Publisher's Synopsis
A visitor from the Ottoman Empire becomes entangled with a British spy investigating the possible heir to the throne in a riveting novel from "one of the best writers in America" (The Washington Post). With the English throne's fate unclear in the late 16th century, a person's loyalty is the most valued treasure, and swearing an oath to the wrong party will lead to certain death. The whole country is on edge as their Protestant Queen grows older and her heir remains undecided. Rumors churn that King James of Scotland will succeed her, but some doubt his true faith. Should he turn out to be a secret Catholic, a bloodbath is sure to ensue when he claims the crown. The Queen's circle of intelligence officers knows that there is no more urgent task than learning the truth of the heir's heart. Enter Mahmoud Ezzedine, a doctor on diplomatic visit from the Ottoman Empire, left behind in this cold, wet country due to the machinations of his own countrymen. Then, Geoffrey Belloc, a once-masterful spy, promises he can see Ezzedine returned to Constantinople--with honour--if he can prove successful in a critical mission. Accepting the assignment with little other choice, Ezzedine is tasked with discovering which religion the Scottish King genuinely practices and suddenly finds himself the linchpin upon which the fate of all Britain rests. The question is: Why is Ezzedine the only man in England capable of determining the King's sincerity? Revered as an expert in his craft, Arthur Phillips returns with a mesmerizing novel written in his masterful prose and packed full harrowing twists that will leave readers questioning the truth at every turn.
