Cover Image: The Royal Secret

The Royal Secret

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Another raucous adventure for James Marwood and Cat Hakesby set around the court of Charles 11. Suspicious deaths,a Dutch spy and even a lion all contribute to a glorious atmospheric yarn that races from London to Dover to France and back again. The details of London after the Great Fire are again beautifully described and the plot line is cleverly interspersed with actual events so all in all a good story that at last hints at a closer relationship between the two main characters.
T

Was this review helpful?

This is Book 5 in the Marwood and Lovett (now Hakesby) series but it is a great read as a stand-alone too. You are immediately caught up in the events shaping this intriguing 17th century tale.
Men die but Marwood struggles to prove that they have probably been murdered and may all be linked to a bigger plot. The threat of harm to Cat Hakesby by a sinister Dutchman who purports to be in love with her is worrying and we fear for her good sense as well as her safety. Andrew Taylor introduces a rich array of characters from royalty to the man in the street and not forgetting Caliban a lion who unwittingly also has a role to play.
Keeping the reader on tenterhooks the action flashes by, moving swiftly from dubious households to a gaming inn, Whitehall, Dover and France. The novel has many ingredients - spy thriller, romance, witchcraft, crime and royal history - all coming together to offer an engrossing, exciting read. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

As a self-confessed fan of Andrew Taylor's historical fiction, I was delighted to receive a NetGalley ARC of his latest book in the Marwood / Hakesby series, "The Royal Secret".

This is book five in the series, and some two years have passed since the events of "The Last Protector". Marwood's star continues to rise within Whitehall, and although Cat's position is less enviable, nevertheless she is surviving and making herself known as an architect of some skill. Their sometimes volatile relationship has continued on the same lines, and the heat rises further as Marwood's (obvious to everyone but him) attraction to Cat causes friction between the pair and her (obvious to everyone but her) attraction to him causes her to seek out the attentions of a suspicious Dutch merchant.

When one of Marwood's former colleagues at Whitehall is found dead in suspicious circumstances, Lord Arlington instructs Marwood to investigate. What he uncovers is a maze of familial, business, and royal subterfuge and deceit.

Meantime, Cat has secured a commission from the 'Madam' of France, King Charles II of England's sister, on the proviso she travels to France to discuss the plans.

All of this takes place against the backdrop of the secret Treaty of Dover negotiations between England and Holland, and a monarchy rife with plot and intrigue, and concerns about Charles' religious beliefs.

In fairness, "The Last Protector" I found to be less entertaining than the previous books - it was sometimes plodding, and predictable, but nevertheless a fine romp through post-Great-Fire London. But "The Royal Secret" picks up and carries us along at a fair pace, with the usual detailed portrayal of 17th Century London. We learn about the rich and famous' fascination with exotic animals, and more about the deep divisions and schemes within Whitehall and the royal court, and even a little dabbling in witchcraft.

Fans of CJ Sansom, Antonia Hodgson and SG Maclean will enjoy this series, and I thoroughly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

Another superb addition to Taylor's 17th Century series (this is number 5 and the other 4 are excellent too) with Cat and Marwood. It can be read as a standalone but I thoroughly recommend reading the other 4 first as this only adds to the depth of the story.

The book involves (amongst other things) murder, espionage, a hunt for unicorn horn powder, a trip to France for Cat, a royal summit at Dover and a lion in a garden. It rattles along with Taylor's mastery at an impressive rate. Expect to experience the urge to read this quickly as I became invested in the story from the off.

The authentic way the 17th Century era is brought to life and the intricate way the storylines converge is wonderful. I found myself learning the meaning of some new words as Taylor's way with the same makes sure your grey matter will thank you. I also appreciated the Historical Note at the end which made me cogitate on many things.

Things do not go smoothly for Cat and Marwood but they are there for each other when push comes to shove.

I am a paid up member of the Taylor fan club. I hope that this series continues for many more episodes 5/5

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an impartial review.

Was this review helpful?

My thanks to Andrew Taylor, Harper Collins and net Galley for the ARC of THE ROYAL SECRET.
Yet another book I've read recently that I didn't want to end, THE ROYAL SECRET is the continuation of this brilliant series by Andrew Taylor. Cat and Marwood are embroiled in more political intrigue when one of Marwood's former colleagues dies suspiciously and is discovered to have been poisoned. He was a patron of The Blue Bush Club, a gambling den from where Marwood thinks Abbots troubles began, and he begins an investigation that takes him all over England. Meanwhile Cat has won an architectural.. commission from the 'Madam' of France, King Charles of England's sister, to built a poultry house fi for a princess. She is dispatched to France where she comes into contact with and becomes entranced by, the man at the route of a plot that will overturn the fortunes of England. 5 super stars

Was this review helpful?

Another great historical fiction by Andrew Taylor. It fascinating mixing history with fiction, It brings the historical period to life. this was an absorbing storyline with an interesting variety of characters and a compelling storyline. the conclusion was good and hopefully, seems to leave a suggestion of a sequel.

Was this review helpful?

More crime to be solved by Cat and Marwood.

Charles II, the Merry Monarch, is on the throne. His court is immoral and full of intrigue. Britain and France are in a temporary top secret alliance. Slavery keeps the economy afloat and there is a sharp divide between the luxury of the court and the squalor in which many of their subjects live.

Meanwhile, young Maria and her maid decide to use witchcraft against Maria's hated step-father, Richard Abbott, Lord Arlington's clerk. When James Marwood is told to investigate the man's death, he does not expect his task to become so dangerously involved in court affairs. His friend and crime-solving partner, Cat, also has an important task: to design a royal hen-house! A very imaginative tale, but a bit confusing at times.

The historical note at the end was very helpful. Enjoyed this book but my favourite is still the first in the series, with it's novelty value of being set at the time of the Great Fire of London.

Was this review helpful?

A really enjoyable book. As ever Cat and Marwood get themselves involved in political treachery, this time revolving around both the kings of England and France. It is a beautifully, fluid story by Taylor mercifully written in a single timeline avoiding the current trend to keep jumping between time periods. I enjoyed it so much that I read it in just 2 sittings. Having read all the previous books with Cat and Marwood, it was like being with old friends as the characters are so well drawn. Although this can be read as a stand alone, I strongly recommend reading the previous books in the series as the reader will be missing out on some great books.
This is an honest review of a complimentary ARC.

Was this review helpful?

The Royal Secret by Andrew Taylor is the latest in his Marwood and Lovett series, set in London in the time of King Charles II.

In this latest book, James Marwood is told to investigate the death of Richard Abbott, another employee of the King. In the meantime Cat Lovett seems to be moving up the social scale when her skills as an architect attract royal attention.

I really enjoy historical fiction and having pretty much exhausted the Tudors, this series has been a great way in to the lives of Londoners during the reign of Charles II. Charles' monarchy was best by plot and intrigue, from those who wished to abolish the monarchy (again) and those with concerns about Charles' religious beliefs. Taylor does a fine job in establishing the dangers to Charles, the king who had to flee England as a teenager in order to survive the Civil War and avoid the fate which befell his father. This book features the secret Treaty of Dover and highlights the religious difficulties that Charles faced during his reign.

Having said that, the fictional plot and story are so compelling that you don't feel you are in the midst of a history lecture. London and its people are brought to life on the page and we wander the muddy streets with them.

The book is told from the perspective of those who worked for Charles and the common Londoners who lived in the capital at the time. Again, Taylor does a first rate job of bring Restoration London, after the Fire to life. Where it's still a threat to a woman to be called witch, and where a merchant can keep a lion in his garden as a novelty to be marvelled at.

Another reason I love these books is the character of Cat Lovett, a female architect making her own way in the world since the death of her much older husband in a previous book. Contemporary sources of history rarely feature the voices and lives of women, so Taylor is to be applauded for giving a female character so much agency in his books, while reminding us of the hardships and pitfalls of Cat's life as a woman at this time. What's great about this book featuring the Treaty of Dover, is that we also get to meet the King's sister, Henrietta, who was instrumental in the negotiations, working to unite her adopted country and country of birth. She was clearly an amazing and complicated woman, who probably deserves a book of her own!

I would highly recommend these books for fans of historical fiction, especially if you enjoy a murder being solved alongside your trips to the palace to see the King.

Was this review helpful?

I have read the previous two books in this series. This one certainly felt like a continuation of the story and that reminded me of the previous narrative. It was good to meet the characters from the earlier stories again.
This one was very similar though. I was interested in the obvious research and factual details from the era but I felt that there was little new. The tenuous relationship with the king and his court and the main character's superior felt just the same, as if he had made little progress since the last story.
I enjoyed reading it but I was also a little disappointed, the end seems to be left open for a further continuation?

Was this review helpful?

This can be read as a standalone novel but better suits those who, like me, have followed the adventures of Marwood and Cat in Restoration England from the beginning. This opens with Marwood and Cat having a small falling out, which means that they are at odds throughout the book, with the added spice of Cat being the object of another man's attention. She is much more a key focus in this novel as she is engaged to design a hen house for the sister of King Charles II, who is married to the unpleasant Monsieur, King Louis XIV's brother. This means Cat travels to France, along the way becoming embroiled in Marwood's latest mystery.

The tale romps along at a good pace, with an engaging plot and satisfying villain of the piece. I very much enjoyed reading this latest addition to the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.

Was this review helpful?

This is another great adventure for James Marwood and Cat Hakesby (nee Lovett) in 17th century London. These books are so well written that they are completely enthralling. At last London seems to be slowly recovering from the Great Fire but the intrigues of the court of Charles II continue. This time out Cat gets to spread her wings and travel to France at the behest of Madame the king's sister who is married to the Duke of Orleans, younger brother of Louis XIV. As usual we witness the differences between the lives of the "haves" and the "have nots" and the difficulties of survival for a woman in what is very much a man's world. Cat is a woman who knows her own mind and wants a career rather than marriage and children - a feminist ahead of her time.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

Was this review helpful?

The Royal Secret is the 5th book in the hugely successful James Marvell and Cat Lovett historical thriller series set in the reign of Charles ll. It follows, The Ashes of London (2016); The Fire Court (2018); The King's Evil (2019); and The Last Protector (2020). Five books into the series and author Andrew Taylor’s standards remain impressively high. Combining rich period detail with a gripping story and believable characters.
Each book tells a stand-alone tale centred around politics, espionage and skulduggery, but because of the character’s backstories and character development, they’re best read in sequence.
The main characters, Cat and Marvell, continue to dance around a relationship that veers from dislike, through distrust, to reluctant loyalty and affection. They are both complex, multi-faceted creations, easy to believe in as they struggle to understand their own fears and contradictions in a tough and cruel world. I particularly love Cat as a woman determined to be independent and successful in a dangerous man’s world.
The minor characters are also remarkably three-dimensional, there are no simple caricatures in Taylor’s novels, where even the ‘baddies’ have credible motives and where servants are as well written as their lords and masters.
The book oozes period atmosphere and menace. There are – as always in this series – royal secrets to be protected, dangerous spies and unexplained violent deaths, but this time we also have a dose of witchcraft and a captive Barbary lion.
I am madly jealous of Taylor’s vivid imagination and also of anyone who hasn’t yet dipped into these entertaining novels and still has five books to enjoy.

Was this review helpful?

Another engaging read from Andrew Taylor following James Marwood as he attempts to investigate the death of an erstwhile colleague in mysterious circumstances; and Cat Lovell as she dips her toe into life as an independent widow (though not without suitors) and takes up the mantle in continuing her late husband’s architect business.
Travelling across Charles II post fire London, into Kent and as far afield as France, the story is convincing in historical detail and well researched. It is scattered with real events, locations and characters, and follows a real timeline whilst providing the reader with an action and intrigue packed narrative.

I opened my first Marwood book three years ago and now await each new instalment eagerly so I was delighted to receive an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. I wasn’t disappointed, and read well into the night to finish this in one sitting! If you haven’t yet tried Andrew Taylor books, then I strongly recommend this series to you.

Was this review helpful?

A great pleasure to be back in the company of James Marwood and Cat Hakesby (Lovett) in 17century England. King Charles II is on the throne and is keen to agree a treaty with France and Holland to avoid any more devastating wars. As always there is a cast of ne’r do wells and devious characters wanting to disrupt the agreement in order to line their own pockets. The book immerses the reader in the sights and smells (oh the smells!) of the time and the descriptions of characters and settings are excellent - one is transported to places of extreme poverty and extreme wealth and opulence, with the cast of characters believable and superbly drawn. There is love interest and a clutch of murders too - in fact the book has everything to entertain the reader, particularly lovers of historical fiction. Although it will stand perfectly well on its own, having encountered the main characters before adds even more interest to the story.

Was this review helpful?

We return to late 1600s London, Charles II is on the throne and our detective hero Marwood is called in to investigate missing papers after a clerk to Lord Arlington dies in mysterious circumstances.

Following the death of Cat's husband in the last book, Marwood and Cat have developed something more than a friendship but less than a romance, until Cat's latest commission brings her into conflict with Marwood.

If you like C.J. Sansom then I think you'll like this series. Marwood is a man of his time, which can make for uncomfortable reading for the 21st century reader, the uneasy balance that people had to maintain in order to retain their jobs seems so alien to this reader, to be employed at the whim of a capricious nobleman seems so harsh and yet I suppose many live in similar circumstances today.

These books are not for the faint-hearted, I'm not sure if they all share the in-depth interest in the toilets and sewers of this book and the last, but it feels authentic in all its brutality and squalor. I also found some scenes, especially those involving Marwood's slave Stephen, very difficult to read from a 21st century perspective.

As we roam from the court of Charles II to Paris and the Kent coast there are plots and intrigues in abundance.

I have to say that I have some questions about certain things that characters say towards the end. maybe I didn't truly understand their meaning but otherwise the plot hung together well and I could clearly see the trail of death and motives from start to finish.

I was invited to read a free copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?