The Messenger of Measham Hall: A 17th century tale of espionage and intrigue

Nicholas Hawthorne, the Catholic heir to Measham Hall, uncovers dark secrets about his family's past and becomes entangled in conspiracies within King James' court as England slides towards invasion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Duckworth Books

Nicholas Hawthorne, the Catholic heir to Measham Hall in Derbyshire, leads a life of subterfuge as a matter of routine. However, the depths of his family's outlawed religion and the enigmatic nature of his father, Sir William, go far beyond the ordinary. The question of his mother's fate and the whereabouts of his aunt Alethea remain shrouded in mystery. Furthermore, the betrayal of his cousin Matthew by an unknown assailant adds another layer of intrigue to Nicholas's quest for truth.

Determined to unravel these secrets, Nicholas embarks on a perilous journey that takes him deep into the heart of King James's court. As England teeters on the brink of invasion by the Protestant forces of Prince William of Orange, Nicholas becomes embroiled in conspiracies that threaten to shake the very foundations of the kingdom.

In his pursuit of the truth, Nicholas encounters a cast of characters, each with their own motivations and agendas. He forms alliances and confronts treachery, all while navigating the treacherous waters of court politics and personal relationships.

As Nicholas delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding his family, he discovers that the price of truth and love is often steep. He must confront his own demons and make difficult choices that will have far-reaching consequences for himself and those around him.

In the end, Nicholas emerges as a hero, having faced his fears and conquered the obstacles that stood in his way. He has learned that the true power lies not in the possession of wealth or influence, but in the courage to seek the truth and the strength to love unconditionally.

Measham Hall in Derbyshire, the Catholic inheritance of Nicholas Hawthorne, is a place where deception is a way of life. But there are even more profound and sinister secrets than his family's forbidden religion: why is his father, Sir William, so withdrawn? What happened to his mother and his aunt Alethea? And who tragically betrayed his cousin Matthew?

Nicholas is determined to uncover the truth, but as England descends into the throes of invasion by the Protestant forces of Prince William of Orange, he becomes entangled in conspiracies within King James's court. He soon realizes that both truth and love come at a steep price.

Nicholas embarks on a perilous journey that takes him deep into the heart of King James's court. As England teeters on the brink of invasion by the Protestant forces of Prince William of Orange, Nicholas becomes embroiled in conspiracies that threaten to shake the very foundations of the kingdom.

In his pursuit of the truth, Nicholas encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and agendas. He forms alliances and confronts treachery, all while navigating the treacherous waters of court politics and personal relationships.

As Nicholas delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding his family, he discovers that the price of truth and love is often steep. He must confront his own demons and make difficult choices that will have far-reaching consequences for himself and those around him.

In the end, Nicholas emerges as a hero, having faced his fears and conquered the obstacles that stood in his way. He has learned that the true power lies not in the possession of wealth or influence, but in the courage to seek the truth and the strength to love unconditionally.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780715654798