The second book in the No.1Sunday Timesbestselling series set at the time of Queen Elizabeth IAutumn, 1583. Under Elizabeths rule, loyalty is bought with bloodAn astrological phenomenon heralds the dawn of a new age and Queen Elizabeths throne is in peril. As Mary Stuarts supporters scheme to usurp the rightful monarch, a young maid of honour is murdered, occult symbols carved into her flesh.The Queens spymaster, Francis Walsingham, calls on maverick agent Giordano Bruno to infiltrate the plotters and secure the evidence that will condemn them to death.Bruno is cunning, but so are his enemies. His identity could be exposed at any moment. The proof he seeks is within his grasp. But the young womans murder could point to an even more sinister truthPerfect for fans of C. J. Sansom and Hilary MantelPraise for S. J. ParrisA delicious blend of history and thrillerThe TimesAn omnipresent sense of dangerDaily MailColourful characters, fast-moving plots and a world where one false step in religion or politics can mean a grisly deathSunday TimesPacy, intricate, and thrillingObserverVivid, sprawling Well-crafted, exuberantFinancial TimesImpossible to resistDaily TelegraphTwists and turns like a corkscrew of venomous snakesStuart MacBrideIt has everything intrigue, mystery and excellent historyKate MosseThe period is incredibly vivid and the story utterly grippingConn IgguldenA brilliantly unusual glimpse at the intrigues surrounding Queen Elizabeth IAndrew TaylorRich in both historical detail and ingenious twistsSam Bourne(bestselling author of The Righteous Men)Perfect for fans of A D Swanston, Paul Walker and E.M. Powell.