Review & Giveaway: State of Treason by Paul Walker


State of Treason by Paul Walker

Publication Date: May 20, 2019
Sharpe Books
eBook & Paperback; 317 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction


"A gripping and evocative page-turner that vibrantly brings Elizabeth's London to life." -Steven Veerapen, author of A Dangerous Trade

London 1578 - a cauldron of conspiracy, intrigue and torture.

The might of Spain and the growing influence of the Catholic League in France all threaten the stability of Queen Elizabeth and her state.

William Constable, a physician and astrologer, is summoned to the presence of the Queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham. He is charged to assist a renowned Puritan, John Foxe, in uncovering the secrets of a mysterious cabinet containing an astrological chart and coded message. Together, these claim Elizabeth has a hidden, illegitimate child (an “unknowing maid”) who will be declared to the masses and serve as the focus for an invasion.

Constable must uncover the identity of the plotters, unaware that he is also under suspicion.

A connection to his estranged mentor, Doctor Dee, comes under scrutiny.

Pressured into taking up a position as a court physician, Constable becomes a reluctant spy.

Do the stars and cipher speak true, or is there some other malign intent in the complex web of scheming?

Constable becomes an unwitting pawn, in a complex game of thrones and power.

State of Treason is the first in a series of Elizabethan thrillers featuring William Constable.

Recommended for fans of C.J. Sansom, S J Parris and Rory Clements.

Available on Amazon US and Amazon UK


Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

An intriguing Historical Mystery set during the reign of Elizabeth I, State of Treason is the first book in Paul Walker's William Constable Spy series.

When William Constable, an astrologer and physician, is called into Sir Walsingham's office he's not sure why someone so prominent in Elizabeth I's court would want to meet with him. As he states in the book: "What could Master Secretary want of me; a scholar of no great reputation and only moderate wealth?"

Walsingham shows him a mysterious box with strange markings on it and asks him to decipher the code. What he uncovers is a plot against the Queen and telling of a hidden bastard child, and a chart thought to predict the death of Elizabeth I. Such a chart would be a treasonous offense if the person who created it was caught.

I found William to be one of the most likable characters I've ever read. He is a true Renaissance man...fluent in several languages, and knowledgable in mathematics, astrology, medicine, and physics..and just an all-around lovely human. I adored how he took excellent care of his ailing mother. Who was wonderful too by the way, and not just because her name was Amy :)

In addition to unraveling the plot (which was fascinating), readers will love the sweet romance included as well, and the insightful look into a different aspect of Elizabeth's reign. I definitely am looking forward to the second book in the series!

Highly recommended.

About the Author

Paul Walker inherited his love of British history and historical fiction from his mother who was an active member of the Richard III Society.

State of Treason is the first in a planned series of Elizabethan spy thrillers. The plot is based around real characters and events in London of the 1570’s. The hero, William Constable, is an astrologer and also a skeptic. He is also a mathematician, astronomer and inventor of a navigational aid for ships. The distinction between astrology and astronomy was blurred in the sixteenth century.

The second book in the series, A Necessary Killing, was published in November 2019.

Paul is married and lives in a village 30 miles north of London. His writing is regularly disrupted by children and a growing number of grandchildren and dogs.

Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, January 20
Review at Donna's Book Blog

Tuesday, January 21
Review at Books and Zebras

Wednesday, January 22
Excerpt at Jathan & Heather

Thursday, January 23
Feature at I'm Into Books
Review at Historical Graffiti

Friday, January 24
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Monday, January 27
Review at DFW's Historical Fiction + Adirondack Spirit Blog

Wednesday, January 29
Feature at The Book Junkie Reads

Saturday, February 1
Excerpt at booknook2020

Monday, February 3
Review at YA, It's Lit

Tuesday, February 4
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, February 5
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, February 6
Review at Nursebookie
Review at Tales from the Book Dragon

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of State of Treason! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

State of Treason


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