Giordano Bruno: The Embassy Affair

This true detective story is set mainly in Elizabethan London during the years preceding the Armada of 1588, a period of cold war. The central mystery revolves around the identity of a spy working in a foreign embassy to frustrate Catholic conspiracy and propaganda aimed at overthrowing Queen Elizabeth and her government. The suspects in the case are the inmates of an old building situated in the warren of streets and gardens between Fleet Street and the Thames. This diverse cast of characters includes the French ambassador, his wife and daughter, his secretary, clerk, and priest, as well as the tutor, chef, butler, and concierge. Also present is a runaway friar, the Neapolitan philosopher, poet, and comedian Giordano Bruno.

Beyond the house, the story also features Queen Elizabeth, her formidable secretary of state Sir Francis Walsingham, and King Henri III of France, as well as a range of poets, courtiers, scholars, statesmen, conspirators, go-betweens, and informants. The action takes place not only in London but also in Paris and Oxford, with a significant portion unfolding on the River Thames.

The central figure, who calls himself Fagot, carries out his work with remarkable effectiveness, evading detection and ultimately disappearing. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first part chronicling the events as they unfold, and the second part focused on the identification of the spy and the piecing together of his story.

This book offers a captivating exploration of the Elizabethan era, a time of political intrigue and religious tensions. The setting of Elizabethan London, with its warren of streets and gardens, serves as a rich and atmospheric backdrop to the unfolding mystery. The diverse cast of characters, ranging from the ambassador and his household to the Queen, poets, and scholars, adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

The author skilfully navigates the web of conspiracy and counter-conspiracy, seamlessly weaving together the various plotlines and perspectives. The identity of the spy, Fagot, remains a closely guarded secret until the final revelations, creating a sense of suspense and intrigue that keeps the reader engaged throughout the story.

Overall, this book is a gripping and immersive work of historical fiction that transports the reader to the heart of Elizabethan intrigue. The careful attention to detail, the richly drawn characters, and the masterful storytelling combine to create a truly compelling and memorable reading experience.

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