February 1574 and London is in a fervour of paranoia, superstition and rumour. Mob violence is commonplace. A whispered word is all it takes to condemn a woman to burn as a witch.

Having foiled the 'Incendium' plot against the Queen, intelligencer Dr Christopher Radcliff's standing within court is high. However, he has no time to reap any reward. Counterfeit coins bearing the likeness of his master, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, are circulating on London's streets. This in itself is a treasonous offence, but now slogans have begun to appear on walls and doorways, implying that Leicester harbours treacherous intent.

So Radcliff and his team of informants and amateur spies are sent out into the city's markets, drinking dens and brothels to track down who might be behind such outrageous and subversive acts. It will take them down a murderous path in pursuit of an elusive foe with an extraordinary agenda. And time is running out: for when rumour and fear catch fire, then surely violent insurrection and bloody chaos will follow . . .

'A fantastic tale of spies, deceit and murder in the Elizabethan age'
S. D. SYKES

About the Author
Andrew Swanston read law at Cambridge, but was inspired to write by his lifelong interest in early modern history. His Thomas Hill novels - The King's Spy, The King's Exile and The King's Return - are set against the backdrops of the English Civil War, Cromwell's Commonwealth and the early Restoration respectively. He is also the author of Waterloo: The Bravest Man and Beautiful Star and Other Stories. His first historical thriller set during the reign of Elizabeth I - Incendium (published in paperback as The Incendium Plot) - introduced readers to the academic, lawyer and intelligencer Dr Christopher Radcliff, whose adventures continue in Chaos. Andrew Swanston lives in Surrey.

Reviews
Swanston balances historical detail with an entertaining story . . . fast paced and involving . . . an excellent second outing for Doctor Christopher Radcliff. * HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW *



Book Information
ISBN 9780552172394
Author A D Swanston
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Corgi Books
Publisher Transworld Publishers Ltd
Weight(grams) 275g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 128mm * 24mm