Traitor’s Legacy by S.J. Parris @Hemlock_Press #histfic #murder #mystery #thriller #NetGalley #bookreview

I am delighted to share my review today for Traitor’s Legacy by S.J. Parris. This is the first time I have read a book by the author and what better way to start than with a new series.

My huge thanks to Harper Collins and Hemlock Press for accepting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

England, 1598. Queen Elizabeth’s successor remains unnamed. The country teeters on a knife edge.

When a young heiress is found murdered at the theatre, the Queen’s spymaster Robert Cecil calls upon former agent Sophia de Wolfe to investigate.

A cryptic note found on the dead girl’s body connects to Sophia’s previous life as a spy, and her quest soon takes her into dangerous waters. Powerful enemies emerge, among them the Earl of Essex: the Queen’s favourite courtier and a man of ruthless ambition.

This is a murder that reaches directly into the heart of the court. And Sophia is concealing a deep-buried secret of her own. She must uncover the truth before her past threatens to destroy her.

MY REVIEW

This is an author whom I have been wanting to read for quite a while now. This seemed to be the perfect time, as Traitor’s Legacy is the first book in a new series. The main character is Sofia de Wolfe, and her story is beginning to emerge, but I am sure there is more to come!

Sofia has had a mixed past. She is recently widowed and has been called back into service for Robert Cecil. She had worked for Lord Walsingham, and Cecil is aware of her skill set. The era is that of Elizabeth I. Walsingham was a spymaster to the Queen.

The case is that of a young woman found dead, the culprit is thought to be a young man who is an actor. As Sofia is a supporter of the p[layers she is asked to help, but there is a lot more at stake here than that of a murdered woman and a man held in prison.

The setting and era of this story are great, and there is so much detail that has been included about the politics, society and living conditions. The research that has gone into this is very good, and while there is a lot of detail, it is blended in with the story. The mystery of the murder takes the plot into darker and more dangerous areas for Sofia and also those who are helping her. Working in secrets, lies, and manipulation leaves Sofia unsure who to trust. While she may have status, she has not had the standing she once may have had since the death of her husband. There is a very good amount of backstory to Sofia’s character, and as I mentioned earlier, I do feel there is a lot more to come.

If you are a fan of historical fiction set during the Elizabethan period that involves known figures of the time, playwrights, murders and a whole lot of scandal and mystery, then this is a series that you may find interesting. I really enjoyed it and I would be happy to recommend it.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx