Edward Marston is the pseudonym of Keith Miles, a fairly prolific and extremely good writer of mainly Elizabethan and medieval mysteries. He has also written mysteries under his own name with both sporting and golf backgrounds. However it is primarily the books that take place earlier in history that I am interested in. He read modern history at Oxford and has had many jobs, including university lecturer, but fortunately for all his readers, he turned to the writing profession.
Winter is approaching and the troupe of actors known as Westfield's men are one again out of work, but not for long. Their patron Lord Westfield has decided to marry again and has chosen a Danish bride with tenuous attachment to the Danish Royal family. The troupe is invited to perform as guests of the King, Christian IV and fittingly or so they believe they choose to perform as one of their offerings, The Princess of Denmark. They little know when making the decision that it will prove to be a disastrous choice.
Westfield's men soon find themselves embroiled in political mayhem and religious dissension. Lord Westfield who has never seen his future bride in the flesh and made his proposal after seeing a painted miniature of the lady, is less than enthusiastic when he actually meets the lady. But he can hardly withdraw his offer of marriage. As usual murder and intrigue follow the company wherever they go, and eventually they realise that there is a traitor in their ranks. Once again it falls to Nicholas Bracewell to solve the murder, unmask the villain and extricate Lord Westfield from his unsuitable match.
The author's love for the Elizabethan theatre comes shining through this series of books. Plus his knowledge of the period fills the pages with authenticity and the sights and sounds of the streets and inns of Elizabethan London.