The King's Spy

by Andrew Swanston
The King's Spy cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 6824
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781446487273
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-08-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Summer, 1643: England is torn apart by civil war. Thomas Hill, a humble bookshop owner in Romsey, is drawn into a web of danger when the king's cryptographer dies and Thomas's expertise in codes and ciphers is summoned to Oxford. /n/n Upon arrival, Thomas finds himself entangled in a court rife with deception and murder. Tasked with deciphering a notoriously unbreakable code, he must uncover the king's betrayer to prevent further bloodshed.

Reviews
Hardcover · @pablum · 2024-01-23
disappointing 2.00

The narrative is heavily focused on the main character, which can be a disappointment. The plot is predictable and the characters are weak.

This book was largely a disappointment, as so much of the narrative is tied up in the main character, Thomas Hill. The problem with this focus is that the plot becomes predictable and the characters feel weak. The story starts off promisingly, but the shift in focus to early coding and other elements feels abrupt and detracts from the overall narrative. The characters lack depth, and the plot is not as engaging as it could be, making it a less satisfying read overall.

Quick quotes

    I found it largely a disappointment; so much of the narrative is tied up in the main character, Thomas Hill.

    The problem with this focus is that the plot becomes predictable and the characters feel weak.

    The story starts off promisingly, but the shift in focus to early coding and other elements feels abrupt.

Eurocrime · 2012-09-30
exciting 4.00

The book is packed with action, intrigue, and historical detail, making it a compelling read. The author skillfully blends various elements to create a rich narrative.

This debut novel is a thrilling start to a trilogy, filled with battles, intrigue, romance, and revenge. The author has crafted a complex plot that keeps the reader engaged throughout. The historical setting is vividly brought to life, and the characters are well-developed, adding depth to the story. The blend of action and intrigue makes it a compelling read, and the author's attention to detail is evident in the way the historical context is woven into the narrative.

Quick quotes

    This is the first of a trilogy featuring Hill.

    The author has thrown a lot at this book: battles and brawls, intrigue, romance and revenge, code and conduct.

    The historical setting is vividly brought to life.

Reading Gives Me Wings · 2012-09-28
intelligent 4.50

The book is an intelligent and engaging debut that combines a great story with well-crafted characters. It's a promising start to a series.

This debut book is a very interesting read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The story is compelling, and the characters are intelligent and well-developed. The author has created a rich narrative that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The blend of historical detail and engaging characters makes it a standout debut, and it's clear that the author has a talent for storytelling. The book's intelligent cast of characters adds depth to the plot, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    This was a very interesting debut book and I have to say I really enjoyed it.

    A great story is backed up by an intelligent cast of characters.

    The author has a talent for storytelling.

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