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Holy Spy

by Rory Clements Book 2 in the John Shakespeare series.

First published 2015

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4.3(4,241)

England, 1586. A group of Catholic conspirators plans to assassinate Elizabeth I, free Mary, Queen of Scots, and support a Spanish invasion. Francis Walsingham places John Shakespeare inside the conspiracy as the government gathers the evidence needed to destroy it.

Shakespeare’s official mission collides with a private crisis when the woman he loves is accused of murder. As he attempts to save her from execution, he discovers that the criminal case and the treason investigation are linked by corruption close to the centre of power.

Historical Periods

Elizabethan Religious Settlement1559–1563 CE Anglo-Spanish War1585–1604 CE

Historical people

Elizabeth I1533–1603 Mary, Queen of Scots1542–1587 Francis Walsingham1532–1590 Anthony Babington1561–1586

Series reading order

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