The Players is the sequel to The Swift and the Harrier but can be read as a standalone novel. The action is set in 1685 at the time of Monmouth's rebellion and defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor. The infamous Judge Jeffreys is brought in to punish the rebels. Lady Jayne Harrier and her son Elias strive to save men from hanging.
This meticulously researched book is rich with period detail that brings the past to life. A compelling read that kept me turning the pages. This is historical fiction at its best.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Set in a little remembered period of the failed rebellion of the Protestant Duke of Monmouth against Catholic James II we follow the burgeoning relationship of Elias,Duke of Granville ( and his mother Lady Jane Harrier) and Althea Ettrick, daughter of a local magistrate as they seek to save the captured rebels from the revenge of James who has sent Judge Jeffries to Somerset to carry out brutal justice.
A rollicking adventure shining a light on interesting period of history. Elias is, like Baroness Orczy's Scarlet Pimpernel, a veritable paragon that is good looking, witty, charming as well as a master of ingenuity and disguise. The heroines Lady Jane and Althea overcome their personal disadvantages of the age being female and a widow ( the former) and lame through polio ( the latter) to be a doctor and a lawyer to help Elias. It is a little bit too pat and somewhat ironic that the most nuanced character is on fact Judge Jeffries.
I enjoyed reading this book and can recommend it to fans of historical fiction. I will look out for more books by Minette Walters. This is my first. Thanks to Net gallery for sending an Arc for review.

After the death of King Charles II, his Catholic brother James takes the throne of England. His rule is cruel, his people suffer and discontent is stoked by James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth, the eldest illegitimate son of the late King, who leaves his exile in France and returns home with an army intending to claim the throne for himself.
The rebellion doesn’t go to plan, and the common people are pursued and punished for treasonable behaviour. We meet Jack Ketch, the highly incompetent hangman and the Hanging Judge Jeffries, who believes that all those persons who are captured are guilty, no quarter is to be given. His Bloody Assizes condemn so many people, that the gallows cannot cope with the sheer number of hangings and some people are transported away from England for hard labour.
Elias, the Duke of Granville, and his mother, Lady Jayne are determined to help those in prison by planning escapes in order to smuggle them abroad. Althea Ettrick is a young lady, well educated but disabled by a form of palsy. She and Elias work together in many schemes, this story shows the importance of seeing past the obvious disability and concentrating upon the strong wit and clever brains of this neglected and under appreciated woman.
This is an immensely readable and enjoyable story, full of historical detail, but not dry or dusty, but witty and playful with characters you feel a connection to.
All the central people are likeable, and compassionate, filled with a sense of justice that must be seen to be done and available to all.
Not a period of history taught when I was at school, but my knowledge and curiosity has been increased after reading this novel, and I may have to do some further investigations on this era of conflict.
A five star read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Atlantic Books for my ARC, freely given in return for an honest review. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

I did not realise this was a sequel and as soon as I started reading I felt like I'd entered the middle of a story. For this reason I couldn't connect with the characters and have unfortunately dnfd at 30%. I am going to add The Swift and the Harrier to my tbr as I would like to read it and The Players.

Thank you to the Netgalley and the publishers for a digital copy.

Great sequel to The Swift and the Harrier, set from the reign of the Catholic James II to the Glorious Revolution, when William and Mary came to power. The story centres on the infamous Judge Jeffries and how Lady Jane Harrier and her son Elias, Duke of Granville try to save people from the ignominy of being hung, drawn and quartered at the infamous Bloody Assizes. Good to see female characters having strong roles, especially the erudite, wheelchair-bound Althea and Lady Harrier, who nurses poor people with compassion and care.

Mine tote Walters never fails to deliver. A clever meld of fact and fiction, her books are packed with detail and she brings the period to vivid life. This is a sequel to The Harrier and the Swift, but it works very well as a standalone. The backdrop in this story is the Monmouth Rebellion and Walters captures the political intrigues and shenanigans as different factions struggle for power and control.

As well as the historical adventure, there’s a human interest tale of love, but this never becomes a soppy romance. I really like the settings and her sharp,y observed characters. They feel like real people and I was invested in their story. It’s historical fiction at its best and I’m hoping for more in this story.

When the Duke of Monmouth returned from Amsterdam to England to try and seize the throne, his plans went awry and hundreds of west-country men got caught up in legal battles that saw many imprisoned and killed. These are the true events behind this interesting novel. It is a period of history I knew less about and because of this I was keen to read to the end. I was less taken with the characters who seemed less important than the plot. There were few trials and tribulations amongst them - everything was straightforward and worked out well. I kept expecting there to be more between the young woman in the wheelchair and Elias but this was done by inference. I certainly learnt from the telling of the story but am less sure that I enjoyed this as a novel.

Another fabulous historical novel from Minette Walters. This is a sequel to The Swift and the Harrier but it stands perfectly brilliantly on its own. The book covers the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth against King James II - a turbulent time in English history, with Monmouth believing he was the rightful heir to the throne of his father (he was an illegitimate son) and James II a sybaritic and vicious leader. Lady Jayne Harrier and her son Elias, the Duke of Granville devote themselves to taking care of those in need, but have to do so in a clandestine way, in order to avoid being seen as ‘rebels’ and executed under King James unforgiving regime. The book begins with quite a lot of historical scene setting and it can take some time to work out who is who, but once the story is underway this is a work of great distinction, superbly researched and characterised and with a story that has great momentum and will engage the reader to the final word.

I don’t usually give 5 stars if I have any reservations, no matter how small, but this book deserves every one of them!

I didn’t realise this was a sequel, which was a shame because I had to seek out The Swift and the harrier first. That said, this would work perfectly well as a standalone novel.

In 1685, the illegitimate son of James 11, known as the Duke of Monmouth, wanted to rebel against his uncle and take the throne. These were the dark days of the bloody assizes. This was a series of trials after the battle of Sedgemoor, which stopped the Monmouth rebellion. There is hope as a few start to conspire to save some of the men from being hanged.
It's a great historical fiction that I could not put down... i give this book five stars for a compelling read

I first came across Minette Walters with her wonderful and complicated crime novels.

Then came the historical novels which are a good read and possibly written for a wider audience then her crime novels. I enjoyed the novels about the Black Death. They were good stories with a large amount of historical detail deftly written into the storyline.

I somehow missed the first novel in this series but this can certainly be read alone.

The novel picks up with the events in the years preceding Monmouth;s rebellion and then its aftermath.

It is a period I do not know much about so this was a good and interesting read. It is very well researched.

The challenge of having feisty heroines in a seventeenth century environment makes them less credible. However I enjoyed the nove.l

Minette Walter’s “The Players” is set in late 16th Century England, at a time when Civil War and Parliamentarianism has given way to an unsettled return to monarchy. When King Charles dies, his illegitimate son Lord Monmouth attempts to overthrow his Catholic brother King James II, but his rebellion fails, leading to the trials of thousands of people imprisoned as traitors. Lord Granville, or Ellias as many know him, feels responsible for the rebels plight and using cunning and disguise he attempts to save as many as he can. He is helped in his endeavours by his mother Lady Jayne Harrier a skilled physician, and neighbour Althea, a highly intelligent woman whose brains her overlooked due to her palsy.

Walters is one of my favourite authors and her books are always brilliantly written. In this, Elias or Lord Granville, very much resembles a super hero and at times his height, strength and good looks are commented upon. Her descriptions of historic events are very engaging and she chooses to focus more on the domestic discussions than on the more dramatic events. My only criticism would be that sometimes the length of persuasive arguments can start to become unrealistic. However this is a novel I would highly recommend, along with all her others (crime and historical alike).

"The Players" is a sequel to "The Harrier and The Swift", but can be read as a standalone novel. This time we have moved on to the Monmouth Rebellion and our hero is Elias, son of William. Jayne (Swift) is still alive and running her private hospital, which includes treating outpatients and generally doing good in her local rural community.

Life was a struggle in many rural areas at this time, with many starving and no help from the faraway King and his Parliament in London. It is easy to see how simple it would be raise an army under such circumstances, with a charismatic but flawed leader making unrealistic promises. Unfortunately Monmouth had little financial backing, few trained soldiers and no weapons for his rag tag army. Easily defeated at the battle of Segemoor the rebels were hounded by King James, who dispatched Judge Jeffreys to deal with those who were captured.

One of the reasons I particularly love the books of Minette Walters is that I live in Dorchester and enjoy finding out more of the history of the area. Plus I've always liked a good swash-buckling historical romance, with great heroes and strong, fearless heroines.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book is a sequel to The Swift and the Harrier, but it stands strong on its own. Set in 17th-century England, the story unfolds decades after the Civil War, as the nation finds itself divided once more. Charles II's illegitimate son, the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, arrives in Dorset with plans to spark a rebellion against his Catholic uncle, King James II.

Monmouth’s forces, poorly armed, face swift defeat against the king’s superior troops. Those captured are charged with high treason, facing the grim fate of being hanged, drawn, and quartered. As Dorset braces for impending violence, the determined Lady Jayne Harrier and her small group of allies—including her brave son Elias and Althea Ettrick, the spirited daughter of a local lawyer—work tirelessly to save the condemned men from execution. In this perilous environment, secrets are kept, and unexpected friendships blossom as they take risks to thwart a ruthless king’s desire for revenge.

The narrative is rich with themes of political intrigue, social upheaval, and personal vendettas. It skillfully intertwines elements of deceit, compassion, and survival, delving into the lives of characters ensnared in a complex web of manipulation and moral dilemmas. The plot follows our protagonists as they navigate the treacherous political landscape under King James II. Walters paints a vivid picture of an era filled with fear and suspicion, immersing readers in its oppressive atmosphere.

The characters are well-developed and multifaceted; some reveal their darker sides while others exhibit remarkable resilience. The protagonist’s journey is particularly compelling as she grapples with difficult choices that test her moral compass.

Walters’ writing style strikes a balance between lyrical prose and accessibility. She combines thorough research with engaging storytelling, employing a third-person limited perspective that shifts among characters. This approach not only heightens tension but also deepens our understanding of each character’s motivations. The dialogue feels authentic to the period yet remains relatable for modern readers.

While some may find the intricate plotting occasionally convoluted—leading to moments where the pace slows—these critiques are often overshadowed by Walters’ talent for creating a vivid sense of place and time. Her ability to draw readers into a world filled with danger and intrigue is commendable.

Minette Walters is an accomplished author known for her skillful blend of mystery and historical fiction. With numerous accolades to her name, she has built a reputation for crafting narratives that challenge our views on morality and justice.

This book comes highly recommended for fans of historical fiction who appreciate rich storytelling and complex characters.

Excellent, well-written novel set against the backdrop of the Monmouth Rebellion and its aftermath. The characterisations of the main protagonists, both fictional and historical, including Judge Jeffreys, are very well written, and the plot is excellent and believable. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, literature and a 'jolly good read'.

With thanks to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin

Another brilliant book by Walters. Although as sequel to The Harrier and The Swift, it can be read as a standalone but an even better book would have been missed. The first part of the story fills in the history between the two books. The plot covers Monmouth's rebellion against James II and the transfer of the crown to William and Mary of Orange. Jayne, The Swift and her son Elias try to protect the people of Dorset and stop the king alienating his subjects. My only criticism of a thoroughly enjoyable book is that the main characters, Jayne, Elias and Althea are all a little bit too good to be true.
Can there be another sequel? I hope so.

This is the sequel to The Swift and the Harrier but it can definitely be read as a standalone.

England’s turbulent path to democracy is told via Lady Jayne Harrier and her son Elias, the Duke of Granville with a focus on Judge Jeffreys and the Bloody Assize.

Charles II, the Merry Monarch, is restored to the throne in 1660 after the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell. Charles rules for 25 years but sadly has no legitimate heir. He does, however, have plenty of illegitimate children, the eldest of whom is James, Duke of Monmouth. On the death of Charles in February 1685, his brother James ascends the throne with discontent swiftly following as James is openly catholic. In The Hague, Holland, a plot is hatched with Protestant Monmouth at its epicentre and he’s most definitely keeping dangerous company. What follows is a precarious game of high treason and an ill fated rebellion with the rebels routed at Sedgemoor in Somerset. What will Monmouth’s fate be? In an age where retribution can be speedy and harsh enter Lady Jayne Harrier and those she can trust. Can she and her loyal followers, save those destined for the gallows in the vengeful Bloody Assize lead by Judge Jeffreys of the Western circuit?

This cruel, harsh and eventful three years of James II’s reign and before the arrival of William and Mary and the Bill of Rights is meticulously portrayed via Jayne, Elias and Jeffreys and I particularly like them more balanced portrayal of the Hanging Judge. I end with some sympathy for him, which I don’t expect to feel but on reflection seems justified! The interactions between him and Lady Jayne Harrier are some of the best in the book as Jayne provides him with some essential medical treatment. She is likeable, knowledgeable, wise and clever and scenes are always lively when she’s around!

Meanwhile Elias works behind the scenes, he too is very likeable, clever and extremely resourceful, he enters a dark and secretive world with bravery and the best form of cunning. Who can he trust as suspicion swirls around him and many others with the danger being palpable. Minette Walters introduces a new character in Althea Ettrick and she is fabulous. She’s direct, extraordinarily well read and highly intelligent with whip smart repartee. Like Jane she is so NOT a woman of her time and I grow to admire her immensely.

This is a tragic tale as it shines a spotlight on Monmouth ragtag followers and their fates. This is an unfair world with treachery, falsehood and lies and a mockery of justice thanks to a monarch hellbent on revenge. It’s beautifully written and meticulously researched and breathes life into this stormy period in our history. There is some moments of lull perhaps because the time period window is a narrow one but it soon picks up pace again. There are some moments of light relief with a dash of romance and some witty enjoyable conversations.

If you don’t know much about this fascinating period of time this novel is very good introduction to it. Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Allen and Unwin for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐

Before starting this book, I looked back on my review for The Swift & The Harrier, and I'd basically said what a great day it was, when Walters decided to write historical fiction.
I stand by that.
She brings the time, the place and the people to life.
This book entertains and educates (those of us who know nothing)
It's a worthy sequel, and I very much enjoyed following the adventures of our main characters.

The Players by Minette Walters


England, 1685. Decades after the end of the civil war, the country is once again divided when an illegitimate son and pretender to the throne arrives in Dorset to incite rebellion against his uncle, 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 contrive ways to save men from the gallows...

I love anything by the author and inhale her books as soon as they are out . As always a perfect read , totally riveting and could not put it down , the characters , the prose , the whole lot . Perfect.