Set in the winter of 1598 our heroine is retired spy Sophie de Wolfe who gets dragged into the investigation of the murder of a 13 year old girl on the site of The Theatre as the girl had a note written in Sophie's old code tucked in her bodice.
This is a first SJ Parris novel for me and I chose it as I like historical novels set in the 16th century and was intrigued with the idea of a woman as a spy/investigator in this period. The book contains a mixture of real and imaginary characters which are combined in a very convincing manner. I always look up unfamiliar names and was surprised when some didn't actually exist! They felt so real! Although this book is the first in its own series and as such can be read as stand alone, I definitely think I'm going to have to read the Giordano Bruno series if only to get the full story on the characters and players. A great story well researched and definitely recommended for historical fiction fans.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Once a spy always a spy. In 1598, Sophia de Wolfe (née Underhill) is a rich widow, but she has been Kate Kingsley, or Mary Gifford, or Kit, or ….? She went by those names when she worked undercover for Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elzabeth’s Spy Master, which she did until he retired her and married the rich merchant, Humphrey de Wolfe, a Gentleman but not a member of the aristocracy. As a spy she had used a personal cipher, known only to her, Walsingham and his cryptographer. The cipher was retired when she was. Except, it has just been found on a note attached to the body of a young girl, Agne Lovell, ward of Sir Thomas North. The body was dumped on a demolition site from which the “Lord Chamberlain’s Men” had just removed their old theatre prior to rebuilding it on the Southbank of the Thames (when it will be known as “The Globe” home of William Shakespeare). What is the connection, if any, between the dead girl, an heiress of noble birth promised in marriage to Edmund North, the theatrical company, and the former spy? For the security of England, Sir Robert Cecil, Walsingham’s successor in the Spy Master rôle, must be certain this is not part of a Catholic conspiracy, so recalls Sophia to clarify the source of the enciphered note. But things take a turn for the worse when young actor, Tobie Strange, (Sophia’s unknowing bastard son) is arrested for the murder. She now must resolve this tangled web by activating all of her old skills, and the clock is ticking.
In Parris’s novel “Sacrilege “, Sophia Underhill had a relationship with Giordano Bruno and she has been resurrected for this new series. She is an interesting and well developed character, and brings a change of emphasis from the Bruno series, especially in providing a much deeper look at the position and travails of women in the late Elizabethan period. The plot is not complex per se but it does have a good many turns of the ‘I know whodunnit – oh no he didn’t’ variety. It’s a bit slow going to begin with, a consequence of having to build a new cast of characters working in a new environment, and I think it could have been tighter. However, the detail does help with the realism, the feel of London, the political machinations, the social structure, so swings and roundabouts perhaps – the mystery needs the history and vice versa . The second part has more of a thriller structure. It’s better than a 4 not quite good enough to be a 5 but I can’t give 4.5 in the star rating so 5.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

Another great book from S J Parris - perfect for the fans of her Giordano Bruno series. This time, our chief protagonist/spy is the recently widowed Sophia de Wolfe.

The book opens in London during the winter of 1598, with the body of a 13 year old heiress (found in a theatre). There is a mysterious note attached to her body, written using the cipher Sophia herself used during her days as one of the great Sir Frances Walsingham’s spies. In the ‘now’ of the novel, Sir Francis is dead and Sophia is called to the presence of Robert Cecil - the next spymaster of Elizabeth I. This brings Sophia out of retirement and back into the world of murder, plotting and intrigue that Parris describes so well.

The introduction of a female spy adds a different spin on this popular genre of novel. Great for fans of CJ Samson’s Shardlake series, as well as Rory Clements’ John Shakespeare narratives too. I am looking forward to more (hopefully) books in this series!

I really enjoyed this book! I really love historical fiction, especially when it involves real life people in the stories.

This one did not disappoint, I loved the main character, this time a female and she was very strong and likeable.

I think I may have just found my favourite new historian fiction writer! Excited to see what comes next !

I enjoyed this book and it was refreshing that the protagonist was a female, especially as the book was set during the late sixteenth century. Sophia de Wolfe had previously worked as a spy and she was good. After settling to a quieter life, she is called up to investigate a case. It is possible this could have been connected to her previous work. The book covers many themes and it is a convincing thriller, a page turner. I like the detail of London and Elizabethan life. Shakespeare plays a small part in the book but it is Sophia, a young widow who is central. I am now going to look at other books by this author, as I like how she has elevated a story of that time and presented it differently.

Top class historical crime - blend of fact and fiction, strong characters and good twists. Loved that Shakespeare appeared but was very much a bit part. Sophia makes a great detective and the Elizabethan age is always a favourite setting. What makes this so good is the clear and gripping narrative that is involved but never too complicated, the humour and the sense of time and place. Looking forward to more.

A new series by the author with a familiar lead. Sophia de Wolfe appeared in the Giordano Bruno novels. Now a wealthy widow Sophia has freedom but is bored. A dead young woman is found in an open trench with a message in Sophia's old cipher that she used when working for Walsingham. Sophia is tasked with finding what happened by Robert Cecil. As she criss crosses London trying to decipher the clues, meeting up with old allies from her her past, she attracts the attention of some people who won't hesitate to get rid of those who get in their way.
A well plotted story with a mix of fictional and historical figures. An exciting new series.

The concept was very appealing, but I found the pacing overly slow, the action lacking (it was mostly going from conversation to conversation). and the characters felt too distant for me to get attached and care about what happened to them.
Unfortunately, I decided to DNF because I wasn't motivated enough to keep on reading.

Based in the same time period as the Bruno Giordano books but jumping ten years on from Alchemy. This new story features Sophia De Wolfe, alo a spy, who now that Walsingham is dead has to work for Cecil at the Elizabethan court. A young woman has been murdered at the theatre and a coded message has been found in her clothing. The cipher needs to be broken and the killer found. London is having the worst winter for decades, the freezing and starving population are not happy. Elizabeth is under pressure to confirm who her successor will be. I really enjoyed this book, SJ Parris is a terrific writer.

A detailed story of Tudor times that I found hard to get into, probably because I had not read the previous books in the series. Nonetheless there was plenty of action - murder, political intrigue, spies - to keep one wondering what next? Given that the whole story seems to have taken a relatively few days it all seemed rather odd and rushed. I like the period, the inclusion of real people and certainly the details of, especially, London. Unfortunately the story didn't really grab me although, clearly, I'm in the minority. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy

The author has started a series with a new central character: Sophia de Woolfe. She is a previous agent of Francis Walsingham but is now a wealthy widow sponsoring the theatre, partly due to son being one of the players. He son was taken form her when he was born and he doesn’t know their true relationship. When a noble girl called Agnes is found murdered at the theatre, a note is left on the body using Sophia’s previous cipher. She is drawn back into the world of politics and intrigue by Robert Cecil, partly to keep her secret. I found her a likeable central character with determination and charisma, Working alongside her is a devoted Anthony who I felt was a bit of a puppy dog. The story twists and turns and he a satisfying ending, I will read more of the series. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.

The setting of this story is 1598, a time of numerous plots and conspiracies. S. J. Parris really brings the period to life. Sophia de Wolfe is a brilliant character and the addition of real characters from the period add to the authenticity. The combination of rich historical detail and a thrilling plot make this a compelling read. A wonderful start to a new series. This is historical fiction at its best.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Oh how delightful to read such a fabulous historical novel which captured my interest and maintained in to the end. Excellently researched, greta plot, beautiful execution. I love the combination of historical menace and a thriller. S J Paris has never let me down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. Highly rated 5 star read.

I had a really good time with this book. I did struggle to get into it at first, but I would definitely recommend this book.

I didn’t even read the description, as soon as I saw the author I was sold.

1598 London, Sophia is back, her husband has died and she has inherited almost everything, and lives a happy but lonely life in upper class society. But when a young girl is found murdered with a code only she used back in her spy days she’s dragged back into the world of secrets, lies and twisted motives. Not only that, but Sophia’s most precious secret, her child, is accused of this murder and she must fight to free him and prove his innocence, maternal instinct kicking in and yet he still doesn’t know who she is to him. Young lovers, cruel motives and a smart woman kicking ass in a world where woman are still seen as property and breeding stock, Sophia will find the truth and have her justice.

Thoroughly enjoyed Traitor’s legacy. I’ve read most of S J Parris’ novels and this was as enjoyable as any. Full of secrets and twists the story unfolds from the mysterious death of a young girl found in a London street, and the boy accused of her murder. Would recommend to those who love tales set in Tudor times.

Rating: 3.8/5

Set at the very end of the 16th century under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, "Traitor's Legacy" is the first book in a new series from S.J. Parris (a pseudonym for Stephanie Merritt). It features the leading protagonist, Sophia de Wolfe, an erstwhile spy with a somewhat spurious background, but who is now a wealthy widow.

I found the first half of the novel dragged a little a times, but this was essentially a consequence of the need for the author to establish the key characters, setting and background for this series opener. The pace is far more engaging in the second half of the story. There is quite an extensive cast list for the reader to cone to terms with, although S.J. Parris does mitigate this to a degree by including a helpful "Dramatis Personae" at the outset. The characters are well-depicted and engaging once the audience has had sufficient opportunity to get to know them and to understand how they interrelate. The setting, too, is well-drawn and paints a convincing backdrop of the period. This is aided by the inclusion of real historical figures from the era being written into the fictional narrative. The mystery hangs together nicely and the author makes good use of politicking and ulterior motives to add to the sense of intrigue.

Overall, there is plenty here to appeal to fans of the genre. Sophia de Wolfe makes for an effective central protagonist as a strong, capable female - though not without her flaws - operating in a world that is heavily dominated by powerful males with their own agendas. This opener successfully sets the scene for further outings by Mistress de Wolfe as the series develops.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

This was a great historical book which really brought to life the era it was set in. Although things moved very slowly then in the book it doesn't get boring. I shall definitely look out for more from this author in the future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Step aside Miss Marple! Here comes Sophia De Wolfe in 1598 - she rides, fences and solves clues in a heartbeat!

In December 1598 the Lord Chamberlain's men, a group of playwrights and actors, dismantle a theatre to rebuild it on the other side of the river following a dispute with the landlord. That night, two men visit the scene and leave the body of a well born lady in the foundation holes. Wrapped in a simple blanket and stripped of all jewellery, she is discovered by a street child known as Badger. The only trinket Badger finds is a small brooch bearing a coat of arms and a letter written in code. The body is later identified as that of Agnes Lovell - the ward of Sir Thomas North, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I.

It isn't long before, Thomas Phellipes is approaching Sophia De Wolfe to come out of her retirement at the express request of Robert Cecil - the man who is investigating the murder. Sophia has multiple secrets that Cecil knows as she used to spy for Cecil's father - and he uses these secrets to force her into re-entering the spy game. Sophia sets about trying to find out why the cipher that was unique to her has been used in the coded letter and what links her dead husband has to the dead girl and her family.

What follows is a story that takes place over a two or three days as Sophia rides all over London trying to piece together the clues to the mystery. Witnesses and evidence seemingly fall into her lap as people just give her information when she talks to them. She spends large swathes of time galloping around London - sometimes with a bodyguard to keep her safe due to the threat against her, and sometimes not, almost like the bodyguard was forgotten about.

Minor characters die, or are threatened or treated with caution because Sophia can't work out who she can trust. Some of the events stretch believability to the limit. One character runs away and is discovered boarding one of the many trade ships leaving London within a matter of a couple of hours, and the sword fight/fencing episode at the end had me laughing out loud. The wrap up of the story happens far too quickly even though it is kind of obvious what has happened from pretty early on.

It's not a bad story - there is something in there that, with better handling, could have been a great story.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fans of Parris’ previous Elizabethan novels featuring the spy Giordano Bruno will welcome this first in a new series where the protagonist is his former lover Sophia Underhill, now Sophia de Wolfe. When a young girl’s body is found at a theatre with a secret code on her used by Sophia in her days as a spy for Francis Walsingham Robert Cecil, the Queen’s first minister, asks Sophia to investigate. She discovers lies and secrets which lead her in various directions whilst she too has a secret which causes her heartache.
Parris is keen to show that Sophia, a rich widow, is a feminist of her time. Strong, brave and not afraid to treat men as equals, she faces threats and danger.
Factual characters such as Burbage and Shakespeare and members of the Queen’s court are woven into this tapestry of historical fiction which is an intriguing, dramatic murder mystery which I can highly recommend. I look forward to reading Sophia’s next adventures.

Thank you very much to the publishers for the ARC.