5.0 out of 5 stars Sophia gets her own series

G. · 22 May 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } As an enthusiastic reader of historical fiction and a big fan of the S J Parris Bruno books (did the ‘Being Bruno’ tour through West end of London earlier this year) I was really looking forward to this first instalment of a new series which is set 10 years after the most recent Bruno story. It more than met my high expectations . I really enjoyed the development of characters from the other books. The lead and former Walsingham spy Sophia is now retired, widowed and a lady of means. She is dragged back into uncovering a plot which has falsely implicated her adopted son of murdering a young girl. The plot was engaging and made strong reference to an interesting void in Elizabethan England where royal favourite and despicable peacock the Earl of Essex tried to unsuccessfully take over Francis Walsingham’s spy network, making a hash of it, before Robert Cecil finally restored sanity and order. Other key ‘actors’ being drawn from the rival theatre troops of London and from among the servants of influential households. Looking forward to the future of this series which hopefully will take us into the sixteen naughties, beyond poor Bruno’s expiration date (nice to see he does get name-checked!). Certainly there are clues towards the end of characters who are likely to plot and intrigue further keeping Sophia busy. Well done Stephanie!

4.0 out of 5 stars Life after Bruno!

J.P.G. · 10 June 2025

Slow start but an excellent follow on from Bruno.

5.0 out of 5 stars Another cracking tale.

N.C. · 23 May 2025

I liked the pace of the book and the characters, especially the new strong female heroine. Good for readers of historical thrillers and detective books. The high rating is for excellent writing style and ease of reading.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read

M. · 2 June 2025

I thought at first I had missed a book before this one as it recounts a lot of Sarah's past life, but it is the first of a new series. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to the next in the series. Hopefully it won't be too long.

4.0 out of 5 stars Espionage in late 16th century London

S.E. · 26 May 2025

Another great book from S J Parris - perfect for the fans of her Giordano Bruno series. This time, our chief protagonist/spy is the recently widowed Sophia de Wolfe.The book opens in London during the winter of 1598, with the body of a 13 year old heiress (found in a theatre). There is a mysterious note attached to her body, written using the cipher Sophia herself used during her days as one of the great Sir Frances Walsingham’s spies. In the ‘now’ of the novel, Sir Francis is dead and Sophia is called to the presence of Robert Cecil - the next spymaster of Elizabeth I. This brings Sophia out of retirement and back into the world of murder, plotting and intrigue that Parris describes so well.The introduction of a female spy adds a different spin on this popular genre of novel. Great for fans of CJ Samson’s Shardlake series, as well as Rory Clements’ John Shakespeare narratives too. I am looking forward to (hopefully) more books in this series!

5.0 out of 5 stars You feel like you're there.

S.P. · 20 May 2025

S. J. Parris writes so well. her books follows high politics, spying, treason and other crimes in the England of Elizabeth I. Excellent and engaging that you can imagine yourself alongside and amongst the characters.

5.0 out of 5 stars terrific new novel

A.C. · 6 June 2025

Much as I love Parris’s Giordano Bruno series, Sophia de Wolfe is even better. The introduction of Shakespeare as minor character is esp fun in a twisty and wholly satisfying tale.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book

T. · 12 June 2025

Yet another brilliant book from S J Parris, gripping and full of suspense.