Best of Men

England, 1642 and the Country is on the brink of Civil War as the Royalist and Parliamentarians seem unable to move from their respective positions and points of view. Negotiations for a peaceful outcome do not look hopeful and the English gentry have to decide who they will side with in an argument that is about not only the power of the Crown but also with a strong undercurrent of religion. Returning from various adventures in Europe is Laurence Beaumont, son of a Lord. Beaumont is a rebel, trying to find himself but also intelligent, fast thinking and with an eye for the ladies. England is awash with plots, duplicity and intrigue as Beaumont finds himself helping Secretary of State Lord Falkland uncover a plot to kill the King. In the mix we have ciphers, politics, attractive women and eventually battle starts to rage between the opposing sides. Now, my taste in historical fiction normally sits with the likes of Bernard Cornwall, Simon Scarrow and James McGee so this is hard for me to compare, but I think the author has done a fantastic job with a fast moving, gripping and involving tale. Much of the action takes place near where I live, in places like Oxford and Farringdon which did make me realise how much history has taken place within 30 miles of where I live, and Ms Letemendia very much brought that to life for me. Although with a strong and accurate historical base, the author wisely resists the temptation to cram in lots of historical figures, but sticks with a few and does them well. It is the perfect blend of history, action, intrigue, bed hopping and a very light touch of the mystic. Apparently this novel was '10 years in the making' - well it was worth the wait and I hope the next one is with us soon.

This story includes all the requirements for fabulous reading. A historical fiction - and more. The hero is dashing and brave - but very human. There is romance with some spice, but nothing explicit. This is during the time of the Roundheads and Cavaliers - all very fascinating, with intrigues, plots, counterplots and some use of the belief in the reading of horoscopes and alchemy. Although, I am not a scholar, the times, people and places seem to be as accurate as a good fictional story can make them. I recommend this book to all who love a good story, but also, recommend the author write a sequel. The story is not finished and even though, historically, one may know what happened...what about our hero?