Historical fiction does not get much better. S.J Parris is a master at creating rich, atmospheric novels, full of intrigue, featuring the infamous heretic, philosopher and spy, Giordano Bruno. As we delve into a series of extraordinary events. There is an ominous creeping of dread. Plans will begin to unfold...

i haven't read previous books in the series, but as this is one of my favourite periods of history , I enjoyed it as a standalone. Mixing fact and fiction is always great fun and makes for a fascinating read.

Miss Parris never lets you down, if you love history her Giordano Bruno novels are to be savored.

My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Execution’ by S.J. Parris in exchange for an honest review. Its publication was originally planned for late April though due to Covid-19 has been rescheduled for 09 July. However, I was pleased to find that its audiobook edition, narrated by Daniel Philpott, was available now. So, I bought a copy and listened alongside reading the eARC for an immersive experience. This is the sixth in Parris’ series of historical mysteries set in Elizabethan England featuring ex-priest turned spy Giordano Bruno. I had read the first book in the series, ‘Heresy’, some years ago and found it excellent. I had intended to continue with the series though the vision problems that I had until 2018 curtailed my reading. Still as I was familiar with the premise of the series and its historical setting, it didn’t prove at all difficult to read this out of order. In addition, enough background was provided for new readers to the series. In ‘Execution’ set in 1586, Bruno returns from Paris with intelligence for Sir Francis Walsingham about a new Catholic conspiracy to murder Queen Elizabeth and place Mary, Queen of Scots on the English throne. It turns out that Walsingham is already aware of the plot, led by the young, wealthy noble Anthony Babington, and is intending to allow it to progress with the hope that Mary will put her support in writing, which would allow her to be charged with treason and executed. At Walsingham’s bidding Bruno agrees to go undercover with the conspirators by impersonating a Spanish Jesuit that they are expecting to join them. In addition to reporting on the group, Walsingham wants Bruno to discover who murdered Clara, a close friend of Walsingham’s daughter. Clara had previously infiltrated the group joining her half-brother, Robin, to spy for Walsingham. This was an excellent work of historical fiction. Parris is drawing upon historical events, such as the Babington Plot and her protagonist, Bruno, is also a notable historical figure. So these fictional events play out against this historical backdrop. It was easy to feel immersed in Parris’ London. Aside from it being meticulously researched, she creates a strong sense of immediacy through the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. The limited roles for women in Elizabethan society was especially highlighted. I was intrigued by the introduction of Leila Humeya, an Arabic woman working as a healer and midwife in Southwark. She makes a spectacular entrance by aiming a crossbow at Bruno’s face when he follows a boy he wants to question into her medicinal herb garden. Overall, I have nothing but praise for S.J. Parris and plan to read the previous novels in this excellent series while waiting for news of Book 7. Highly recommended.

A very readable book which follows the adventures of Bruno. Set in an atmospheric London, the tension builds throughout the plot, revealing a plot not easily deciphered. As all other Bruno books, exciting and realistic.