The Conjuror’s Apprentice:

The Tudor Rose Murders #1

by G.J. Williams

Finding the battered body of a young boy was not unusual in Bloody Mary’s cruel England. However, the stabbed tongue, a false seal and strange letter implicate Princess Elizabeth, threatening to bring down the Tudor Dynasty. Doctor John Dee and his secret apprentice, Margaretta, using his brilliant mind and her strange abilities, embark on a perilous journey to solve this brutal murder. Before their work can really begin, another body is found. As Dee and Margaretta delve deeper into their investigation, they uncover a web of deceit, political intrigue and treachery that threatens to engulf them both. When more bodies are discovered and arrests are made, time is running out. With rumours of witchcraft and treason swirling around them, can they untangle the mystery before it’s too late?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Historical, Tudor Period, Crime

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2023

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

I would love a murder mystery series starring Dr Dee, but the writing is just not great. Workmanlike, so if you don't mind that you may enjoy it, but didn't work for me. DNF at 20%

[Michelle Shine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can recommend slipping back in time to the author's atmospheric portrayal of London in the 16th Century. Through Margaretta's eyes and her intuition, we learn about the motivations and doings of a whole cast of characters caught up in a near coup d'état to overthrow the lineage of the English throne. Margaretta's boss, Doctor John Dee, known as the Arch Conjurer of England, uses Tarot, moon rays and crystals to determine the next moves of those who are plotting for Queen Mary's husband, a Spanish Prince, to usurp Elizabeth I and seize the throne. The duo become embroiled in the fight to uphold the lawful seat of royalty with all its twists and turns and dangers. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of historical fiction so The Conjuror’s Apprentice was always going to get off to a good start from that point alone.

Margaretta is John Dee’s young apprentice. Together they seek to find the killer of a young boy, who was clearly severely beaten before being brutally dumped in the river. Soon, more bodies appear, with identical injuries & clues left on their bodies. Margaretta is able to pick up on the feelings of others, and using these skills, she is sent to work for William Cecil, the master of the murdered boy. Between them, they begin to unravel a plot to end a dynasty. But can they figure it all out before Dee is put on trial for witchcraft & sorcery?

GJ Williams has written a wonderful debut that is deserving of much more publicity. It is well written & clever, with fascinating characters, especially Margaretta (a woman who puts others & what is right before living her own life). This is billed as the first in a series & I do hope there is more to come. Recommend!!

[Maddy McGlynn]

For fans of a grisly murder in Tudor England, Williams fills the C.J. Sansom hole.

There are murders, political plots, kidnappings, secret messages and blackmail, all mysteries which Margarita and Doctor Dee must solve. They’re gory, cleverly spun out and intricate, providing a strong hook that you will join John and Margarita to solve whilst trying to play detective as the reader.

There’s a strong thread of Welsh identity throughout, connecting the author to Dee, and it is a bond he shares with Margarita, as they use the Welsh language as a secret code. It’s rare to come across the Welsh language so entwined into historical fiction, so it stood out as both a bonding device for the characters and a representation of the author’s own identity.

The first in a really enjoyable, addictive crime series set in Tudor England.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down! Margaretta is apprenticed to Dr John Dee due to her special talents at reading people's emotions. When the stable boy from the household of Lord Cecil is found murdered, Dee and Margaretta are brought in to investigate. This leads them into danger as they discover a plot that goes all the way back to the palace. A brilliant start to a new series.

[Alyson Grauer · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you've already got an interest in the Tudor period, but not so much so that you'll find yourself distracted by the historical details, this is probably a good read for you. A lot of careful research AND imagination went into this, but unfortunately I found it a touch too slow and too poised for what I wanted from both the time period and also a mystery. I hoped to be more intimately connected with Margaretta and Dr. John Dee during the story and unfortunately it read much more distant than I normally like.

[ClaireJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Conjuror’s Apprentice is a murder mystery set in the 16th century when Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary) was on the throne. During that period there were a lot of conspiracies and threats to try and remove her from the throne and get Elizabeth on there. It was a dangerous time.

This book does have a lot of real characters appear in it from that turbulent period. Dr John Dee is one of those characters. He was actually a mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, teacher, occultist, and alchemist. His methods of investigating the murders in this story are by using astrology and tarot cards. It gives such an atmospheric paranormal type feel to the story. He is worth a Google by the way, I was so intrigued by him!

Margaretta his assistant was such a fascinating character. She was so brave and takes the lead in this book. I had my heart in my mouth on numerous occasions when she was in some risky situations. She can feel people’s emotions and see some of their thoughts which brought again that kind of witchy, paranormal feel to the book.

There is a lot of murder, many spies lurking in the dark and dangerous secrets being whispered - I was loving every minute of it! It was thrilling, puzzling and unsettling. If you enjoy reading about the Tudor period and like your crime mysteries, this is the perfect book for you.

[Ellen Breaden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit shit tbh

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

So it's 1.34am and I've just finished the book. My children have been left unfed (only joking they've had macaroni cheese microwaved) and my husband neglected (he cleaned the kitchen) whilst I and a bottle of red, finished this book. Amazing! It got me so gripped, I couldn't stop reading. I am a big fan of C.J Samson so was delighted when this was suggested to me via a book club. I totally fell in love with Margaretia, fiesty, intelligent and very human in her emotions. Wel written, gripping depictions of the times. Well done, a great first novel, can't wait for the second in the series.

[Elizabeth Judd Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging mystery, influenced by actual events, starring John Dee and his fictional maid/student Margaretta. This is the first of what looks to be a fun series.
Just a note: the edition I have is not included on Goodreads. Not a big deal, I’m sure the contents are the same—the cover is just different from all the ones listed here, which seemed odd.

[Verónica Fleitas Solich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love it because I'm a fan of historical fiction but the reality is that I couldn't connect with either the story or the characters.

[Pauline Pedron · Rating 5 out of 5]

So pleasantly surprised by this enticing debut novel which mixes historical events with murder investigations. Definitely recommend giving a chance to this new author, especially if like me some of your favourite genres are historical novels and thrillers.

[Jen James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I start my review, I feel I should confess that The Conjuror’s Apprentice is my very first historical crime read. I’m happy to say, it won’t be my last.

Our main characters are Dr John Dee, a learned man who has fallen out of favour with court. Bloody Mary being a formidable, lethal Monarch for those not sharing her religious beliefs, or those using what was considered unbiblical practices, such as Dee.
Margaretta Morgan to outward appearances, is Dee’s maid. In reality, Margaretta is far more than that, she has perceptive powers, being able to feel the emotions of others in close proximity. An ability which makes her invaluable to Dee, but also would have her sitting on one of Mary Tudor’s pyres, if this became known by the wrong person.
Tudor England is not a safe time to stand out from the crowd, suspicion and mistrust are rife.

I mistakenly thought historical crimes would be simpler, less complex somehow, but having read the book it feels anything but simple. The modern motivations of greed and power, are age old.
In current times we take free speech for granted in the West. In this time, merely having an alternative opinion was hugely dangerous, let alone voicing those thoughts. The fear experienced by the characters runs deep, it is a constant. In a time of such mistrust, knowing who is an ally is a life or death judgement.

The author’s writing brought the characters to life in my mind, I could feel their fear and desperation. The supporting cast are richly drawn.
The settings were vividly described, I could see, and smell them.

Having read the Historical Notes, I see how skilfully the author blended fiction with historical facts, into the engaging fictional story I have just read. It is such an interesting time in history, and if the author writes any further books featuring these characters, I look forward to reading them.
Having finished The Conjuror’s Apprentice, I did some further reading on Dr John Dee. It brought a smile to see he married Katherine Constable, and also to see him referred to as the original 007.

I would like to thank GJ Williams for kindly giving me a copy of her book, and also thank author Chris Lloyd for introducing us earlier this year.

[Chloe Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Tudor times - Mary is the Queen and Elizabeth, the princess. John Dee is an academic professional who also dabbles in dark arts such as crystals and horoscopes. Margaretta has magic and is his apprentice pretending to be a maid to avoid being killed as a witch. She, her brother (Huw) and her mother (Mam) and the doctor live under the roof of master and mistress constable (Katherine). John Dee is trying to put Elizabeth on the throne instead of Mary so he can reclaim his position and power at court. A servant boy from a noble house is found killed with a note with Elizabeth’s name in his pocket. Margaretta is sent as a maid and undercover spy at the noble family’s (Cecil) household to gather intel. Another servant, a hospital architect and her brother Huw are also attacked and left with these signs - a fake seal, yellow ribbon and wool - and they need to find the connection to find the killer. Lord Cecil is promoted to the Queen’s cardinal and betrays them to protect his own skin, and Dr John is arrested for using sorcery. It turns out that the ‘shepherd’ was a man called Thomas who was also fake posing as a priest in Cecil’s household, but really worked for the Spanish king and had his ‘flock’ of Spanish wherrymen kill all the people to try and get rid of Elizabeth so when Queen Mary died, the Spanish could take over the throne. The book ended with the doctor being let free but being made to live with a catholic priest and be undercover for Elizabeth the Protestant. Barker got married to Sam’s master George and they adopted the doxy’s (who was killed - Harriett) daughter Tilly as their own. Lady Cecil also had another baby that lived and was healthy.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a story that combines history (especially court and religious politics – so much plotting and planning to topple those in power) and a mystery.

In his quest to get noticed to be returned to court, Dee is on the hunt for the killer of ritualised murders. I felt as if I was on the trail with him, figuring out what the messages were and who was behind it all.

As well as the lead characters, those on the periphery are all great and have their own stories. It was so easy to get drawn into their lives.

The uniqueness of The Conjuror’s Apprentice is in the tools Dr Dee uses to help him uncover the killer. Tools that were, of course, seen in the mid 1500’s as the dark arts but today we accept as mainstream tools to guide us in making decisions … tarot, crystals and astrology. Dee takes risks in using those tools in secret, putting others at risk too.

He is irascible and has no qualms in using others to get what he wants. Margaretta is his experiment.

As well as being the main carer for her mum and brother, she’s taken on the role of Dee’s apprentice.

His apprentice has to have an inner strength and be motivated enough to help and learn from him. Margaretta is exactly that person. As well as undertaking tasks for him, she puts herself in dangerous situations to get to the truth. I think these two fit together really well.

I took a step back in time to Tudor England and loved every moment of it. The Tudor Rose Murders have got off to a fab start and I can’t wait to see what other crimes Dee and Margaretta have coming their way. Will we see Sam the Wherryman again? Or Lottie? What about Margaretta’s sister? I hope we get to find out what life holds for them.

https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/revie...

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way to start a new series off! This is the first book in the Tudor Rose Murder series and it perfectly combines real life characters with imagined events, and combines history and mystery in the perfect story!

The real character is Dr John Dee, who is always an intriguing person to read about, and he becomes central to the plot along with Margaretta, who has amazing talents of her own. They combine to solve the 'whodunnit' of cruel murders, beginning with a boy fished out of the Thames who has had his tongue cut.

The atmosphere around the world of Tudor England is brilliantly captured in this story. You have the rivalry of Mary and Elizabeth camps and the darkness of living in that era, and you get the sense that many are living in fear and are afraid to speak out. As the body count increases they come up against walls of silence, and people fighting to throw them off track - even the Dr is taken away as prisoner, which leaves it up to Margaretta to strike out on her own to try and uncover the truth.

I loved the mix of the history and crime aspects and it really showed the darkness and desperation of those around at the time who wanted power. Nothing or nobody was going to stand in their way! It also made me want to read more about that period of history as there was so much going on! I can't wait for Book 2 now for more of the same!!

[Mark Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut historical crime novel by GJ Williams. It is the first in a planned series featuring the imagined investigations of a real historical character and his fictional assistant or apprentice. The real person, and the conjuror of the title, is the fascinating Elizabethan polymath, astronomer, alchemist and occultist John Dee. I say Elizabethan, but in this first story, the sitting monarch is Mary Tudor, presiding over a fierce pogrom of Protestants and struggling to provide herself and her husband, Philip of Spain, with an heir. Dee’s assistant is a young Welsh woman, Margaretta, who is blessed with advanced intuitive skills which are of use to her master. Dee is charged by William Cecil, Elizabeth’s future Secretary of State and right-hand man, with investigating a violent death which is rapidly followed by a string of connected others. The plot winds its way through various gripping twists and turns to a satisfactory conclusion. Engaging and compelling, this looks like a series which will be well worth following.

[historic_chronicles · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 16th Century England when Queen Mary I sits on the throne, a body is found in the most gruesome manner with the seal belonging to Lord Cecil tied around his neck. As corruption and religious turmoil run high with a killer on the loose, Lord Cecil turns to Dr John Dee, the renowned polymath and his apprentice, Margaretta Morgan who was born with the gift to hear the thoughts and feelings of others, for help. Margaretta and Dee must act fast to catch the killer and protect a dynasty.

A cleverly written debut, the first novel in The Tudor Rose Murders series is gripping, tense and grisly.

A book I struggled to put down once I began to read, the plot was full of suspense, betrayal and intrigue creeping around every page making this an incredibly thrilling reading experience.

I found the characterisation of Dr Dee in particular to be developed beautifully, showcasing his fascinating personality, his brilliance and his diverse reputation.

The setting of London during the reign of "Bloody Mary" is captured with precision and is atmospheric and engrossing through the eyes of Margaretta Morgan.

I truly cannot wait for the next book in The Tudor Rose Murders series and I heartily recommend this novel to all those interested in the Tudor Era.

My greatest thanks to @reddoorbooks for so kindly sending me a copy of this novel to review!

[Shahid · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the dark, unforgiving world of Bloody Mary’s England, death is common—but this one is different. A boy’s mutilated body found in the Thames carries cryptic messages that threaten to upend the entire Tudor dynasty. Enter Margaretta Morgan, a gifted young apprentice to the enigmatic Doctor John Dee. With her rare ability to see into the minds of others and Dee’s otherworldly insights, Margaretta is thrust into a chilling murder mystery laced with political sabotage and spiritual secrets. This historical thriller combines eerie mysticism with courtly intrigue, casting the young Elizabeth Tudor in sudden danger. Taut, atmospheric, and intelligent, it’s a gripping journey through a brutal chapter in English history—where even a single death can shake the throne.

[Joshkun Mehmet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Tudor times, this historical thriller has the usual plotting, conspiracy and betrayal.

Dr John Dee, astronomer and mathematician, and his assistant Margaretta, combine their talents to solve a number of murders with similar clues left behind.

The author does a good job in bringing the era vividly to life and the characters are well drawn. My only issue is that I found elements of it repetitive, for example, Margaretta’s endless trips up and down the river.

The author has said she would like readers of C J Sansom to choose her books. Whilst not quite up to the standard of Mr Sansom, this is nonetheless a well-researched, enjoyable historical thriller.

[Nicola Spooner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading historical fiction and this did not disappoint.

This historical murder mystery kept me interested from start to finish. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery that this story brought. I did not want to put this book down.
I can not wait to read book 2 to carry on the adventures.

[Caroline Upton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book and felt I had been completely transported to Tudor times. The characters were fascinating and the main protagonist is an intelligent and incredibly resourceful young female which is so refreshing. The historical facts intertwined with the story works so well. Can’t wait for the next book in the Tudor Rose series and to meet (hopefully) the wonderful characters again.

[Gary Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tudor Rose murders book 1

A well written murder mystery set in Tudor times. Well know historical figures feature prominently throughout. The story is woven around real incidents, and draws you into the book through the eyes of Margeretta, a maid with a talent. Well recommended for all.

[Lottie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio book:
Not quite as fantasy as I was expecting (but then I didn't really look at the blurb for very long )
I enjoyed the narration of the story and getting to hear Welsh used in the reading. I found myself wanting to listen until the end so probably a good thing, though I think we all know the answer to the 'who dunnit?' relatively early. Well at least I did 🤣

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these historical murder mysteries set in Elizabethan times. I love that the fictional characters are absorbed into the real-life characters of the time. So intriguing. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but they are a match for all the other similar, wonderful reads. I shall be on the lookout for the next one in this series.

[Kim]

A great historical mystery thriller!

A tale of adventure and intrigue. Great characters and immerses you in the atmosphere of old London. I couldn't put this book down. It is engaging from start to finish!

Waiting with anticipation for the next book in the series.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I was transported to
Tudor London with the grime, smells and way of life. I loved so many of the characters and look forward to the next book by this author. Also enjoyed the historical education and the whole premise of the story and plot. Was sad to finish it!

[Joe Tristram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Congratulations Dr Williams on this engaging and fun story of a young woman investigator in the time of Bloody Mary! A real page turner, with lots of lovely Tudor detail and real history as well as characters to get to know and root for!

[Linda Woolverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, hard to believe it is a first. G.J. Williams has a good command of the period and all the characters were well written. I will certainly be looking for the rest in the series The Tudor Rose Murders.

[Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the best book I have read this year. It has everything I love: history, romance and murder mystery. Beautifully written and respectful of the history. I'm not very good at writing reviews, I apologise, but the 5 stars says it all! I've just started the next one :)