The third gripping instalment in the atmospheric Tudor mystery from bestselling author John Pilkington. Perfect for fans of Andrew Taylor and S. J. Parris.

Bishopsgate Ward, London, 1596 As rumours of a second Spanish Armada sweep through London, Matthew Cutler and his fellow constables are tasked with mustering the local militia under the command of the war hero Captain John Tilton.

But when the men of Bishopsgate are forced into a mock battle on Mile End Green, the training exercise quickly descends into a violent brawl – and a death which Cutler sees is no accident. As he investigates the brazen killing, he uncovers a dangerous undercurrent of Papist fervour linked to the notorious regiment of English renegades fighting for Spain.

With a bold and ruthless assassin hiding within the ranks of the trained band, Cutler fears for the lives of his parishioners. And following a second murder, he must pursue the trail at all costs – uncovering treachery and corruption along the way.

Meanwhile the Second Armada is on the high seas, increasing alarm with each day that passes…