The second compulsive novel set during the turbulent reign of Edward II featuring Mathilde of Westminster

It's 1308 and England hovers on the brink of civil war. Edward II, his wife Isabella and the royal favourite Peter Gaveston Earl of Cornwall, have been forced to retreat to the King's folly. Just an arrowshot away lie the Great Lords and Philip IV of France, who are demanding that the Earl of Cornwall be charged with high treason.

Edward is trapped, and worse, he has learnt that Philip has the 'Poison Maiden' on his side, a formidable spy who did untold damage during his father's reign. As Edward tries in vain to unmask the identity of the spy, Mathilde, handmaiden to the Queen, also attempts to identify the source of this threat.

Soon the crisis spills over into violence. The Lords attempt to take Gaveston by force and the King and his Court, including Mathilde, are forced to flee. As the enemy closes in, Mathilde finds herself embroiled in a life and death struggle for the English crown.

"Praise for Paul Doherty's other novels: 'I really like these medieval whodunnits" - Bookseller

"A romping good read" - Time Out

"Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining" - CADS 20

"This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller" - Huddersfield Daily Examiner