' An engaging clever read' The Times A thrilling new novel of conspiracy intrigue & rapier-sharp wit starring William Shakespeare Venice 1586 William Shakespeare is disguised as a steward to the English Ambassador He & his friends Oldcastle & Hemminges possess a deadly secret the names of the catholic spies in England who seek to destroy Queen Elizabeth Before long the Pope's agents will begin to close in on them & fleeing the city will be the players' only option In Verona Aemelia the daughter of a Duke is struggling to conceal her passionate affair with her cousin Valentine But darker times lie ahead with the arrival of the sinister Father Thornhill who is determined to seek out any who don't conform to the Pope's ruthless agenda Events will converge in the forests around Verona as a multitude of plots are hatched & discovered players fall in & out of love & disguises are adopted & then discarded Will Shakespeare & his friends escape with their secrets
- & their lives? Bursting with breathless action swaggering charm & rapier-sharp dialogue The Assassin of Verona is the gripping new novel from the acclaimed author of The Spy of Venice Praise for Benet Brandreth Playful & inventive The dialogue is wonderful & Will's banter with his fellow actors sparkles Antonia Senior Entertaining & ebullient The author knows his Shakespeare backwards (the Venice setting has been carefully chosen) rejoices in its wordplay loves his allusions & has a good time with his characters So did I Elizabeth Buchan Daily Mail A Venetian romp Telegraph' Strong well fleshed-out & colourful characters a fast-moving & interesting plot & some good set-piece scenes plus Brandreth's stylish writing which rejoices in its wordplay & his love of allusions will keep you guessing to the dramatic blood-soaked enda unique & compelling thriller' Crime Review