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A Necessary Killing
Time is Running Out…
A William Constable Spy Thriller Book 2
by Paul Walker
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William Constable Spy Thriller series – Book 2
‘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 Walker:
‘A gripping and evocative page-turner that vibrantly brings Elizabeth’s London to life.’ Steven Veerapen, author of A Dangerous Trade
Paul Walker is the author of the William Constable series of Elizabethan spy thrillers. He lives in London.
A Word from the Author
I have always been fascinated by history and when I turned to writing it was natural to set my stories in the past. Elizabethan England is my chosen setting for the William Constable thrillers.
The style of writing historical fiction is a challenge. There must be a balance between readability and authenticity. I want readers to be immersed in the period without feeling the language is artificial or unnatural. Time and readership will tell if I have succeeded.
A Necessary Killing is the second book in the series. The story begins a few months after the end of the first book – State of Treason. The story moves from London to Plymouth where William is preparing to sail on a great adventure to the New Lands. William is a physician and mathematician. His study of the stars has led to the invention of a navigational aid, which will be used by the expedition fleet. The sailing is delayed by ship repairs and disputes over cargoes. During the wait, Captain Wicken, William’s friend, is accused of a murder. Justice was swift and arbitrary in the sixteenth century and the prospects look bleak for Wicken. William’s attempt to gather evidence to clear his friend take him to St Malo on the French coast. There, he uncovers a conspiracy, which not only threatens the expedition, but also the possibility of a full-scale invasion of West Country ports.
St Malo is a dangerous place. William must overcome peril on land and sea if he is to return to Plymouth with his news and reunion with his beloved Helen.
Praise for Paul Walker:
‘Historical Thrillers do not get better than this.’ Mary Anne Yarde
‘The quality of writing is exceptional and the feel for the period superb.’ Steven Veerapen
‘Full of convincing characters both historical and imagined … a worthy successor to A State of Treason.’Peter Tonkin
(Paul Walker, February 2020)
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