Friday, August 28, 2015

The First Horseman

Thomas Treviot, a goldsmith in the city of London has had a series of bad things that have gone wrong in his life recently.  However, shortly after this, he is abducted and a ransom demanded for his release.  Can life get any worse?

Meantime, Henry VIII has decided to begin taking over the smaller monasteries as a way of getting badly needed funds.  Because of Treviot's position as a goldsmith, he is required to attend the execution of Queen Anne.  What happens there brings further trouble to his life.

Later, on his way to early mass, Treviot hears a loud noise.  He is unsure what it is, and advances further down the dark street to find his friend, Robert Packington lying dead on the street.  Witnesses say that a foreigner called out to him, pointed something at him, after which a loud noise ensued and the victim fell down dead.  The physician called indicates that the victim was shot by a man using a wheellock.

Treviot begins to wonder if he was the intended victim, or was it because of something Packington knew and was planning on telling Treviot?  He intends to find out why and who was behind the murder.  He goes into the stews of London to find out who the assassin is, but in doing so he puts his own life into jeopardy.

The coroner's inquest returns a verdict of death by persons unknown.  Treviot is warned off his investigation.  Things go from bad to worse when an attempt is made on his life, and a short time later when he is arrested for suspected heresy.  However, before he can be brought to trial, he is released by Thomas Cromwell, who has a task for him to perform.

Treviot's investigation leads him into trouble, and potential disaster for himself and those around him.  How will he stay out of trouble?  Author  D. K. Wilson presents a good story, based on a real crime, involving real people during the reign of Henry VIII.  A good read for fans of historical fiction, and I look forward to the sequel.

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