I’ve been a fan of this series from the start and this latest instalment did not disappoint. An extremely enjoyable romp from start to finish.

This is the fifth book in this Restoration romp, and I am so grateful to have been chosen to read this!! James Marwood and Cat Lovett, now Hakesby, are still having this awkward, will they , won’t they relationship, but there does appear to be a gradual thawing between them when they are thrown together, only one bed available, we’ve heard that one before!,
James is still working at Scotland Yard and involved with Lord Arlington, and his descendants still have a rather nice house , Euston House in Suffolk. Cat is continuing her late husband’s architectural business, dealing with plans and drawings. As most of her clients are wealthy, this allows her access to the same social sphere, where she runs into Janes on a regular basis. It is an unusual occupation for a female, but it gives Cat a safe place to work, respect, money( when bills are paid) and freedom.
I have loved the previous books, but this one I found to be hesitant, and not so enjoyable. It was almost like the author thought, here is this historical event, the signing of a trade agreement between England and France, but I have to move my characters from London to Paris, and think of a convincing ploy for both Cat and James to be abroad as well. It fell a bit flat for me, but in my defence, during lockdown, I have binged watched the BBC series of Versailles , and was finding it hard to reconcile the TV version of the Duke of Orleans with the one on the page!!
I do feel this series is best served being in London, with its sleazy pubs, pickpockets, prostitutes and the general mayhem that arises from the rebuilding of the city of London. In my opinion, Restoration London should stay in London. I wasn’t too sure about the addition of witchcraft and the two young girls , nor the poor old lion, this goes back to this sense of trying to fit the story to the history in an awkward way.
Now, just because I have criticised, this doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love to review the next book when it is available. They are well researched, full of wonderful characters, and a strong female lead as well. I look forward to a return to London and the usual skullduggery.
I will definitely leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon when the pages are open.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for my ARC, in return for my honest review.

This is the fifth outing in Restoration England for Cat Lovett (now Hakesby) and James Marwood, the ‘friends with tension’ who solve crimes and uncover plots in the highest echelons of 1660s society. In this instalment, Marwood is called to look into the death of a colleague, Mr Abbott. Abbott’s wife was previously married to the son of a gentleman, Mr Fanshawe. His death may be linked to a notorious gambling den, The Blue Bush, at which Mrs Abbott’s half brother, Mr Van Riebeeck also attends.

Cat, now a widow after Mr Hakesby’s unfortunate death, is continuing his architectural business. This is of course highly unusual for a woman in this period, so Cat faces the usual misogyny as she goes about her work. Yet the women of the court do hold her in esteem, and she is sent to Paris by the King (Charles II). The King’s sister is married to the brother of the French king, and she would like Cat to design a marvellous poultry house for the household.

There follows a tale of intrigue and gradual uncovering of illicit goings-on, as Marwood and Cat pursue their goals.

I usually love Cat and Marwood, but this didn’t seem to grab me as much as usual. Maybe it’s because we are living in a pandemic, but I didn’t feel there was much sense of threat, apart from a couple of places in the story. There was only a bit of dramatic action and although the Cat and Marwood relationship rumbles on, they were together rarely in this book. It was almost two separate stories.
I also expected more to happen with Mr Fanshawe’s lion!

Still enjoyable, still interesting and I’m still invested in the characters. Just a bit more action.

I was sent a copy of The Royal Secret by Andrew Taylor to read and review by NetGalley. Another great Historical novel following James Marwood and Cat Lovett during the reign of King Charles II. I always find it so nice to get back to these familiar characters which seem now like my old friends! Well written and evocative, as we have come to expect, with a great storyline full of intrigue and tension. What more can I say? I can’t wait for the next instalment!

Incredibly, this is the fifth book featuring James Marwood and Cat Hakesby. By this stage the series could be getting stale, but Andrew Taylor, who has the lightest of authorial touches, keeps it fresh and engaging. The plot involves high-level politics, international espionage and a rich cross-section of society, and the relationship between James and Cat, which is always at the centre of these novels, is tested and develops. I’m not a historical expert, but all the details feel authentic and work to draw you in to this atmospheric and absorbing read. The Royal Secret is very enjoyable and I’m already looking forward to the sixth book.

I love these books by Andrew Taylor. They are so descriptive and atmospheric, the reader can almost smell the unhealthy stench! Full of intrigue and twists and turns the recently widowed Cat features prominently, with some shocking scenes. Life was precarious at the court of Charles II, and Marwood hangs onto his employment by a margin. Great stuff

Another great adventure for Cat Hakesby and James Marwood, featuring all the usual cast of characters, including the king. Cat and Marwood are still denying their feelings for each other but the tension is rising in that department.

As good as ever, very readable, didn't want it to end. Can't wait for the next one.

The fifth book in this exceptional series featuring Marwood and Cat Lovett. Once again, our heroes find themselves embroiled in political intrigue, this time involving both the kings of England and France. Set in 1670, the historical setting is wonderfully and atmospherically brought to life. The writing is as always effortless to read. The plot is exciting and twisted. But as with all the books in this series, it is the characters that drive the story along and the wonderful tension of the relationship between Marwood and Cat is so entertaining.
What more can I say that I haven't already said, I love this series and Andrew Taylor is a wonderful writer.

Andrew Taylor continues with the latest installment in the James Marwood, Cat Hakesby series and fans of this continuing saga won't be disappointed. We have a political backdrop involving Charles II and a secret treaty with France that leads to murder and instability. Central to this episode is the difficult relationship now developing between the main protagonists - throw in a mysterious Dutchman and two small girls drawn to witchcraft and poison and you have an exciting tale to keep you intrigued to the end. More please!

Whenever I see a new book by Andrew Taylor I rush to pick it up and throw myself into what I know is going to be a wonderful read. He writes so easily and fluidly that I can simply enjoy the story and not get caught up in anything else. We join Cat Hakesby and James Marwood for another adventure - now with Charles II on the throne. This intrigue involves witchcraft, murder, the king's sister and Cat and James yet again sparring with one another. Fabulous, more please!

The latest in Andrew Taylor's Post-Great Fire series is another addictive mystery as Marwood and Cat are drawn into intrigue between their own nation and those of France and Holland.
The will-they, won't-they relationship of the two protagonists could have become grating by now but Taylor has a deft hand for slowly and organically building their bond through their common issues and the surrounding characters, whether real figures from history or Taylor's own créations, are all engaging.
This is the fifth in the series and it feels as if we are still early in Marwood and Cat's journey... At least, I hope there are plenty more stops to come.

Having read and enjoyed all the books in the series, I was eager to read the latest. Most enjoyable, a great story of spies, plots, murders, secret treaties between Kings, into which Marwood gets involved, kept me on tender hooks until the end, when Cat saves Marwood from death and he saves her from falling into the arms a treacherous seducer, after which Marwood and Cat finally enjoy better relationship, hopefully with more to come.

Im not too sure how I feel about The Royal Secret, the 5th book in the hugely enjoyable Marwood & Lovett series.

First and foremost, its great to be back in this vivid and compelling 17th century London that Taylor has created. I love the two main characters, and continue to be fascinated by their relationship with each other. I’ll admit to being slightly frustrated at first, as it looks like their obvious liking for each other is going nowhere. However as the story plays out its great to see developments taking place.

One of my main issues with the book is, strangely enough, the actual story itself. For the first time, I’m given the impression that Taylor wasn’t able to come up with a strong enough story to fit around the history.

The murder plot is weak, and there isn’t really any mystery. Its also wrapped up quickly and easily, with none of the twists and turns that ive come to expect from the author.

The sub plot with the two young girls also falls flat, and I don’t feel it added anything to the story.

So in some ways the book falls flat, but I still found myself enjoying reading it, and still find myself looking forward to a potential book 6!

The Royal Secret is the fifth Marwood and Lovett book and everyone’s growing up. I could tell because Marwood got through the entire book with his wig intact and because of this he managed to buy himself a sexy new suit at the end. More importantly (not really) an unloved man who works in Marwood’s vicinity dies and Marwood is sent to collect some confidential papers the dead dullard shouldn’t have taken out of the office. After that it’s a slippery slope to murder, gambling debts, malnourished lions, men with mulberry hankies, Dutch spies and lying little girls who have far too much easily accessible arsenic. While Marwood tries to untangle that web Cat is building the poultry house of dreams that ends up taking her all the way to France and learning about the shit show that is the King’s sisters marriage. Its all absolutely thrilling. It really is.
Marwood and Cat are always best together, I love their pettiness and squabbling as they try to sort out their feelin’s. Feelin’s are hard. I did not love Cat being attracted to “the donkey in a wig” was she blinded by his height? I just don’t know? I don’t think she even did so I was quite relieved when she returned to form and got stab happy.
And oh! Stephen! Oh!
Taylor really knows how to pack an emotional punch without any flab.
And honourable mention for the reworked classic “there’s only one bed” trope. That maid has a lot to answer for and Cat is a saint to put up with her.
This has been my favourite so far I absolutely loved it.

For me, this author is very adept with two things. Historical accuracy, as all his books feel right and in the correct historical context, which makes an incredible difference with historic fiction. I also feel that Andrew manages to write romance really well also, as his books ebb and flow with the back and forth of man and woman's romantic tussles.
This book is the fifth in the series and it's as fun as ever. No dilution, no running out of ideas and the central characters remain present and enjoyable as ever. I was lucky enough to read this early thanks to NetGalley and it was my absolute pleasure to do so as Andrew Taylor remains one of my favourite authors. Historical fiction has become rather busy recently and Andrew holds his head high amongst his peers.

Going Dutch

The latest episode in the Marwood and Lovett series does not disappoint. Taylor, like the best writers of historical fiction, conjures an England during the reign of Charles II, which thoroughly convinces. It is a dangerous place where the privileges of class and position dominate and the talents of those lower in society are exploited and despised. Both James Marwood and Catherine Hakesby, formerly Lovett, fall foul of their social betters, in their different situations and professions. Neither are Marwood and Lovett guiltless of the same insensitivity towards their own class inferiors.
For a time, it is unclear what the mystery is here. We are introduced to a number of characters, all to some extent behaving suspiciously. There are hints of witchcraft, murder by poisoning, Anglo-Dutch relationships, Anglo-French relationships, a pet lion. The author builds up his plot with great care – it is not until the final chapters that the secret of the title is revealed. And is it even true?
I love how the author presents the testy relationship of Marwood and Cat; in this novel, one step forward, two steps back. I love how the reader is left with a feeling of ambiguity regarding the role and motivation of the mysterious Dutch spy, Henryk Van Riebeeck. I respect how the author does not step back from the shock of the unexpected death of a sympathetic character. Superbly crafted and imaginative at all times.

Not an easy read to begin with. Too many characters plus the sudden change in person was confusing and interrupted the flow. However, I did eventually find myself enjoying the story of Marlow and his daring deeds for Lord Arlington and the court of Charles II. I enjoyed his confusing love life with Cat and liked the fact that she was her own woman and an architect at such a time in history! However, I did find some of the rather tedious interludes with the lion, Maria and Hannah a little irritating although in all fairness, I did come to realise at the conclusion that some of it was necessary to the plot. Van RieBeeck was a well written character, never being quite sure if he was for good or bad. An interesting piece of history I knew nothing about and I always warm to being educated!

The Royal Secret is book five in the Marwood and Lovett series.
In this book, Marwood is tasked with retrieving some confidential documents whilst investigating the suspicious death of a colleague, which leads him deeper into political intrigue.
Set in Restoration England in the court of King James II, the story is rich in period detail and suspense.
I love this series, and hoping that there may be more to come.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC.

*A big thank-you to Andrew Taylor, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review*
I am a reader who is not afraid to start a new series in the middle of it or, as is the case this time. with the latest offering by the author. Mr Taylor's book have been around me for some time, even bought two of them, however, they are still on the to-read shelf. Not for long, I am certain of that now. Actually, this book can be read as a standalone as although there are some references to previous books, they do not spoil the fun of reading.
The Royal Secret is based on a historic event, negotiations between the kings of England and France. James Markwood and Cat Hakesby, well-acquainted and with yet too independent and too proud to admit their true feelings, get involved in mysterious events and political intrigue.
This book offers well-presented historical background with an engaging plot, and although not a masterpiece in the genre, it is an entertaining read for the fans of historical fiction.

The Royal Secret is the fifth book in the James Marwood and Cat Lovett historical crime series. Although you could read this as a standalone, it is worth starting at the beginning of the series and seeing how the characters develop and watch the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire. The series as a whole is packed with historical detail and political intrigue and The Royal Secret delivers this in bucketfuls.

James Marwood continues to work at Scotland Yard for Joseph Williamson the Undersecretary of State to Lord Arlington, however when one of Arlington's men dies Marwood is called upon by Arlington to investigate his suspicious death. Cat manages to secure a commission to the Duchess of Orleans (King Charles II's sister), she finds herself unknowingly drawn into the plot which Marwood is involved with.

A must read for fans of historical fiction and crime.
Thanks to Netgalley for offering me the chance to read and review The Royal Secret.