Chronicles of Christoval Alvarez Series

All is fair in love and war

When Bartholomew Fair, London’s largest public festival, is threatened in 1589 by five hundred armed soldiers dismissed from service without pay, the authorities must act swiftly and decisively to prevent trouble.

Yet other unrest is brewing. Young physician and code-breaker Christoval Alvarez stumbles upon a sinister troupe of Italian puppeteers hellbent on causing chaos, but it soon becomes apparent that more than mischief is in the air.

Sir Francis Walsingham’s agents are baffled by the ill-assorted conspirators, including one of their own men. Time is running out, and a missing cache of gunpowder cannot be found

An exceptional historical mystery with a brilliant twist, perfect for fans of S. G. MacLean, Andrew Taylor and E. M. Powell.

A year after defeating the Spanish Armada, England retaliates.

An expedition to Portugal sets out to destroy what remains of Spain’s Atlantic fleet, drive the Spanish out of Portugal, put the claimant Dom Antonio of Aviz on the throne, and seize the Azores.

But from the moment the English fleet, led by Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Norreys, reaches Plymouth, things start to go wrong.

Christoval Alvarez, returning to Portugal for the first time after her escape to England, sent to carry out two missions by Sir Francis Walsingham, has a more important private plan in mind. Are any members of her family still alive? And what will become of the disaster-ridden expedition?

An immersive and exceptionally researched historical adventure, perfect for fans of S. W. Perry, Paul Doherty and C. J. Sansom.

A devastating threat looms on the horizon

Facing the threat of King Philip’s Enterprise of England a Spanish invasion and annexation of the country Sir Francis Walsingham’s espionage service spreads a vast spy network across Europe.

Young physician and code-breaker Christoval Alvarez is among those agents.

After caring for hundreds of maimed and wounded soldiers returning from the fall of Sluys, Christoval is sent on two dangerous missions to Amsterdam, where, amongst the friendly Hollanders, treason and treachery lurks.

Sailing home, Christoval’s ship must play its part in a great sea battle in which the small and inexperienced English navy must confront the most powerful sea force in the world.

A totally immersive and impactful historical espionage thriller, perfect for fans of Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Leonora Nattrass and S. G. MacLean.

England, 1586. Treason threatens the very heart of the nation.

England is awash with traitors plotting to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I and bring about a foreign invasion.

Young physician Christoval Alvarez, a refugee from the horrors of the Portuguese Inquisition, is coerced into becoming a code-breaker and agent in Sir Francis Walsingham’s secret service at the behest of the Crown.

In the race to thwart the plot, who will triumph the ruthless conspirators or the equally ruthless State?

An enthralling historical mystery with an exceptional twist, perfect for fans of S. J. Parris, D. V. Bishop and C. J. Sansom.