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  • State of Treason

  • William Constable Spy Thriller Series, Book 1
  • By: Paul Walker
  • Narrated by: Edward Gist
  • Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (28 ratings)
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State of Treason

By: Paul Walker
Narrated by: Edward Gist
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Summary

William Constable Spy Thriller Series - Book 1 

London 1578 - a cauldron of conspiracy, intrigue, and torture. 

The might of Spain and the growing influence of the Catholic League in France all threaten the stability of Queen Elizabeth and her state. 

William Constable, a physician and astrologer, is summoned to the presence of the Queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham. He is charged to assist a renowned Puritan, John Foxe, in uncovering the secrets of a mysterious cabinet containing an astrological chart and coded message. Together, these claim Elizabeth has a hidden, illegitimate child (an “unknowing maid”) who will be declared to the masses and serve as the focus for an invasion. 

Constable must uncover the identity of the plotters, unaware that he is also under suspicion. 

A connection to his estranged mentor, Doctor Dee, comes under scrutiny. 

Pressured into taking up a position as a court physician, Constable becomes a reluctant spy. 

Do the stars and cipher speak true, or is there some other malign intent in the complex web of scheming? 

Constable becomes an unwitting pawn, in a complex game of thrones and power. 

State of Treason is the first in a series of Elizabethan thrillers featuring William Constable.

Recommended for fans of CJ Sansom, S J Parris and Rory Clements. 

Paul Walker is the author of the William Constable series of Elizabethan spy thrillers. He lives in London.

©2019 Paul Adrian Walker (P)2021 Paul Adrian Walker

Critic reviews

"A gripping and evocative page-turner that vibrantly brings Elizabeth's London to life." (Steven Veerapen, author of A Dangerous Trade)

What listeners say about State of Treason

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Doesn’t stand out

To say the Tudor period is well-served in historical fiction is like saying the Communist Party does well in Chinese elections. This is the main problem for this book. It’s perfectly likeable and entertaining but the characters don’t stand out above many other similar creations. Equally the narrator does a good enough job but isn’t distinctive. It’s a shame really but in a crowded market, it just needed something special for me.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Spy novel

Excellent audio book. The story moved apace and could not wait for the climax which did not disappoint. The narration was good, loved the characterisation. Totally look forward to the next book.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A complex and intricate plot

Well written novel stitched into some real historical events, excellently researched. The characters are interesting and strong. The descriptive narrative summons up a clear picture and creates a authentic atmosphere of the times
The narration is excellent which adds even more to the sense of the times. I have read many books of this genre and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Cecilia

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    5 out of 5 stars
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State of Treason

Excellent historical story. Really captured the mood of the period. Obviously well researched. The performance was in character and gave a good sense of suspense. Intriguing and thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to the sequel. Definitely recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic start

Excellent start to a new series!
Read it in one sitting as I was unable to “put it down”!
My only gripe is that book 2 & 3 are currently unavailable on Audible??
Yet, when I purchased this book it was in the “start a new series” section!!!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good story, spoilt by narrator

The story was good enough but the voice actor was off-putting. With his silly voices it felt like an adult telling a child a bedtime story. I better actor would had made for a more enjoyable audio book

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