Andrew Swanston Boeken

Murder, deceit and lies under a new monarch in 17th century London. The king's coronation brings hope. Until a murderer strikes. Spring 1661 After years of civil war followed by Oliver Cromwell's joyless rule as Lord Protector, England awaits the coronation of King Charles II. The mood in London is one of relief and hope for a better future. But when two respectable gentlemen are found in a foul lane with their throats cut, it becomes apparent that England's enemies are using the newly re-established post office for their own ends. There are traitors at work and plans to overthrow the king. Another war is possible. Thomas Hill, in London visiting friends, is approached by the king's security advisor and asked to take charge of deciphering coded letters intercepted by the post office. As the body count rises and the killer starts preying on women, the action draws closer to Thomas -- and his loved ones. He finds himself dragged into the hunt for the traitors and the murderer, but will he find them before it's too late?"

When news of the king's execution reaches the island, political stability is threatened and a fleet commanded by Sir George Ayscue arrives to take control of the island for Cromwell. Thomas finds himself witness to abuse, poison, rape and savage brutality.

A thoughtful and moving journey through time, voiced by ordinary people caught up in major historical events from an eleventh-century monk with Icarus-like ambition, to a nineteeth-century community devastated by tragedy at sea. This is history recounted from the inside and freshly brought alive.

June, 1815. The Coldstream Guards and the third guards are waiting impatiently for orders to move into battle against Napoleon and his French army. Every day seems endless as the troops wait for Wellington's orders. When the group eventually encounter the French in battle, a special command comes from Wellington himself to Colonel James Macdonell of the Coldstream Guards: hold the chateau at Hougoumont and do not let the French pass. What happens next is history."

Aware of Thomas's background as a mathematician and his expertise in codes and ciphers, the king has summoned him to his court in Oxford. And when a vital message encrypted with a notoriously unbreakable code is intercepted, he must decipher it to reveal the king's betrayer and prevent the violent death that failure will surely bring.