I really enjoyed the way Anthony Wildman wrote the previous two books in the Lost Years of William Shakespeare series. The concept worked well and had that historical fiction element that I wanted. I was engaged with the setting and how the characters and plot worked overall.

In 1589 Shakespeare and Lord Stranger’s Men have had their right to perform removed. Will decides to use his time well by writing a new play Titus Andronicus. Then this and his box of plays is stolen and a desperate search is commenced with the help of Cutting Ball and his gang of thieves.

Very well written adventure starring William Shakespeare. Good characters and well paced. Why were they banned and why steal the plays? Enjoy finding out.

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In the Company of Knaves: The Lost Years of William Shakespeare, Book 3 by Anthony Wildman, is a historical fiction story about the struggling playwright and his trials writing the play Titus Andronicus. Mr. Wildman is a novelist from Australia.

It’s 1859 and William Shakespeare’s career seems to be over before it started. Living in London without his family, his theatre group, Lord Stange’s Men, has been shut down for seemingly a minor reason.

Shakespeare is forced to write the play Titus Andronicus, for a rival company, however, one day his entire collection of unfinished plays is stolen. While attempting to find the thief, the young playwright is thrown into the cesspool of Elizabethan court intrigue.

I’ve never heard of the play Titus Andronicus, but frankly, it doesn’t sound too bad. The play, as the author mentions, is still in question whether or not it was written by William Shakespeare.

In the Company of Knaves by Anthony Wildman shows Shakespeare as an ambitious, idealistic young man. It was interesting to read how religious and social upheavals of the time shaped his writing.

Shakespeare’s partner for this book, Edward “Cutting” Ball plays an antithesis to the young writer as an amoral, yet charming thief. Ball, by the way, was a real criminal at the time, but the author says he probably wasn’t as appealing.

I enjoyed the nuances of Shakespeare, making him a real character, a struggling playwright and actor. I found the author’s historical research to be excellent. This, in my opinion, made the books since we know very little about Shakespeare during this time.

The novel offers an engaging narrative and acknowledges its limitations which is always appreciated. I enjoyed the interpretation of historical events, as well as the ethical considerations which the characters tackle.

Even though this book is third in The Lost Years of William Shakespeare series it’s still a standalone work. I enjoyed the novel even though I’m not familiar with the play, or Shakespeare’s life in general besides the rudimentary knowledge from high school and my own reading, which is lacking tremendously on this subject.

Although this is the third in the Lost Years of William Shakespeare series, it didn’t feel like I’d missed out on too much by not reading the preceding books. Wildman is swift to bring the reader into the scene and world of Tudor playhouses.

The history was fascinating in this book, and gave a real sense of life in Tudor England; from the playhouses to bear baiting and to the general atmosphere found in the streets and pubs. Wildman paints a vivid picture of Shakespeare’s world.

The characters are lively and engaging, from Will himself to Emma. There’s also huge players of both the theatrical and Elizabethan world, such as Marlowe and The Earl of Essex.

The plot was compelling, complete with murder, intrigue and a satisfying tie up of loose ends at the end.

Wildman’s writing style is clear and engaging, making it easy to get swept in to the story.

Lastly, Titus Andronicus is one of my favourite Shakespeare plays, having studied it at university. So I was really interested to read about its creation and Shakespeare’s journey with it.

I really enjoyed this novel, following William Shakespeare as he tried to recover his plays that had been stolen from him. It didn't bring too much of the tudor royal court into it, which was good. It focused mainly on the ordinary folk of the time, including a ruffian and hid sister. A few other famous names popped up, Sir Walter Raleigh, Marlowe, Green to name a few, but they kept to the fringes.

I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.

I believe that I have read all of the author's previous books, and stories. He has made his way onto my favorite author's lists. His excellent work continues with this, his latest book. Wildman is superb at writing historical fiction. His knowledge of the history and events happening around the time of the book is impressive. He makes his main character, William Shakespeare, come alive! Imbuing Shakespeare with all the emotions, feelings, biases, fears, and doubts that really make the book worth reading.
In this particular book, Shakespeare finds himself back in London with his acting troupe. Some shady politics infect his ability to put on plays, so while waiting for the events to clear, he begins writing a new play. A theft occurs, plunging him back into his amateur detective mode. With help from friends and some sketchy acquaintances, he struggles to solve the crime. (I'm trying hard not to give away any of the plot).
Without giving too much away, Wildman provides a believable beginning, a exciting plot, and a completely satisfying end. No dragons, magic, time warps, or space bats. Just a very entertaining and entirely believable book!
I sincerely recommend this book to any historical fiction fan. It's the complete package. I am eagerly awaiting Wildman's next book!