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.