Frequently Asked Questions
What is "The Spymaster" about?
The first in the thrilling Marbeck mystery series by John Pilkington! Perfect for fans for S. J. Parris and Andrew Taylor
London, 1600
As a new century dawns, and the war with Spain drags on, Spymaster Sir Robert Cecil calls in Martin Marbeck - his best, if most undisciplined agent - to unmask a double agent who is feeding secrets to the enemy.
Marbeck has been under a cloud since a failed mission in Flanders, and is eager to prove himself once more. But the traitor - codename Mulberry - proves elusive.
Soon Marbeck must leave England for France and venture into the lion’s den, following a tortuous path that winds back to London. With the help of his fellow agent, the unruly Joseph Gifford, a trap is laid to ensnare Mulberry - with deadly and unforeseen results.
Can Marbeck uncover the true identity of the traitor quickly before rumours of the young King Philip III forming a new Armada prove themselves to be true?
*Title previously published as Marbeck and the Double Dealer
Praise for The Spymaster:
‘A superb historical mystery’ - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Historical Novel Society
‘A seventeenth century James Bond… a gripping, entertaining page-turner’ - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Booklist (starred review)
‘Pilkington introduces an intriguing new hero in the dashing Marbeck’ - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kirkus Reviews
Who wrote "The Spymaster"?
"The Spymaster" was written by John Pilkington.
A writer for over forty years, John Pilkington was born in Lancashire and worked at many jobs including laboratory assistant, farm worker, weaver, shipping clerk, picture frame-maker and cabaret musician before finding his true vocations. He has written plays for radio and theatre, television scripts for a BBC soap, a short-lived children’s series and numerous works of historical fiction, including several Elizabethan mystery series for award-winning publisher Boldwood Books.
He lives in a village on a tidal estuary in Devon with his long-term partner.
