Traitor in the Ice is the second book in the author’s historical crime series featuring intelligencer Daniel Pursglove, the follow-up to The Drowned City.

In Traitor in the Ice we learn a little more about Daniel but much of his past still remains a mystery. In fact, some of it is a mystery even to himself. ‘I didn’t even know the year of my birth, much less the name my father had given me, if indeed any man had ever owned to being my father.’ What we do know is that he’s quick-thinking, handy with a lockpick but often, for reasons connected with his past, has to restrain his own violent instincts. ‘Killing a man was easy; forcing himself to lower the dagger was not’. In addition, his previous actions have given others a hold over him meaning he has little choice but to accept dangerous tasks such as his current mission. And there is one particular person whose hatred for Daniel is very personal in nature. ‘He [Daniel] always comes back. A cockroach, a rat and a stinking malignant will always return, until you cut them into pieces and destroy them’. I must say I do like the way the author is drip-feeding us nuggets of information about Daniel’s past.

The discovery of the Gunpowder Plot and the ruthless despatch of the conspirators has only increased the sense of paranoia around the Jacobean court and in the country. Sent to try to uncover the fate of a previous intelligencer, by a combination of luck and quick-thinking Daniel successfully inveigles his way into the household of Battle Abbey. Once there he undertakes a lot of surreptitious exploration of the Abbey, which is conveniently situated close to the coast. He is surprised to find evidence of Catholic worship taking place in plain sight, making him convinced Viscountess Montague must have a protector in high places.

Talking of people in high places, surely no historical novel set in the period is complete without an appearance by one of the Cecil family; in this case it’s Robert Cecil. I actually felt some sympathy for him having to deal with the increasingly bizarre behaviour of the petulant King James I whose current obsession is the mass planting of mulberry trees. And although not central to the plot, I enjoyed the occasional glimpses into life in the Jacobean court. There is one fantastic scene depicting a particularly lavish banquet at which servers bear trays of ‘confections and cakes, roasted birds and small beasts re-dressed in their own feathers and fur, or artfully stitched together by the cooks to create piglets with cocks’ wings and heads, or salmon with rabbit legs and scut tails’. However, underneath all the outward display of excess and pleasure-seeking, there flow dark undercurrents of intrigue and political powerplay.

Traitor in the Ice is full of impeccably researched historical detail, everything from food and drink to social and religious customs. I thoroughly recommend reading the Author’s Note which reveals how many of the characters and events in the book are situated in historical fact, such as the Great Frost of 1607 which forms the backdrop to the book and inspires its title. I also loved that the glossary goes beyond brief definitions, for example explaining the role that kingfishers played in a Tudor and Stuart household or revealing more information about Sussex’s rival to the Loch Ness Monster.

Of course, there’s also a mystery to be solved which turns out to be a whole lot more complicated than first imagined involving, amongst other things, priest holes, ‘leopards’ and buried treasure. I thoroughly enjoyed Traitor in the Ice. As well as featuring some fascinating characters, such as the mysterious Cimex and Viscountess Montague’s ward, Katheryne (described as a combination of ‘virgin, nymph and witch’), it has a great sense of time and place. Plus the author leaves plenty of deliciously enticing loose ends to be picked up in future books (I hope).

I got Traitor in the Ice (Daniel Pursglove #2) by K.J. Maitland for free from NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
Once again we are in the Jacobian England, in 1607 , 2 years to the day when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the houses of Parliament, on the 5th November 1605.
Where Daniel Pursglove, is coming to London to get his orders to go and investigate a number of Catholic priests and what happened to the last person called to investigate.

This is the second book of K.J Maitland’s Daniel Pursglove series, and while the novel does follow on from the first one, this is a book that can be read as standalone, as the writer adds background to the story as and when needed.
What I like about these books is that it uses both the fear of a catholic taking over the British throne at the time along with the belief in witchcraft at the time.
While I did not pay much attention to the Regin of James I of England or VI of Scotland. What I do know of it and have investigated because of something I have come across in the book, seems to fit in with the period.
As for the writing K.J Maitland is a writer that is able to bring the characters to life in such a way that as a reader you never see anyone doing anything out of character, in the story.
The one weakness in the writing is the way that the writer draws you into the novel, while some writers can bring you into the book from the start, this to me is a weakness in the writing,
While this may be because I am reading an historical fiction book out of a period I normally read, or the book did not have that hook that drew me into the book as early as possible.
This meant there were times when I contemplated stop reading the book however once I was gripped it was difficult to put down.
Having said that once I had gotten into the book it became a page turner and had me gripped till the end.
Which makes Traitor in the Ice (Daniel Pursglove #2) by K.J. Maitland, a book that is worth sticking with.

Traitor in the Ice is the second book in this historical crime series which sees Daniel Pursglove, once again, on a dangerous mission. This time is he charged with the task of infiltrating Battle Abbey, home to the staunchly Catholic Viscountess Montague whose impressive home is a hotbed of recusant activity. The last pursuivant to undertake this task has been found dead, in suspicious circumstances, so it is with some trepidation that Purslove enters the fray only to find that there are more secrets at Battle Abbey than he could ever have imagined.

Spending time again with Daniel Pursglove is a real treat especially as his unorthodox methods of investigation invariably draw him right into the centre of recusant conspiracy with, it must be said, devastating consequences. Add into the mix the country's growing resentment towards King James I, the gossip and intrigue of the Jacobean court, the inherent danger of being a Catholic in a Protestant land, and you have all the right ingredients for a lively and engrossing mystery.

Intelligently written, with a real sense of time and place, we go back to a time which has been so faithfully recreated it feels like stepping off a time machine into the age of the great frost of 1607 when the country was halted by a cold which cut so deep that people froze where they lay, and the equally chilling atmosphere of Battle Abbey, with its secret passage ways and strange portents, is brought vividly to life. The dangerous world of Catholic intrigue is very much the focus of the novel, placing those would hear the forbidden Catholic mass right at the centre of the story. Battle Abbey with its hidden priest holes and dark and shadowy corners is the perfect eerie setting for an engrossing novel which plunges you deep into the dark secrets of the past.

It cannot be denied that the author really researches the historical setting in this follow up of the seventeenth century mystery and political thriller series. Our hero makes many allusions to the previous chapter of his adventures in Bristol, so it’s useful to have read it. The situation is similar in that he is sent to gather information and uncover political and religious misdeeds. The Scottish king has many enemies, and sometimes it is difficult to sort the wheat from the chafe in the humble reader’s ignorance of who supports who. However, a handy guide is included to all the colourful terms at the end. It makes for interesting and lively reading, and is set out much the same as its’ predecessor, with the action of the ‘powers that be’ ( in London) and the village and Abbey which is of interest to them. At times it has the feel of Cadfell or The Name of the Rose, where religion gets mixed up with murder, lust and greed. A very well written follow up, if a little too much the same.

A Traitor in the Ice is the second book in the Daniel Pursglove series by K J Maitland. It could be read as a stand-alone, but I think that reading the series in order is best to get the full picture and sense of Daniel’s story and purpose, so I recommend reading The Drowned City before this one.

Daniel is again investigating on behalf of the king, this time in Sussex instead of Bristol. Place and time are excellently evoked in this Jacobean spy thriller and there’s plenty of drama in the priest holes.

I’m already looking forward to book three!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.

1607 Daniel Pursglove is sent to Battle Abbey to infiltrate the home of the Catholic Montagues to discover traitors to King James.Also to discover what happened to pursuivant Benet and what did he unearth. But it would seem secrets abound along with the dead.
An entertaining and interesting well-written historical mystery. With its varied characters. A good addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A man is found frozen to death at Battle Abbey. How and why? Daniel Pursglove is sent to gain access to this catholic community and find the truth.
Danger is all around in the winter of 1607. Can Daniel keep his cover while finding the truth? Complicated issues are brought to light and more lives put in danger.

This book follows on from the events in The Drowned City. Based in both London and Sussex, this looks at the Catholic plots that are rumoured to exist in the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605.
Daniel Pursglove is instructed to go to Battle Abbey, and ingratiate himself into the household of Lady Magdalen Montague, a known Catholic , who has refused to swear the Act of Allegiance to the King, hides recusant priests in her household, celebrates Mass openly, and has even set up a printing press. Whilst gaining evidence against Lady Magdalen, he is also to search for the spy known as Spero Pettingar. Daniel also becomes involved in the nocturnal events caused by the Nightcreeper, something or someone is going around on a killing spree.
I like the character of Daniel, he has secrets of his own, and understands the fear and reluctance of poorer folk to come forward and give evidence, when they may suffer by being thrown out of employment or their home. He gives all a fair chance to explain events, and will protect those he sees as being unfairly maligned. I would like him on my side on such occasions !!
The authors research cannot be faulted. The fear and paranoia that surrounded King James was well known, from the womb, he suffered the fear of assassination, the hatred of witchcraft, and consoled himself with his favourites, usually young men. The harshness of the weather conditions of that time were unknown to me, we have all heard of the River Thames freezing, but trees exploding due to the severity of the icy climes, that is really unexpected.
Battle Abbey and the Priests holes were well described. I have visited some Historical houses, the workmanship involved in these hiding places really has to be seen to be believed. I really appreciated the authors explanatory notes at the end, such lovely rustic phrases that really need bringing back!! I have read many books by this author, and I am always thrilled by the exploits and the chase through the given historical period.
These books are perfect for fans of Shardlake, by CJ Sansom, and Bruno Giordano by SJ Parris. You become fully immersed in the story, and learn so much. I am so looking forward to other books in this series.
A five star read. My thanks to Rachel Quin, Netgalley and the publishers Headline, for my digital copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. I will leave a review to Goodreads and Amazon.

Having never read a K. J. Maitland book before, I was not ready for what was going to occur. This book brings to life a period of time when I am not as familiar with the goings-on. This is following the attack on parliament by Guy Fawkes. The story follows a bunch of different people, but I felt very entwined with the whole book and really enjoyed learning about an oft-forgotten (at least in America) part of history that we are not taught about. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something interesting, thrilling, and fun. It was also a fairly quick read, and kept me up late at night!

Traitor In The Ice by K. J. Maitland is the second in the Daniel Pursglove series and I would highly recommend starting with the first book, The Drowned City, in order to get a real understanding of the character and the tangled web of intrigue that surrounds and motivates him.
Set in the Winter of 1607 , one of the coldest on record with a freeze that lasted for several months. in a country torn apart by religious conflict, we follow Daniel to Battle Abbey, suspected by King James of hiding Catholic priests and sheltering those loyal to the Pope. Infiltrating the Abbey will be a challenge , suspicions are already high and it seems like almost everyone has a secret to hide, but Daniel manages to wheedle his way inside and soon finds himself trying to solve not one but two murders.
This is a vividly written densely plotted historical mystery that moves at a slow pace, which might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I appreciated the descriptive writing and how well the time and place is brought to life on the page. It is clear that the author has done a huge amount of historical research and is keen to display the fruits of that labour on the page, so this book would suit those with an interest in the Jacobean era.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

My thanks to Rachel Quin at Headline for a widget of this book via NetGalley.

While a second in series, Traitor in the Ice was my introduction to the Daniel Pursglove series of historical mysteries by K.J. Maitland, a book I found to be an intense and engrossing read with excellent historical detail and atmosphere.

Our story opens in Jacobean England, specifically in the winter of 1607, two years after Guy Fawkes’ gunpowder plot was foiled and he was hanged, drawn and quartered. Everyone was expected to swear the Oath of Allegiance and those who didn’t would have their property forfeit and worse. Catholics and those of other faiths had to practice their religion in secret while ostensibly subscribing to the oath. In this background, Daniel Pursglove is charged by Charles FitzAlan, a confidant of James I to go to Battle Abbey, the residence of the formidable Lady Montague, a practicing Catholic, and a place where Catholic priests are known to be hidden. Not only that, they may be hiding plotters against the King, perhaps one of the conspirators of Fawkes’ plot. The man previously sent to investigate the house has been found dead, apparently in an accident, but most likely murder. But how Daniel is to find his way into Battle Abbey and find answers is left to him. Once he does (by both wit and luck), he finds a vast household with some hints of mysterious goings on and more than one person with secrets. But which of them are related to the mystery he is there to solve? And what could the secret be that the previous man uncovered that led to his death?

Meanwhile, the village outside the Abbey is troubled by a night creeper who roams the village at night shrieking and banging on doors; small animals like chickens are found missing in the morning and pigs and even a cat dead. But what is this night creeper—an animal, a spirit or a human being? Alongside in London, we also follow goings on around court, with Richard Fairfax, the son of the man who raised Daniel, and his friend Sir Christopher Veldon try to improve their standing at court, while Richard’s young cousin Oliver looks on.

This was a historical mystery with a great deal of substance in terms of its historical detail, setting and atmosphere and I enjoyed it a lot. We get a good sense of the broader historical developments in the period, the scenario at court and in London (from James' temperament to court politics, the decadence and dissipation, and the hostility against Scots among the general populace) and also the smaller details of everyday life (pleasant and unpleasant). The author's historical note at the end of the book also helpfully points out the historical characters and real-life events that she wove into the book.

The atmosphere in the book is also really well done. Maitland manages to put across the tensions that were rife at the time, also reflected in life at Battle Abbey. Lady Montague continues to practice her faith, and priests reside at the abbey while others are smuggled in and out. Everyone must tread carefully and everything done in secrecy. There is a constant threat of ‘leopards', men trained to search suspicious homes thoroughly and uncover priestholes and hiding places. Servants and those in the lower rungs are especially worried for Lady Montague is no longer young, and without her protection, their position will be even more precarious. While not impacting the Abbey, the night creeper and the terror he is creating among villagers adds to this. And this fraught atmosphere is made worse by the great frost of 1707–1708, which was so extreme that trees were exploding from the cold. (This was something I’d never heard of before but on looking up I found that this has also been happening recently, in fact last month in Texas, because of sap freezing and contracting, and produces sounds like bullets being fired.)

The mystery too, was an interesting one; not a whodunit as such but one where Daniel must pick up clues and information as he goes and discover who was responsible. There are many with secrets and he must piece together whether and how they link up. There is also a broader storyline of a traitor (the additional Fawkes conspirator) that FitzAlan is attempting to trace out, and Daniel’s own background and story which runs across the books, and which also has additional threads of mystery.

Because of this, it makes more sense for the books to be read in order. I didn’t read the first book before this, and while that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book as such as the mystery was more or less complete, with the broader storyline, while one can follow along, one does get the feeling that one is missing something.

But a very enjoyable read overall, with an interesting mystery and wonderful historical detail. 4 stars.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this epic book

king james and monks plus murder galore in this book

daniel has one task only to infiltrate and find treachery but instead he finds a lot more with his daily tasks at hand his life is in constant danger and the weather isnt helping

as the bodies add up nobody is as they seem

an enjoyable read will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works

Another brilliantly researched mystery from KJ Maitland. It was great being back in the Jacobean court with Daniel, Robert Cecil and King James I, and I really enjoyed the new setting of the Montague residence at Battle Abbey. Daniel, once again is such a brilliant protagonist- dark and brooding, he’s involved in almost every piece of action.
The dark and threatening scenes around the Montague household add to the intrigue of the mission given to Daniel, and with many more characters introduced in this second volume, I’m intrigued to see how the unanswered questions are resolved in the next instalment.

The second book in this series couldn't hold my attention to the end. I kept skimming pages, because of the slow pace. The writing is good, but too descriptive for my taste.

Traitor In The Ice is a mysterious historical fiction novel set in the 1600’s. Daniel Pursglove is sent to Battle to infiltrate Catholic Lady Magdalene’s home and uncover what happened to Benet, the last pursuivant sent there. Battle Abbey is full of mystery and everyone there seems to have a secret or be involved in something they shouldn’t be. Daniel has his work cut out investigating.

Daniel is a likeable character that I instantly warmed to. I also enjoyed Lady Magdalene’s character too and would have liked to have seen more of her. Some characters were less likeable, and some almost unnecessary.

The storyline is well researched and well developed. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the book as well as the false leads and twists and turns. I did enjoy reading about King James’ court as well as Battle Abbey.

Though the second in this series I started with this one and didn’t feel I was missing out on too much of the backstory.

My one criticism is the writing is incredibly descriptive. Whilst this sets the time and scene well sometimes it does make the story drag a little or make some parts a bit hard to read.

All in all it’s a good historical read that I give 3.5 stars.

I was offered this book by the publishers to read and review - they also offered a digital copy of the first book in the series and I chose to read that before starting on this second book. I am glad that I did as it set the scene for Daniel Pursglove's second adventure although it could easily be read as a standalone title. Daniel's a great character and this book's plot is as twisting and convoluted as the previous book, and despite being about religious issues and recusancy again it was different. Excellent historical research and the sense of time and place is very good. I felt chilled to the bone reading about The Great Frost of 1607. The author's notes and glossary at the end are full of information about the real people who appear as characters in this story and the various 17th century words and phrases that are unfamiliar to a reader 400 years in the future. With thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Set in 1607, during the great freeze, Daniel Pursglove is sent to infilitrate the household of Battle Abbey following the unexplained death of agent Benet.
Excellent historical content with plenty of action.
This is the second book of the series & whilst I found the story easy enough to follow there were references to the previous book. Before I read future books in the series I’d be inclined to read the first.
I loved the epilogue detailing the actual history of the Montagues & an explanation of ‘night creeping’ along with a glossary of terms used.
4/5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyed my stroll through Jacobean England - experiencing the smells, the bawdy ways the people lived and the strange things they believed and did. This story is filled with mystery and murder and I was fascinated by the even stranger carrying on of night creepers - something which, it seems, people have felt compelled to do down through the centuries right up to the present day.
It’s a fascinating glimpse into the 17th century and the story is easy to read and a real page turner. It stole my sleep for ‘just another chapter’! Very well worth a read but read the first book in the series first. Double enjoyment that way. Especially as, when I’d finished the book, I felt like I was on a cliff edge - waiting for the next instalment.

Book two is just as well written and researched as book one in the series and that is evident in the attention to detail that is paid to the time period while writing the book and what was available at that time. Daniel’s character growth is evident in this book, you can’t help but really like him and want him to succeed.

Thank you Headline and Netgalley for inviting me to read this one.

I enjoyed this. I love historical fiction and this is set at a time that isn't covered that often, making for an interesting change. I was drawn to the MC and also appreciated all the historical details, even if that did slow the plot at times. I'd recommend this to someone who likes the genre.