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C. W. Gortner
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The Tudor Conspiracy: Elizabeth's Spymaster Two (Elizabeths Spymaster Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Christopher Gortner (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 838 ratings

Bristling with treachery, death and intrigue, THE TUDOR CONSPIRACY is as fast-paced and thrilling as THE TUDOR SECRET, its predecessor in the ELIZABETH'S SPYMASTER series.

1553: Harsh winter falls across the realm. Mary Tudor has become queen and her enemies are imprisoned in the Tower, but rumours of a plot to depose her swirl around the one person many consider to be England's heir and only hope-- her half-sister, Princess Elizabeth.

Brendan Prescott's foe and mentor, the spymaster Cecil, brings news that sends Brendan back to London on a dangerous mission. Intent upon trying to save Elizabeth, he soon finds himself working as a double-agent for Mary herself.

Plunged into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a shadowy opponent who hides a terrifying secret, Brendan races against time to retrieve a cache of the princess's private letters, even as he begins to realize that in this dark world of betrayal and deceit - where power is supreme and sister can turn against sister - nobody can be trusted.

'Gortner has again produced a richly detailed book that is hard to put down.' Historical Novels Review on THE QUEEN'S VOW.

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  1. Book 2 of 3
    The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
  2. Print length
    354 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Hodder & Stoughton
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    18 July 2013
  7. File size
    1.1 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Product description

Review

Compelling... a riveting blend of passion, power and betrayal. (Inside Soap on THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI)

Disturbing royal secrets and court manipulations wickedly twist this enthralling story, brilliantly told. (Publishers Weekly on THE LAST QUEEN)

'Gortner has again produced a richly detailed book that is hard to put down.' (Historical Novels Review on THE QUEEN'S VOW)

'The Tudor Conspiracy is an absolutely marvellous read. Intrigue, adventure, love and lies, it has the lot... This novel is a historical mystery but it succeeds so well because of its historical authenticity and spirit.' (For Winter Nights)

'Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory fans will devour this smashing fictional biography.' (Booklist on THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI)

About the Author

Christopher Gortner is half-Spanish by birth and his formative years were spent in southern Spain, where his lifelong fascination with history began. After years of working as a fashion marketer and editor, he returned to college to pursue a Masters in Fine Arts in Writing. He lives in Northern California with his partner and their Welsh Pembroke Corgi, and welcomes visitors at: www.cwgortner.com.

www.twitter.com/CWGortner

www.facebook.com/CWGortner

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00BMUVUVK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hodder & Stoughton
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 18 July 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 354 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1444721034
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 838 ratings

About the author

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C. W. Gortner

C. W. Gortner

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C.W. GORTNER holds an MFA in Writing with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies from the New College of California, as well as an AA from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco.

An established author of historical fiction, he's been translated in 26 languages and toured internationally. Several of his historical novels are national and/or international bestsellers. He previously worked as a fashion executive and then devoted twelve years of his professional life to the public health sector. In 2012, he became a full-time writer following the success of his novels.

In his extensive travels to research his books, he has danced a galliard at Hampton Court, learned about organic gardening at Chenoceau, and spent a chilly night in a ruined Spanish castle. He's also a dedicated advocate for animal rights, in particular companion animal rescue to reduce shelter overcrowding.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
838 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's prose of high quality and worth multiple re-reads. They describe it as a superb tale of intrigue with plenty of twists and turns, and one customer notes it's packed with period detail. Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable, with one review comparing it to a boys magazine adventure story. They appreciate the character development and intelligence of the writing.

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ReadabilityIntrigueEnjoymentCharacter developmentIntelligence
26 customers mention ‘Readability’26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, praising its quality prose and lively writing style, noting it is worth multiple re-reads.

"A superb tale of intrigue and mayhem in Elizabeth's Court well written and engrossing reading...." Read more

"Occasionally I find a series of books which has me revelling in the style of writing and the pace and content of the story, and this is one of them...." Read more

"...The prose was of such a quality that I actually felt part of the horrors of London and the political intrigue of the time. Very entertaining thankyou" Read more

"...The Tudor Vendetta. Well worth reading." Read more

19 customers mention ‘Intrigue’19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the intrigue of this historical novel, describing it as a swiftly-moving tale with plenty of twists and turns.

"...A real treat for historical fans who love the genre and for those who love intrigue. The main Character , although fictional, brings the..." Read more

"...which has me revelling in the style of writing and the pace and content of the story, and this is one of them...." Read more

"...I actually felt part of the horrors of London and the political intrigue of the time. Very entertaining thankyou" Read more

"...There are plenty of twists and turns that make this an authentic Tudor mystery/thriller/crime/espionage worthy of the top flight authors." Read more

16 customers mention ‘Enjoyment’16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable and engaging, with one customer noting it reads like a boys magazine adventure story.

"...of intrigue and mayhem in Elizabeth's Court well written and engrossing reading...." Read more

"...Very entertaining thankyou" Read more

"A thoroughly enjoyable book set in the time when Mary was actually on the throne of England...." Read more

"The book reads like a boys magazine adventure story, James Bond in tights - not for me, written for a specific type of audience, maybe for those who..." Read more

8 customers mention ‘Character development’8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting how the Tudor hero continues to captivate readers.

"...who love the genre and for those who love intrigue. The main Character , although fictional, brings the Court to life for the reader...." Read more

"Twists and turns, atmosphere and character depth. Far more accomplished than the previous book and now hooked!..." Read more

"Once l start to read l find it very difficult to stop. The characters stay true to form and (historically correct) or not make great reading...." Read more

"...He tells a swiftly-moving tale, packed with period detail, and a charismatic hero. Looking forward to the next one !" Read more

4 customers mention ‘Intelligence’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book intelligent and interesting, with one customer noting it is well researched.

"A gripping novel set in an Elizabethan context. Intelligent and lively prose well written look forward one hopes to a number of sequels...." Read more

"...books. Gortner spins good yarns that are well researched and based upon the known facts of Tudor history...." Read more

"Very interesting book great seller" Read more

"Very interesting book" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • banjo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Elizabeths Spy in Court
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 April 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A superb tale of intrigue and mayhem in Elizabeth's Court well written and engrossing reading. A real treat for historical fans who love the genre and for those who love intrigue.
    The main Character , although fictional, brings the Court to life for the reader. A super sequel to her initial book "Elizabeth Spymaster". Just waiting for the next!
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  • Lorraine
    4.0 out of 5 stars A cracking read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 October 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Occasionally I find a series of books which has me revelling in the style of writing and the pace and content of the story, and this is one of them. Once or twice I lost track of the intricate politics - hence dropping a star - but the fault may as much be mine as I am getting older! Already looking forward to the third book in the series.
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  • KEN HUMPHRIES
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent and lively prose well written look forward one hopes ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 July 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A gripping novel set in an Elizabethan context. Intelligent and lively prose well written look forward one hopes to a number of sequels. The prose was of such a quality that I actually felt part of the horrors of London and the political intrigue of the time. Very entertaining thankyou
    Helpful
     Report
  • Malcolm
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 April 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Having to had wait for the next novel from Elizabeth Chadwick, I found this
    author, Christopher Gortner, and his Elizabeth's Spymaster series of three
    books. Gortner spins good yarns that are well researched and based
    upon the known facts of Tudor history. His use of artistic licence is so plausible.
    I enjoyed The Tudor Secret, The Tudor Conspiracy and am now reading
    The Tudor Vendetta. Well worth reading.
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  • Hilary Jones
    3.0 out of 5 stars Tudor tales meets chick lit
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 May 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Not a swash remains unbuckled or a derring undone. Fun, if you are happy to suspend disbelief. He uses more cliches than I do!
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  • Mr McGoo
    4.0 out of 5 stars A great read - next one please!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 April 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Twists and turns, atmosphere and character depth. Far more accomplished than the previous book and now hooked! I cannot spoil it for people but the sad bit in the middle, well, that was almost painful to read. If it had ended on that note then I would not have been able to bring myself to read the next one. There are plenty of twists and turns that make this an authentic Tudor mystery/thriller/crime/espionage worthy of the top flight authors.
    Helpful
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  • Mrs. G. A. Chesney-Green
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Elizabethan intrigue...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 April 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A thoroughly enjoyable book set in the time when Mary was actually on the throne of England. The central character, who goes under many names, is a young man who has pledged himself to serving Elizabeth but who also wishes Mary no harm...but who is tasked to investigate who is behind a series of letters revealing intrigue in the court. His task isn't easy and he also finds the truth of his own birth as the story unfolds.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 August 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Once l start to read l find it very difficult to stop. The characters stay true to form and (historically correct) or not make great reading. Looking forward to Brendan 's next escapade?
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling book!
    Reviewed in Germany on 27 March 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The Tudor Conspiracy is the second of the Elizabeth Spymaster I books and didn't disappoint in the least in meeting my rather high expectations after reading The Tudor Secret.
    The plot is full of action without straying too far from the historical facts and leads "our hero" Brendan Prescott on several dangerous quests in order to save Princess Elizabeth from the intrigues at court and herself.
    Every time you think he finally succeeded (or not), something unexpected happens.
    C.W. Gortner definitely caught my interest and I already ordered a couple more of his books wich I can't wait to devour!
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  • EKS
    5.0 out of 5 stars the kind of guy you’d love to have as a best friend or a boyfriend
    Reviewed in the United States on 25 May 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I’m writing one review for C.W. Gortner’s The Spymaster Chronicles series (The Tudor Secret, Conspiracy, and Vendetta) because I read them back to back and they flow very well as one continuous story. Our hero and spymaster, Brendan Prescott, is truly a loveable character; the kind of guy you’d love to have as a best friend or a boyfriend. He is humble, sometimes gives in to his weaknesses, and experiences a great deal of growth throughout the series. Typical of a Gortner character, he is never one- sided or flat, but is quite multidimensional and complex. I have been reading Gortner a bit backwards; having started with his latest novels, I am now working my way through his earlier publications and was delighted to discover this particular male lead whereas my previous experience with Gortner has been through female protagonists. He gives a believable and entertaining voice to both male and female leads.

    For anyone familiar with the world of the Tudors and Elizabeth I, this will feel like a family reunion of sorts with a few newly added relatives that fit seamlessly within the storyline and as effortlessly as if they were there all along in history. I will not give spoilers to the plotline, but there is plenty of action, intrigue, and tension to move the reader forward at a rapid pace. I never find myself breezing by certain passages in order to get to the good parts; all the parts are good. I love this author’s descriptive abilities as well as his use of language. A couple of the series I read on kindle, and I love being compelled to click for the dictionary on words he’s introduced me to.

    This is certainly a great series that I’d recommend to any reader, whether a follower of the Tudor era or not. Gortner proves that even in his first published works, he’s a splendid talent and has continued to hone his already impressive storytelling skills.
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  • NP
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on 24 May 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A Good read
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  • Carole Pinson
    4.0 out of 5 stars New Author for Me
    Reviewed in the United States on 6 September 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoy historical novels because being based on real history, the backbone of the work is already in place and then we learn about the individual characters and sub-characters that nobody wrote about but can be fleshed out according to what happened during this particular era and the norm. The historically unknown, or characters created to be narrator or enhance the story line is what makes the events come to life.

    I had not read C. W. Gortner before. Philippa Gregory seems to be one of the main writers in this genre and I have read her work. The plot line sounded interesting to me and I'm glad I took a chance with The Tudor Conspiracy because this was a well thought out, fast paced story as seen from the eyes of a lowly groom about the time in English history when Mary ascends to the throne as the true bloodline from King Henry VIII's first marriage to Catherine of Aragon. She has her half sister, Elizabeth under house arrest for a while. Everyone at court has their own agenda especially when it comes to power. Our lowly groom becomes not only an asset to Mary by accident, gaining her trust, but his main mission is to protect Elizabeth which he does even though he is not sure what exactly is her agenda, being that she was very headstrong and wisely secretive. In the middle of all the chaos and in-fighting to put the right person onto Henry's throne, a secret becomes known to the groom and he has to decide where his allegiance lies and what to do with the knowledge he has been given. Publicly voicing his choice could make an enemy of either of these two powerful women, not to mention the other factions who want the throne for themselves. This book kept my interest throughout and left me with questions as to how of much of this character is based on a real person or it is pure fiction.
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  • Viviane Crystal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing Is As It Seems!
    Reviewed in the United States on 1 January 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Mary Tudor and Princess Elizabeth are bitter enemies forevermore. Mary is now Queen of England and doing everything possible to force her sister to convert from Protestantism to the Roman Catholic faith. That victory would guarantee England remains a Catholic country and would enable Mary to marry Philip, Prince of Spain. Imagine how such a union would change the face of history!
    “Nothing is ever as it seems!” is the essence of this plot and Brendan Prescott, spy who once saved one of the sisters, is the protagonist called to the Queen’s presence for specific employment. His job? Prove Elizabeth is a traitor; bring evidence that will enable Mary to eliminate her ever-threatening sister. Court intrigue, rumors and plots fill every page as supposed friends and implacable foes lead and mislead this easily targeted spy. The reader must pay attention as Brendan seems to serve both sisters with equal determination. Yes, he is misled at times but learns to become sharper mentally and trust his increasingly correct instincts as to who is really vying for favor. There are truly no innocents herein!
    Private letters, secrets, poison, murder, brutal beatings, threats, sword battles, sexual temptation and more force the reader’s excitement into more intense reading and flipping of these riveting pages. For C. W. Gortner is a master of the mystery, the spy novel, the adventure story, the intricacies of England’s domestic and international manipulations of history, the obsessive lust for power and revenge, and the foibles that betray even the most careful antagonists!
    The subplot of this novel awaits the reader’s pleasure as Brendan searches for his true identity amidst the royalty related to the Tudor sisters. This quest is no less satisfying and the reader is rooting for Brendan every step of the way.
    The author’s brilliance shines clearly in the way his characters seem to move through an emotional gauntlet of fury, confusion, fear, mourning, happiness, and mistrust in a matter of minutes. One is never sure what will happen in the next second which makes the anticipation even more enticing! Words cannot properly convey how well-crafted The Tudor Conspiracy… is. Treat yourself, if you haven’t done so yet, to a brilliant, literate, engaging and exciting read which illuminates the intricacies of this well-known royally entangled historical period and characters! Stunning!
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