A historical novel about Nicholas Shelby a physician who unwittingly becomes a spy for Robert Cecil the Queens spymaster. With Nicholas's companion Bianca Merton who is a half Italian lady who is not to be toyed with. If you love C J Sansom you will love S W Perry! Lots of historical references, with well known figures giving a framework to the story. But with real people and characters you can believe in and invest time in because you want to get to know them better. Very entertaining story with an exotic twist sending Nicholas off to Marrakech to investigate a murder. All against the backdrop of a world ravaged by plague so very appropriate to the current age, in a weird twist of fate. I thoroughly enjoyed my journey to the 16th century!