Escape from the current political mess and ads with a trip to England in the 16th century. Do it inexpensively and enjoyably with Sacrilege (An historical thriller).
Once again S.J. Parris has presented us with a fine mystery featuring Giordano Bruno, a renagade Italian monk who fled to England to avoid the wrath of The Inquisition. Bruno earns his living working for Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster for Queen Elizabeth.
I had read the first book in this series (Heresy) which introduced me to Bruno. He was a free-thinker and philosopher and the Pope wanted him burned at the stake as a heretic. Much to my surprise I later learned that Giordano Bruno was a real person.
The second (Prophecy) continued this story. Here are my reviews of Heresy and Prophecy
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In Sacrilege, Bruno is working in London for the French ambassador (and spying for Walsingham of course) when he runs across Sophia Underhill, a young lady that Bruno fell in love with in Heresy. She asks his help in solving the murder of her husband in Canterbury in which she is accused. He talks Walsingham into sending him to Canterbury where he uncovers a plot which threatens Queen Elizabeth’s realm. But Bruno himself is accused of murder. The mystery is complex and has several twists including one that totally surprised me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series of 3 historical novels/thrillers based on this character. As mentioned at the beginning of the review, the author does a wonderful job of setting the stage and transporting you back to the time period. Although this novel could be read alone, I think it would be best to read the whole series in order.
Other Reviews:
