Nicholas Bracewell

The Princess of Denmark

The Princess of Denmark A fire at the Queen's Head deprives Westfield's Men of their home so they seize the opportunity to travel to Denmark with their patron, Lord Westfield, who is to marry a beautiful young Danish widow. When they reach Elsinore castle, they are given a warm welcome but the murder of Rolfe Harling, who brokered the wedding, changes the whole atmosphere of the place. Danger threatens from all sides, not least from England itself where the father of a young man who died in the fire seeks revenge and dispatches two assassins after the troupe.

They are soon caught up in a complex web of political intrigue and betrayal. Nicholas Bracewell is faced with his most difficult and perilous case yet. When their patron decides that he has changed his mind about the marriage, Nicholas has another problem to solve.

"The plot moves briskly as a mystery, the detail gives the book a fascinating array of colours."
Chicago Tribune

"A richly detailed evocation of time and place, enhanced by vividly diverse characters and a plot that remains suspenseful to the last page."
Kirkus Reviews

Kindle Edition, March 2014

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The Malevolent Comedy

The Malevolent Comedy Saul Hibbert's brilliant new play, The Malevolent Comedy, gets a wonderful reception but the spectators do not realise that one of the actors has been murdered during the performance. Every time the play is staged, more tragedies follow. Is the play or the playwright jinxed? Nicholas Bracewell has to fight tooth and nail to save the theatre company, a struggle that involves a duel with Saul Hibbert and some startling revelations.

"A lively and entertaining caper."
Publishers Weekly


"A wild romp with subplots as amusing as those of many an Elizabethan comedy."
Kirkus Reviews

Kindle Edition, March 2014

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The Counterfeit Crank

The Counterfeit Crank Nicholas Bracewell befriends a young beggar who is trying to eke out a living as a counterfeit crank, pretending to have spectacular epileptic fits in order to get money from gullible bystanders. When the beggar is murdered inside Bridewell, Nicholas has to pose as a beggar himself in order to get inside the notorious institution so that he can solve the crime. Counterfeiting of all kinds is exposed.

"A breathtaking finale… a complex but beguiling tale."
Publishers Weekly

"An outstanding historical."
Library Journal

Kindle Edition, March 2014

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The Vagabond Clown

The Vagabond Clown When their resident clown, Barnaby Gill, breaks a leg, Westfield's Men are forced to tour Kent with Gideon Mussett, a troublesome substitute, whom even Nicholas Bracewell is unable to keep under control. The murder of their new clown and the abduction of their leading actor push Westfield's men to the edge of extinction.

"Steeped in authentic Elizabethan detail, this delectably ribald series continues to serve up equal portions of humour and suspense."
Booklist


"A visit from this delightfully contentious troupe is always a blessing."
New York Times

Kindle Edition, March 2014

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Nicholas Bracewell

Son of a Devon merchant, Nicholas Bracewell sailed with Drake on the circumnavigation of the globe, an experience that seasoned his outlook on life. He now works as book holder (or stage manager) for Westfield's Men, one of the leading theatre companies in Elizabethan London. The resourceful Bracewell has to save his beloved actors time and again as they are threatened by fierce rivals, assassins, fire, plague, Puritans, confidence tricksters, a grasping landlord and political interference.

The novels

Nicholas Bracewell - series titles:
The Queen's Head
The Merry Devils
The Trip to Jerusalem
The Nine Giants
The Mad Courtesan
The Silent Woman
The Roaring Boy
The Laughing Hangman
The Fair Maid of Bohemia
The Wanton Angel
The Devil's Apprentice
The Bawdy Basket
The Vagabond Clown
The Counterfeit Crank
The Malevolent Comedy
The Princess of Denmark
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