The Point of Death

by Peter Tonkin Book 1 in the Tom Musgrave Series series.

First published 2001

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London, 1594. During a performance of Romeo and Juliet, the actor playing Mercutio is killed with real steel before the audience understands that the blood is not theatrical. The playhouse has only recently reopened after plague closures, and its owners hire Master of Defence Tom Musgrave to solve the crime without provoking another shutdown.

Musgrave’s inquiry moves from Southwark’s theatres and stews to Westminster, where the remnants of Francis Walsingham’s intelligence service have divided into hostile factions. Earlier deaths, including Christopher Marlowe’s, appear connected to the new killing. Tom must apply formal logic and swordsmanship while the murderer turns the investigation against him.