Joseph Delaney used to be an English teacher, before becoming the best-selling author of the Spook's series, which has been published in 30 countries and sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide. The first book, The Spook's Apprentice, was adapted into a major motion picture starring Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore.

Joseph Delaney

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Jean Plaidy

Unforgettable in its dramatic depiction of relationships between monarchs and families, this series delves into the scandal and betrayal behind the Stuart family during their reign.

Captivating in its historical detail, lush and sweeping in its scope, and unforgettable in its dramatic depiction of relationships between monarchs and families, The Three Crowns is the singular story of the only joint sovereigns in British history. Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory. 
 
'Plaidy has brought the past to life' -- Times Literary Supplement 
'Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama' -- New York Times 
'Jean Plaidy conveys the texture of various patches of the past with such rich complexity' -- Guardian 
'Absolute heaven' -- ***** Reader review 
'Another wonderful book from a brilliant writer' -- ***** Reader review 
'Fantastic' -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************************************************* 
When an empire is at stake, one woman stands between the past and the future. 
 
 In post-Restoration England, King Charles II has fathered numerous children, but not a single legitimate heir. So it falls to his brother, James, Duke of York, to head the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland-the three crowns of Britain. But James's devout Catholicism, and desire to return Britain to the rule of Rome, does not sit well with his subjects and his time as king is sure to be short. 
 
 Born leader and brilliant soldier, William of Orange, has a plan... By marrying Mary, James' fifteen-year-old daughter and heir, he will position himself perfectly to seize the English crown. 
Mary must also decide how much power to cede to William, should she keep him as Consort or let him rule beside her as King? 
 
The Stuart saga continues with The Haunted Sisters.

The Three Crowns

(The Stuart saga: book 5): a compelling and powerful depiction of a pivotal moment in British history from the undisputed Queen of British historical fiction

Let multi-million copy and international bestselling author Jean Plaidy transport you back in time with this beautifully evocative, enthralling and enchanting novel of murder and mystery. If you like Philippa Gregory, you will not be disappointed. 
 
'Jean Plaidy conveys the texture of various patches of the past with such rich complexity' -- Guardian 
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting' - Observer 
'Entertaining, intelligent and engrossing' -- ***** Reader review 
'Jean Plaidy is just a master storyteller. Absolutely brilliant!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Very well written, makes you feel like you are really an insider as to what most likely was taking place.' -- ***** Reader review 
'Couldn't put it down...!' -- ***** Reader review 
 
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The dashing Robert Carr is a well-known favourite of King James I and he rises quickly through the ranks. A glorious future seems assured... 
 
But when he is married to the cunning and beautiful child-bride, Frances Howard, everything changes. 
 
 Frances emerges as a headstrong force of nature - determined to have her way, no matter what the cost. Her attempts to rid herself of an unwanted husband, and later to ensnare a lukewarm lover, lead her deep into the world of spell-makers and treachery. This is a woman to underestimate at great peril. 
 
When Robert finds himself ensnared in one of Frances's plots he finally learns what she is truly capable of... 
 
The Stuart saga continues in The Wandering Prince.

The Murder in the Tower

(The Stuart saga: book 1): passion and peril collide in this dazzling novel set in the 1600s from the Queen of English historical fiction

Readers of Philippa Gregory will love this compelling and captivating, sweeping and sensational and enthralling and entertaining historical novel from international multi-million copy bestseller Jean Plaidy. The Haunted Sisters is the story two sisters who change the course of a nation by forsaking the King-their own father... 
 
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting.' -- Observer 
'Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.' -- New York Times 
'Outstanding' -- Vanity Fair 
'I just love all of her work, and have been reading her books for over 50 years. Wonderful way of getting to know history' - ***** Reader review 
'Amazing'- ***** Reader review 
'Jean Plaidy at her best'- ***** Reader review 
'I couldn't put this book down' -- ***** Reader review 
 
********************************************************************************************* 
 
 England is on the verge of revolution. Antagonized by the Catholicism of King James II, the people plot to drive him from the throne. But at the heart of the plot is a deep betrayal: the defection of the daughters James loves, Mary and Anne. 
 
 Both raised Protestant according to the wishes of England, the sisters support Protestant usurper William of Orange, Mary's husband, who lusts after the British crown. 
 
Passive Queen Mary is subservient to her husband's wishes, while Anne is desperate to please her childhood friend Sarah Churchill, a bold and domineering woman determined to subdue Anne, the queen-to-be, and rule England herself. 
 
 Intrigue and political drama run high as the sisters struggle to be reconciled with each other-and with the haunting memory of the father they have exiled... 
 
The Stuart saga continues with The Queen's Favourites.

The Haunted Sisters

(The Stuart saga: book 6): the captivating story of two sisters at the heart of a pivotal story in British history from the undisputed Queen of British historical fiction

Here multi-million copy and international bestselling author Jean Plaidy brings to life the various loves and political losses of one of our most amorous Kings. Fans of Philippa Gregory will be hooked from page one... 
 
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting.' -- Observer 
'Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.' -- New York Times 
'Outstanding' -- Vanity Fair 
'History was never so interesting at school' -- ***** Reader review 
'This was a gripping and informative book' -- ***** Reader review 
'A rollicking fine restoration read - LOVE!' -- ***** Reader review 
******************************************************************************************* 
 
 Charles II, the Merry Monarch, is determined that his people shall know peace and religious freedom. But the shadows cast over the throne by his son Monmouth and his wayward, Papist brother, the Duke of York, are proving too much for his popularity. 
 
 Amidst these dramatic events that ultimately shape Restoration England, our promiscuous regent is often to be found in the company of his many woman, including the ready arms of little Nell Gwyn, his buxom, pretty and witty mistress. 
Politics and passion play equal parts in one man - a recipe for success? 
The Stuart saga continues with The Three Crowns.

Here Lies Our Sovereign Lord

(The Stuart saga: book 4): a rich and riveting novel of Royal life in Restoration England from the undisputed Queen of British historical fiction

If you like Philippa Gregory, you will love this mesmerising historical novel from international multi-million copy bestseller Jean Plaidy. The Queen's Favourites follows the stories of the three women at the heart of the Stuart Court and the ever-changing power struggle that dominates their relationships with one another... 
 
'Jean Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail and depth of characterisation has become one of the country's most widely read novelists.' -- Sunday Times 
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting.' -- Observer 
'Outstanding' -- Vanity Fair 
'I was gripped from the first page' -- ***** Reader review 
'A riveting read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story - could not put it' -- ***** Reader review 
'Unputdownable!!' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************** 
It is the beginning of the eighteenth century and William of Orange is dying. Soon Anne is crowned Queen, but court insiders know that the power behind the sovereign is Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. 
 
Beautiful, outspoken Sarah controls Anne and believes herself to be invincible, until she installs her poor cousin Abigail Hill in court as royal chambermaid. Plain Abigail seems the least likely rival for Sarah's place in Anne's affections, but Sarah has underestimated her. 
 
 While Anne engages in her private battles, the nation is obsessed with another, more public one: succession. Anne is sickly and childless, the last of the Stuart line. Who will reign when she is gone?

The Queen's Favourites

(The Stuart saga book 7): the enthralling story of the real power behind the throne from the undisputed Queen of British historical fiction

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