Royal Secret

The next book in the James Marwood and Cat Lovett series follows James Marwood and Cat Hakesby as they investigate a murder by witchcraft and a government clerk's death in mysterious circumstances. Meanwhile, Cat is asked to design a Poultry House for the King's beloved wife, but a royal secret could rip apart England and change the face of Europe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

From the acclaimed author of The Last Protector and The Ashes of London, comes the eagerly anticipated sequel to the phenomenally successful series that follows James Marwood and Cat Lovett during the reign of King Charles II. With over 1 million Andrew Taylor novels sold, this gripping tale has captured the hearts of readers worldwide.

In a small village nestled amidst the rolling hills of England, two young girls, Lily and Rose, hatch a sinister plot to commit murder through witchcraft. Their intentions are fueled by a deep-seated desire for power and revenge, and they believe that the ancient arts of magic will grant them the strength they seek.

However, their plans are soon interrupted when a government clerk named James Marwood is summoned to investigate the mysterious death of his colleague. The task seems straightforward at first, but as Marwood delves deeper into the case, he discovers that it is far more complex and dangerous than he could have ever imagined.

Meanwhile, architect Cat Hakesby finds herself working for a merchant who resides on Slaughter Street, a notorious location known for its foul odor and the presence of a captive Barbary lion in the stables. The air is thick with the scent of blood, and Cat can feel the weight of the world's troubles pressing down upon her.

Just when things seem to be at their darkest, Cat receives a prestigious new commission. She is tasked with designing a Poultry House for the woman that the King loves most in all the world – the Queen. The project is a grandiose endeavor, and Cat is determined to make it a success.

Little does she know that at the heart of this prestigious commission lies a royal secret so explosive that it could not only rip apart England but change the entire face of Europe. As Cat works tirelessly to complete the Poultry House, she becomes increasingly aware of the dangerous forces that are lurking in the shadows, ready to exploit the secret for their own gain.

With the help of James Marwood, Cat must navigate a web of treachery and deception, as she races against time to uncover the truth and prevent a catastrophic event that could alter the course of history forever. The stakes have never been higher, and Cat must use all of her skills and resources to protect the people she loves and the country she calls home.

In this thrilling and suspenseful sequel, Andrew Taylor once again weaves a masterful tale of mystery, intrigue, and adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Prepare to be transported back to the tumultuous time of King Charles II and experience the gripping story of two young girls, a government clerk, an architect, and a royal secret that could change the world as we know it.

Weight: 714g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008325565