State of Treason

William Constable #1

by Paul Walker

London, 1578

William Constable is a scholar of mathematics, astrology and practices as a physician. He receives an unexpected summons to the Queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham in the middle of the night. He fears for his life when he spies the tortured body of an old friend in the palace precincts.

His meeting with Walsingham takes an unexpected turn when he is charged to assist a renowned Puritan, John Foxe, in uncovering the secrets of a mysterious cabinet containing an astrological chart and coded message. Together, these claim Elizabeth has a hidden, illegitimate child (an “unknowing maid”) who will be declared to the masses and serve as the focus for an invasion.

Constable is swept up in the chase to uncover the identity of the plotters, unaware that he is also under suspicion. He schemes to gain the confidence of the adventurer John Hawkins and a rich merchant. Pressured into taking a role as court physician to pick up unguarded comments from nobles and others, he has become a reluctant intelligencer for Walsingham.

Do the stars and cipher speak true, or is there some other malign intent in the complex web of scheming?

Constable must race to unravel the threads of political manoeuvring for power before a new-found love and perhaps his own life are forfeit.

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

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2019

Reviews

[Beata · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying read set in the Tudor period, with a range of characters that are well-developed. The central plot evolves around a rumour which circulated during the reign of Elizabeth I concerning her alleged child whose very existence might generate turmoil and upheaval in the kingdom. Sir Francis Walsingham acquires the services by William Constable, a doctor with interests in astrology and navigation, to work together with John Foxe, the author of The Book of Martyrs, and try to solve the secret of a mysterious box. Papist plots are a real threat and the Queen's spymaster is determined to uncover them.
William Constable is a fictional character but there is a plethora of historic figures with whom William gets acquainted. The historical background is well-researched and this novel is a good choice for HF fans, especialy those who appreciate CJ Sansom. Personally, I'll defintely follow next instalments with William.
*Many thanks to paul Walker, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest opinion.*

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good first novel in the William Constable Spy series. Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. A very interesting book that takes us back to medieval England during the Reign of Elizabeth and a potential plot to try and overthrow the monarchy. Out of nowhere William Constable, an astrologer and physician, is brought in to decipher a code found in and on and box taken from a Papist enemy of England. He is also thrust into dealing with a strict Calvinist theologian, and many others as they attempt to uncover the entire plot and figure out who is behind this. In addition, Constable is an inventor and is in the process of making a new device to help ships at sea and there is intrigue in that situation as well. Well paced, very readable and filled with characters I enjoy and others who are easy to dislike. This is a good first novel with the only drawback, for me, being that I found it easy to figure out the plotters, but even with that knowledge the book is a very good read and certainly one I can recommend. The 2nd book in the series is also in my Kindle and will be one of the next books I read. A job well done by Paul Walker!

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

State of Treason is a satisfying historical mystery with a kindness at its heart that is rare in this genre. The central character, astrologer/physician William Constable, finds himself part of a team led by Francis Walsingham that is racing to end a Catholic plot to destabilize Elizabeth I's England. The central mystery is satisfyingly complex, but what really pleases is Constable himself. He is unfailingly kind to hid invalid mother and, over the course of the novel, offers refuge to other characters whose health and/or safety are at risk. He is the opposite of the usual macho hero, yet manages to be a hero nonetheless.

I highly recommend this book for mystery lovers, fans of Tudor-focused fiction, and anyone who can appreciate a portrait of a genuinely kind and gentle man.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

State of Treason by Paul Walker, a first book of the William Constable Soy Thriller Series

I enjoyed this Historical Fiction with a mystery, thriller and espionage component set in the Elizabethan era. This is my favorite epoch in time in the Tudor timeline. The story begins in 1578, where a plot to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I is on foot. I love reading about this period for its renaissance revival, advancements of the time such as the British naval force which starts to triumph over Spain.

This is a character driven story about a fictional character I am certain you will absolutely love - William Constable, an astrologer, a physician, a mathematician and someone gifted with learning languages, who was brought to help decipher a plot to overthrow the reign of Elizabeth I.

Among the other characters that were a joy to read about were Walsingham, the queen’s spymaster, Doctor Dee and John Foxe. The pacing of the story was quick, the writing very readable despite the use of colloquialisms, which I enjoyed very much and really learning about what happened during the time with all of the conspiracies like a secret child and other Papist plots and to try to overthrow the monarchy.

I enjoyed this read so much that the I cannot wait for the second installation of this amazing book that is first in the series!!

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good first novel in the William Constable Spy series. Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. A very interesting book that takes us back to medieval England during the Reign of Elizabeth and a potential plot to try and overthrow the monarchy. Out of nowhere William Constable, an astrologer and physician, is brought in to decipher a code found in and on and box taken from a Papist enemy of England. He is also thrust into dealing with a strict Calvinist theologian, and many others as they attempt to uncover the entire plot and figure out who is behind this. In addition, Constable is an inventor and is in the process of making a new device to help ships at sea and there is intrigue in that situation as well. Well paced, very readable and filled with characters I enjoy and others who are easy to dislike. This is a good first novel with the only drawback, for me, being that I found it easy to figure out the plotters, but even with that knowledge the book is a very good read and certainly one I can recommend. The 2nd book in the series is also in my Kindle and will be one of the next books I read. A job well done by Paul Walker!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixteenth Century England comes to life with this wonderfully engrossing tale of a doctor called upon by Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth's spymaster, for assistance in uncovering a complicated conspiracy against the Queen. He must decipher coded messages hidden within a strange box, working with another man. Real figures from history are portrayed believably in a narrative by the doctor, William Constable. They include Puritan John Foxe and Doctor Dee, Elizabeth's favored astrologer.

I look forward to reading the next William Constable installment.

Net Galley copy granted, but it is available now on amazon as Kindle Unlimited or 3.99

[Jypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you HFVBT and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

State of Treason
William Constable Spy Thriller Series #1
By: Paul Walker


*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
During the latter half of the sixteenth century, Elizabeth I was a formidable queen, and woman at that, over the whole of England. Conspiracy theories and superstition signs lurked around every turn. Elizabeth's spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, enlists the help of a doctor and astrologer, William Constable, in the unraveling of the rumor of an illegitimate child as the source of a coming invasion. Is this true? Using the secrets of a cabinet confiscated from enemies of the crown containing astrological charts and secret messages, Constable, and others, must discern the message. I won't go into detail about the plot, as it's complicated. I will say the author does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of time and place. These people held religion in the highest esteem, but they were also superstitious and believed in the interpretation of signs, such as star charts and astrological anomalies. This feeling comes through well in the story. In addition, both real and fictional characters are seamlessly woven together so that, if the reader is unaware of historical context, it's impossible to decipher fact from fiction. I have long been interested in sixteenth century England, and State of Treason is an informative and insightful look at this era. Historical fiction enthusiasts will enjoy this book. I look forward to reading from Paul Walker in this new series.

[Amy Bruno · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing Historical Mystery set during the reign of Elizabeth I, State of Treason is the first book in Paul Walker's William Constable Spy series.

When William Constable, an astrologer and physician, is called into Sir Walsingham's office he's not sure why someone so prominent in Elizabeth I's court would want to meet with him. As he states in the book: "What could Master Secretary want of me; a scholar of no great reputation and only moderate wealth?"

Walsingham shows him a mysterious box with strange markings on it and asks him to decipher the code. What he uncovers is a plot against the Queen and telling of a hidden bastard child, and a chart thought to predict the death of Elizabeth I. Such a chart would be a treasonous offense if the person who created it was caught.

I found William to be one of the most likable characters I've ever read. He is a true Renaissance man...fluent in several languages, and knowledgable in mathematics, astrology, medicine, and physics..and just an all-around lovely human. I adored how he took excellent care of his ailing mother. Who was wonderful too by the way, and not just because her name was Amy :)

In addition to unraveling the plot (which was fascinating), readers will love the sweet romance included as well, and the insightful look into a different aspect of Elizabeth's reign. I definitely am looking forward to the second book in the series!

Highly recommended.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars

This is an interesting start to a new historical mystery series. The author, Paul Walker, introduces us to our hero, William Constable. It is 1578 London, and Constable is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. He is a physician, and astrologer, and a nautical engineer. He unexpectedly receives a summons from Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster, Francis Walshingham. He is asked to collaborate with John Foxe to quash a rumor that Queen Elizabeth had a child out of wedlock when she was younger.

The author is obviously a good student of the Elizabethan era. The setting and descriptions of London, its environs and the political atmosphere at that time were accurately portrayed. It is a time of constant rumors and plots to bring down Elizabeth and restore a Catholic royal to the throne. Constable and John Foxe, the author of ‘The Book of Martyrs’ fame are paired together to solve this mystery. Together they are supposed to decipher a coded message and help track down who is heading the possible plot to take down Queen Elizabeth.

I found this book to be engaging, and historically accurate. It dragged a bit as the plot was being set up. There was quite a bit of description of the location, physical living conditions and the political times. I liked William Constable. He was certainly a Renaissance man, and perhaps the breadth of all of his accomplishments were a bit hard for me to swallow.

There is action, and intrigue and a mystery to solve. It is a good start to a series that I think holds great promise. This would be especially good for readers who like Elizabethan era books, and historical mysteries. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Books Go Social; and the author, Paul Walker for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[David Fitz-Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adventurous intelligencer

State of Treason is set in London, England, in the year 1578. The Virgin Queen, Elizabeth the first is 45-years old, and twenty years into her reign. It seems, perhaps, there could be a plot involving the monarch.

This book is written in the present tense and the first person. The author assumes the identity of William Constable, a fictional mathematician, astrologer, physician, herbalist, and physik, as in physics. He speaks and writes Latin, Greek, French, and Italian, but sadly not Aramaic because that would be handy in this story. Constable is a “Renaissance Man” with a significant library, and he can also swing a sword. As a physician, he seems to disdain the accepted practice of bloodletting as a medical treatment. For some reason, I particularly enjoyed the presentation of Constable’s ailing mother, Lady Amy, who would like to see her son married. How old is the main character? Well, you must figure it out. Here are the clues. His horse is “a bay gelding of nineteen years.” He has had that horse since he “was a youth of ten and he [the horse] was a yearling.”

I had a rough time getting started with this book. In the opening pages, too many characters were presented too fast, and I had a difficult time grabbing hold of something to care about. Fortunately, a few pages in, Constable and another scholar are brought together for a purpose, and I became interested. A strange and perplexing object provides the basis for the plot, the intrigue, and the mystery to be solved. “It’s a small chest or large box about three hands square with a depth of no more than one.” Of course, it has a secret hidden compartment, a complex locking mechanism, and contains a cryptic, mysterious message, a riddle that needs to be decoded and solved.

The author places the reader in the story by setting a dark and shadowy vibe. The large castles, estates, and mansions are poorly lit. Mis-trust hangs in the air. Those in high places are always watching. Even their servants are barely seen. For example, in one scene, “An unseen hand opens the door, and Walsingham strides out.” Elsewhere, the author describes that there is a tapestry, but William Constable can’t make out the scene on the tapestry. I had to look up several words and phrases that were well placed in the story and added to the sense of time and place. Here’s what I learned. Crenellated battlements are kind of like the top of a rook in the game of chess. A scryer is a seer who employs a divining tool such as a crystal ball. A doxy is a prostitute. A hawker is a vocal traveling peddler, and I guess I knew that, now that I think of it. A goodwife is a term that honors a housewife not of noble birth. A codling is an immature fish, a codfish I presume, based on my google search it is served with its tail in its mouth. A mummery is a pretentions ceremony. A palfrey (there is a grey one in the book) is an archaic word for a docile horse. The author does a great job of placing the reader in the setting and involving the reader in solving the mystery.

Here’s a tangent notion. Neither are used frequently, but I was surprised to find the F-word and the S-word, so I looked up the etymology. Apparently the F-word first appeared in the 1400s, however, its meaning was, to strike. So, when preceded by the word wind, as in this book, it meant to strike the wind. As for the S-word, that is a very old word and was not considered to be vulgar. Its appearance in this book related to Constable’s mother’s debilitating constipation, appearing as, “Please sir… your mother… the lady Amy… has shat, sir.”

When I’m reading, I’m always on the lookout for cool sentences. I love this sentence, when Constable addressed his mother, “I am pleased that your aspect has more spark today.” That might be fun to say to someone who is feeling better. Here’s another interesting sentence, “No meal is complete without a ham.”

So, will the guy get the girl? The one who wrinkles her nose a lot. Will the patients’ health improve? Will there be violence? Will something bad happen to Her Majesty? Who is the bad guy? Perhaps there is a conspiracy involving many bad guys. It is possible to guess correctly. I did, so I’m feeling kinda smart, even if I had to look up lots of words I should have known. Anyway, I won’t spoil the ending by answering the questions in this paragraph.

I tremendously enjoyed spending a weekend in Paul Walker’s London, circa 1578. State of Treason is a compelling mystery, featuring intrigue, action, adventure, and a touch of romance. I highly recommend it.

The end of the book suggests a great adventure in the next book in the series. Here’s what a character in State of Treason has to say about the nature of such an adventure, “It fires the imagination and zeal of those who would seek to enlarge the splendor and dominion of Her Majesty. It uplifts and adds the color of heroism to the dreams of all true Englishmen.” Here’s to the next book in the series.

[Sherry Sharpnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the third book in the William Constable series ("The Queen's Devil") on Kindle Unlimited, and enjoyed it enough that I wanted to read some if the back story referenced in the book, such as the story of how William met his wife, Helen.
So I went back to the beginning, this book, #1 in the series. In 1578, William is a physician by trade, fairly new to the trade in fact, keenly interested in mathematics and astronomy. He comes to the attention of the Queen's Spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, b/c of William's lecture on astronomy given w/ the Queen's astrologer, Dr. Dee, a few years before. A wooden box w/ unreadable runes upon it, plus a star chart have been discovered by Walsingham. It is feared that the star chart is for Queen Elizabeth. It is against the law to foretell the future of the monarch and/or her death in any way. William is introduced to Dr. John Foxe (of Foxe's "Book of Martyrs" as it is commonly called) and they are tasked w/ determining if indeed the star chart is for Queen Elizabeth. Foxe determines that the runes on the box are a form of ancient Aramaic, and between he and William, they tentatively translate the runes and deduce that the star chart indeed references the Queen, and further indicates that she gave birth to a child in 1560. Does the Queen indeed have an illegitimate child? Where is it if it indeed exists?
Again b/c of William's reknown in astronomy, he comes to the attention of Sir George Morton and Francis Hawkins, a sailor/pirate of great fame. They are planning an expedition to the New World w/ the express purpose of harrassing/pirating Spanish galleons filled w/ riches from the New World. They would like William's insight into a better way to plot latitude/longitude while at sea. William discovers that Sir George's daughter, Helen, came into his household at about the same time as the Queen is supposed to have given birth. Could Sir George actually be harboring the Queen's bastard...?
As in Book #3, William becomes endangered through one or both of these plot lines. Or is it b/c he's acting as a physician at Court? Does the Earl of Oxford have some reason to dislike him?
The plot lines are tangled and eventually mesh together, as in Book #3. Book #1 is equally entertaining, especially as we read of William's increased interest in Helen as an attractive woman, and not just as possibly the Queen's bastard. So he has issues w/ whether he actually wants to solve the mystery of the box or not....
I really like that the plot(s) were as fully formed as the ones in Book #3, showing that the author was an excellent Elizabethan mystery writer from the onset of this really enjoyable series. I am now anticipating reading Book #2, in which William is forced to go to sea on Sir George Morton's expedition.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another 99p Kindle purchase and another 99p well spent – a very enjoyable read.
Our hero William Constable is a scholar of many subjects including medicine, maths and astrology. He receives an unexpected summons to attend Sir Francis Walshingham, who was Queen Elizabeth I’s spymaster. He is asked to assist in uncovering the secrets of a curious box containing an astrological chart and a coded message. William is able to interpret the former and decode the latter to unearth claims that Elizabeth has a hidden, illegitimate child, who knowingly or unknowingly was being swept into a plot to overthrow the crown and return the country to Catholicism.
William becomes deeply involved in seeking to unearth the plotters. He is invited to use his medical skills at Court which gives him the chance to listen to unguarded court gossip, he is also working with a group of shipping merchant adventurers to develop new and better ways to take an accurate bearing while at sea. What he picks up at Court and the plans of the merchants somehow seem intertwined as bit-by-bit he is increasingly drawn into a role as one of Walsingham’s ‘intelligencers’, to the extent that his life is in danger.
A good book and a very enjoyable read even if for me, the villains were a little too obvious.
I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The thought that our Queen may have hidden a child is disturbing and I understand why enemies of our state would wish to spread such ideas...”

A Virgin Queen? Rumour has it that Elizabeth’s reputation is not so white as she would have her subjects believe. Behind closed doors, there is talk of a bastard child — a maid. Such talk is dangerous, but if it were to be proven true, then Elizabeth’s position as Supreme Governor of the English Protestant Church would be undermined. But worse than that, Elizabeth could lose her throne and all that she had worked so hard to achieve.

Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster and the principle Secretary to Queen Elizabeth I, has been watching the rise of the Catholic League in France and the growing influence of Spain with trepidation. Walsingham had witnessed the atrocities against Protestants during the Massacre de la Saint-Barthélemy in France. His greatest fear was that the same would happen in England. Walsingham is single-minded in his determination that such a calamity would never stain the soil of England red.

When the spymaster summons you, it is in your best interest to answer his call. Physician and astrologer, William Constable, finds himself in an unprecedented situation. Walsingham has requested that William and the renowned Puritan, John Foxe, discover the secrets of a mysterious cabinet. What they discover is shocking. Could the whispered rumours of an illegitimate child be true? Walsingham suggests that it is a plot to discredit the Queen and to divide the nation. He wants to know who is behind this latest conspiracy so that he can stop them.

Drawn into a world of espionage, treason and sedition, William must use his wits and skill if he is to discover those responsible for the conspiracy before it is too late.

With an exceptional eye to historical detail and a sweepingly impressive narrative, State of Treason by Paul Walker is the powerfully compulsive story of William Constable as he tries to unravel and thwart a plot against Elizabeth’s throne.

Between the pages of this remarkable novel, is an exploration of the world of espionage and the dangers that such a life brings. Walsingham was a man who sanctioned the torture of Catholic priests and suspected conspirators. He is not a man that William would have chosen to spend time with. William finds himself thrust into a world that he does not want to be a part of, and he is very mindful of the responsibility that has been placed upon his shoulders. He wants to serve his Queen, and he will do everything within his power to help Walsingham do this, but at the same time, he is always heedful of the treatment of those who Walsingham suspects of wrongdoings. Walsingham is feared by many and for a good reason. He is unmerciful. William wants to be absolutely sure that the information he gathers and gives to Walsingham is correct. William is a man of deep integrity and has a compassionate heart which made him, in one way, wholly unsuitable for espionage. However, his hesitation and his determination to handle the situation with incredible care and conscious thought made him precisely the right man for this delicate and secretive task. Walker has presented his readers with a character who is wonderfully human and extremely likeable.

This book is not all about espionage and danger. There are some lighter, tender moments as well. William’s relationship with his mother made him incredibly appealing. He is a gentle man who loves deeply and shoulders a great responsibility for the people who depend on him. That, notwithstanding, he is also prepared to fight, to the death if necessary, to keep those he loves safe. Alongside this, there is also a beautiful love story which made me hope for the best, but at the same time, fearful for the worst. William is torn between his duty and keeping the woman he loves safe. I simply adored William. Such a wonderfully rounded protagonist that I could not help but want the best outcome for him.

Walker deserves the highest of praise for not only does he write highly appealing characters, but he has also brought back to life the danger and the intrigue of the glittering Tudor court. Walker has a wonderful novelist eye for historical detail. Nothing is beyond the telling. The streets of Tudor London came alive under Walker’s masterful depiction. One could almost smell the stench coming from the animal waste on the roads and the sickening smell of the blood of so-called papist as they hang from the scaffold. Likewise, I fancied I could taste the sweetness of the plums and the bitterness of cheap wine. Kudo’s, Mr Walker for breathing life back into Tudor England.

The difference between the richness of court life and the abject poverty of the Queen’s subjects was also drawn with extraordinary care and skill. There is no doubt in my mind that Walker has a visceral understanding of what makes history worth reading.

As the blurb suggests and as I have stated, this story is about a plot to overthrow the Queen. There was a hint of Arthur Conan Doyle’s, who is best known for his fabulous Sherlock Holmes series, style of writing in this book. So many questions came to mind as I tried to, along with William, put the pieces together. Walker kept me guessing right up until the very end of the novel, which is what I would expect from an exceptionally well written historical thriller. I thought it was absolutely brilliant and skilfully executed.

State of Treason is a book that has been penned with a great deal of energy and imagination, while at the same time staying true to the historical era that it is set in. Fans of C. J. Sansom’s The Shardlake Series will love this book. I look forward to reading book 2 in what promises to be a fabulous series.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of those that were waiting patiently on my virtual shelf while I read easier and quicker books. I finally got around to it and liked what I got.
This is a historical fiction based in 1578 and is very immersive. It gives a full breadth of information, sights and smells to go with the actual political plot at the centre of it all. We have William Constable, a man of considerable skills and a reasonably humble attitude( for a man of his talents). This industrious lead protagonist had been called to give his opinions on a secret discovery. This secret has many tendrils that reach out in all directions linking back to many things in his daily life and that of others.
Due to the time, social constraints, and the language used, the going was slow initially. Once we get to the actual central plot being enacted and the clues are decoded, the book picks up speed. The end result is not exactly a surprise since we see the investigation taking place, but it qualifies as a good political adventure.
I personally might not pick up the next book in the series, but I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction of this kind and having a working understanding of British politics of the time will definitely be a bonus.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

[Hayley · Rating 2 out of 5]

First book of 2025 and it is not a strong start. The whole thing was just ‘meh’. Even the ‘exciting’ action part at the end was over in two pages. I quite enjoyed the exposition part of the novel, but it just kept going and going. Far too many characters in it, many of whom were not properly fleshed out therefore I kept forgetting who they were. Hated the ending and it took me about a week to read 40 pages as it was so dull.

[Jacqui Huntley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written, intriguing and compelling story of Elizabethan England. Politics and intrigue abound as do occasional murders not to forget the highly evocative sights and smells of 16th century dockland and Court of London. I love the language and the characters - they seem so of their time and it's clear that the author has done a great deal of research about the period (or has a time machine). Our hero, William Constable, is a young physician, astrologer and scientist brought to offices of the dreaded Sir Francis Walsingham where he is required to work with John Foxe on deciphering a star chart purportedly relating to, maybe, an illegitimate child of the Queen, He becomes a somewhat reluctant and nervous 'intelligencer'. Sub plots deal with William's mathematical interest and development of a scientific instrument to more easily measure latitude whilst at sea, with potential threats from Catholics either abroad or deep within the London underworld (or Courts). At the personal level he has his ailing mother living with him (I love the role of prunes here!) and soon brings John Foxe into his household whilst developing a fondness for the presumed daughter of the man interested in the latitude device. All are cleverly woven together in a story that keeps you reading on and on, Whilst the end is an end there is plenty of scope for the next instalment to which I look forward. Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Hannio J · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Mr Lindsay Gaskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and engaging

A tale that really draws you into the world of espionage at a time when it was struggling with powerful religious forces and political intrigue.

[Gwendalyn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

William Constable, a physician and notable astrologer, finds himself woken up and taken to Whitehall in the middle of the night. Summoned by the Queen of England’s principal secretary, the notorious Spymaster himself, Sir Francis Walsingham.
Walsingham’s ruthless zeal to counter any uprise of Catholicism, sanctioned the torture and killings of Catholic priests and any who were suspected conspirators.
Walsingham knows the might of Spain and the growing influence of the Catholic League in France, and the continuous threat to the Queen Elizabeth herself, and the stability of her state. Walsingham, directs William Constable and John Foxe, with the task of deciphering aromatic text and the meaning of the star charts depicted on and around and ornate decorated box.

John Foxe is a notable English historian and martyrologist, renowned author of Actes and Monuments. A horrific detailed accounts of the entire history of persecution in the church up until the mid 1550’s, starting with Jesus.
Paired together by Walsingham, this unlikely duo form a warm and kindred friendship. Working together they are tasked to uncover a plot to discredit the Queen and to divide the nation.

Together they uncover a treasonous plot of conspirators that claims Queen Elizabeth has illegitimate child. This would be disastrous to Protestants and the Queen, but would be critical for Roman Catholic sympathizers, who could be use it to spear head a revolution.

As this suspenseful novel takes off, I was immediately intrigued and completely immersed in this complex, political and captivating historical drama.
Paul Walker, masterly sets this absorbing character driven plot line with just enough amount of tension and mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The incredible dialogue of this story should be noted upfront, it really is amazing! I really enjoyed the rich, descriptive language that is realistic to the time period. The prose is seamless, and eloquent, allowing me, as a reader, to feel like I was alongside the main protagonist, William Constable.

The supporting characters are just as well developed and fleshed out and very interesting. Constable is wonderful character who is sympathetic to his mother and show empathy toward his fellow man. The budding romance makes for added depth to this book. I look forward to reading more developed in next book.
I really enjoyed the authors creative invention of the shadow staff, a ships navigation device, that coincides with development of this time period. Creative invention were being developed, in response for the increasing push toward exploration.
Overall this was engaging book, with brilliant executed narration was brilliant. I loved the way the plot unfolded. I was completely invested in the storyline.
This stunning, atmospheric historical fiction with the most illustrious characters, coded messages, espionage, and star charts made for a riveting read.

[Zoe L.]

I have to say that this book hooked me right from the start! Sometimes I find that books set in this time are difficult to read, but State of Treason was instantly engaging. Political intrigue, spy masters, and conspiracy theories are aplenty in this story. This first book in the William Constable series is focused on the rumor of Queen Elizabeth having a secret bastard child.

When William finds himself summoned by the Queen’s very own spymaster he knew that he would have to tread carefully. And remaining on guard and using his own set of skills is just what might get William Constable through this particular mission: discovering the secrets held within a mysterious cabinet.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series! Spy books are always interesting, but adding in the high stakes of London in the 1500s makes it so much more interesting!

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[Keith Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's as good as a CJ Samson

It's a great thriller set in Elizabethan England. Like Parris or Sansom? Then this is the book for you. It was a brilliant read, great chats and a fascinating plot.

[Alyson L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that is so well written that I'd have loved to have been listening to an audio version of it. When I closed my eyes, I could smell the musty corridors, feel the heat from the dripping tapers, and almost taste the mulled wine. What a great introduction to the World of Elizabeth I!

I'm not as well read about Elizabeth the Firsts reign as I'd like so I found this quite interesting although a bit slow at times. This is a historical drama with political intrigue, mystery, and suspense plus a little treason on the side, all rolled up into one, what with things like medical potions, ciphers and parchments, libraries, Astrological charts and false bottomed boxes.

All in all, I enjoyed the book. I learned a lot and encourage you to also read STATE OF TREASON.

4 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
2 🔥🔥

Disclaimer
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Seamus Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text excellent and of its time

I like this period in English history and the description of life at the time especially the interwoven historical facts . It's in the style made popular by Hillary Mantel and the Shardlake series .

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully riveting and detailed book on the Elizabethan Era!! Highly recommend!

[Soozee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book, set in Tudor times. William Constable is a fascinating character, a medic and man of science, who is drawn into a conspiracy against the Queen. Normally I am not keen when fictional books include real people, such as Sir Francis Walsingham and John Foxe, but this is handled in an expert manner which really works.

Constable is an endearing character, and the historical setting is very accurate.

Overall a great read, good plot, believable characters and great entertainment.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mrs. A.A. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue and treason at the Tudor Court.

William Constable a doctor, is commissioned by Frances Walsingham to look into a treasonous astrological prophecy concerning the death of Queen Elizabeth Tudor. It is an interesting and exciting novel of religious and political turmoil and intrigue and would appeal to Hilary Mantel fans.

[Pianolady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got me hooked early on

The language and descriptions take you straight into Elizabethan London and make you feel part of the plot that takes shape. Liked the way romantic interest was handled and the twist at the end leaves you wanting more. References to actual characters, events and practices in 16th century England add to the interest. Will look out for the next in the series.

[Paul Gormley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of Shardlake and Giordano Bruno. Elizabeth is on the throne but the plotting against her continues and William Constable is tasked by Walsingham with uncovering the plotters.

This is an entertaining novel, although rather slow paced. The evocation of Tudor London is vibrant and the characters are well rounded and their relationships convincing.

The next in the series is scheduled for later in 2019 and is much anticipated. A strong debut.

[Mr P · Rating 5 out of 5]

My enjoyment of this book.

The author Paul Walker’s use of the English language inElizabethan times serves well to understand the life and times covered by his book, and I look forward to book 2. An excellent read!

[WJ & · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tale

A cracking good read, a convincing and detailed plot with convincing descriptions of Elizabethan settings and practices and a style that draws you on. Heartily recommended.