‘A rich mix of romance, suspense, adventure and lightly-worn knowledge. Gunpowder, treason and plot have never been so entertaining.’ Kate Saunders, The Times ‘Atmospheric and impressively researched, it is highly entertaining.’ Elizabeth Buchan, The Sunday Times ‘Marries conspiracy theory to Jacobean high-jinks…a racy read…reveals the principal actors to be models of conspirators everywhere: single-minded, ideologically driven, careless of their own and others lives, believers for the wrong reasons in the efficacy of a single violent blow to change the course of history …so strangely does it resonate with our own times…sometimes one is momentarily unsure whether one is in 1605 or 2005 as one reads.’ A.C. Grayling, Financial Times ‘The Firemaster’s Mistress is that rare historical novel: utterly congruent with history and successful as a work of fiction. It tells the story of an engaging man betrayed both by his own honour and his love for a Roman Catholic woman. His skills with explosives lead him into the very heart of the conspiracy, walking a difficult line with plotters, spymasters, and his own fears. The England of James I is magnificently evoked in this engaging novel.’ Philippa Gregory ‘A tour de force on many levels. Primarily a love story set against the backdrop of 17th-century terrorism, this relates a tragedy that puts you on the rack in its literary quest for truth about November 5.’ Oxford Times ‘Brilliant historical romance.’ Sainsbury’s Magazine

• A perfect read for all Philippa Gregory fans: gripping, authentic and widely acclaimed. • Mixes real historical figures with fictional creations as Gregory does, challenging assumptions. • As one of the most captivating periods of English History, Tudor and Stuart history continues in popularity with TV and film dramas and documentaries. • Stunning publicity events at book festivals around the country, featuring Jacobean actors and musicians. • Takes a fresh look at one of the defining events of the 17th century, just after Elizabeth I’s death. • This title was on the Heatseeker’s Bestseller chart for 5th November. Competition: Rose Tremain, Philippa Gregory, Deborah Moggach, Tracy Chevalier