3.5 stars

This book caught my interest because it is a historical fiction set in a time in history that isn't super popular for authors to explore (England, 1685). I enjoyed it enough that it was a fairly quick read, and i loved the mother and her bold independence. The ending felt too abrupt, but overall this would be something I'd recommend if you like historical fiction.

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Players is a historical novel by award-winning British author, Minette Walters, and is the sequel to The Swift and The Harrier. The audio version is narrated by Emma Gregory. On a covert visit to The Hague in the spring of 1685, the strong advice that the former envoy to King Charles II, Elias Harrier gives James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, to reconsider his ill-equipped insurrection attempt, is ignored.

Elias is also present, in the guise of a parson, when Monmouth is captured in Dorset. As a parson, he ensures the man receives humane treatment, and reminds him of his duty to request clemency for his followers from the King, advice that later also goes unheeded.

An appeal is made to local magistrate Anthony Ettrick for a ruling on Monmouth’s fate, and at the magistrate’s Holt Lodge home, Elias encounters Ettrick’s very intriguing daughter, Althea. Her obvious intellect easily allows him to ignore her careless attire and grooming, and her palsied left leg. It will not be their last encounter…

Elias Harrier, Duke of Granville sees the imprisoned rebels as simple folk, many young, rebellious and extremely naïve, who took up pitchforks and clubs on Monmouth’s pledge to defend Protestantism. He has sympathy for the unarmed rabble whom Monmouth persuaded to confront trained soldiers and then deserted to save his own skin, and has already managed to facilitate, through various clever schemes, the escape from of a number of them, but there are still many hundreds in the prisons of Dorset and other western counties.

Elias is concerned that a London lawyer is acting as an impartial arbiter of the charges against the rebel prisoners which might be condemning others innocent. He is in for a surprise, and some spirited discussion, when he tracks the person down. The Catholic king’s desire for vengeance inspires others to seek the same, thus neighbours inform on one another for reasons of ambition to advance, grudges held, or fear of being thought complicit.

King James, set on deterring future uprisings by making an example of Monmouth’s followers, appoints George Jeffreys as Lord Chief Justice to preside over what are soon known as The Blood Assizes. Jeffreys, irascible and impatient, seems to revel in the fear he inspires.

Elias manages to detour Jeffrey’s progress to Dorchester via Winterbourne Houghton, where he encounters the widowed Lady Granville, Jayne Harrier. Her interactions with this conceited and rude individual reveal to her a man whose physical suffering needs to be relieved. The delay gives Elias a chance to sound out his attitudes and try to reason with him about the rebels, but without satisfaction.

He asks Jeffreys: “Do you not weary of searching out the worst in people?”
“What else would you expect from a judge?”
“Impartiality.”

When apprised of the huge numbers to be tried, his tactic is to say that a guilty plea might attract leniency, even though “The promise of leniency will be rescinded as soon as they admit their guilt. Jeffreys made it clear to me that there is only one penalty for high treason and the King expects it to be imposed”, that being hanged, drawn and quartered.

Over the following months, many are sentenced to execution, unrest and uprising threaten in response and, eventually, a subtle suggestion allows for the opportunity to have sentences commuted to transportation to the Americas. Some wonder, is slavery better than death?

Ever resourceful, Elias calls in favours and utilises friendships and loyalties to his late father, as well as exercising his own diplomacy with those incensed at the executions to help significant numbers to avoid transportation.

Once again, when Minette Walters is writing seventeenth Century British history, it is never dry or boring, but replete with interesting characters and thousands of fascinating tidbits, with witty and amusing dialogue, with action, drama and even a bit of romance: who can resist!! Enthralling historical fiction.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing.

This is an exciting adventure story set in England around 1685 during the reign of King James II. It's a great historical fiction choice for me because I learned about the succession of Charles II and the British civil war. The historical setting was so interesting that it made me want to learn more about that period and its people. The main characters are well-written and engaging. The plot moves along quickly but not too quickly as to cause any confusion. I will be looking for more historical fiction from Minette Walters and recommend this book to those who like the mix of history and fiction in one book.

Actual rating is 4.75🌟

I've never read any of Minette Walter's books before, but I've clearly been missing out.
The story takes place in the 1680's, in the aftermath of Charles II's death, Monmouth's Rebellion and the Bloody Assizes. This is a period of British history that I was unfamiliar with but the author does an excellent job of giving the background without inundating the reader with too much detail.

Other reviewers have pointed out that this is a follow up to "The Swift and The Harrier" but I enjoyed this as a standalone and I really enjoyed listing to the narrator as she brought the story to life with a variety of different voices for different characters, however I personally didn't like the same forced laugh that every character seems to do every two minutes.


The only other reason why I can't give this story a full 5 stars is for because I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the relationship of Granville and Althea developing throughout the story rather than suddenly reaching its conclusion in the final chapters.

Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with a copy to review. All opinions are my own

This is the second book in a series, but it reads like a standalone. That said, I immediately purchased the first book after finishing this one and plan to read it soon.. The characters were so vivid! It brought to life a part of British history I wasn’t as familiar with, I’m more than interested to now read the backstory that lead up this and revisit some of the same characters. I definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction..

While the beginning of the book was a little slow getting into I really did end up loving this book. A witty and interesting story of historic espionage as Elias is trying to help influence the actions and repercussions of the failed take over in England by the Duke of Monmouth. Elias is a one of a kind Duke himself who helps and fight for the people, learning in the footsteps of his father and guided by his mother who chooses to be a nurse. He fatefully meets a witty and intelligent young firecracker woman Althea who is looked down upon for her disability and soon a battle of wits incurs. Will she foil his plans or become a trusted ally and confidant? This book has a fun and witty narrative as well as decent historical references.

Poster to Goodreads: 2/25/2025

This book follows the story of Jayne Harrier and her son the Duke of Granville, as they work to free and save rebels from The Bloody Assizes, which follow the Duke of Monmouth's failed rebellion in England. The book itself brings real emotion and feeling to the events of long ago, and truly paints a picture of the political struggles occurring during the time. In addition, the characters are both colorful and interesting on both sides of the conflict. This book was thoroughly enjoyable, and to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, this needs to be added to your reading list. I was given the chance to listen to the audio book through NetGalley, and I hope that other readers find it as wonderful as I did.

The Players is an entertaining historical fiction book with a good mix of suspense, seriousness, fun, and romance. It is like the Scarlet Pimpernel with a splash of the Crucible and the Lord Peter Wimsey books.

It is set in England in 1685 and mostly takes place after a failed rebellion against King James II by his illegitimate nephew, the Duke of Monmouth. After Monmouth’s defeat, James II began treason trials against the small number of poor English people who were accused of taking part in the rebellion or even giving aid of any sort to anyone who took part in the rebellion.

Elias, the Duke of Granville, is the main character, and while he refused to take part in the rebellion, he had compassion for those who did. The rebels were mostly poor and uneducated people who had been duped into joining the fight. Many of the people on trial hadn’t even been rebels. They had been falsely accused or had just given some sort of help to the rebels.

Elias and his mother, Lady Jayne Harrier, do everything they can to influence the judgements or help prisoners to escape. The relationship between Elias and his mother reminded me favorably of the relationship between Lord Peter Wimsey and his mother in Dorothy L. Sayers's detective books. The mother and son team were also assisted by a very intelligent woman, Althea Ettrick who was extremely knowledgeable about the law.

The main characters were all very likeable and competent. In fact, they may have all been a little too modern and kind in their views and attitudes toward the poor and needy. But I do not know a lot about this time period, so I can’t say for sure. This took place after the English Civil War, and during that war many conventional beliefs about society were challenged. Elias was especially too competent and almost always knew what to do in any situation, which lessened the sense of actual danger at times. But the characters’ likeability and competence made for an enjoyable reading experience.

Apparently this is a sequel, but I wasn’t aware of that when I read the book and I don’t think it detracted from my understanding or enjoyment of the book. Now I want to read the first book and other books by Minette Walters!

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing through Net Galley who allowed me to listen to the audio version of this book. Emma Gregory’s narration was excellent.

This was my first experience reading Minette Walters and I really enjoyed her writing. It will not be my last. Unbeknownst to me, this is the third in a series but I had no problem reading it independent of the first two so that should not deter readers

The Players is a gorgeously detailed piece of historical fiction. When Charles II dies without a clear successor, major drama ensues. This book details the events of the Bloody Assizes, something I was only vaguely familiar with having read a bit about the English Civil War and the events that followed. Walters builds up tension perfectly and the characters jump right off the page. I was hooked despite knowingly little an was able to follow along easily.

This was a beautiful book with fantastic narration. I am so excited to check out the first two books in the series. Perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel. Readers of historical fiction, do not miss out on this one.

Book Review: The Players

Minette Walters has crafted a novel that truly feels alive—from the first page, you’re swept into the turbulent world of King James II’s reign. Walters doesn’t just set a scene; she invites you into a world where every conversation crackles with tension and every character feels like a real person with secrets, dreams, and fierce convictions.

What makes The Players so compelling is the way Walters balances intricate historical detail with the pulse of modern storytelling. The plot twists and turns like a well-worn path through history, yet it remains unpredictable enough to keep you guessing until the very end. As you follow characters navigating dangerous political intrigues and personal betrayals, you’ll find yourself laughing, gasping, and even pausing to catch your breath.

The language is vibrant and engaging—a true testament to Walters’ skill in making history feel immediate and personal. It’s the kind of book that makes you forget about time, pulling you in with its blend of suspense and rich, atmospheric detail. Whether you’re a longtime fan of historical fiction or just in the mood for a narrative that doesn’t shy away from the darker side of human nature, The Players is an experience that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

I’ve read and enjoyed several of the author’s early books, but none of her historical fiction, so I wanted to try it. I don’t know anything about this period of history, and I had a difficult time following (or caring about) the intrigue. I should probably just read a nonfiction account. The character of the “independent-minded daughter of a local lawyer” was annoyingly too good to be true. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish this. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This was such a great read!! easily the best book i have read so far this year!!