A Fine Madness

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*SUNDAY TIMES HISTORICAL FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH, MARCH 2021* ‘Absolutely spellbinding. I gobbled it up in two days and could not stop' Miranda Seymour. This meticulously researched novel by award-winning writer Alan Judd delves into the life of literary genius Kit Marlowe, whose violent death remains one of history's great mysteries. Set in Elizabethan England, the narrative follows Francis Walsingham, the Queen’s chief spymaster, and his agents as they combat Catholic plots and invasion threats. Among them is Kit Marlowe, a young Cambridge undergraduate of humble origins and controversial beliefs, who is dedicated to gathering intelligence for the Crown. His murder outside an inn in Deptford ignites a flurry of rumors and unresolved suspicions. Years later, Thomas Phelippes, a former colleague of Marlowe's, finds himself imprisoned in the Tower. To regain his freedom, he must recount every detail he remembers about Marlowe's life and death to King James, who is inexplicably intrigued by the poet. Praise highlights Judd's storytelling prowess and deep understanding of his subject. Critics commend the vivid portrayal of espionage, dissent, and intellectual discourse, while also applauding the atmospheric tension and the enigmatic depiction of Marlowe. The narrative keeps readers guessing until the very end, blending historical fact with fiction in a gripping tale.