The Serpent's Mark (The Jackdaw Mysteries Book 2)

Gripping story -I was riveted until the end. I found all of the characters likeable (well except the baddies obviously) and while I'm certainly not a historian I got the impression that thestory was realistic and true to the period.Highly recommended.

I find that this was very much similar plot as book 1, but just in a new wrapping.The main character life is moving forward though, so they are interesting to follow.

The story about a doctor in the Elizabethan period is gripping.The historical facts add to the story.

I wanted to finish the book, but there is just too much gratuitous violence. I read the parts about the Spanish Fury...horrible yes, but history. But then the violence and torture of an innocent young man....without reason was just too much for my heart...too graphic...too sad....too hard. His previous book in the series was also violent, but this one is over the top. While I like the main characters, I can't finish the book. It is a shame, too.

Atmospheric and engaging, with well developed characters, tight plot, lots of action, suspense, hint of romance. Satisfying denouement. Overall, masterfully written excellent read.

Rich, atmospheric storytelling transports the reader to Elizabethan England where the plague, religious upheaval, and dark politics set the backdrop to a riveting whodunit investigation by Dr. Nicholas Shelby and his apothecary/tavern-mistress sidekick, Bianca Merton. The Serpent's Mark is a twisty-turney mystery steeped in religious fervor, political conspiracy and espionage, malicious medical practices, and the dark side of the human soul, but Perry still manages to let love win in the end.

My thanks to Atlantic Books Corvus for an eARC via NetGalley of S.J. Perry’s ‘The Serpent’s Mark’ in exchange for an honest review. It was published on the 6th June and after starting I was enjoying it very much and elected to purchase the ebook and audiobook combination.This was the second in Perry’s Jackdaw Mysteries, a series of historical thrillers set in Elizabethan England. Although I hadn’t read the first book, ‘The Angel’s Mark’, this proved no barrier to my enjoyment as enough background was given.The focus of the series is on continuing tensions between the Catholic and Protestant faiths. The year is 1591, Nicholas Shelby is a physician and reluctant spy for Robert Cecil. He is tasked by Cecil into looking into the practices of a mysterious doctor from Switzerland. This ultimately involves him and his friend, Bianca Merton, mistress of the Jackdaw tavern becoming deeply embroiled in a deadly plot.Perry provides a strong sense of the period setting with emphasis upon the medical practices of the time.This proved to be a very enjoyable read and I plan to read the first in the series and be on the lookout for future books. Just loved it!

I really enjoyed this book. The story takes you right into the sixteenth century. Dr. Selby and Bianca complement one another beautifully. The pace is good and the story exciting and innovative. I have really enjoyed both books in this series. The author has obviously researched well and takes time and trouble to describe his scene taking you right into the action and the period. In the absence of a new book by C.J. Sansom this new series is a welcome reward. The main characters are well formed and you learn to care very much what happens to them. The medical practices described are gory and make you glad to live in more enlightened times. A really good read, I look forward to the next one already ordered and published in April

I have only just started the book. Other members of the family got to it first. I think that so far it even better than The Angel`s Mark and that is saying something. The atmosphere, or should that be ambiance, that Perry produces sounds authentic and believable. This, one thinks, is the way that things must have been at that time. In particular, his depiction of medical knowledge in the sixteenth century feels right. All the characters are well rounded and behave in a way that fits with their personality. That alone draws you into the story. You, or at least I, am absorbed and want to know how these people that I have come to know will work out their problems.. An added attraction is that where actual historical characters appear, they do so in a perfectly natural and logical way. See, for example, Philip Marlowe.I do hope and trust that we shall be treated to the further doings of Dr. Shelby. Please Mr Perry. Having whetted our appetites with the two stories so far you surely cannot now leave him. At least a trilogy seems to be called for.

Both this and the first book in the series were gripping but a bit too far-fetched, relying too much on conspiracy theories, but are a good read held together by the chemistry between physician Nicholas Shelby and apothecary Bianca Merton.A note to the author: The pike referred to in the first few chapters of Serpent's Mark would not have been 10ft long but 18ft - I would know as a member of The Company of Pikemen & Muskesteers of The Honourable Artillery Company - the official guard of the Lord Mayor of the City of London - the pikes we use today for ceremonial purposes are 12ft long.When looking for my next Kindle read I was intrigued to find a book called State of Treason by Paul Walker- here is what it says about it:"William Constable, a physician and astrologer, is summoned to the presence of the Queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham. He is charged to assist a renowned Puritan, John Foxe, in uncovering the secrets of a mysterious cabinet containing an astrological chart and coded message. Together, these claim Elizabeth has a hidden, illegitimate child (an “unknowing maid”) who will be declared to the masses and serve as the focus for an invasion."Sounds familiar? I haven't read it yet so can't comment!

I write this review based on my decades of experiences as a man that reads all manner of book especially any that have an element of history in the storyline.This book falls with the era of Tudor England.The main character, a doctor looses faith in the profession after his wife (and child) die during child birth.A unique set of nigh on unbelievable circumstances have him investigating what he sees as a series of murders.His side kick, a tavern holder and purveyor of all manner of herbs, potential witch and source for serious aggro in that day and age.Roped in as a spy for Cecil.So, murder, mayhem, suspense and intrigue. Some very interesting bits and bobs about medicines and treatments of that era.A set of interesting historical events add to the storylineA fairly interesting read, far fetched in that someone with so much misfortune in such bulk would have been dead many times over.