Book three continues to delight and intrigue, there are many secrets within these pages, which can make it difficult to review without any spoilers!
It is essential to have read books one and two first, or you will get lost.
There are two locations in this novel, Derbyshire and Dublin, Ireland, the date is 1690. King James II has been deposed and Protestant William of Orange and his wife Mary, have been invited to rule the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, Ireland still wants home rule.
Nicholas, the heir to the Measham Hall has joined the exiled King’s Army, but he has a foot in both camps, he is working as a spy.
Sir William is looking for a new steward for Measham Hall, the previous man, Mr Crewe died recently.
Mr Goldwyn arrives for an interview, with a letter of recommendation from Mr Crewe, he interviews well and is offered the job on a trial basis. As steward, he has access to the estate account books. John Thornly, the Baliff and close friend to Sir William , doesn’t trust him.
Things begin to change for the tenants and workers on the estate, money is withdrawn meant for the poor, and Sir William is very rarely seen out and about. It is evident that skullduggery is responsible.
Messages are sent to Nicholas in Ireland where he is fighting at the Battle of the Aboyne, there are good descriptions of the hellish conditions that soldiers from both sides had to contend with, the lack of weapons, the boggy terrain, lack of food, and when Nicholas manages to get home, he finds he has another battle on his hands to protect his father and his inheritance.
Another wonderful addition to this series, full of such detail, and the story continues to amaze. I almost feel this is the natural conclusion to these events, but I still want to have loose ends tied up, so we will see what happens. A five star read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Duckworth Books for my advanced copy, in exchange for my honest review.
I will leave copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

I wish I could rate this book higher. The historical context was very interesting but the writing style was a little difficult to navigate. This is book 3 of the series and definitely not a standalone, which could have added to my confusion since I did not read 1 or 2 before.

Will have to revisit once I get prior books under my belt.

Set at the time of the Williamite wars against King James, the master of Melksham Hall has lost his trusty steward. At the same time his son Nicholas is fighting with the Jacobites in Ireland, unaware of what is waiting back home and forced to spy for the Jacobites. Whilst the story was good I did find it confusing at times to follow. Thank you to the author and publisher for the Advance Reader copy for which I have given my honest opinion.