Unfortunately the poor quality of the ARC made it sometimes almost impossible to keep reading. Too many typos and repeats.

I just ordered the book on Amazon so I'll be able to give a better review soon.

Many thanks anyway for the ARC

My thanks to Atlantic Books/Corvus for an eARC via NetGalley of S.J. Perry’s ‘The Rebel’s Mark’. It was first published in April 2022 with its paperback edition released on 1 January 2023.

This is Book 5 in Perry’s Jackdaw Mysteries, a series of historical thrillers set in Elizabethan England. As always background is provided for new readers, though it is a series that I would recommend reading in order to observe the development of its characters, certain ongoing plot threads, as well as to experience Perry’s vivid descriptions of the Elizabethan world.

It is now 1598 and three years have passed since the events of ‘The Heretic’s Mark’. Nicholas Shelby and his now wife, Bianca, have been summoned from Padua back to England and Nicholas has been appointed to serve as physician to the ageing Queen Elizabeth as well as to continue his work as a reluctant intelligencer for Elizabeth’s Secretary of State, Robert Cecil.

After receiving an enigmatic message from the poet Edmund Spencer, who is residing in Ireland, Cecil sends Nicholas, accompanied by Bianca, there in order to meet discreetly with him. It proves a dangerous undertaking as Ireland is torn by rebellion against the English occupation. No further details to avoid spoilers.

In his historical note Perry provides details of the events in England and Ireland that had informed his storyline.

Overall, I enjoyed ‘The Rebel’s Mark’ very much and have found the Jackdaw Mysteries to be an exceptional series of historical spy thrillers. Happily I see that a sixth book, ‘The Sinner’s Mark’ is due for publication in April 2023.

*Many thanks to S.W. Perry, Atlantic Books, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
I am new to the series but there was no difficulty following the plot without reading previous books in the series. This historical fiction turned out to be most interesting as it covers the last days of the reign of Gloriana in the context of suppressing rebellion in Ireland. The historic events are well presented and for me one of the highlights was learning about English politics against the Irish, complicated and tumultuous times in Ireland at the end of the 16th century and fictionalized but based on facts lives of some of the most prominent figures close to the queen.
Now I am interested to read the previous offerings by the author.

This is the 5th in the series about Nicholas Shelby and his wife, Bianca and for me the books just get better with each one I've read. I find the author's interpretation of Robert Cecil intriguing - and the hold he has over Nicholas, causing him to be at his beck and call and sending him into danger to solve a problem for Cecil is a masterstroke in creating a good plot. Nicholas and Bianca are a good combination, they're both likeable characters and I look forward to reading the next one!

Returned to London from Padua, Nicholas Shelby is now a trusted physician to the Queen and Bianca has picked up with her tavern and apothecary businesses. Shelby is asked by Cecil to go to Ireland to speak to Edmund Spenser, poet and landholder. He and Bianca travel to a land which is wrought by rebellion and they hear that a Spanish ship has been wrecked but that a rich lady has survived, carrying an important diplomatic secret. When Spenser dies Nicholas is sent back to Ireland to serve as an army doctor, but this time he and Bianca have to cope with war.
This is a solid set of late Elizabethan crime novels and here the focus is on the Earl of Essex and the rebellion in Ireland. In this respect it makes for an original setting. I liked the weaving of the Irish tales into the story of the shipwreck and the character of Cachorra was a standout. Good, non-threatening entertainment

Another compelling, entertaining, and engrossing book in this series.
Great historical background and character development, excellent storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Another fantastic Historical Fiction story. The characters are so real that you feel that you could be there. This is one of my favourite periods in history but I wasn't aware of the battles in Ireland, So I have learnt something new as well as enjoying an engaging story. Great read!

For those who love a historical novel, this is most certainly a series to get into. The characters are carefully drawn and easy to connect with, good and bad. The depiction of life in Elizabethan England is detailed and fascinating - from the way of life for rich or poor, to the intrigues and deceptions and misapprehensions and fear and disregard for human life and the ease with which it could be lost. The story takes us from the palace to Bankside to Ireland and back, giving an insight into a segment of our history few know anything about, but which explains much.

This is the 5th book in the Author's Jackdaw series - a welcome return to the world of Nicholas Shelby

Nicholas and his wife , Bianca, have returned to Court from Padua .......... his star shining bright after his successes
But they are soon drawn into the plots and the politics of the time - especially the rebellion in Ireland
When Robert Cecil receives a pleading letter from England's greatest living poet in Ireland he dispatches Nicholas to investigate - just what is going on
Soon , drawn into not just the Rebellion plot but also those of Cecil's powerplay with Robert, Earl of Essex , Nicholas and Bianca find themselves in danger at every turn , who can they trust , who is friend or foe ?

This is yet another enthralling book by the Author who manages to bring the sights , sounds and politics of the time to life - However I felt that this book was not the Murder Mystery (which I preferred )of the previous books but more one inclined to the politics of the waning courts of the Monarchs of England and Spain

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I'm indebted to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. It's a particular pleasure in this instance as I very much enjoy this author's work & this series of books has always been very well written & enjoyable to read.
I'm pleased to say that this book carries it's pedigree well. Very fun to read & its a very quick process to be hopelessly addicted to finding out what happens next.
The usual band of characters return, again travelling beyond London to the usual uncertainty, mystery & adventure. And what's not to like about that.

The Rebel’s Mark is the 5th book in the Jackdaw series. As ever, it’s an extremely enjoyable and easy read, and after 5 books the four main characters from the Jackdaw Tavern feel easily familiar.

Set around Essex’s failed jaunt into Ireland in the late 16th Century, we find Nicholas and Bianca thrust into the world of an army on campaign.

Whilst being an exciting read, I feel the book fell short of previous additions to the series. I feel like the earlier books were great because they were written solely as murder mysteries. The Rebel’s Mark strays from this path, and personally I didn’t enjoy it as much for that reason.

Still a goof read, and ill happily pick up book 6 as soon as it comes out.

The Rebel’s Mark is the latest book in the consistently excellent Jackdaw series by S W Perry and it is another very worthy addition.

Nicholas Shelby and his wife are this time sent to Ireland where they face danger at every turn with everyone seemingly playing a game but who is friend and who foe?

The book is very well potted and well paced right until the gripping finale.

The author has created a terrific cast of characters and hopefully there are future adventures for them all

Highly recommended.

Continuing the Jackdaw mysteries with our main characters Physician Nicholas Shelby and his wife Bianca. From the rebellion in Ireland to the politics in London both sides of Elizabeth’s court Robert Cecil and the Earl of Essex put Nicholas’s and Bianca’s life in grave danger being the pawns in their games.
A really good take on the espionage and intrigue at the end of Elizabeth’s reign and her continuing War with Spain. You will be drawn into the very dangerous and uncertain world of Elizabethan England.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Another wonderfully written book continuing the exploits of Nicholas and Bianca. This time the story is based in London and Ireland. This series goes from strength to strength, and although I have just finished this one I cannot wait for the next in the series. Please read this book you will not be disappointed.

The fourth of a the series featuring Nicholas Shelby and Bianca set during the reign of the Tudor Queen Elizabeth. It is again a great read, easy and compelling and if you've enjoyed the previous books the continuation of their story is definitely worth while. I could read anything by SW Parry.