London, 1578 William Constable is a scholar of mathematics, astrology and practices as a physician. He receives an unexpected summons to the Queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham in the middle of the night. He fears for his life when he spies the tortured body of an old friend in the palace precincts. His meeting with Walsingham takes an unexpected turn when 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 is swept up in the chase to uncover the identity of the plotters, unaware that he is also under suspicion. He schemes to gain the confidence of the adventurer John Hawkins and a rich merchant. Pressured into taking a role as court physician to pick up unguarded comments from nobles and others, he has become a reluctant intelligencer for Walsingham. Do the stars and cipher speak true, or is there some other malign intent in the complex web of scheming? Constable must race to unravel the threads of political manoeuvring for power before a new-found love and perhaps his own life are forfeit.

‘Full of convincing characters both historical and imagined ... a worthy successor to A State of Treason .’ Peter Tonkin 1579. William Constable - physician and unwilling spy - is in Plymouth waiting to sail to the New World. The expedition, led by renowned explorers and traders, John Hawkins and Sir Humphrey Gilbert, has already suffered birth pangs. William's friend, Captain Charles Wicken, is accused of killing the son of a wealthy merchant, but the testimonies appear suspect. When William learns that Wicken is one of Walsingham’s agents he uncovers evidence to suggest the murder and Wicken’s naming are designed to conceal a plot of invasion - backed by Rome and Spain. The sailing of the expedition's fleet is delayed while this threat is examined. William is despatched to St Malo, the lawless haunt of corsairs, to investigate. His betrothed, Helen Morton, together with the fleet, wait for his return. Malign forces conspire to prevent William from carrying vital intelligence back to Plymouth. William must evade enemy agents and unravel a tangle of duplicity if he is to survive - and prevent the invasion. The second book in the bestselling William Constable spy thriller series, A Necessary Killing is perfect for fans of CJ Sansom, Rory Clements and SJ Parris. Praise for Paul 'A gripping and evocative page-turner that vibrantly brings Elizabeth's London to life.' Steven Veerapen, author of A Dangerous Trade Author Paul Walker lives London.

William Constable Spy Thriller series - Book 3 “Walker skilfully creates a treacherous world of half-truths, plots and duplicity... simmering with impending danger.” Michael Ward, author of Rags of Time . 1583. William Constable, recently married astrologer and mathematician, has settled into routine work as a physician when he is requested to attend two prisoners in the Tower of London. Both are accused of separate acts treason, but their backgrounds suggest there may be a connection. Sir Francis Walsingham and Lord Burghley urge William to discover further intelligence from the prisoners while tending their injuries from torture. The agent's investigations lead him to the French Embassy, which lies at the heart of a conspiracy which threatens the nation. Through his enquiries, an unsuspecting William becomes entangled in a perilous web of politicking and religious fervour. The threat comes from one the most powerful men in the English court – one referred to as the Queen’s Devil. William faces a race against time to unpick these ties, climaxing in a daring raid on the Embassy. Paul Walker is the author of the William Constable series of Elizabethan spy thrillers. He lives in London. Praise for Paul "A gripping and evocative page-turner that vibrantly brings Elizabeth's London to life." Steven Veerapen, author of A Dangerous Trade . "Full of convincing characters both historical and imagined." Peter Tonkin