The King’s mistresses are being murdered, one by one…

When Samuel Pepys and his loyal inquisitors, Abby Harcourt and Jacob Standish, are summoned to King Charles II’s court, they anticipate frivolous entertainment and unimaginable luxury. Instead, they find only death.

One of the King’s beloved mistresses lies slain beneath a fallen chandelier, its rope cunningly sabotaged. Was her demise the work of a jealous rival, or a duplicitous courtier with dire secrets to hide?

Abby and Jacob face their greatest challenge yet, as each clue pulls them deeper into the treachery of the King’s court – and closer to a craven killer hiding in plain sight. But when family loyalties drive the inquisitors apart, the investigation falters and more lives are claimed.

Dare they fail the King himself, who holds power over life and death?

The Samuel Pepys Mysteries bring 17th century England vividly to life, in the company of the celebrated diarist himself, and his personal inquisitors, Abby and Jacob. If you love your mysteries wrapped in history, this series is for you.

Enter a world of hidden secrets and whodunits you'll never want to leave...

Charles Johnston