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Title: The Jesuit Letter

Author: Dean Hamilton

Narrator: James Young

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-17-17

Publisher: Dean Hamilton

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

England, 1575.

Ex-soldier turned play actor Christopher Tyburn thought he had left bloodshed and violence behind him when he abandoned the war against the Spanish in Flanders, but fate has different and far bloodier plans waiting.

The inn yards of London are closed due to plague and the playing troupe, The Earl of Worcester's Men, are on the road, touring the market towns of the Midlands. When Tyburn accidentally intercepts a coded letter from a hidden Jesuit priest in Warwickshire, he is entangled in a murderous and deadly conspiracy. Stalked by unknown enemies, he must race to uncover the conspirators and hunt down the Jesuit to clear his name... or die a traitor's death. His only hope - an eleven-year old glover's son named William Shakespeare.

This novel has been selected by the Historical Novel Society as an Editors' Choice and was short-listed for the 2016 HNS Indie Award. It has also been selected as a Semi-Finalist for the 2016 M. M. Bennetts Award for Historical Fiction.

Members Reviews:

Great 16th Century Adventure!

The Jesuit Letter is a historical adventure with a little something to captivate every reader. Through the protagonist, Christopher Tyburn, we are welcomed into the world of travelling players, though it is slowly revealed that there is much more to this mysterious, scarred man. Where else could an Elizabethan troupe perform than Stratford-upon-Avon, where we get to meet a young Will Shakespeare?

The mystery and action that begin right in the prologue never lets up in this quick-paced story. Our unfortunately named Tyburn first appears to be little more than the stereotypical player, drinking or gambling away his wages, but the deeper truths about him are not completely revealed until much later. He finds himself wrapped up in a plot that is rooted in the religious battles of the 16th century. Tyburn, comfortable not choosing sides in the Protestant versus Catholic debate, finds that he must decide where he stands if lives are to be saved.

I enjoyed the fact that this story revealed much of the lifestyles of the times without focusing on Queen Elizabeth herself. The 16th century is a fascinating era, but I do not enjoy reading about the revered & supposedly virgin queen, so this book was right up my alley. The author demonstrates thorough knowledge of his chosen setting with historical tidbits and slang sprinkled throughout the novel. I may be one of the few readers who would have appreciated fewer footnotes, but I loved the authenticity.

Those who know my reading habits will not be surprised that the romance portion of this novel was not my favorite element, but I did enjoy how it was used to develop Tyburn's character. The boy meets girl aspect of the book was second to many other relationships and events, including manipulation, betrayal, murder, spies, secret priests, hidden pasts, and so much more.

There is no need for me to point out that this novel also has a stunning cover. That is what first attracted me to it, and I am glad that I picked it up. I look forward to more from this author.

Well done! Looking forward to the rest of The Tyburn Folios!

I volunteered to read and review a complimentary copy of The Jesuit Letter after perusing Hamiltonâs well-written prequel Black Dog A Novella on Kobo. I was intrigued because I like Elizabethan drama and history and always enjoy good yarns from any era, but I am a stickler for authenticity.