Customer Reviews:
 17th Century James Bond June 25, 2006
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Simply brilliant. I couldn't put it down. The author combines historical fact and super spy fiction to fill in the unknown gaps with nail biting intrigue.
 We'd have blown up the Houses of Parliament if it wasn't for that pesky Gresham! April 19, 2006
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
While the author probably gets the historical facts right in this book the fictional part fails completely.
None of the characters are anything more than one dimensional - Catesby, the ringleader of the plot is like a villain from a Scooby-doo episode. No real attempt is made to explore any political or psychological motivation. He is dismissed as merely "evil".
Plot developments are equally unconvincing. Attempts to insert the fictional hero into real historical developments are clumsy and often unintentionally funny.
One passage where the hero, Gresham, attends a meeting of the plot ringleaders disguised as a Scot is jaw-droppingly bad. When you read the cod-Scottish dialogue it seems as if Gresham has somehow based his impersonation on Groundskeeper Willie in the Simpsons!
Avoid.
A Jacobean Joy! March 18, 2003
11 out of 14 found this review helpful
Martin Stephen uses his scholarly background to create his first thrilling novel. A good blend, of fact and thoughtful fiction that brings Jacobean England very much to life. Well-constructed characters inhabit what is indeed a devious plot, between papist’s and defenders of the realm. The opening paragraph sets the tone and language that continues throughout this web of intrigue.Unravelling ‘The Gunpowder Plot’ is a great start for Henry Gresham; I felt like one of his allies lurking in London’s shadows and am certainly glad of the introduction to this worthy spy. The story reminds us that the unbelievable was all too nearly realised and brings back the romantic notion of why, the 5th of November should always be remembered as Guy Fawkes, not Fireworks Night. Does another hero join the honoured ranks of the likes of Aubrey, Hervey, Sharp and Sandman? The answer, quite simply, is yes!
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