Minette Walters, The Players, Allen & Unwin, October 2024.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

Minette Walters has moved beyond the familiar historical fiction featuring the fight for power in court circles, to giving one such person a life outside the court where he meets and pursues a woman whose intelligence, and physical disability would make her eminently unsuited to the superficial life at court. Beginning with the Duke of Monmouth’s attempt to take the throne, the spying and intrigue as well as the blood stained, and tragic warfare enacted in his name Walters propels the reader into the familiar. However, with the introduction of Althea Ettrick the story moves into unique territory which gives the novel an exciting alternative to the established history.

Historical information is an important feature of The Players, beginning with the brief introduction to the state of play when Monmouth makes his attempt to take the throne -The Aftermath of the English Civil War. Further, material from the time, such as a pamphlet distributed on 11 June 1685 that tells of the arrival of the Duke of Monmouth; letters; extracts from documents and recorded debate around judgements. These additions are valuable, and their brevity allows the narrative to continue to flow almost uninterrupted. A feature that could be less appealing to historical fiction readers who like an engaging and exciting story is that at times the style becomes less influenced by the devices that make fiction so appealing, with the rather factual exposition of events. However, there are also some comic touches, together with the gruesome description of punishments for supporters of the rebellion. So too, are there many characters whose stories, while true to the times and history are often absorbing.

The book is divided into several parts, the titles, complete with dates, provide a map to the way in which Walters approaches her story. The Prologue: The Hague, Holland, April 1685; Rebellion, Summer 1685 Retribution: The Bloody Assizes; and the Epilogue, in which Lord Jefferies, Lord Chancellor of England 1685-1688 who oversaw the assizes has died and his reputation both at the time and the future is debated. Here too, the role of Althea Ettrick is given status.

Minette Walters has written a historical novel that makes an excellent read, and bears rereading, taking as it does a familiar story of the seeking of royal power and weaving into this a thoughtful discussion of the way in which the Monmouth rebellion impacted on its supporters, observers and the judge responsible for arbitrating the consequences. Integral to the way in which ideas about the rebellion and its outcomes for ordinary as well as titled insurgents, decision making and the need to mitigate some of the outcomes of Judge Jefferies’ judgements is the inclusion of Althea Ettrick and Elias Granville’s roles which are woven skilfully throughout the work. Although familiar with Waters’ earlier writing, this is the first of her historical novels I have read. It is a worthy first.

Minette Walters' historical fiction is a sure bet for me, and The Players didn't disappoint. It is a sequel to The Swift and the Harrier, continuing the story of the noble Dorset family, the Harriers, during a period of great upheaval in British history.

We begin in 1685 with the exiled Duke of Monmouth's attempt to take the throne from his Catholic uncle, King James. Having come ashore in Lyme Regis, the usurper enjoyed support from Protestants across the south-west of England. And with the Assize Circuit underway, the Dorchester prison was soon heaving with rebels once Monmouth was defeated. Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys, reputed to be a highly principled - if irascible - judge, would have just a short time to pass judgment and sentence hundreds of men on trial for high treason.

In the background, Miss Jayne (Lady Harrier) is still an esteemed medical practitioner, despite her now advanced age, and her son Elias, has followed in his father's footsteps. Envoy, agent, spy - Elias is what he needs to be to suit the situation. The pair contrive to waylay Jeffreys en route to Dorchester, and this really sets up the whole story.

Wow, what an interesting period of history! I new a little about Charles II, whose death set this all in motion, and had heard the term Bloody Assizes (so named for the blood flowing from all the executions), but I learned so much more from the way Walters weaves her detailed research into the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with Jayne again, and getting to know her heroic son.

This is a real treat for readers of historical fiction, and I thank NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to read and review it.

'T he Players' is a sequel to 'The Swift and the Harrier’, however, it can be read as a standalone. It is set in 1685 in Dorset at the time of the Bloody Assizes, the trials that followed the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth (Charles II's illegitimate son who tried to incite rebellion against his Catholic uncle).

It is well researched as Lady Jayne Harrier and a small group of trusted allies try to save men from the gallows. At a time of political intrigue and social upheaval, Walters brings a tale that includes a little of everything - espionage, romance and adventure - and is sure to appeal to fans of historical fiction.

An excellent historical fiction that follows on from The Swift and the Harrier which I also really enjoyed. This one is set in 1685 in Dorset at the time of the Bloody Assizes, the trials that followed the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth. Lady Harrier and her son Elias are great characters. Much of the story is taken up with the horrible Lord Jeffreys, the Chief Justice casting judgement on all the rebels. A satisfying read.

Following on from the events of The Swift and the Harrier, England has had a period of relative peace since the 1660 restoration of the monarchy following the civil war and the death of Cromwell. King Charles II has been a popular king, but now in 1685 he has died and with no legitimate children, has been succeeded by his brother, James II, a catholic.

Charles’ eldest (illegitimate) son, James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth is in France planning to sail for England to incite rebellion against his Uncle and return the crown to a protestant ruler. Landing in Lyme Regis in Dorset with the intention of marching to London, gathering troops along the way, he is unsuccessful, but now hundreds of men are in prison awaiting trial for treason and if found guilty will be sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered.

Elias, the Duke of Granville and his mother, the redoubtable Lady Jayne Harrier plan to do all they can to prevent this unprecedented slaughter. In this they are joined by a very unusual and resolute young woman, Althea Ettrick, the reclusive and very clever daughter of a neighbour.

Like its predecessor, The Swift and the Harrier, this is excellent historical fiction set in the three year reign of James II after the civil war and before William and Mary of Orange deposed him. Very well researched and based on a real event – the failed attempt to depose King James II by his nephew followed by the King’s brutal revenge. Led by Lord Chief Justice George Jeffreys, known as the Hanging Judge, the ‘Bloody Assizes’ dealt with more than 1400 prisoners, most of whom were sentenced to death. Ultimately, fewer than 300 were hanged with the bulk of the prisoners instead sent to the West Indies as cheap labour.

Minette Walters has once again created some delightful characters. Lady Harriet we met before in her previous book. Older and wiser, she is still a force to be reckoned with. She has fulfilled her wish of running a hospital to treat the local people and is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of common ailments with medicines produced in her garden. Her treatment of the grumpy and taciturn Judge Jeffrey’s ailments add some humour to the novel. Her husband, William, Duke of Granville, the charming spy she met and fell in love with in the previous novel has now died and her son Elias, just as charming, courageous and as clever a spy, is now the duke. Althea Ettrick, is a woman ahead of her time, learned, intelligent and a talented conversationalist, she has kept herself hidden from society, but quickly becomes a tour de force who attracts Elias’ admiration. With touches of espionage, romance and adventure, this well written novel should appeal to many fans of historical fiction

‘The rich assess their chances of success while the poor fight for ideals, and dreams are rarely rooted in caution.’

England, 1685. When Charles II died in February 1685 leaving no legitimate children, his brother James became king. What followed was a period of unrest: James II and VII was viewed with suspicion because of his Catholicism. Charles II’s illegitimate son, James the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, believing he had sufficient support to wrest the crown from his uncle, arrived in Dorset to lead a rebellion. The rebellion he led failed.

Those captured were charged with high treason and those found guilty were to be hanged, drawn and quartered.
I was delighted to receive a review copy of this novel, the sequel to ‘The Swift and the Harrier’. Lady Jayne Harrier and her son the Duke of Granville are key to this story, as is Althea Ettrick, daughter of a local lawyer. The trials known to history as the Bloody Assizes commenced in August 1685 under the chief justice, George Jeffreys. Ms Walters captures the intrigue which led the Duke of Monmouth into his ill-fated rebellion.

Ms Walters deftly introduces her fictional characters into history: I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Althea Ettrick. Lady Harrier provides Judge Jeffreys with medical treatment, while she and her son work behind the scenes to try to save as many as possible from the gallows. We see a more fragile and human side to Judge Jeffreys who, acting on behalf of the King, is most often remembered for the brutality of his sentences.

Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley, Allen & Unwin for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

I do love a good historical fiction book and I do love a good book by Minette Walters. This one was yet another wonderful read. Although it is a rather long book and did take me longer than usual to read I was so enthralled with this gripping tale which was set in England, 1685. This is a WOW of a book abd a story I really delved into. There is a lot going on in this book but it is quite easy to follow along. It is intense in some ways yet passionate and compassionate in other ways.

Lady Harrier comes to life and helps to save the innocents that are domed for high treason. She portrays such a strong and courageous person/woman and they strength and alliances made come across so you feel for all the innocent people and those trying to help free them. A wonderful story and I always look forward to the next book by Minette Walters.

Thank you NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

'When we take democracy for granted, we forget how many lives were sacrificed to win it for us'.

It's 1685, and although the bloody English Civil War has been over for decades, discontent between Parliamentarians and Royalists, Protestants and Catholics, still pervades. The disaffected Duke of Monmouth, gathers support to sail to England to claim the royal crown - despite his illegitimacy - but wholly miscalculates his true support. Hundreds face the ultimate price for treason: to be hung, drawn and quartered. They aren't called the 'Bloody Assizes' for nothing. The Duke of Granville and his mother, Lady Harrier, cannot let this travesty of justice take place - no one should have to pay for another man's mistakes with their life. They undertake to free as many accused as possible. To achieve this, they'll need diplomacy, wit, and a comprehensive understanding of the law. And, of course, to not be accused of treason themselves.

'The Players' is a follow up to 'The Swift and the Harrier'. Although I had not read the first book, I found this one easy to pick up and follow. The story is rich with the history of these trials, led by Judge Jefferies, and includes plenty of deflecting repartee around the interpretation of the law. Add to this, a touch of romance and a dash of espionage and you have a well-rounded book of historical ficiton.