Courting Dragons

Westerson (“Crispin Guest” series) launches a historical series about the politics and intrigue of the Tudor court. As court jester to King Henry VIII, Will Somers has learned to walk a fine line between counseling his king and ridiculing the actions of the court. In 1529, the court is on edge, as Henry’s advisers struggle to obtain his divorce from Catherine of Aragon so he can marry Anne Boleyn. Will’s one foolish fling could jeopardize his career and his life. He beds Don Gonzalo de Yscar, the Spanish ambassador’s aide. The next morning, Will’s dog finds Gonzalo’s body in the gardens. Then Will receives a blackmail note threatening to reveal his secret unless he spies on the king. At a time of negotiations with the Pope and the Spanish, Will knows his rendezvous must remain a secret. With his access to the king, and his knowledge of politics and the secrets of the entire court, Will turns amateur sleuth to find a treacherous killer who threatens his beloved monarch.