruno arrives in Prague in search of his friend the magician John Dee only to find he went missing three weeks earlier and a fellow Alchemist has just turned up murdered. Bruno is called in to investigate and is caught up in high politics, inter-religious tensions, and the perpetual struggle for power and influence at court. There are many twists and turns, reflecting the streets of the city, but of course are hero comes out on top.
It's a classic Bruno story, and one I really enjoyed reading. I think it stands up well on its own, whether or not you have read the other books in the series. Highly recommended.
May 22, 2023
Wow, what a great read. This book has it all, murder, mystery and mayhem all set in Prague in 1588. This is historical fiction at its best. This is the seventh in the series and luckily I’ve got books 1-5 to read now. Highly recommended
Thanks to Pigeonhole and SJ Parris for the chance to read this.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and SJ Parris for the chance to read this.
January 13, 2024
Very slow, plot was convoluted to the extent that I didn’t care what happened at the end. However, well written and I enjoyed the historical background.
July 12, 2023
Two writers shine when it comes to Tudorbethan murder mysteries: C. J. Sansom for his Shardlake books and S. J. Parris (Stephanie Merritt) for her novels with the unlikely figure of Giordano Bruno as detective. For popular science writers, the historical Bruno is a bit of a problem, as he is often portrayed as a martyr for science, but in reality was a mystic whose ideas were unoriginal and whose execution was for common-or-garden heresy, rather than being ahead of his time on cosmology. But as a detective he makes a great character in the loveable rogue with a conscience tradition. Think a sixteenth century version of Lovejoy (the books, not the TV series), but with less of tendency to kill people. Parris makes great use of this in her series of novels.
This latest, Alchemy, is set in Prague in 1588. The setting, with its contrasts of the Emperor's palace and the conditions of the poor is handled excellently. There's a particular opportunity here to explore some of the oddities of the period - and its biases - both in the bizarre work of the alchemists who feature in a big way, the power of the Catholic Church, and the treatment of the Jewish ghetto, which also play a major part.
As is often the case in Parris's books, Bruno is a reluctant detective, with a whole range of factions vying against him and providing potential suspects - including a form Catholic inquisitor and his Spanish thugs and the various hangers on hoping for the benefaction of the Holy Roman Emperor, who is generally a weak individual but is challenging the church.
What's great about both Parris and Sansom's books is that they give us all the enjoyment of the immersing in the period you get from a quality historical fiction novel, but at the same time provide us with some fun in trying to work out what's happening with the murder mystery - in this case one that is blamed by some on a golem, neatly tying in with the legend attached to the historical character Rabbi Loew. The one disadvantage Parris has in comparison with Sansom, whose detective is fictional, is that we do know Bruno's eventual fate (just as we did with Thomas Cromwell in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall books), and there's always a slight frisson of 'will this be the last book?' I had to restrain myself from looking up when Bruno was executed (though Parris has confirmed he will have at least a couple more outings).
The only criticism I have is the book is perhaps a little over long - but I had a great time reading it. Parris gives us an engaging and complex mystery to unravel in a dramatically different world from modern Europe.
This latest, Alchemy, is set in Prague in 1588. The setting, with its contrasts of the Emperor's palace and the conditions of the poor is handled excellently. There's a particular opportunity here to explore some of the oddities of the period - and its biases - both in the bizarre work of the alchemists who feature in a big way, the power of the Catholic Church, and the treatment of the Jewish ghetto, which also play a major part.
As is often the case in Parris's books, Bruno is a reluctant detective, with a whole range of factions vying against him and providing potential suspects - including a form Catholic inquisitor and his Spanish thugs and the various hangers on hoping for the benefaction of the Holy Roman Emperor, who is generally a weak individual but is challenging the church.
What's great about both Parris and Sansom's books is that they give us all the enjoyment of the immersing in the period you get from a quality historical fiction novel, but at the same time provide us with some fun in trying to work out what's happening with the murder mystery - in this case one that is blamed by some on a golem, neatly tying in with the legend attached to the historical character Rabbi Loew. The one disadvantage Parris has in comparison with Sansom, whose detective is fictional, is that we do know Bruno's eventual fate (just as we did with Thomas Cromwell in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall books), and there's always a slight frisson of 'will this be the last book?' I had to restrain myself from looking up when Bruno was executed (though Parris has confirmed he will have at least a couple more outings).
The only criticism I have is the book is perhaps a little over long - but I had a great time reading it. Parris gives us an engaging and complex mystery to unravel in a dramatically different world from modern Europe.
May 8, 2024
This time Dr. Bruno, the Italian born former Dominican Friar and Elizabethan spy finds himself sent to Prague to hunt for his friend and alchemist John Dee, who apparently has worrying news about the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf.
On his arrival a gruesome murder occurs and John Dee is nowhere to be found. Soon it becomes clear that the city, renowned for its religious tolerance, is in danger of turning into a seat of anti semitism. To add to the potential powder keg is the fact that an old antagonist of Bruno, a former inquisitor is in town along the Papal Nuncio, both there to ensure Rudolf, the Holy Roman Emperor, remains in thrall to the Catholic Church.
The next problem is that everyone seems to want him to solve the murder but do they really want the killer found or are they really playing a game with him as a pawn? Then as a stranger to the town who can he trust? Everyone seems to have a secret to hide.
His immediate investigations see him asking questions in the Jewish Quarter and in the Emperor’s palace. The chief rabbi and his family may be involved in some way. The Emperor’s librarian and curator of the royal museum, Ottavio Strada, also, not to mention his sister, Katherina, the Emperor’s mistress. His host the doctor, Hajik, also comes under suspicion.
The plot sees Giordano Bruno try to see through the half truths and discover what is really going on, and why the alchemist, Ziggi, was really killed and his mutilated corpse hung up on the city walls to frighten the population.
As for the book, I found it slow going at first. Maybe that was my fault as I don’t really like reading on my Kindle, but after about 100 pages I felt I could get into it. By halfway I actually cared. From then onwards I was hooked and had to read on to the end.
The story is a good one from there on. I have liked the Giordano Bruno series I’ve read so far and I like this one too. I’m not sure I find his character completely credible, but it’s close enough.
I will read another of the series.
On his arrival a gruesome murder occurs and John Dee is nowhere to be found. Soon it becomes clear that the city, renowned for its religious tolerance, is in danger of turning into a seat of anti semitism. To add to the potential powder keg is the fact that an old antagonist of Bruno, a former inquisitor is in town along the Papal Nuncio, both there to ensure Rudolf, the Holy Roman Emperor, remains in thrall to the Catholic Church.
The next problem is that everyone seems to want him to solve the murder but do they really want the killer found or are they really playing a game with him as a pawn? Then as a stranger to the town who can he trust? Everyone seems to have a secret to hide.
His immediate investigations see him asking questions in the Jewish Quarter and in the Emperor’s palace. The chief rabbi and his family may be involved in some way. The Emperor’s librarian and curator of the royal museum, Ottavio Strada, also, not to mention his sister, Katherina, the Emperor’s mistress. His host the doctor, Hajik, also comes under suspicion.
The plot sees Giordano Bruno try to see through the half truths and discover what is really going on, and why the alchemist, Ziggi, was really killed and his mutilated corpse hung up on the city walls to frighten the population.
As for the book, I found it slow going at first. Maybe that was my fault as I don’t really like reading on my Kindle, but after about 100 pages I felt I could get into it. By halfway I actually cared. From then onwards I was hooked and had to read on to the end.
The story is a good one from there on. I have liked the Giordano Bruno series I’ve read so far and I like this one too. I’m not sure I find his character completely credible, but it’s close enough.
I will read another of the series.
April 25, 2024
It's been just under three years since I read the last book in the Giordano Bruno series, which is quite the gap left by author S.J. Parris (Stephanie Merritt), but I quickly fell back into step along side Brother Bruno with my memory vaguely restored enough to not be too disorientated. I’m sure Gio would have been proud!
The seventh instalment sees our intrepid astrologer, philosopher, memory specialist and part time sleuth embark on a journey to Prague to seek out his friend John Dee and hopefully earn the patronage of the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, whom by all accounts is more open minded when it comes to sixteenth century monarchs. Inevitably however, Bruno arrives just as Prague has been hit by the vicious and brutal slaying of an alchemist and the disappearance of John Dee, both of whom were under the patronage of said monarch, Rudolf.
The intrigue and jeopardy that faces our favorite Italian monk, Bruno, continue on throughout the novel to the very end, with the usual exciting twists and turns we've come to love and expect of the author's writing in this series and when Bruno's original nemesis, Papal Nuncio Montalcino states near the end of the story,
"Arrivederci Giordano Bruno, I feel certain that we will meet again, call it a premonition!"
it can hopefully only mean there is more Giordano Bruno books in the pipeline!
I have loved this series from the very beginning and the first book ”Heresy” simply blew me away, it was truly amazing! And although the novel's that have preceded it down the line have never quite reached that zenith, they're still pretty darn good and I'd recommend them at every turn and long may they continue on into the future as Bruno trailblazes across the courts of medieval Europe, spreading enlightenment and foiling murderous plots wherever and whenever they strike! Woohoo! Go Bruno!
The seventh instalment sees our intrepid astrologer, philosopher, memory specialist and part time sleuth embark on a journey to Prague to seek out his friend John Dee and hopefully earn the patronage of the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, whom by all accounts is more open minded when it comes to sixteenth century monarchs. Inevitably however, Bruno arrives just as Prague has been hit by the vicious and brutal slaying of an alchemist and the disappearance of John Dee, both of whom were under the patronage of said monarch, Rudolf.
The intrigue and jeopardy that faces our favorite Italian monk, Bruno, continue on throughout the novel to the very end, with the usual exciting twists and turns we've come to love and expect of the author's writing in this series and when Bruno's original nemesis, Papal Nuncio Montalcino states near the end of the story,
"Arrivederci Giordano Bruno, I feel certain that we will meet again, call it a premonition!"
it can hopefully only mean there is more Giordano Bruno books in the pipeline!
I have loved this series from the very beginning and the first book ”Heresy” simply blew me away, it was truly amazing! And although the novel's that have preceded it down the line have never quite reached that zenith, they're still pretty darn good and I'd recommend them at every turn and long may they continue on into the future as Bruno trailblazes across the courts of medieval Europe, spreading enlightenment and foiling murderous plots wherever and whenever they strike! Woohoo! Go Bruno!
May 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this latest instalment in the Giordano Bruno series. I had to listen towards the end on double speed to finish it before my loan time expired, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment of it. It's weird because I sometimes put off starting some of the historical fiction I have set in the sixteenth century because I spend so much of my time there writing my own non fiction books, but when I start them I really love them.
The characters in this one were all fascinating and it was good to see Bruno have to confront someone from his past when he was in a monastery. At times, I did get the characters mixed up and forgot who was who as the mystery and connections were quite complex. Probably not a story you should be listening to while doing something else! Bruno and Besler's relationship was great, kind of the glue that held this one together as Besler looks up to Bruno and Bruno is trying to guide and educate the young man. Rudolf II, the Holy Roman Emperor, was a strange character - I don't really know anything about him, so I don't know whether he was really like portrayed in the story.
But I really enjoy this series. Having one set in Prague was fascinating as I don't know the city and I'm not really very familiar with the Holy Roman Empire at this time, so hearing about the religious and alchemical controversies of the time, with John Dee at the centre, was really fascinating! Alchemy as the title meant I wasn't sure when I delved into this one quite what I was letting myself in for, but it was cleverly handled and engaging, and it didn't at any point feel like a farce, which books about alchemy and necromancy can sometimes veer into.
Here's hoping for more adventures with Giordano Bruno and the scrapes he gets himself into across Europe. I am hoping for a return to England at some point though!
The characters in this one were all fascinating and it was good to see Bruno have to confront someone from his past when he was in a monastery. At times, I did get the characters mixed up and forgot who was who as the mystery and connections were quite complex. Probably not a story you should be listening to while doing something else! Bruno and Besler's relationship was great, kind of the glue that held this one together as Besler looks up to Bruno and Bruno is trying to guide and educate the young man. Rudolf II, the Holy Roman Emperor, was a strange character - I don't really know anything about him, so I don't know whether he was really like portrayed in the story.
But I really enjoy this series. Having one set in Prague was fascinating as I don't know the city and I'm not really very familiar with the Holy Roman Empire at this time, so hearing about the religious and alchemical controversies of the time, with John Dee at the centre, was really fascinating! Alchemy as the title meant I wasn't sure when I delved into this one quite what I was letting myself in for, but it was cleverly handled and engaging, and it didn't at any point feel like a farce, which books about alchemy and necromancy can sometimes veer into.
Here's hoping for more adventures with Giordano Bruno and the scrapes he gets himself into across Europe. I am hoping for a return to England at some point though!
June 15, 2024
It was good to be back with Giordano Bruno in his latest adventure full of history and mystery with a well-paced and well-executed plot.
Bruno is sent to Prague by Francis Walsingham to assist John Dee who seems to have uncovered a secret plot against the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II. Rudolf is a supporter of occult sciences such as alchemy and astrology as well as providing a more tolerant environment for those of other religions, and as such is a bulwark against the power of the Catholic Church and therefore an important person for England to keep on the throne.
Bruno arrives in Prague with his young teenage aide, Besler, to find an alchemist, Ziggy Bartos, has just been murdered in a grisly manner, with rumours abounding that Bartos was killed by a Jewish golem, and to alos find that John Dee has disappeared. Bruno had Besler have barely arrived before Bruno is attacked by Spanish thugs who prove to be connected to Bruno's old nemesis, Fra Agostino Montalcino.
Rudolf enlists Bruno to find out who killed Bartos and why. Bruno finds himself trying to make sense of a web of mystery and power-plays involving the powerful Strada family who have much status and unfluence at Rudolf's court, Spanish envoys, and the Jewish community all seeming to be involved. And the question remains - what has happened to John Dee and was he involved in any way.
As Bruno carries out his investigations he realises that he has missed the thrill and excitement of this kind of work, and when he manages to solve the mystery of Bartos's murder and Rudolf makes him an offer he has long dreamt of, he realises that he also misses his home in Naples. It will be interesting to see where the next book takes him. A great read.
Bruno is sent to Prague by Francis Walsingham to assist John Dee who seems to have uncovered a secret plot against the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II. Rudolf is a supporter of occult sciences such as alchemy and astrology as well as providing a more tolerant environment for those of other religions, and as such is a bulwark against the power of the Catholic Church and therefore an important person for England to keep on the throne.
Bruno arrives in Prague with his young teenage aide, Besler, to find an alchemist, Ziggy Bartos, has just been murdered in a grisly manner, with rumours abounding that Bartos was killed by a Jewish golem, and to alos find that John Dee has disappeared. Bruno had Besler have barely arrived before Bruno is attacked by Spanish thugs who prove to be connected to Bruno's old nemesis, Fra Agostino Montalcino.
Rudolf enlists Bruno to find out who killed Bartos and why. Bruno finds himself trying to make sense of a web of mystery and power-plays involving the powerful Strada family who have much status and unfluence at Rudolf's court, Spanish envoys, and the Jewish community all seeming to be involved. And the question remains - what has happened to John Dee and was he involved in any way.
As Bruno carries out his investigations he realises that he has missed the thrill and excitement of this kind of work, and when he manages to solve the mystery of Bartos's murder and Rudolf makes him an offer he has long dreamt of, he realises that he also misses his home in Naples. It will be interesting to see where the next book takes him. A great read.
January 30, 2024
Giordano Bruno has arrived in Prague. The supposed most tolerant city in Europe is not all it promises with divisions and violence encountered from the start. He has arrived to find his friend John Dee missing and Bruno fears the worse. On top of this, a gruesome murder of an alchemist has been found on the day Bruno walks into town. The nature of the murder points towards Jewish mysticism. The already divided city is in fear that a Golem has been created and sent to kill. The Jewish quarters are under suspicion and attack. It is inevitable that Bruno will be embroiled in the drama and set to find out who killed the Alchemist, at the behest of the Rudolph III himself.
An compelling story. Philip Sidney has passed away and so the sidekick position is taken up by a young man from Wittenberg called Besler. Although a charming man, who comes from strict stock, who quite sweetly is opening his mind to the people previously demonised by his Father. He is no Philip Sidney and that interaction is much missed! But I enjoyed the book nevertheless and the setting of Prague which I know little about in this time period. At one point there are so many factions with Catholic influences adding to the complexity. Rudolph's position is at risk with Catholic concerns over his perceived tolerance of heresy in Prague. Bruno comes face to face with an old adversary from this monastic days which adds an interesting additional layer to the story.
An compelling story. Philip Sidney has passed away and so the sidekick position is taken up by a young man from Wittenberg called Besler. Although a charming man, who comes from strict stock, who quite sweetly is opening his mind to the people previously demonised by his Father. He is no Philip Sidney and that interaction is much missed! But I enjoyed the book nevertheless and the setting of Prague which I know little about in this time period. At one point there are so many factions with Catholic influences adding to the complexity. Rudolph's position is at risk with Catholic concerns over his perceived tolerance of heresy in Prague. Bruno comes face to face with an old adversary from this monastic days which adds an interesting additional layer to the story.
August 10, 2024
There's so much to enjoy about the writing of S J Parris. This book is the seventh in the Giordano Bruno series and, yet again, hits all the right notes.
There is so much to enjoy about this book and the works of S J Parris (Stephanie Merritt). As usual, it centres around a complex, well written plot with plenty of twists and turns. If you're clever enough to work out the whodunnit, I'd be shocked if you guessed the motive.
The story is a real fast-paced, page-turner that immerses you in Prague in the 16th century. The author brings out the political and religious tensions of the time, weaving them intricately into the storyline, providing the reader with a real understanding of how delicately balanced things were. These books also provide a real sense of time and place, breathing life into sights, smells, and sounds of that era.
However, a great plot is nothing without characters that get you emotionally invested. This is where Merritt excels. In Giordano Bruno, we have a central character who is well developed and, if you've already read his six previous escapades, already has you hooked. The large, supporting cast that add weight and substance to the story, should not be overlooked. Every one of them that is introduced brings their own depth and creates further layers for Bruno to grow and for the plot to work.
Knowing that Bruno is based on a real life individual, I'm only too aware that, with every story, we creep ever closer to his demise. I just hope S J Parris is able to pack many more adventures in before that time comes.
These stories are fantastic and deservedly right up there as some of the best historical fiction around.
There is so much to enjoy about this book and the works of S J Parris (Stephanie Merritt). As usual, it centres around a complex, well written plot with plenty of twists and turns. If you're clever enough to work out the whodunnit, I'd be shocked if you guessed the motive.
The story is a real fast-paced, page-turner that immerses you in Prague in the 16th century. The author brings out the political and religious tensions of the time, weaving them intricately into the storyline, providing the reader with a real understanding of how delicately balanced things were. These books also provide a real sense of time and place, breathing life into sights, smells, and sounds of that era.
However, a great plot is nothing without characters that get you emotionally invested. This is where Merritt excels. In Giordano Bruno, we have a central character who is well developed and, if you've already read his six previous escapades, already has you hooked. The large, supporting cast that add weight and substance to the story, should not be overlooked. Every one of them that is introduced brings their own depth and creates further layers for Bruno to grow and for the plot to work.
Knowing that Bruno is based on a real life individual, I'm only too aware that, with every story, we creep ever closer to his demise. I just hope S J Parris is able to pack many more adventures in before that time comes.
These stories are fantastic and deservedly right up there as some of the best historical fiction around.
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