I am thrilled to be part of Indie Author Bookstore: a new online bookstore shining a spotlight on independent authors. Supporting indie books makes a real difference this #indieauthormonth, and there are some fantastic discoveries waiting there đź“–
I have all the currently published books of the Sir Anthony Standen Adventures there.
Sir Anthony Standen was the elder brother of my 10th great-grandfather and a spy for Sir Francis Walsingham, feeding him detailed intelligence on the Spanish Armada. I have a completed manuscript of the fifth book in the series, Serpents Teeth, and am around 12,000 words into the sixth, Cade’s Point.
You don’t have to take my word for it, you want some unbiased, professional reviews, right? How about Kirkus, the longest established American Literary Magazine? They’re all there.
The Spy who Sank the Armada – Spy techniques, fight scenes, and an array of attractive supporting characters give the novel a James Bond–esque atmosphere while staying rooted in historical context.
Fire and Earth – The drama plays out against the backdrop of historical religious and political rivalries roiling Europe at the time. But it is the author’s lively, frequently sardonic dialogue (despite Hugh’s quirks in linguistic construction, which are initially challenging) and meticulous attention to the details of fashion, lifestyle, and culinary indulgences that bring the past alive—and paint a scathing indictment of a cruel, devious, and power-hungry papacy
The Suggested Assassin – Still, the story is filled with captivating historical digressions and, more compellingly, the rich intricacies of palace politics, jealousies, and ambitions. There are enough suspects among the queen’s most trusted advisers to keep readers guessing until the final pages. And Maria, who is given a prominent role in this installment, emerges as a sturdy, feminist protagonist.
Called to Account – The early part of this installment, which for the first time uses the second generation of Standens exclusively as lead protagonists, progresses slowly, focusing on the budding romance between Maria and Manuel rather than on adventure. But with the discovery of the Bamberger murders, the narrative accelerates and moves into the realms of meticulous investigation, espionage, and high action that are the hallmarks of the Standen Adventures. West, as always, sprinkles informative historical tidbits within the story and seamlessly integrates early-17th-century conventions, styles, and such miraculous innovations as Manuel’s gadget the Janssenscope, a prototype microscope. Tender love and chilling mob violence alternate in this engaging, disturbing period drama.
I hope you can support #indieauthormonth by visiting the site and browsing the great books there.