Heresy is the first book in the Giordano Bruno series by S. J. Parris.
Summary (from back of book):
Oxford, 1583. A Place of learning. And muderous schemes.
England is rife with plots to assassinate Queen Elizabeth and return the country to the Catholic faith. Defending the realm through his network of agents, the Queen’s spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham works tirelessly to hunt down all traitors.
His latest recruit is Giordano Bruno, a radical thinker fleeing the Inquisition, who is sent undercover to Oxford to expose a Catholic conspiracy. But he has his own secret mission at the University – one that must remain hidden at all costs.
When a series of hideous murders ruptures close-knit college life, Bruno is compelled to investigate. And what he finds makes it brutally clear that the Tudor throne itself is at sake.
My Thoughts:
This is a re-read, and when I did originally read it, it must have been during a break from Sammi Loves Book because I have yet to review it.
Being interested in science, history and religion, the name Giordano Bruno was not new to me. Immediately I knew he would make for a good historical detective, and coupled with his backstory, a really interesting one too.
This is an engaging historical mystery and a great first book in a series. There is a lot going on, and a lot of historical detail to get across to the reader, but I found I could easily envisage the settings and the people. I did feel that the book was a little long and heavy in places, but overall, I am excited by this series. It is set during a period I love to read about, and focuses on subjects I find interesting.
The next book in this series is Prophecy, a book I have yet to read, which I am very much looking forward to.
Rating:
Sammi Loves Books 
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