Howard Linskey chats to Paul about is new novel Muse Of Fire, love of Shakespeare, Heydrich, the SOE, the Globe, London - population 200,000! Picking up a theatre and moving it across the river. 

Muse of Fire: William Shakespeare is moving up in the world, his name respected both at court and the theatre. Accepted by Queen Elizabeth, he is trusted to write plays for her, so long as she likes them...
When one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting is found dead, almost everyone suspects murder. But who stood to gain? And are the rumours that she was with child true?
Sir Robert Cecil, Elizabeth's spymaster, senses an opportunity to finally rid himself of his bitter rival, the Earl of Essex, who was seen with the girl before she died, and tasks Will to uncover the truth.
But Shakespeare knows that the Earl of Southampton, his patron, is allied to the Earl of Essex. Will is caught between powerful foes. But this time, he must choose a side if he is to survive.
The Bard turns sleuth once more in this fascinating second instalment in the investigations of William Shakespeare.

Howard Linskey is a former journalist whose works include crime series and standalones set in the north-east, including the DC Ian Bradshaw series published by Penguin, and two espionage novels. He also writes historical fiction and non-fiction. His books have been published in nine countries. Originally from County Durham, he lives in Herts with his wife and daughter.

Recommended: Stan Barstow. Trevor Wood,, Mari Hannah, Robert Scragg, The Chrysalids John Wymdham.

Paul Burke is the editor of Crime Time FM and Aspects of Crime, his first book Eyes Only: Spy Films from Silent to Streaming will be published in September, 2026.

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