Book synopsis
In a thrilling sequel to The Bloodless Boy —a New York Times Best New Historical Novel of 2021 — combining the color and adventure of Alexandre Dumas and the thrills of Frederick Forsyth — early scientists Harry Hunt and Robert Hooke of the Royal Society stumble on a plot to kill the Queen of England . . .
London, 1679 — A year has passed since the sensational attempt to murder King Charles II, but London is still a viper’s nest of rumored Catholic conspiracies, and of plots against them in turn. When Harry Hunt — estranged from his mentor Robert Hooke — is summoned to the remote and windswept marshes of Norfolk, he is at first relieved to get away from the place.
But in Norfolk, he finds that some Royal workers shoring up a riverbank have made a grim discovery — the skeleton of a dwarf. Harry is able to confirm that the skeleton is that of Captain Jeffrey Hudson, a prominent member of the court once famously given to the Queen in a pie. Except no one knew Hudson was dead, because another man had been impersonating him.
The hunt for the impersonator, clearly working as a spy, will take Harry to Paris, another city bedeviled by conspiracies and intrigues, and back, with encounters along the way with a flying man and a cross-dressing swordswoman — and to the uncovering of a plot to kill the Queen and all the Catholic members of her court. But where? When?
The Poison Machine is a nail-biting and brilliantly imagined historical thriller that will delight readers of its critically acclaimed predecessor, The Bloodless Boy.
About the Author in his own words
I grew up in the London suburbs, south of the river, and then in Sheffield.
At school I wanted to be an artist, thinking I was going to be the next great English painter. I did a BA degree in Fine Art, becoming more interested in art theory, ideas, and writing.
My MA thesis was about Robert Hooke and the ‘New Philosophy’, detailing his work as Curator of Experiments of the Royal Society, and as architect of the new London after the Great Fire. The research stayed with me; years of tinkering resulted in The Bloodless Boy and its sequel The Poison Machine.
I’m married, with three splendid children and a very lovely wife, and I live in the Brecon Beacons.
I’m represented by Gaia Banks at Sheil Land Associates.
Follow me on Twitter as @robjlloyd.
On Facebook, I’m Robert J Lloyd.
My review
I loved reading The Bloodless Boy by this Author so I was thrilled when I was asked if I would read the next instalment.
The way the Author describes characters and the environment around them is so realistic. You really feel like you are there with them. These books are so well researched, and you can really tell that while you are reading them.
The story is thrilling, and I was intrigued the whole way through. Loved that Harry was summoned to Norfolk as that is where I live. I love the character of Harry his determination and he is resilient. The plot of the book is amazing, and I loved it so much that I bought the audio book too!
Disclaimer – Thank you to the Author and the publisher for my gifted copy of the book for my honest review