A fascinating read from start to finish! It was very hard to stay away from this highly entertaining romp from the get-go.

The Popish Plot of 1678 and its aftermath meticulously explained and narrated with panache. Never a dull moment in this sweeping tale that involved lots of conspiracy theories, big lies and political violence.

As France was gripped by the Affair of the poisons, England was eaten alive by its religious demons still festering throughout its society almost 20 years after the Stuart Restoration.

With Hoax, Victor Stater offers us a masterful study of public irrationalities religious hatreds, political weaknesses and a devastating portrait of a nation on the brink of civil war.

Well researched and richly detailed, this book helped me to better understand all the religious problems that had continually plagued England throughout the 17th century as well as better situate the profound political changes that would eventually transform the legislative landscape with the birth of the two parties system especially after the Glorious Revolution.

Highly recommended and to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

Many thanks to Yale University Press and Netgalley for this terrific ARC

DNF @ 30%

I couldn't mesh with the writing style for this one, but the information itself was well-researched and comprehensively and accessibly laid out. Might try the audiobook for this one if it's available.

This was a fascinating read that I learnt so much from reading. It was well researched but didn't seem like a textbook. An enjoyable read.