Marbeck and The Privateers (Martin Marbeck Mysteries Book 3)
– Learn More‘The third in the Marbeck 17th century spy series once again succeeds. Perfect for readers who delight in political intrigue and secret agent shenanigans.’ Library Journal
England, 1604.
All eyes are on London, as a high-powered delegation arrives to initiate vital treaty talks, to bring an end to almost twenty years of bitter warfare with Spain.
King James wants to be known as The Peacemaker King – but there are ruthless men who profit from war, and who will stop at nothing to sabotage the negotiations.
Marbeck, Lord Secretary Cecil’s best intelligencer, is feeling underused. So, when the new spymaster, dour Levinus Monk, orders him to keep a watch on Somerset House where the talks will be held, he sets to the task with alacrity. But almost at once things start to go awry, when an attempt is made on the life of the Spanish ambassador.
Under a cloud, Marbeck utilises his underworld contacts and follows a suspicion he holds, which takes him from the Thameside wharfs to distant Weymouth, an almost lawless haunt of corsairs and smugglers. Here he faces the murderous John Buck, associate of a corrupt nobleman who runs a fleet of wild privateers named the Sea Locusts.
Caught up in a web of intrigue, helped one moment and betrayed the next, Marbeck finds himself in a savage battle on windswept Chesil Beach.
Thereafter, in his most dangerous challenge yet, the agent is pushed to the limits of his powers, in which survival is the only goal left.
John Pilkington was born in Preston, into one of the oldest Lancashire families. He writes historical fiction as well as drama which has been adapted for radio, theatre and tv. He is the author of the Thomas the Falconer Mystery series and the Justice Belstrang Mystery series.