September 1566. William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms, is living quietly with his family in London. In his possession is a document that could destroy the state. He hopes that his enemies have given up trying to find it. But the aged Lady Percy, the Countess of Northumberland, has not. Nor has she forgotten how he betrayed her and the Catholic cause. She has spent the last two years planning her revenge. The eloquent and adventurous courtier, John Greystoke suddenly seems most concerned for Clarenceux's safety. And on behalf of the government, Francis Walsingham too has an eye on Clarenceux, with spies watching his house day and night. Then Clarenceux's wife and one of his daughters go missing. In the terror that ensues, Clarenceux finds himself on the run with his other young daughter, hunted by Lady Percy's agents. The queen's secretary, Sir William Cecil, offers no help, telling him simply to bring the matter of the document to a final conclusion, even if it should cost him his life. Clarenceux knows he must finally destroy the document - but how can he, until he has renuited his family?

A Wild and Captivating Ride from Bestselling British Author James Forrester:"A whale of a yarn...a winner for any reader who loves historical, action-packed novels." —KirkusYour Choice. Your Faith. Your Fate.1564: Catholic herald William Harley, known as Clarenceux, guards a highly dangerous document. It's a manuscript he'd rather not have—destruction and death have followed in its wake. But things get much worse when the document is stolen, and he plunges into a nightmare of suspicion, deception, and conspiracy. As England teeters on the brink of a bloody conflict, Clarenceux knows the fate of the country and countless lives hang in the balance. The roots of betrayal are deep and shocking, and the herald's journey toward the truth entails not just the discovery of clues and signs, but also of himself.In this brilliant new Elizabethan conspiracy from the internationally acclaimed author of Sacred Treason, faith and fear...

"Vivid and dramatic."—The Guardian"Arresting."—Daily TelegraphYour God. Your Country. Your Kin. Who Do You Betray?1563: Anyone could be a suspect; any Catholic could be accused of plotting against the throne. Clarenceux keeps his head down and his religion quiet. But when a friend desperately pleads with Clarenceux to hide a manuscript for him, he is drawn into a web of treachery and conspiracy he may never untangle. Is there no refuge if your faith is your enemy?Bestselling author Dr. Ian Mortimer, writing as James Forrester, has crafted a chilling, brilliant story that re-imagines how the explosive mix of faith and fear can tear a country apart. Sacred Treason tells a thrilling story of murder, betrayal, and loyalty—and the power of the written word."An Elizabethan romp featuring a conspiracy, a secret manuscript, and whispers about Anne Boleyn."—Sunday TimesFrom BooklistDuring the early years of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, religious and political unrest roil the British nation, fostering an atmosphere of deception and mistrust. In 1563, with rumors of Catholic plots and uprisings swirling about, every professed and undercover Catholic is suspect. It is within such a repressive era that young government bureaucrat William Harley, also known as Clarenceux, king of arms, gingerly attempts to keep a low profile. When a frightened friend and fellow Catholic entrusts Clarenceux with a sensitive manuscript, he has no idea what potentially explosive secrets lie within its pages. On the run from the queen’s special forces, he desperately attempts to unravel the clues to solve the mystery and save his own life. Writing fiction as James Forrester, medieval historian Ian Mortimer provides an authentically detailed backdrop for this fast-paced Elizabethan thriller. --Margaret Flanagan Review"A brilliant mystery adventure ... seamlessly incorporating known facts and people of the time with fictional aspects to progress the story ... A must read for historical fiction lovers." - Passages to the Past"Reading Sacred Treason was like being completely immersed in the world of 16th Century England (without the smells). It was bracing and marvelous and compelling from beginning to end." - Book Lovers Inc.