In Whitehall, London the year 1605 there was treason abound. King James was concerned about the plight of the Catholics and their rebellion against the Protestant religion. Two men will search out those committing treason and they will never be identified.

Lark Alleyne, at the age of eighteen serves Sir Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, Secretary of State to King James. Four years he has lived in Whitehall. Lark was sent to London at a very young age. His father Christopher was not a loving or sentimental man towards him. Christopher loved his wife Alys and Lark was named in honor of her. Six sons had already been born to Alys and Christopher and he really wanted a daughter. But Larks father blamed him for his mother’s death from complications in child brith. At five years old his father had him doing women’s work and Lark learned so much. His father didn’t change and disliked Larks sexuality, he was eventually sent to London, in hopes that he would change.

But Lark didn’t change, he grew to be a naive and beautiful young man and he was very promiscuous. He knew he had gained a reputation. As he was heading back to his room in Whitehall he was attacked by a common foot soldier. Luckily he was rescued by William Cranmore, head of the guardsmen. He trained the men to fight and handle a sword. Thus, Cranmore became a temptation for Lark. On that same evening Sir Cecil visits Lark. Lark has always been caring and loyal to Sir Cecil. He never spoke of Sir Cecils physical appearance or made fun of him. He would always defend and respect the man. Sir Cecil had always been concerned about Lark and he informs him that it’s time for him to learn how to protect himself. Sir Cecil has new plans for Lark because of his alertness. He needs Lark to keep his eyes and ears open. There are those that would commit treason and be traitors to King James and the religion. Most important Lark would report the information directly to Sir Cecil and tell no one what he was about even in death.

Lark runs into Cranmore one evening at Whitehall. He has come to give lessons to Lark on handling a sword, by instruction of Lord Salisbury (Cecil). During the lesson Lark is angered not only by Cranmore but the man who attacked him and he shows his ability with a dagger. It isn’t enough that Cranmore confuses Lark but he’s also been tested by Cranmore and Salisbury. As Lark and Cranmore continue to work with each other, they become spies for the King James and learn of the Gunpowder Plot.

Lark finds himself in fear but being brave enough to infiltrate those planning treason. He would do this on his own as Cranmore is easily recognized. Will Lark be able to foil this act of treason and survive the outcome?

Fyn Alexander creates spectacular historical tale melded with fiction that involves a very important event during 1605 in London. The true event was the Gunpowder Plot. There was a conspiracy to blow up the Houses of Parliament on November 5 1605. It was known to be a plot to kill King James I by the English Catholics. It was said to be lead by Robert Catesby along with Guy Fawkes, Tom Percy - Earl of Thumberland,
Thomas Wintour, Francis Thresham, John and Christopher Wright. Those who were caught were known to be executed. Father Henry Garnet, principal Jesuit of England was convicted of high treason, for his participation. Needless to say, there are many historical names mentioned in this story. The story really reflects the amount of research Fyn Alexander did to compile this interesting story.

I enjoyed the part where Lark is approached by Richard Burbage of the Globe Theatre. Burbage get’s Lark to perform in many of Shakespeare’s plays. Fact is Burbage along with his brother Cuthbert were actors in drama. Richard was a business associate with William Shakespeare and friend. During this time men did all the acting and even the female parts because women were not allowed to act in the theatre. Also mentioned is John Dowland who was an English Renaissance Composer.

Besides the factual history, the story is still about Lark and Cranmore. Even though Lark’s life as a child was not happy with his father, he loved his brothers. When he get’s the chance to visit he is overjoyed to see them. There’s many different emotions from Lark and he shows his anger when he feels he’s been tricked by Sir Cecil and Cranmore. He remains loyal to Sir Cecil no matter what and still takes care of his needs. As far as Cranmore, Lark falls in love with the man but he gets mixed messages that confuse him. Cranmore has his own special way to love Lark. He also has a life outside of the being the guardsmen, which is special.

I really like stories that mix historical fact with fiction. For me, I have to highly recommend “The Gunpowder Plot”. This was a first time read for me by Fyn Alexander and I was very impressed. The author kept the novel exciting, suspenseful and told a tale of two men who eventually care and love each other. As I noted previously, I was very impressed with the amount of research that was done to compile this interesting novel. Well done!

(Reviewer for Queeromance Ink)