The Assassin's Mark: One of The Sunday Times' best historical novels

'The Tudor Rose series has already firmly established itself as one of the best historical crime series today, and The Assassin's Mark has set the standard even higher' Chris Lloyd

'Another absolute gem of a novel. Williams paints a vivid gripping picture of life – and death – in Tudor times. Don't let anyone prise it from your grasp until it's done' Zoe Sharp

'G J Williams brings her fascinating wealth of knowledge about Tudor England to another cracking mystery' Guy Jenkin

It is March 1570 and Elizabeth’s court has just crushed the Northern rebellion that sought to throw her from the throne in favour of Mary Queen of Scots.

Relief is shattered when a body is found near the palace. The ritualistic killing, a cloven hoof-print, a calling card, and the terrifying message daubed on the wall, point to a long-forgotten pagan deity linked to the Templars.

John Dee and Margaretta must navigate a community under threat, a pattern of poisoning, a City in fear of a spectre, and the dark arts of rival queens as they race between England and the courts of France to uncover an assassin known only as Baphomet.

'Compelling and meticulously researched, you're drawn into the dark heart of a disturbing crime. The Assassin's Mark is another triumph for G J Williams' Sarah Ward

'A masterly and compelling historical mystery and a real page-turner' Mark Ellis

'This fast paced and thoughtful adventure already makes me impatient for Williams' next book' Adele Jordan

'An engaging and entertaining historical mystery with an imaginative premise' Historical Novel Society