Member Reviews
This book sneaks up on you. It starts out with the Turkish ambassador and his retinue visiting England and Queen Elizabeth on a state visit. Among the retinue is a the ambassador’s doctor. I did not know which way the book would go, but without giving too much away, the doctor allegedly converts to Christianity and is sent as a spy to Scotland to help the English determine if James I is catholic or protestant. If this sounds rather dry and unexciting, you would be wrong. Phillips imbues this unlikely tale with humor, suspense and surprises. The book is extraordinarily well written and the history is excellent. Really good historical fiction is hard to find. Look no further. Highly recommended.
The story of a Turkish doctor at the turn of the 17th century who is buffeted by fate (and some treachery) to England where he becomes embroiled in the line of succession. So happy to have a new Phillips novel to read.