A young John Shakespeare is new to the field of intrigue and conspiracy, but Sir Francis Walsingham has entrusted him to uncover a plot revolving around Mary, Queen of Scots that would free her from Sheffield Castle. What Shakespeare finds at Sheffield is much more sinister than he could have imagined and leads him to his home county of Warwickshire which has been sharply divided in the religious war between Protestants and Catholics. When his family is pulled into this treasonous plot, John must act quickly to uphold his duty to Queen and country as well as his duty to his family.

THE QUEEN'S MAN by Rory Clements is a twisting, complex mystery that delves into the secrets that can divide a family. Rory Clements has given his readers another fantastic mystery in the life of John Shakespeare, allowing us to see the man as he first dipped his toe into the world of intrigue and treason. If you've been as curious about Topcliffe and Shakespeare's mutual dislike for each other as I have, THE QUEEN'S MAN has the answers.

Every story I read by Rory Clements adds to my enjoyment of this world. It is so large and interconnected that each novel feels like it adds another piece to the greater puzzle of John Shakespeare's entire life and career while maintaining the ability for each book to be read as a stand-alone novel.

John Shakespeare is a sharply intelligent protagonist. His rigid sense of duty and disciplined mind make him the perfect man to investigate conspiracy, but it is his unshakable morality and empathy that make him a fantastic character to follow through Elizabethan England. Shakespeare always knows which side of the line he stands on. He is the Quee's man without a doubt. That responsibility and devotion doesn't stop him from seeing each individual he must question as another human struggling to survive in a world divided. He's a fascinating mix of resolute duty, empathetic secret-keeper, devoted family-man, and magnet for trouble that makes each scene a surprise.

Author Rory Clements knows how to defy expectations and lead his main character John Shakespeare into the most unusual and unexpected situations. THE QUEEN'S MAN is fast-paced, exciting, and full of intrigue that I highly recommend. John Shakespeare is such a wonderfully drawn character that it's easy to believe he did exist, and he did save England from nefarious plots.