Straightforward murder mystery. Easy read. Fairly well written.

Starts well, with very intriguing ideas, and good introduction of characters. However, about half way through several minor plot points emerged concerning the supporting characters that came completely out of nowhere and to no particular purpose. Also by the end of the book, the possible suspects had been gone over so many times, it was rather obvious who the murder had to be. ( )

Francis Bacon is a barrister of Gray's Inn, shockingly young for it, and currently in disfavor with Queen Elizabeth due to an ill-received proposal for law reform. Being unable to be received at court, or even by friends who are at court, is a significant obstacle to his ambitions, and even to his ordinary responsibilities.

It does not really look like help when his powerful uncle, Lord Burghley, Lord High Treasurer and Queen Elizabeth's most trusted adviser, asks him to quietly investigate the death of another, far more senior, barrister of Gray's. For various reasons, it's suspected this murder may involve Catholic intrigue aimed at overthrowing and replacing the Queen. Bacon recruits four students, whom he is now tutoring since their former tutor has been murdered (yes, of course.)

Tom Clarady is the son of a privateer, looking to rise in Elizabethan society. Stephen Delabere is the son of an earl, pretentious and self-important. Allen Trumpington, or "Trumpet," is very short, very young, and has a surprisingly strategic mind. Benjamin Whitt is earnest, dedicated to the law, and also quite dedicated to Francis Bacon. Together, they do most of the legwork in this investigation, and Bacon considers their evidence and sends them off to pursue the answers to additional questions.

In truth there are two unrelated mysteries here, one of which becomes a red herring distracting from the real cause of the murder and the killer's motive.

This is a tale of intrigue at the court of Queen Elizabeth and the Inns of Court, not a swashbuckling adventure. It's enjoyable and fun, but won't be to everyone's taste.

Recommended as a fun mystery for those who enjoy this kind of intrigue.

I bought this audiobook. ( )

In 1585 England Francis Bacon is told by his uncle, Lord Burghley, that he to investigate the death of a fellow barrister at Gray's Inn. He recruits four of his students to help with the legwork of the investigation - Tom Clarady. Stephen Delabere, Allen Trumpington and Benjamin Whitt.
An entertaining mystery, looking forward to read the next. ( )

Set in Elizabethan London, this story follows a young Francis Bacon and some students he inherited from a murdered colleague, trying to solve the mystery. Some interesting characters and historical detail but the plot was not convincing to me. ( )

I love a good mystery. And what could be better than a mystery combined with one of my favorite historical eras, the Elizabethan age?! It takes a talent to write a great mystery and also adhere to historical detail and this author has done just that. I'm thoroughly impressed.

I've had mixed feelings on Francis Bacon, as I've read other books with him as a character or background figure and it seems the portrayals are not always favorable. However, I really liked him in this book and his apprentice, Thomas, was a refreshing addition to the story.

The mystery itself is labyrinthine and carries much suspense. It's rare for a historical novel to be "edge of the seat" reading. Don't get me wrong. Everyone knows I love historical fiction and it can be exciting, but when you add an element of suspense to the genre, it's even better. I'm thinking along the lines of C.W. Gortner's Spymaster Chronicles or Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death series. This book is a worthy addition to that type of series and this too is a planned series so I'm looking forward to reading Bacon's continuing adventures.

I'm recommending this book to anyone who loves mysteries. Don't let the historical fiction genre dissuade you. Even if you do not normally read historical fiction, you are going to want to read this one purely for the excellent mystery writing. The historical bits are just icing on the cake! ( )