‘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. Praise for John Pilkington: 'Away from the corruption of London and no longer a Justice, but that doesn’t stop Belstrang uncovering dark deeds in this Jacobean thriller. A joy from mysterious beginnings to a satisfying conclusion by a master storyteller.' Paul Walker, author of The Queen’s Spy 'In The Witching Pool , John Pilkington once again puts us in the amiable company of retired Jacobean Justice, Robert Belstrang, familiar from his earlier historical thriller Legacy. In this adventure, Belstrang forsakes the mean streets of London in the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot, for the rural byways of Worcestershire nearer home. But instead of treason, he finds himself confronted with murder, witchcraft, unmentionable crimes and a quest for legendary gold. Breath-takingly tense and gripping. Simply impossible to put down.' Peter Tonkin, author of the Tom Musgrave series 'A wonderfully humane, and all-too human, central character.' Roger Morris, author of Fortune’s Hand ‘Pilkington’s third Thomas the Falconer historical offers a real treat… This tale gives an authentic sense of Elizabethan life’s visceral side with all its lawlessness and brutality, including a climactic battle.’ Publishers Weekly 'The story moves at a great pace… it made a welcome change to discover Elizabethan England through the eyes of a lesser mortal.' The Historical Novels Review ‘A spellbinding journey through the stinking slums and glittering palaces of Jacobean England.’ Steven Veerapen, author of the Simon Danforth Mysteries ‘Pilkington introduces an intriguing new hero in the dashing Marbeck.’ Kirkus Reviews