The 17th century saw turbulent times for the monarchy in England. The Stuart Dynasty’s overthrow culminated with the beheading of King Charles I in 1649. Despite a return to normalcy with the restoration to the throne of King Charles II in 1660, questions of succession threatened to upend England with his death in 1685.

James, son of King Charles I, considers himself the rightful heir to the throne, while others believe that James Scott (Lord Monmouth), son of King Charles II, is the worthy successor. As Monmouth sits in exile, he considers a coup against King James II to take the throne he believes is rightfully his. He assembles a group of loyal men to attempt the improbable, but the rebellion is quickly put down.

"Set in the years preceding the Glorious Revolution of 1688, THE PLAYERS brims with intrigue and drama.... Minette Walters has written an enthralling historical novel that will keep readers glued to the pages until the very end."

Elias, the Duke of Granville, is a friend of Monmouth. He wants to learn more about the insurrectionists who joined Monmouth’s ill-fated mission. Monmouth’s fate is a foregone conclusion, but he advocates strongly for his men to be spared execution. Elias is incognito while visiting Monmouth but is spotted by Althea Ettrick, the daughter of Monmouth’s current jailer. He makes a hasty departure but has a plan in mind to aid the men who await sentencing before the royal courts.

Elias descends from a father who was active in diplomacy but also could engage in espionage to support a justifiable cause. His mother, Jayne Harrier, has given aid to soldiers and is not shy about speaking her mind whether her opinion is sought or not. Elias will not back down from a challenge. He also has a keen eye for a fellow co-conspirator and senses this in Althea, who he learns has been writing on behalf of Monmouth’s men.

The royal court (assize) is set to convene and render judgment on the rebels. The assizes are known to be run with ruthless efficiency. The man who will deliberate over the fate of the plotters and collaborators is Lord Jeffrey, who is known to be loyal to his King and has a preference for the bottle. Elias develops a tenuous association with Jeffrey, but his feelings vary from scorn to pity. He hopes that he might be able to persuade Jeffrey to spare most of the men from execution, but Jeffrey's irascible nature coupled with his failing health might nix those plans.

Set in the years preceding the Glorious Revolution of 1688, THE PLAYERS brims with intrigue and drama. It all begins with a potential act of skullduggery and only increases with the various maneuverings of Elias and Althea. Elias possesses the swashbuckling attributes that render him a thrilling protagonist, but his mother and his possible love interest are fascinating in their own right. Jayne and Althea act against the chauvinist ways of 17th-century England by challenging men in their actions and manners. They fight against society’s conventions and will decry the unjust.

Minette Walters has written an enthralling historical novel that will keep readers glued to the pages until the very end.