I have read some of Minette Walters' crime books before but I didn't know she also wrote historical novels so I was excited to read this. Although it's one of my favourite genres I hadn't actually read anything set during the English Civil War and I thought this book was informative and enlightening as well as very entertaining. It’s full of beautifully written, well-rounded characters and Jayne Swift is a wonderful heroine. She's feisty and independent while still staying true to the sensibilities and conventions of the time period. I found all the historical details fascinating, from the everyday things like the clothes they wore right through to the political situation and the way the battles were planned and fought. I felt totally immersed in the lives of Jayne, William, Lady Alice and everyone around them. Definitely a 5 star read for me.