The 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: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
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 captivated 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 Thomas dies under mysterious circumstances. His colleague, James Marwood, a skilled investigator, is called upon to unravel the mystery. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers that there is a web of deceit and treachery that stretches far beyond the village.

Meanwhile, architect Cat Hakesby finds herself working for a merchant named Mr. Johnson, who resides on Slaughter Street. The air in this street is thick with the scent of blood, and a captive Barbary lion prowls the stables, its eyes filled with menace. Cat is tasked with designing a Poultry House for a woman whom the King loves dearly. Little does she know that this prestigious commission holds a royal secret that could shatter England and alter the course of European history.

As James and Cat navigate through a treacherous world filled with danger and intrigue, they uncover a plot that threatens the very foundations of the monarchy. The stakes are high, and the consequences could be catastrophic. With each passing day, the danger grows, and the clock is ticking.

In this thrilling and suspenseful novel, Andrew Taylor takes readers on a journey through the dark and dangerous world of 17th-century England. With his masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions, he brings to life the characters and the events that shaped this fascinating period. The Last Witchfinder is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and adventure.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008325602