The Players

Readers love THE PLAYERS 'Totally riveting... Perfect. 'I was transported every time I picked up this highly imaginative story' 'Everything I love about historical fiction' 'This is historical fiction at its best' 'Good to see female characters having strong roles' 'I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, literature and a "jolly good read"' Who will save them from the gallows? England, 1685. Decades after the end of the civil war, the country is once again divided when a pretender to the throne incites rebellion against King James II. Angered, the king orders every captured rebel to be hanged, drawn and quartered. As the country braces for carnage, the formidable Lady Jayne Harrier and her enigmatic son, assisted by the reclusive daughter of a local magistrate, contrive ways to save men from the gallows. Secrets are kept and surprising friendships formed during the dark days of the Bloody Assizes, in a dangerous gamble to thwart a brutal king's thirst for vengeance... 'Fascinating ... told with the masterful skill of a true storyteller' Anne O'Brien 'An immersive joy that will stand the test of time' Elizabeth Chadwick

Readers love THE PLAYERS 'Totally riveting... Perfect. 'I was transported every time I picked up this highly imaginative story' 'Everything I love about historical fiction' 'This is historical fiction at its best' 'Good to see female characters having strong roles' 'I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, literature and a "jolly good read"' Who will save them from the gallows? England, 1685. Decades after the end of the civil war, the country is once again divided when a pretender to the throne incites rebellion against King James II. Angered, the king orders every captured rebel to be hanged, drawn and quartered. As the country braces for carnage, the formidable Lady Jayne Harrier and her enigmatic son, assisted by the reclusive daughter of a local magistrate, contrive ways to save men from the gallows. Secrets are kept and surprising friendships formed during the dark days of the Bloody Assizes, in a dangerous gamble to thwart a brutal king's thirst for vengeance... 'Fascinating ... told with the masterful skill of a true storyteller' Anne O'Brien 'An immersive joy that will stand the test of time' Elizabeth Chadwick

Readers love THE PLAYERS 'Totally riveting... Perfect. 'I was transported every time I picked up this highly imaginative story' 'Everything I love about historical fiction' 'This is historical fiction at its best' 'Good to see female characters having strong roles' 'I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, literature and a "jolly good read"' REBELLION. RETRIBUTION. REDEMPTION. England, 1685 . Decades after the end of the civil war, the country is once again divided when Charles II's illegitimate son, the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, arrives in Dorset to incite rebellion against his Catholic uncle. Armed only with pitchforks, Monmouth's army is quickly defeated by King James II's superior forces and charged with high treason. Those found guilty will be hanged, drawn and quartered. As Dorset braces for carnage, the redoubtable Lady Jayne Harrier and her enigmatic son, assisted by the reclusive daughter of a local magistrate, contrive ways to save men from the gallows. Compelling and powerful, The Players is a story of guile, deceit and compassion during the dark days of The Bloody Assizes. Secrets are kept and surprising friendships formed in a dangerous gamble to thwart a brutal king's thirst for vengeance... 'Fascinating ... told with the masterful skill of a true storyteller' Anne O'Brien 'An immersive joy that will stand the test of time' Elizabeth Chadwick

Readers love THE PLAYERS 'Totally riveting... Perfect. 'I was transported every time I picked up this highly imaginative story' 'Everything I love about historical fiction' 'This is historical fiction at its best' 'Good to see female characters having strong roles' 'I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, literature and a "jolly good read"' REBELLION. RETRIBUTION. REDEMPTION. England, 1685 . Decades after the end of the civil war, the country is once again divided when Charles II's illegitimate son, the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, arrives in Dorset to incite rebellion against his Catholic uncle. Armed only with pitchforks, Monmouth's army is quickly defeated by King James II's superior forces and charged with high treason. Those found guilty will be hanged, drawn and quartered. As Dorset braces for carnage, the redoubtable Lady Jayne Harrier and her enigmatic son, assisted by the reclusive daughter of a local magistrate, contrive ways to save men from the gallows. Compelling and powerful, The Players is a story of guile, deceit and compassion during the dark days of The Bloody Assizes. Secrets are kept and surprising friendships formed in a dangerous gamble to thwart a brutal king's thirst for vengeance... 'Fascinating ... told with the masterful skill of a true storyteller' Anne O'Brien 'An immersive joy that will stand the test of time' Elizabeth Chadwick

Readers love THE PLAYERS 'Totally riveting... Perfect. 'I was transported every time I picked up this highly imaginative story' 'Everything I love about historical fiction' 'This is historical fiction at its best' 'Good to see female characters having strong roles' 'I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, literature and a "jolly good read"' REBELLION. RETRIBUTION. REDEMPTION. England, 1685. Decades after the end of the civil war, the country is once again divided when Charles II's illegitimate son, the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, arrives in Dorset to incite rebellion against his Catholic uncle. Armed only with pitchforks, Monmouth's army is quickly defeated by King James II's superior forces and charged with high treason. Those found guilty will be hanged, drawn and quartered. As Dorset braces for carnage, the redoubtable Lady Jayne Harrier and her enigmatic son, assisted by the reclusive daughter of a local magistrate, contrive ways to save men from the gallows. Compelling and powerful, The Players is a story of guile, deceit and compassion during the dark days of The Bloody Assizes. Secrets are kept and surprising friendships formed in a dangerous gamble to thwart a brutal king's thirst for vengeance... 'Fascinating ... told with the masterful skill of a true storyteller' Anne O'Brien 'An immersive joy that will stand the test of time' Elizabeth Chadwick

Readers love THE PLAYERS 'Totally riveting... Perfect. 'I was transported every time I picked up this highly imaginative story' 'Everything I love about historical fiction' 'This is historical fiction at its best' 'Good to see female characters having strong roles' 'I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, literature and a "jolly good read"' REBELLION. RETRIBUTION. REDEMPTION. England, 1685. Decades after the end of the civil war, the country is once again divided when Charles II's illegitimate son, the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, arrives in Dorset to incite rebellion against his Catholic uncle. Armed only with pitchforks, Monmouth's army is quickly defeated by King James II's superior forces and charged with high treason. Those found guilty will be hanged, drawn and quartered. As Dorset braces for carnage, the redoubtable Lady Jayne Harrier and her enigmatic son, assisted by the reclusive daughter of a local magistrate, contrive ways to save men from the gallows. Compelling and powerful, The Players is a story of guile, deceit and compassion during the dark days of The Bloody Assizes. Secrets are kept and surprising friendships formed in a dangerous gamble to thwart a brutal king's thirst for vengeance... 'Fascinating ... told with the masterful skill of a true storyteller' Anne O'Brien 'An immersive joy that will stand the test of time' Elizabeth Chadwick

One hot summer, a group of university students gathers in an orchard to rehearse a play. Veronika is born for a life on the stage while Felix seizes his last chance for creative freedom. Sebastian woos Veronika, and Cassie longs for Sebastian. Josh and Gloria each carry a secret they are unable to share. Passion, rivalry and enduring connections will bind the Players across years and continents, long after the final curtain falls and they leave university behind. From Perth to Paris, Cambridge, London, Berlin and Dili the friends search for meaning in their careers and friendship, discover love and endure heartbreak.

One hot summer, a group of university students gathers in an orchard to rehearse a play. Veronika is born for a life on the stage while Felix seizes his last chance for creative freedom. Sebastian woos Veronika, and Cassie longs for Sebastian. Josh and Gloria each carry a secret they are unable to share. Passion, rivalry and enduring connections will bind the Players across years and continents, long after the final curtain falls and they leave university behind. From Perth to Paris, Cambridge, London, Berlin and Dili the friends search for meaning in their careers and friendship, discover love and endure heartbreak.