The Mysteries of Shakespeare (Books 1–4)

By Leonard Tourney

Deal Ends: Tue 3rd February

THE COMPLETE SERIES OF SHAKESPEARE MYSTERIES INSPIRED BY THE BARD’S OWN PLAYS. ‘A gorgeous period piece .’ Washington Post ‘A soundly researched, roundly entertaining series .’ New York Times Book Review ‘ Tourney’s plotting is expert .’ Los Angeles Times ‘Mr. Tourney seems to have a good understanding of his scenery, and his dialogue has a nice unmannered period feel .’ The New Yorker In the shadowy streets of London, William Shakespeare is caught between the worlds of London’s bustling theatre and his quiet life in Stratford-upon-Avon. Using his deep insight into human nature, he trades his playwright’s quill for a detective’s eye to unravel the deadly intrigues that threaten his life in Elizabethan England . . . and inspire the plays that have made his reputation everlasting. GET ALL *FOUR* BOOKS IN THIS GRIPPING SERIES: BOOK 1: TIME’S FOOL In plague-ridden London, Shakespeare is drawn into a deadly mystery after a fire claims the life of a former lover. He is convinced the fire was deliberately set and sets out to uncover the truth before he becomes the next victim. BOOK 2: CONJURER’S DAUGHTER Shakespeare is bequeathed a sacred text by a mysterious conjurer, but the legacy leaves him caught up in murder. He is drawn into a mysterious fellowship and sails with them to the Channel Islands. A storm shipwrecks the boat and Shakespeare finds a crew member strangled on the beach. He fears he may not get off the island alive . . . BOOK 3: FALSTAFF’S MURDER A young Shakespeare becomes the prisoner of Sir John Falstaff. He is forced to work as Falstaff’s gardener, where he discovers the rotting corpse of his predecessor who tried to escape Oldcastle Hall. When Falstaff is discovered with his throat cut — by the same garden tool that Shakespeare was using — he knows his only chance of survival will be to escape. BOOK 4: CATESBY’S GHOST Shakespeare’s life is disturbed by the return of an old friend, Gabriel Catesby. He is forced to accept Catesby into his company of players, The King’s Men, in return for his protection against those who wish Shakespeare harm. But Catesby draws him into alliances that teeter on the brink of treason and only Shakespeare’s wit and courage stand between him and ruin. These compelling historical mysteries are perfect for fans of C.J. Sansom, Susanna Gregory and S.J. Parris and anyone who loves Shakespearean drama. PRAISE FOR LEONARD TOURNEY: ‘Adroitly blends British history with a wonderful cast of actual and fictional characters.’ St. Louis Post-Dispatch ‘Tourney is a superb writer, skilled in the richness of the Elizabethan use of language.’ Tulsa World ‘Tourney’s tales of Elizabethan detection [are] far superior to the usual intrigue-behind-court-walls saga.’ Publishers Weekly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Entertaining from start to finish!" Criticus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This mystery was hard to put down . . . a wonderful tale that keeps you guessing all the way to the end." Jessica F. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A true treat for Shakespeare fans and mystery buffs, alike." Judith W. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Well plotted, good period detail and a brave and effective take on the superstitions of the period. All bound up in a single Shakespeare play." Peter U. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Wonderful book. This does everything I want from historical fiction and everything I want from a mystery novel." Lorelei A.