The Players is an entertaining historical fiction book with a good mix of suspense, seriousness, fun, and romance. It is like the Scarlet Pimpernel with a splash of the Crucible and the Lord Peter Wimsey books.

It is set in England in 1685 and mostly takes place after a failed rebellion against King James II by his illegitimate nephew, the Duke of Monmouth. After Monmouth’s defeat, James II began treason trials against the small number of poor English people who were accused of taking part in the rebellion or even giving aid of any sort to anyone who took part in the rebellion.

Elias, the Duke of Granville, is the main character, and while he refused to take part in the rebellion, he had compassion for those who did. The rebels were mostly poor and uneducated people who had been duped into joining the fight. Many of the people on trial hadn’t even been rebels. They had been falsely accused or had just given some sort of help to the rebels.

Elias and his mother, Lady Jayne Harrier, do everything they can to influence the judgements or help prisoners to escape. The relationship between Elias and his mother reminded me favorably of the relationship between Lord Peter Wimsey and his mother in Dorothy L. Sayers's detective books. The mother and son team were also assisted by a very intelligent woman, Althea Ettrick who was extremely knowledgeable about the law.

The main characters were all very likeable and competent. In fact, they may have all been a little too modern and kind in their views and attitudes toward the poor and needy. But I do not know a lot about this time period, so I can’t say for sure. This took place after the English Civil War, and during that war many conventional beliefs about society were challenged. Elias was especially too competent and almost always knew what to do in any situation, which lessened the sense of actual danger at times. But the characters’ likeability and competence made for an enjoyable reading experience.

Apparently this is a sequel, but I wasn’t aware of that when I read the book and I don’t think it detracted from my understanding or enjoyment of the book. Now I want to read the first book and other books by Minette Walters!

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing through Net Galley who allowed me to listen to the audio version of this book. Emma Gregory’s narration was excellent.

This was my first experience reading Minette Walters and I really enjoyed her writing. It will not be my last. Unbeknownst to me, this is the third in a series but I had no problem reading it independent of the first two so that should not deter readers

The Players is a gorgeously detailed piece of historical fiction. When Charles II dies without a clear successor, major drama ensues. This book details the events of the Bloody Assizes, something I was only vaguely familiar with having read a bit about the English Civil War and the events that followed. Walters builds up tension perfectly and the characters jump right off the page. I was hooked despite knowingly little an was able to follow along easily.

This was a beautiful book with fantastic narration. I am so excited to check out the first two books in the series. Perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel. Readers of historical fiction, do not miss out on this one.

Book Review: The Players

Minette Walters has crafted a novel that truly feels alive—from the first page, you’re swept into the turbulent world of King James II’s reign. Walters doesn’t just set a scene; she invites you into a world where every conversation crackles with tension and every character feels like a real person with secrets, dreams, and fierce convictions.

What makes The Players so compelling is the way Walters balances intricate historical detail with the pulse of modern storytelling. The plot twists and turns like a well-worn path through history, yet it remains unpredictable enough to keep you guessing until the very end. As you follow characters navigating dangerous political intrigues and personal betrayals, you’ll find yourself laughing, gasping, and even pausing to catch your breath.

The language is vibrant and engaging—a true testament to Walters’ skill in making history feel immediate and personal. It’s the kind of book that makes you forget about time, pulling you in with its blend of suspense and rich, atmospheric detail. Whether you’re a longtime fan of historical fiction or just in the mood for a narrative that doesn’t shy away from the darker side of human nature, The Players is an experience that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

I’ve read and enjoyed several of the author’s early books, but none of her historical fiction, so I wanted to try it. I don’t know anything about this period of history, and I had a difficult time following (or caring about) the intrigue. I should probably just read a nonfiction account. The character of the “independent-minded daughter of a local lawyer” was annoyingly too good to be true. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish this. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This was such a great read!! easily the best book i have read so far this year!!