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Giordano Bruno #6
Execution
England, 1586.
A treasonous conspiracy....
Giordano Bruno returns to England to bring shocking new intelligence to Sir Francis Walsingham. A band of Catholic Englishmen are plotting to kill Queen Elizabeth and spring Mary Queen of Scots from prison to take the English throne in her place.
A deadly trap....
Bruno is surprised to find that Walsingham is aware of the plot, led by the young, wealthy noble Anthony Babington and is allowing it to progress. His hope is that Mary will put her support in writing - and condemn herself to a traitor's death.
A queen in mortal danger....
Bruno is tasked with going undercover to join the conspirators. Can he stop them before he is exposed? Either way a Queen will die; Bruno must make sure it is the right one....
A treasonous conspiracy....
Giordano Bruno returns to England to bring shocking new intelligence to Sir Francis Walsingham. A band of Catholic Englishmen are plotting to kill Queen Elizabeth and spring Mary Queen of Scots from prison to take the English throne in her place.
A deadly trap....
Bruno is surprised to find that Walsingham is aware of the plot, led by the young, wealthy noble Anthony Babington and is allowing it to progress. His hope is that Mary will put her support in writing - and condemn herself to a traitor's death.
A queen in mortal danger....
Bruno is tasked with going undercover to join the conspirators. Can he stop them before he is exposed? Either way a Queen will die; Bruno must make sure it is the right one....
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First published April 30, 2020
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About the author
S.J. Parris
20 books971 followersPseudonym for author Stephanie Merritt
S.J. Parris began reviewing books for national newspapers while she was reading English literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. After graduating, she went on to become Deputy Literary Editor of The Observer in 1999. She continues to work as a feature writer and critic for the Guardian and the Observer and from 2007-2008 she curated and produced the Talks and Debates program on issues in contemporary arts and politics at London's Soho Theatre. She has appeared as a panelist on various Radio Four shows and on BBC2's Newsnight Review, and is a regular chair and presenter at the Hay Festival and the National Theatre. She has been a judge for the Costa Biography Award, the Orange New Writing Award and the Perrier Comedy Award. She lives in the south of England with her son.
S.J. Parris began reviewing books for national newspapers while she was reading English literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. After graduating, she went on to become Deputy Literary Editor of The Observer in 1999. She continues to work as a feature writer and critic for the Guardian and the Observer and from 2007-2008 she curated and produced the Talks and Debates program on issues in contemporary arts and politics at London's Soho Theatre. She has appeared as a panelist on various Radio Four shows and on BBC2's Newsnight Review, and is a regular chair and presenter at the Hay Festival and the National Theatre. She has been a judge for the Costa Biography Award, the Orange New Writing Award and the Perrier Comedy Award. She lives in the south of England with her son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
February 21, 2020
SJ Parris's latest addition to the Italian heretic, ex-priest, and philospher, Giordano Bruno series set in an Elizabethan England revolves around the Catholic Thomas Babbington's plot to depose the Protestant Elizabeth I, and replace her with the imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots, to be freed from the Staffordshire Chartley Manor. Those of you familiar with this period of history will know how this all ends, but Parris weaves a suspenseful and thrilling blend of fact and fiction, a story of murder, treachery, spies, and an exploration of the group of plotters themselves, their dreams, fears and loves, and of their passion, faith, doubts and friendship. Bruno has returned to England with his hopes of being permitted to be free to write his books on philosophy that he cannot in Europe.
To this end, he brings evidence to the spymaster, Francis Walsingham, of a plot to depose Elizabeth, but to his chagrin, Walsingham is already aware of it. His daughter Frances Sidney's close friend and companion, Clara Poole, had infiltrated the plotters on his orders, and recently been discovered disfigured and brutally murdered in a church graveyard. Walsingham wants Bruno to impersonate a newly arrived Spanish priest, Father Xavier Prado, to spy on the Catholic traitors and find out who killed Clara. Thomas Babbington is a young wealthy Catholic spurred on by adventure and glory, but the real leader of the group is the priest, John Ballard, posing as Captain Fortescue. Walsingham has other informers amongst the group, including Clara's brother, Robin Poole, a man with a talent for dissembling. In a London hostile to foreigners, there is more murder and a young child, Joe, goes missing. Will Bruno survive the dangers that surround him?
Parris succeeds in making her characterisations of the plotters all too human in their strengths and frailties, they have good qualities and do good, they are emotional, justifiably paranaoid and all bought together with their different motivations, living in a Europe and England where your religion can get you killed and define the life that is open to you. Bruno himself wants rulers to make religious faith a matter of personal freedom, indeed, he wants to be free to write about and push this perspective, but there is a part of him that is aware that this is all to likely to be a pipe dream, and Elizabeth may not tolerate his point of view. This entertaining historical read provides a fascinating insight into this period and a plot that would go on to lead to the execution of a Queen. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
To this end, he brings evidence to the spymaster, Francis Walsingham, of a plot to depose Elizabeth, but to his chagrin, Walsingham is already aware of it. His daughter Frances Sidney's close friend and companion, Clara Poole, had infiltrated the plotters on his orders, and recently been discovered disfigured and brutally murdered in a church graveyard. Walsingham wants Bruno to impersonate a newly arrived Spanish priest, Father Xavier Prado, to spy on the Catholic traitors and find out who killed Clara. Thomas Babbington is a young wealthy Catholic spurred on by adventure and glory, but the real leader of the group is the priest, John Ballard, posing as Captain Fortescue. Walsingham has other informers amongst the group, including Clara's brother, Robin Poole, a man with a talent for dissembling. In a London hostile to foreigners, there is more murder and a young child, Joe, goes missing. Will Bruno survive the dangers that surround him?
Parris succeeds in making her characterisations of the plotters all too human in their strengths and frailties, they have good qualities and do good, they are emotional, justifiably paranaoid and all bought together with their different motivations, living in a Europe and England where your religion can get you killed and define the life that is open to you. Bruno himself wants rulers to make religious faith a matter of personal freedom, indeed, he wants to be free to write about and push this perspective, but there is a part of him that is aware that this is all to likely to be a pipe dream, and Elizabeth may not tolerate his point of view. This entertaining historical read provides a fascinating insight into this period and a plot that would go on to lead to the execution of a Queen. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
December 24, 2019
As a newcomer to the Giordano Bruno series, this dramatic retelling of the Babington Plot against Elizabeth I came as a welcome surprise. I'm sure reading the rest of the series would have given a bit more depth with regards to Bruno, but the plot is self contained, allowing the book to work effectively as a standalone. Bruno himself is a very appealing main character, intelligent and able to get properly involved in all manner of trouble. It's all good fun. There are very few negatives to be told, save a slowish start and a bizarre use of sexual detail for shock value.
In any case, I'll certainly be looking out for more.
ARC via Netgalley
In any case, I'll certainly be looking out for more.
ARC via Netgalley
July 11, 2020
In the latest Elizabethan mystery from the desk of S.J. Parris, the reader sees Giordano Bruno thrust into the middle of another assassination plot on English soil. Not long after sailing from France, Bruno encounters the daughter of Sir Francis Walsingham and learns some dire news. It would seem that Lady Walsingham’s servant has been killed and the murderer is still at large. As Bruno offers condolences, he learns that Clara Poole had dealings with those who sought to bring down the reign of Elizabeth and replace her with Mary Guise. England’s religious war has reached its zenith, where two ‘queens’ exist, but only one will assume control, with the other sure to be executed for treason. Bruno and Sir Francis devise a plan to infiltrate the group of plotters in order to learn of the plan and bring those responsible to justice. Bruno assumes the role of an elderly Spanish priest with known ties to the papists and begins his reconnaissance. As he plays his role, Bruno reunites with Sophia Underhill, who has re-emerged with a new persona and is still trying to find her way. Juggling his feelings for Sophia, the acts of betrayal she has readily committed, and the current plot against Elizabeth, Bruno must be sure not to tip his hand too much while also deciding if he wants to open his heart one final time. With a plot ready to be enacted and a plant within the Queen’s household prepared to take the needed risk, Bruno will have to alert Walsingham before it is too late. However, things go awry and Bruno is discovered, opening up new challenges that may, once and for all, lead to his downfall. An excellent addition to this historical mystery series that shows Parris has what it takes to compete with others in the genre. Recommended to those who love the Elizabethan time period, as well as the reader who needs a little mystery in their lives!
It has been an intense two weeks of binge reading the books in this series, all of which offer different and enticing perspectives of the political and religious goings-on in the 1580s throughout England and on the continent. Parris has exemplified a strong connection to the history of the day, adding homicidal crimes and deception throughout to keep the reader guessing. Her protagonist, Giordano Bruno, remains at the centre of each book, developing as a character while also reflecting on some of the instances from his past that left him at odds with the Church. Bruno continues to struggle with the inner war between theology and philosophy, something that can be traced back to his time in the San Domenico Priory. Add to that, the constant struggle with matters of the heart and an accurate sense of logic find Bruno the perfect fit for the role. While Bruno often finds himself in a sticky situation or two, his experiences provide the reader with a better grasp on the social and political struggles taking place in the late 16th century. Parris continues to experiment with new characters—both those who are historically accurate and of her own creation—who fill the page with unique points of view, while adding to the historical events about which the reader might not be aware. The story is effectively paced and develops without impediment, leaving the reader to pay close attention in order to properly understand. These books are not superficial and can occasionally appear dense, requiring dedication and patience by the reader to push through those portions that may not be to their liking. In reading the series, I was forced to concentrate, which sometimes made for a more interesting read and surely taught me a great deal. A mix of chapter lengths and a plot that never takes a break allows Parris to create a plausible story full of detail and intrigue. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and am left to wonder if Giordano Bruno will be back for more. There is a new novella on the way, at least, which is something about which to get excited!
Kudos, Madam Parris, for more great reading. I hope your ideas continue as the intensity of the Elizabethan era has not yet lost its lustre to me.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
It has been an intense two weeks of binge reading the books in this series, all of which offer different and enticing perspectives of the political and religious goings-on in the 1580s throughout England and on the continent. Parris has exemplified a strong connection to the history of the day, adding homicidal crimes and deception throughout to keep the reader guessing. Her protagonist, Giordano Bruno, remains at the centre of each book, developing as a character while also reflecting on some of the instances from his past that left him at odds with the Church. Bruno continues to struggle with the inner war between theology and philosophy, something that can be traced back to his time in the San Domenico Priory. Add to that, the constant struggle with matters of the heart and an accurate sense of logic find Bruno the perfect fit for the role. While Bruno often finds himself in a sticky situation or two, his experiences provide the reader with a better grasp on the social and political struggles taking place in the late 16th century. Parris continues to experiment with new characters—both those who are historically accurate and of her own creation—who fill the page with unique points of view, while adding to the historical events about which the reader might not be aware. The story is effectively paced and develops without impediment, leaving the reader to pay close attention in order to properly understand. These books are not superficial and can occasionally appear dense, requiring dedication and patience by the reader to push through those portions that may not be to their liking. In reading the series, I was forced to concentrate, which sometimes made for a more interesting read and surely taught me a great deal. A mix of chapter lengths and a plot that never takes a break allows Parris to create a plausible story full of detail and intrigue. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and am left to wonder if Giordano Bruno will be back for more. There is a new novella on the way, at least, which is something about which to get excited!
Kudos, Madam Parris, for more great reading. I hope your ideas continue as the intensity of the Elizabethan era has not yet lost its lustre to me.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 11, 2020
I read the first in this series many moons ago but never continued the series, so I was little worried that I may be at a disadvantage going into the story. I need t have worried. From the very first page I knew I was going to enjoy myself. Parris knows how to tell a story and this entertained and held my interest straight away. I liked Bruno as the main character and from the moment he is coerced into taking the assignment there was action on action as he leapt from frying pan to frying pan and into the fire. There is a love interest continuing from previous books as well as a new friend who I suspect will be in future books, as a friend, if not another love interest of the future.
Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book. I suspect I will want to fill in the gaps by reading it’s precursors too!
Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book. I suspect I will want to fill in the gaps by reading it’s precursors too!
December 13, 2021
Ah, Bruno. How many scrapes can this guy get into and survive? How is it possible to live, looking over one’s shoulder all the time, never knowing who’s a friend, and who’s a false friend.
In this, the sixth of the celebrated and very readable Tudor tome, Bruno is requested to go undercover in the guise of a Spanish Jesuit priest (perhaps not such a stretch), to find definitive proof of a plot to rid (assassinate) Queen Elizabeth 1, placing Mary on the throne in her place.
As you would expect with double dealing, there is a lot of suspicion and subterfuge, and the not knowing who is able to be trusted plays a huge role in the flow of the story. This story, in addition to revisiting an old friend, introduces the character of Thomas Phelippes, Walsingham’s most trusted assistant and cryptographer, who, as it turns out (thanks Wikipedia), is an actual person. Interestingly, the author has given him traits which today may be described as neuro-diverse, however, his bluntness, incredible intelligence, love of patterns and ciphers, and lack of social awareness is just seen as odd by the rest of the characters. It did make me think - surely these people existed in all times, unsure of the cues expected, in a time where appearance, formality and rote were everything. It has made for an interesting addition to the cast.
As always, and as history will show with the story of the Babbington Plot, the Queen survives, and lives to face another threat (likely) in the next book. It’s on the nightstand ready to go (when I’ve done a couple of NetGalley releases and have finished the Chris Hadfield one).
In this, the sixth of the celebrated and very readable Tudor tome, Bruno is requested to go undercover in the guise of a Spanish Jesuit priest (perhaps not such a stretch), to find definitive proof of a plot to rid (assassinate) Queen Elizabeth 1, placing Mary on the throne in her place.
As you would expect with double dealing, there is a lot of suspicion and subterfuge, and the not knowing who is able to be trusted plays a huge role in the flow of the story. This story, in addition to revisiting an old friend, introduces the character of Thomas Phelippes, Walsingham’s most trusted assistant and cryptographer, who, as it turns out (thanks Wikipedia), is an actual person. Interestingly, the author has given him traits which today may be described as neuro-diverse, however, his bluntness, incredible intelligence, love of patterns and ciphers, and lack of social awareness is just seen as odd by the rest of the characters. It did make me think - surely these people existed in all times, unsure of the cues expected, in a time where appearance, formality and rote were everything. It has made for an interesting addition to the cast.
As always, and as history will show with the story of the Babbington Plot, the Queen survives, and lives to face another threat (likely) in the next book. It’s on the nightstand ready to go (when I’ve done a couple of NetGalley releases and have finished the Chris Hadfield one).
May 25, 2020
S.J. Parris' Giordano Bruno mystery series is a treat for Tudor history buffs (and non-Tudor-buff mystery lovers, of course). Execution is a particular delight because it is built around one of the great controversies of that era: the Babbington Plot. For years, Elizabeth I's spy master, Francis Walsingham, had been attempting—by means fair or foul—to compel Elizabeth to execute Mary Queen of Scots, who was a focus of repeated Catholic uprisings during Elizabeth's reign. The Babbington Plot was one of these, and the historical consensus at this point is that a significant part of the evidence against Mary was planted by Walsingham's agents.
In Execution, Giordano Bruno infiltrates the Babbington conspirators, who are a somewhat volatile mix of characters—a renegade Catholic priest and his ex-boxer sidekick and four members of the upper crust of various levels of crustiness. Almost half of them are playing their own games of espionage, which further undermines the group's stability. This, of course, is fiction and should not be read as history, but the impression it gives of the deadly game of Tudor politics is striking.
Bruno, as always, is an effective central character, buffeted about by life, with too many people in pursuit of him—including the Spanish Inquisition. At one point Bruno was a Jesuit, but his study of science and reflection led him to become and atheist, probably the one thing worse than a Catholic in Elizabeth's England.
Parris's mysteries rank with the best, and Execution is no exception. At 400+ pages, it allows the reader an engaging journey through a time that, perhaps surprisingly, has significant similarities to our own.
I received a free electronic review copy of Execution from the publisher via EdelweissPlus. The opinions are my own.
In Execution, Giordano Bruno infiltrates the Babbington conspirators, who are a somewhat volatile mix of characters—a renegade Catholic priest and his ex-boxer sidekick and four members of the upper crust of various levels of crustiness. Almost half of them are playing their own games of espionage, which further undermines the group's stability. This, of course, is fiction and should not be read as history, but the impression it gives of the deadly game of Tudor politics is striking.
Bruno, as always, is an effective central character, buffeted about by life, with too many people in pursuit of him—including the Spanish Inquisition. At one point Bruno was a Jesuit, but his study of science and reflection led him to become and atheist, probably the one thing worse than a Catholic in Elizabeth's England.
Parris's mysteries rank with the best, and Execution is no exception. At 400+ pages, it allows the reader an engaging journey through a time that, perhaps surprisingly, has significant similarities to our own.
I received a free electronic review copy of Execution from the publisher via EdelweissPlus. The opinions are my own.
July 31, 2020
Giordano Bruno makes it back to London after a time in Paris as the opportunity avails itself to once again work for Walsingham who immediately plants him in a cell of Catholics working toward the goal of replacing Elizabeth I with Mary Queen of Scots. He must take on another's identity and does his best to appear as a Spaniard.
"You could not be truly free anywhere in Europe....If you dared to raise your head and measure the heavens, as the Pole Copernicus had done, and I had tried to do after him, and suggest that we were not the centre of Creation but one world among many, they would threaten to burn you" said Bruno.
Challenging times for a man such as Bruno, but he had no time to think further or return to his book writing as this book is non-stop action as the group plots the death of Queen Elizabeth and Spanish intervention helping to bring the Scots queen to power. Bruno is more action hero in this book rather than intellectual. He does get to reunite with Sophia, a woman he loves.
I have read all of the books in this series and enjoyed them all.
Library Loan
"You could not be truly free anywhere in Europe....If you dared to raise your head and measure the heavens, as the Pole Copernicus had done, and I had tried to do after him, and suggest that we were not the centre of Creation but one world among many, they would threaten to burn you" said Bruno.
Challenging times for a man such as Bruno, but he had no time to think further or return to his book writing as this book is non-stop action as the group plots the death of Queen Elizabeth and Spanish intervention helping to bring the Scots queen to power. Bruno is more action hero in this book rather than intellectual. He does get to reunite with Sophia, a woman he loves.
I have read all of the books in this series and enjoyed them all.
Library Loan
April 18, 2021
Very good, well researched, fast paced. My only quibble is that Bruno could have been anyone,there´s little that marks him as,well, himself as a historical figure.
July 9, 2020
This is exactly how historical novels were meant to be written. Filled with intrigue, suspense, humour and more than a handful of colourful characters that at times I had difficulty keeping track of. At the helm is hero Giordano Bruno who agrees to go undercover, and what follows is a story filled with murders, kidnapping, cryptic notes, political espionage, and conversations that kept me glued to my seat. Well researched this book is filled with historical data about power struggles and religion and what it was like to live at the time when life wasn't worth much. The character of Ben was particularly likeable and I'm hoping he'll make an appearance in future novels. 5 well deserved stars.
April 21, 2023
An obsessive read. ‘Execution‘ by S. J. Parris is the sixth in her series with the Italian heretic Giordano Bruno. I read and discussed this on the Pigeonhole app with many other readers. A very cleverly written story with an historical plot, religious tensions, the struggle for the throne of England. In a nutshell; Queen Elizabeth I of England v Mary Queen of Scots. Well researched with primary and secondary sources transporting us into the religious upheaval. Wonderful to be in the land of Francis Walsingham again with Giordano Bruno reminding us in the first chapter; I am not a praying man. Thirteen years as a Dominican Friar cured me of that habit, forgive the pun.’ A brilliant scholar, philosopher... and comic too. In Campo de' Fiori, just south of the Piazza Navona, in Rome stands the statue of the historical Giordano Bruno by Ettore Ferrari, 1889. An incredible person from history, and one whom SJ Parris painstakingly brings to life. There are so many twists and turns, that one must read carefully to digest every little scrap of the story. Bruno is a favourite of mine in all SJ’s books and in ‘Execution’ he has not failed to thrill and entertain me, with the highs and lows of Elizabethan England. A strong textured plot with the thread snaking through the storyline, rounded historical and fictional characters, excellent locations with; hostility, smells, theatre, immigration, conspiracy and death amongst the two religions striking out for permanence; Roman Catholicism to Protestantism to Roman Catholicism to Protestantism. The characters in this story tugging to and fro for what they believe. A tremendous read. A tremendous writer.
July 9, 2020
So before reading this book I wasn't too keen on the historical fiction genre, but then this book became available on the Pigeonhole app. I wasn't sure about signing up for it, but then reading the blurb I saw that the story involved spying and since I love those, I thought why not and went ahead and signed up.
I went in not sure what to expect, but let me tell you that this book blew me away! It was superbly written with a fantastic plot! The rich characterizations only added to the reader experience. I personally loved Bruno, Ben, Frances and Leila! I loved that Frances and Leila both had such strong personalities.
I loved this book so much that I was sad to see the end of it, and will miss Bruno and co. Although maybe Bruno not so much, since I know this is a part of a series and I haven't read the previous 5 books, so I'll be reading those!
I honestly couldn't recommend this book highly enough! It was brilliant, one of my best reads of 2020.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and SJ Parris for the chance to read this book.
I went in not sure what to expect, but let me tell you that this book blew me away! It was superbly written with a fantastic plot! The rich characterizations only added to the reader experience. I personally loved Bruno, Ben, Frances and Leila! I loved that Frances and Leila both had such strong personalities.
I loved this book so much that I was sad to see the end of it, and will miss Bruno and co. Although maybe Bruno not so much, since I know this is a part of a series and I haven't read the previous 5 books, so I'll be reading those!
I honestly couldn't recommend this book highly enough! It was brilliant, one of my best reads of 2020.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and SJ Parris for the chance to read this book.
January 20, 2021
Lieve Giordano Bruno,
Ik heb slecht nieuws. Na 6 romans en 3 novelles gaan onze wegen zich scheiden.
Dat ligt niet aan jou. Ik vind je nog steeds een fijne vent. Goed, je overleeft wel erg miraculeus elke situatie, dat gaat soms wat jeuken. Ook maak je soms wel erg impulsgedreven keuzes op momenten dat het écht niet handig is en waardoor je gebeurtenissen wat langer laat duren dan per se nodig is.
Maar dat neemt niet weg dat je je nederig opstelt, menselijk overkomt, genoeg drijfveren hebt om je interessant te houden én zelfs soms weleens wat grappigs zegt. Je kunt goed vechten en slim nadenken, ligt lekker in de markt voor de vrouwtjes en toont je wars van overdreven dogmatisme. Bovendien heb je net voldoende vaart in je doen en laten. Je geeft genoeg details om de wereld tot leven te wekken, je ondervangt vaak genoeg schijnbare plotfouten door de reden voor dubieuze keuzes expliciet te benoemen, je praat snel en makkelijk met je mede-hoofdpersonen, en er gebeurt meer dan voldoende om mij te boeien.
Ook de periode waarin je leeft zorgt ervoor dat we lang een innige band onderhouden hebben. The age of reason vs het magische en occulte! The war of the roses! Tudor vs Stuart! Katholiek vs protestant! De komst van de koffie in Europa! Gruwelijke tribunalen! Martelwerktuigen! Uitroeptekens!
Maar aan alles komt een einde, Giordano. Want terwijl jouw romanfiguur je feitelijke levensduur al lang overschreden is, ouwe ketteraar met je 'de zon is het middelpunt van dit sterrenstelsel'-onzin, is je levensvatbaarheid in mijn hoofd ook op. Ik moet denken aan pannenkoeken. De eerste? GENIAAL! De tweede? Superlekker! De derde? Kom maar door! De vierde? Nou, oké, prima. De vijfde? Goed, nog eentje dan. En de zesde? Pffff, dat was er net één te veel.
En dat ben jij in Execution, de altijd gevaarlijke zesde pannenkoek (niet te verwarren met de zevende zuster trouwens). Het is nu officieel te veel formule. Sinister complot, gruwelijke moorden, onduidelijke slechterik (m/v), parallelle queeste om verlichte wetenschap te ontplooien (ditmaal wat pover uitgewerkt, jammer), wat intriges met de vrouwtjes, een miraculeuze ontsnapping, een zeer complex einde en een opening om hierna nóg een boek te schrijven. Tadaa!
Natuurlijk komt niet alles wat je ditmaal meemaakte uit de tweedehandswinkel van S.J. Parris. Vrouwen krijgen ditmaal een steeds duidelijkere en invloedrijkere plek (en mogen zich daarnaast ook nog eens feministisch manifesteren) en in de marge vindt zowaar een homoseksuele relatie plaats (that's a first!). Goed dat je actuele maatschappijkritiek op genuanceerde wijze weet te verweven met je avonturen, zeker. Maar liever had ik toch nog wat occulte magie gehad.
Bovendien merk ik dat ik de eeuwige complexiteit zat ben. Het is als seizoen vijf van Game of Thrones (over een half millennium snap je deze opmerking, wees niet bang): op een goed moment weet ik écht niet meer wie wie is, laat staan hoe die wie'en zich verhouden tot andere wie'en, wat die wie'en willen, waarom ze dat willen, en hoezo dat niet kan of mag of lukt of plaatsvindt. Zeker richting het einde, als alles samenkomt, voelt het alsof iedereen op de brandstapel van de logica is gesmeten om er een amalgaam van te brouwen. "Zie je wel!," lijk je te willen zeggen, "alles komt alsnog bij elkaar!". Ja, true, true, maar wie weleens een zesgangenmenu in een blender heeft gegooid, weet dat het aanwezig zijn van alle ingrediënten niet per se een recept voor succes is.
Dus dat was het. Ik zal soms verliefd aan je terugdenken, want leuk was het zeker. Maar als deel 7 uitkomt, dan zal ik mezelf ferm moeten toespreken. Nee, Inge, Giordano is niet goed voor je, ga verder met je leven! Da's nooit makkelijk, maar soms wel nodig.
Dus vandaar.
Liefs!
Inge
Ik heb slecht nieuws. Na 6 romans en 3 novelles gaan onze wegen zich scheiden.
Dat ligt niet aan jou. Ik vind je nog steeds een fijne vent. Goed, je overleeft wel erg miraculeus elke situatie, dat gaat soms wat jeuken. Ook maak je soms wel erg impulsgedreven keuzes op momenten dat het écht niet handig is en waardoor je gebeurtenissen wat langer laat duren dan per se nodig is.
Maar dat neemt niet weg dat je je nederig opstelt, menselijk overkomt, genoeg drijfveren hebt om je interessant te houden én zelfs soms weleens wat grappigs zegt. Je kunt goed vechten en slim nadenken, ligt lekker in de markt voor de vrouwtjes en toont je wars van overdreven dogmatisme. Bovendien heb je net voldoende vaart in je doen en laten. Je geeft genoeg details om de wereld tot leven te wekken, je ondervangt vaak genoeg schijnbare plotfouten door de reden voor dubieuze keuzes expliciet te benoemen, je praat snel en makkelijk met je mede-hoofdpersonen, en er gebeurt meer dan voldoende om mij te boeien.
Ook de periode waarin je leeft zorgt ervoor dat we lang een innige band onderhouden hebben. The age of reason vs het magische en occulte! The war of the roses! Tudor vs Stuart! Katholiek vs protestant! De komst van de koffie in Europa! Gruwelijke tribunalen! Martelwerktuigen! Uitroeptekens!
Maar aan alles komt een einde, Giordano. Want terwijl jouw romanfiguur je feitelijke levensduur al lang overschreden is, ouwe ketteraar met je 'de zon is het middelpunt van dit sterrenstelsel'-onzin, is je levensvatbaarheid in mijn hoofd ook op. Ik moet denken aan pannenkoeken. De eerste? GENIAAL! De tweede? Superlekker! De derde? Kom maar door! De vierde? Nou, oké, prima. De vijfde? Goed, nog eentje dan. En de zesde? Pffff, dat was er net één te veel.
En dat ben jij in Execution, de altijd gevaarlijke zesde pannenkoek (niet te verwarren met de zevende zuster trouwens). Het is nu officieel te veel formule. Sinister complot, gruwelijke moorden, onduidelijke slechterik (m/v), parallelle queeste om verlichte wetenschap te ontplooien (ditmaal wat pover uitgewerkt, jammer), wat intriges met de vrouwtjes, een miraculeuze ontsnapping, een zeer complex einde en een opening om hierna nóg een boek te schrijven. Tadaa!
Natuurlijk komt niet alles wat je ditmaal meemaakte uit de tweedehandswinkel van S.J. Parris. Vrouwen krijgen ditmaal een steeds duidelijkere en invloedrijkere plek (en mogen zich daarnaast ook nog eens feministisch manifesteren) en in de marge vindt zowaar een homoseksuele relatie plaats (that's a first!). Goed dat je actuele maatschappijkritiek op genuanceerde wijze weet te verweven met je avonturen, zeker. Maar liever had ik toch nog wat occulte magie gehad.
Bovendien merk ik dat ik de eeuwige complexiteit zat ben. Het is als seizoen vijf van Game of Thrones (over een half millennium snap je deze opmerking, wees niet bang): op een goed moment weet ik écht niet meer wie wie is, laat staan hoe die wie'en zich verhouden tot andere wie'en, wat die wie'en willen, waarom ze dat willen, en hoezo dat niet kan of mag of lukt of plaatsvindt. Zeker richting het einde, als alles samenkomt, voelt het alsof iedereen op de brandstapel van de logica is gesmeten om er een amalgaam van te brouwen. "Zie je wel!," lijk je te willen zeggen, "alles komt alsnog bij elkaar!". Ja, true, true, maar wie weleens een zesgangenmenu in een blender heeft gegooid, weet dat het aanwezig zijn van alle ingrediënten niet per se een recept voor succes is.
Dus dat was het. Ik zal soms verliefd aan je terugdenken, want leuk was het zeker. Maar als deel 7 uitkomt, dan zal ik mezelf ferm moeten toespreken. Nee, Inge, Giordano is niet goed voor je, ga verder met je leven! Da's nooit makkelijk, maar soms wel nodig.
Dus vandaar.
Liefs!
Inge
February 24, 2020
Impeccably researched historical fiction ( with plenty of fact thrown in for good measure ). I ate through this in one sitting, not realising it was part of a series and now I'm hooked. Will be getting my wallet out to grab the other books asap.
I loved it!
I loved it!
July 11, 2020
The sixth book in the Giordano Bruno thrillers set in the Elizabethan era. Bruno has been asked by Sir Francis Walsingham to impersonate a Spanish priest, in order to infiltrate a gang of spies who are plotting to kill Elizabeth I and place Mary Queen of Scots on the English throne - the so called Babington Plot.
Considering that I haven’t read the previous books in this series, I thought this one worked excellently as a stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the earlier novels. It’s beautifully written and well researched. There’s a good sense of time and place. The sights and sounds are vividly depicted and it delivers a great insight into this fascinating period in history. I like Bruno as a character, he could give James Bond a run for his money! There’s even a ‘Q’ like segment.
I read this via the Pigeonhole app and eagerly devoured each stave every day. Such a gripping, entertaining and fun thriller. If you enjoy historical fiction combined with a bit of fact, you’ll love this one.
Considering that I haven’t read the previous books in this series, I thought this one worked excellently as a stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the earlier novels. It’s beautifully written and well researched. There’s a good sense of time and place. The sights and sounds are vividly depicted and it delivers a great insight into this fascinating period in history. I like Bruno as a character, he could give James Bond a run for his money! There’s even a ‘Q’ like segment.
I read this via the Pigeonhole app and eagerly devoured each stave every day. Such a gripping, entertaining and fun thriller. If you enjoy historical fiction combined with a bit of fact, you’ll love this one.
November 25, 2021
I have read some of Parris' previous books about Bruno. I think that sometimes I like books, read too many in the series and have too much of a good thing. I've therefore taken a bit of time away from Bruno but I'm back and this book is as fab as ever. Written in the aggressive, angry, turbulent times Tudor England. Two Queens; one on the crown and one who the Papists want on the thrown and are prepared to do anything to get her on the thrown. Conspiracy. Never quite being able to know you you can trust and who you can't. Are people who they say they are? Bruno is pretending to be Prado in order to infiltrate plans to murder Queen Elizabeth and put Queen Mary in her rightful place on the throne. We hear the interaction of the group of conspirators but, also, life more generally. It all starts with Clara being found murdered but in Southwark. A horrible area of London. Full of prostitutes, people that, 'don't count', people that have fallen out of society and a murder doesn't really matter. But Clara's not one of the Winchester Geese. She's from a privileged family so she does count. Her death is important. It's Tudor times. It's angry, aggressive and there's murder and hangings. The description of the hangings is horrible and real and awful.
July 30, 2020
Having read the previous five books in this series, I had been waiting to get my hands on this one since I first saw that it had been published.
Can it be 4 years ago that I read the last of Bruno's exploits? Yet as I started to read , I was back with him in 16th century England. The troubles of that period and the religious fervour with the protestants and the Queen Elizabeth against the catholics trying to free Mary Queen of Scots and have her on the throne is well documented and although most are aware of the outcome , the author still achieves a sense of excitement.
In the middle of all the intrigue is Elizabeth's spy master Walsingham, Bruno's old employer, to whom he is now looking for more work.
It is a good who-done-it with lots of twists and its atmospheric style of writing captures the conditions of the time.
The cruelty of the age, from both sides, comes through very strongly in this book and perhaps with more detail than previously in the series.
Can it be 4 years ago that I read the last of Bruno's exploits? Yet as I started to read , I was back with him in 16th century England. The troubles of that period and the religious fervour with the protestants and the Queen Elizabeth against the catholics trying to free Mary Queen of Scots and have her on the throne is well documented and although most are aware of the outcome , the author still achieves a sense of excitement.
In the middle of all the intrigue is Elizabeth's spy master Walsingham, Bruno's old employer, to whom he is now looking for more work.
It is a good who-done-it with lots of twists and its atmospheric style of writing captures the conditions of the time.
The cruelty of the age, from both sides, comes through very strongly in this book and perhaps with more detail than previously in the series.
April 27, 2021
4.5 🌟
Another great Bruno book! Can’t believe i will have to wait now for any more as this was the last one so far.
A great twisty story that was fast paced. Really enjoyed the ending aswell. Books 3 and 4 remain my favourites because there’s just something about a cathedral and a boat setting that appeals to me.
This story, set in 1586, is centered around the Babbington Plot in which a group of catholic men (including Anthony Babbington) plotted to murder Queen Elizabeth and put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. As usual there is more than one story line in the book that comes together at the end. Thoroughly enjoyed 🤓
Another great Bruno book! Can’t believe i will have to wait now for any more as this was the last one so far.
A great twisty story that was fast paced. Really enjoyed the ending aswell. Books 3 and 4 remain my favourites because there’s just something about a cathedral and a boat setting that appeals to me.
This story, set in 1586, is centered around the Babbington Plot in which a group of catholic men (including Anthony Babbington) plotted to murder Queen Elizabeth and put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. As usual there is more than one story line in the book that comes together at the end. Thoroughly enjoyed 🤓
November 26, 2021
I love this convincing and authoritative series set in Elizabethan England. Excommunicated ex-Dominican priest Giordano Bruno is an attractive protagonist and the period feel is really authentic yet wears its research lightly.
My fascination with the Tudors started in childhood, partly because of the extreme paradoxes of the period - the brilliance of key figures, their passion and intelligence all bizarrely at odds with their extraordinary cruelty. All of this is on display here, with the parallel plots of Babbington’s Catholics trying to place Mary Stuart on the English throne and Walsingham plotting to have her executed.
Genius.
My fascination with the Tudors started in childhood, partly because of the extreme paradoxes of the period - the brilliance of key figures, their passion and intelligence all bizarrely at odds with their extraordinary cruelty. All of this is on display here, with the parallel plots of Babbington’s Catholics trying to place Mary Stuart on the English throne and Walsingham plotting to have her executed.
Genius.
August 18, 2020
The best of Bruno! I know, I said that about earlier books in this series of 16th century Elizabethan mystery/espionage novels, but it’s true again. S.J. Parris just keeps surpassing herself. I do like historic novels of this period of English and European history, the politics, religion and culture were colliding and exploding. Parrish knows the history and can draw marvelous characters, including the complex and marvelously self aware (and moderately vain) Bruno. I’ve also said before and say again, more please!
July 13, 2020
This is the sixth book in the Giodarno Bruno series by SJ Parris but it was my first by this author (and certainly not my last). I certainly don't think I missed anything by not having read the first five. This was a very well researched, gritty historical thriller that kept me gripped until the end and wanting more. Highly recommended read if you like Historical thrillers (and I do).
Thanks to Pigeonhole and to SJ Parris for allowing me to read this and I will certainly be spending some more time in the company of the lovely Bruno.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and to SJ Parris for allowing me to read this and I will certainly be spending some more time in the company of the lovely Bruno.
February 18, 2021
I really enjoyed the Shardlake series and although it took Bruno a while to replace the skinny crooked backed lawyer, I warmed to him with this novel. Parris writes very well and you are immersed in Elizabethan London. For me the plotting was perhaps a little less en pointe than usual, in that I sort of guessed. But all in all an enjoyable read.
May 10, 2021
I hadn't read any of this series before but that didn't matter, this stands alone very well and was enjoyable with a good story, which tells of the Babington plot. I'm not sure if this was intentional or not by the author but I actually ended up siding with the conspirators, which had ramifications... I can really recommend the audiobook.
February 25, 2020
Impeccably researched historical fiction ( with plenty of fact thrown in for good measure ). I ate through this in one sitting, not realising it was part of a series and now I'm hooked. Will be getting my wallet out to grab the other books asap.
I loved it!
I loved it!
July 26, 2020
Execution is the sixth book set in Elizabethan world of Giordano Bruno. I have read the first book in this series, so it was definitely on my radar, but as so often happens with me, I got distracted by other books 🤯
The fact that I haven’t (yet) read books 2-5 has made no difference at all to my great reading enjoyment, so this can be read as a one off (but why would you do that? Books 1 and 6 are fab, so I’ll be reading books 2-5 without a doubt).
Bruno is working undercover for Elizabeth I’s spymaster, Francis Walsingham, and they hope to stop what becomes known as The Babington Plot - a plot to kill Elizabeth I, break Mary Queen of Scots out of prison and put her on England’s throne instead. This is all about Elizabeth’s claim to be queen. Henry VIII has disowned her as illegitimate when Anne was beheaded, and she was a Protestant to boot! Babington and his crew are staunch catholics, and they want a catholic on the throne. Mary fits the bill.
Francis Walsingham is desperate to find an excuse to dispose of Mary, and Babington is providing the goods. There is a secret letter exchange going on between the plotters and that Walsingham knows about, but he needs to catch them in the act - and he needs to ensure that Mary implicates herself completely.
This is all historical fact, as is Bruno’s existence, and I think that’s what puts the icing on the cake for me. I love historical fiction that brings real characters to life on the page. Bruno is a great character - he’s intelligent, funny and emotional. Basically, he’s a great character to build a story around.
So much research must have gone in to this book, and I really appreciate that. The side characters add couloir and substance to the whole story.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and I’ve now given myself the rather enjoyable task of catching up with Bruno!
The fact that I haven’t (yet) read books 2-5 has made no difference at all to my great reading enjoyment, so this can be read as a one off (but why would you do that? Books 1 and 6 are fab, so I’ll be reading books 2-5 without a doubt).
Bruno is working undercover for Elizabeth I’s spymaster, Francis Walsingham, and they hope to stop what becomes known as The Babington Plot - a plot to kill Elizabeth I, break Mary Queen of Scots out of prison and put her on England’s throne instead. This is all about Elizabeth’s claim to be queen. Henry VIII has disowned her as illegitimate when Anne was beheaded, and she was a Protestant to boot! Babington and his crew are staunch catholics, and they want a catholic on the throne. Mary fits the bill.
Francis Walsingham is desperate to find an excuse to dispose of Mary, and Babington is providing the goods. There is a secret letter exchange going on between the plotters and that Walsingham knows about, but he needs to catch them in the act - and he needs to ensure that Mary implicates herself completely.
This is all historical fact, as is Bruno’s existence, and I think that’s what puts the icing on the cake for me. I love historical fiction that brings real characters to life on the page. Bruno is a great character - he’s intelligent, funny and emotional. Basically, he’s a great character to build a story around.
So much research must have gone in to this book, and I really appreciate that. The side characters add couloir and substance to the whole story.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and I’ve now given myself the rather enjoyable task of catching up with Bruno!
July 6, 2021
A fast paced and exciting book set in an interesting period. I enjoyed it, just like I enjoyed the previous novels in this series.
January 7, 2021
I thought I'd read some of this series, but now I'm not so sure and I enjoyed this so much I'm going back to read the earlier ones. Interesting characters, well written, complex but believable plot.
July 6, 2021
Love this series. Always surprising, deftly plotted.
January 1, 2023
Throughly enjoyed this book with Bruno once again thrust into helping walsingham out to try to get favour with the queen. As always great plot which carried the story along, good vivid descriptions of London at the time and a gruesome description of execution so if your squeamish maybe not the book for you. I hope there will be more tales of Bruno as i feel there is more to be had.
December 28, 2019
This is the sixth novel of S J Parris to feature the sixteenth-century philosopher, mathematician, poet, astronomical theorist, occultist and one-time Dominican friar, Giordano Bruno. This novel makes good use of the fact that it has also been suggested that the Giordano Bruno of history worked as a spy for Sir Francis Walsingham, the Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth I, while living in England in the 1580s.
This fast-paced novel begins with Bruno coming to England, from Paris, in 1586 to deliver to Francis Walsingham news of a plot by a group of Catholic Englishmen to kill Queen Elizabeth, and replace her on the throne with the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots currently held prisoner at Chartley Manor in Staffordshire.
Bruno soon discovers that Walsingham is well aware of the plot and is himself planning to use these Catholic plotters, nominally led by the wealthy young nobleman Thomas Babington, in an attempt to encourage Mary Queen of Scots to put her support in writing and so implicate herself in the plot enough to make certain of her own execution when Walsingham springs his trap and arrests the conspirators.
Bruno is sent undercover by Walsingham to pose as a Catholic priest to report on the progress of the plot and to investigate the murder of a young woman Walsingham had previously sent to spy on the conspirators.
Of course, the Babington Plot is a well-known event in Elizabethan history and there can be little in the way of suspense for the reader regarding the final outcome of the plot. There is, however, a good deal of suspense once Bruno is operating undercover with the plotters and constantly in danger of being discovered. In addition to Bruno himself a number of the main characters in this story are real historical figures not least Francis Walsingham who is shown to be a complex figure seemingly capable of both kindness and compassion as well as professional ruthlessness. His cryptanalyst, Thomas Phelippes, who is convincingly portrayed as a brilliant, but socially awkward, cryptographer acts as Bruno’s handler when he goes undercover.
Naturally a number of the conspirators also feature in the novel. In addition to Thomas Babington, the brilliant and driven Jesuit priest, John Ballard, is clearly the real leader of this murderous enterprise. There are also some very strong female characters and while the social attitudes must necessarily reflect those of the Elizabethan era several of the characters, including Bruno himself, are shown to have in some respects at least more modern attitudes.
This novel has clearly been written by someone with a deep knowledge and understanding of the period and who is more than capable of effortlessly using that knowledge to create a convincing representation of London at that time against which to present this very enjoyable Elizabethan thriller. Highly recommended.
I would like to express my thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for making a free download of this book available to me.
This fast-paced novel begins with Bruno coming to England, from Paris, in 1586 to deliver to Francis Walsingham news of a plot by a group of Catholic Englishmen to kill Queen Elizabeth, and replace her on the throne with the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots currently held prisoner at Chartley Manor in Staffordshire.
Bruno soon discovers that Walsingham is well aware of the plot and is himself planning to use these Catholic plotters, nominally led by the wealthy young nobleman Thomas Babington, in an attempt to encourage Mary Queen of Scots to put her support in writing and so implicate herself in the plot enough to make certain of her own execution when Walsingham springs his trap and arrests the conspirators.
Bruno is sent undercover by Walsingham to pose as a Catholic priest to report on the progress of the plot and to investigate the murder of a young woman Walsingham had previously sent to spy on the conspirators.
Of course, the Babington Plot is a well-known event in Elizabethan history and there can be little in the way of suspense for the reader regarding the final outcome of the plot. There is, however, a good deal of suspense once Bruno is operating undercover with the plotters and constantly in danger of being discovered. In addition to Bruno himself a number of the main characters in this story are real historical figures not least Francis Walsingham who is shown to be a complex figure seemingly capable of both kindness and compassion as well as professional ruthlessness. His cryptanalyst, Thomas Phelippes, who is convincingly portrayed as a brilliant, but socially awkward, cryptographer acts as Bruno’s handler when he goes undercover.
Naturally a number of the conspirators also feature in the novel. In addition to Thomas Babington, the brilliant and driven Jesuit priest, John Ballard, is clearly the real leader of this murderous enterprise. There are also some very strong female characters and while the social attitudes must necessarily reflect those of the Elizabethan era several of the characters, including Bruno himself, are shown to have in some respects at least more modern attitudes.
This novel has clearly been written by someone with a deep knowledge and understanding of the period and who is more than capable of effortlessly using that knowledge to create a convincing representation of London at that time against which to present this very enjoyable Elizabethan thriller. Highly recommended.
I would like to express my thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for making a free download of this book available to me.
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