Nothing's ever simple for 17th-century spy Thomas Chaloner as he is thrust into several investigations within hours of returning from Tangier.
His main consignment seems petty: discovering who has been stealing bricks from the house being built for his master the Earl of Clarendon.
Then there's the assassination plot against the Earl's architect, detailed in letters apparently written by the unpopular Queen Katherine.
Also worrying is the rivalry between two groups of nobles, the Adventurers and Piccadilly Company, who both want control of empire building and slave trading in Africa.
Bodies mount up in all the cases, and an increasingly desperate Chaloner realises there are links with his recent undercover mission to Tangier.
Among the many suspects are Chaloner's friends and colleagues in a story that blends adventure and whodunnit in Gregory's usual satisfyingly convoluted fashion.
David Knights
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article