London, 1674
When children’s bones are unexpectedly unearthed in the Tower of London, England’s most haunting mystery—the fate of the missing princes—is reignited.
Franny Apsley, trusted confidante to Charles II’s beloved niece and heir, Lady Mary Stuart, is caught up in the court’s excitement surrounding the find. Yet, as a dark family secret comes to light, Franny realises the truth behind the missing princes is far more complex—and dangerous—than anyone suspects. Recruited by her formidable cousin Nan Wilmot, Dowager Countess of Rochester, to discover the truth behind the bones, Franny is thrust into the shadowy world of intelligencers. But her quest is complicated by an attraction to the charismatic court artist Nicholas Jameson, a recent arrival from Paris who harbours secrets of his own.
Pursued by Nicholas, Franny searches for evidence hidden in secret family letters and paintings, and uncovers a startling diplomatic plot involving Lady Mary, which causes Franny to question her own judgment, threatens the throne, and sets England on a course for war. With only her courage and the guidance of an enigmatic spy within the royal household, Franny must decide how far she will go to expose the truth—and whether that truth will lead to England’s salvation or her own heartbreak.
In a glittering and debauched society where love is treacherous and loyalty masked, Franny must navigate a world where a woman’s voice is often silenced and confront the ultimate question: What is she willing to risk for the sake of her country, her happiness, and her family’s safety?
A captivating historical novel of conspiracy, passion, and courage, The King’s Intelligencer is one woman's quest for a truth that could change the fate of a nation. A companion to the critically acclaimed best-selling novels The Godmother’s Secret and The Lydiard Chronicles, The King’s Intelligencer weaves together beloved characters and actual events to bring a suspenseful mystery to life.
Praise for The King’s Intelligencer:
“In her latest literary achievement, Elizabeth St.John delivers a powerful and memorable narrative in The King’s Intelligencer. Through her storytelling, she has woven together an indelible plot that delves into the realms of family, friendship, monarchy, espionage, and love. This book has an irresistible pull that draws you into the story and the lives of those who lived so many years ago.”
~ Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion, 5* Review
“Franny Apsley is a captivating heroine, confident and courageous...her puzzle-solving sleuth work is nothing short of intoxicating for a mystery fan like myself. As an intelligencer, she walks a tightrope of duplicity at great personal risk, and the stakes rise with every step she takes toward the novel's stunning conclusion.”
~ Amy Maroney, author of the award-winning Sea and Stone Chronicles
“Exquisitely, skilfully and often lyrically written, I also felt captivated by the threads St John weaved into this novel that connect to her previous works like The Godmother's Secret and The Lady of the Tower. This is a brilliant novel, and a must read for lovers of historical fiction.”
~ Wendy J. Dunn, author of award-winning Tudor fiction
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