I chose this book because I thought it would be interesting as well as entertaining to read about this period of conflict during the strives between Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scotts.
Although the book is certainly well written and I got the impression the author has documented her stories quite well I just couldn't get into the story. Too much different characters and not enough depth to the characters to really understand what the story is about. Not enough suspense to keep me engaged.
2,5 stars, which I will round up because the author certainly seems to be well documented on the subject

I got an ARC of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

There's a continuum of historical mysteries that ranges from probably-should-just-categorize-this-as-fantasy to so-carefully-researched-that-it-reads-like-nonfiction. C.P. Giuliana's A Treasonous Path leans toward the second of those two, but never loses the kind of engagement fiction can elicit. For me, that's a sweet spot on the continuum.

In the afterword, Guiliani takes the time to discuss which characters are and aren't based on historical figures and where he has and hasn't played with the historical narrative as it's currently understood. This is Guiliani's second Tom Walsingham novel, and the central character is becoming more astute and experienced. Giuliani allows us many glimpses into Tom's thought process as he tries to work through the puzzle presented in A Treasonous Path, which is a complex one.

Young Tom Walsingham—a historical figure, but one whom little is known about—works for his second cousin, Francis Walsingham, a much better-known historical figure who created and ran an international espionage service for Elizabeth I. Mary Queen of Scots is being held in England. Her son, James, is a child king struggling to break free of the powerful man attempting to control James' actions. English is Protestant and deeply concerned about incursions and treasons from Catholic France and Spain. France and Spain are colluding with and also spying on one another. Scots who travel into England are unknown entities: do the embrace Protestantism like King James or are they secret Catholics hoping to give his mother the throne of England—or at least to return her to the throne of Scotland.

The novel opens with two very different murders (later followed by a third) that may or may not be related. An anonymous informant in the French embassy is offering information to Francis Walsingham, but is this offer genuine or a double cross? And who is this informant? The French Ambassador' Secretary? His Scribe? His Catholic chaplain? His widowed cousin-in-law? Someone trying to stop smugglers of Catholic texts or one of those smugglers who has decided he'd like to profit by betraying those working with him? The Scotsman who's become friendly with the Ambassador?

Solving this puzzle leads Tom down many paths, none of them certain and all of the dangerous. The author doesn't play coyly, letting Tom know things the reader doesn't. Instead, he allows readers a window into Tom's calculations—and even with this window, the puzzle remains knotted until the book's end.

If you like historical mysteries that provide an adventurous read and also some examination of historical and religious minutiae, you'll be delighted by the Tom Walsingham series and its second volume.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Net Galley; the opinions are my own.

I found this book intriguing and entertaining. A different take on the rivalry between Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart.
Liked the characters and the solid mystery
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

*Many thanks to C.P.Guliani, Sapere Books, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
Not having read Book 1, I was at times lost regarding some references to Tom Walsingham's earlier deeds and actions. It was rather difficult to engage in the plot due to a plethora of characters and their machinations. The writing style was not easy to follow either, however, for me it was a plus as the Author manages to give the feel of the period through vocabulary and syntax.
I am a fan of historical fiction and rarely deny myself a novel covering the Tudor period. I hope to read Book 3 as I know it will be a much easier read now, I have met the main player of the series.

An entertaining historical mystery. The plot has lots of twists and turns and all the more impressive for being based on a true story. The research is excellent and gives a real feel for the times. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A disappointing second addition to the Thomas Walsingham Series set in England around 1583 and centered around the familiar squabbles between Queen Elizabeth and her detested rival, Queen Mary of Scots.

Unfortunately I couldn't finish this book despite all my best intentions. The plot was never clearly set from the beginning and the presence of too many characters running helter-skelter all over the place made it impossible for me to become engaged with it. I really got lost....

But I'll try to give it another shot next year before a third installment gets released.

Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this ARC

Thomas Walsingham is charged with investigating the author of letters sent from the French Ambassador's residence in London. Given the state of relations between the two countries and the interference of various Scottish ex-pats, this is not an easy task but Tom is keen to impress his cousin, the Master Secretary himself.
This is a much better novel than the first in the series and the author shows real promise in a very packed field. The character of Tom Walsingham is developing nicely, there is sensitivity to the fact that he is young and naive to an extent and very aware of his reduced social status. The plot is very twisty and all the more impressive that it is based on the true story of an unknown letter-writer.

1583. A Treasonous Path is the second book to feature Tom Walsingham, cousin to Sir Francis Walsingham, who is Queen Elizabeth’s most able spymaster.
Tom is now 21, and returns from France, where he has spent the intervening two years honing his skills in deciphering codes and riddles/ cyphers, that relate to plots involving the Scottish Queen, Mary Stuart, now imprisoned in this country for the last few years. He has also improved his linguistic skills, and due to his work of delivering confidential dispatches between France and England, has gained a better understanding of the intelligence operations carried out by Sir Francis in order to protect his Queen.
Nick Skeres also makes a reappearance as Tom’s trustworthy servant and a handy pair of fists, there will be many fights with swords and fisticuffs, the body count mounts and poison is used, possibly by a female spy.
Also introduced is Giordano Bruno, a really interesting historical character, a defrocked priest, who has fled to England, due to being persecuted for his heretical beliefs on science and religion, perhaps he is also spying for the cause of the Catholic Queen?
The research is again excellent and the pages of historical notes are so informative.
This is one of my favourite periods of history, and Mary, Queen of Scots is a particular obsession . Knowing this era and the many characters that inhabit this time, I was able to become throughly engrossed in the theories about spies and their loyalties, both real and perceived, and how treacherous these times were. The fact that one particular spy has still not been identified some 500 years later, is an added intrigue to this novel, could we keep secrets as well in these uncertain times?
I am already looking forward to the next book in this series. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Sapere books for my advance digital copy, given in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. Five star rating.