Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The Desperate Remedy: Henry Gresham and the Gunpowder Plot; A Novel

The Desperate Remedy: Henry Gresham and the Gunpowder Plot; A Novel
The Desperate Remedy Henry Gresham and the Gunpowder Plot A Novel
Author: Martin Stephen
ISBN-13: 9780312307196
ISBN-10: 0312307195
Publication Date: 3/14/2003
Pages: 336
Edition: 1st Us
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 6

4.3 stars, based on 6 ratings
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

3 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

bkydbirder avatar reviewed The Desperate Remedy: Henry Gresham and the Gunpowder Plot; A Novel on
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book and it's unbelievable that it is a first novel by this author. The writing flowed well; characters were described almost 3 dimensional! Martin Stephen took an historical event, albeit a very disturbing one, and made it so real that it was hard to put this book down. I also give it 5 stars and highly recommend it!
reviewed The Desperate Remedy: Henry Gresham and the Gunpowder Plot; A Novel on + 55 more book reviews
A fun read based on historical happenings.
I-F-Letty avatar reviewed The Desperate Remedy: Henry Gresham and the Gunpowder Plot; A Novel on + 73 more book reviews
The Desperate Remedy: by Martin Stephen was recommended to me.

It takes place during the reign of James I of England and VII of Scotland, and revolves around the thwarted Gunpowder Plot which was an attempt to blow up Parliament, by Catholics who are trying to bring England back into the fold of Mother Church.

The main characters are Sir Henry Gresham, a master spy who has as many enemies known and unknown. His mistress Jane who is a young woman he rescues from an abusive grandfather years before, and his faithful servant Mannion.

The historical cast of characters are Robert Cecil, James I secretary and Spy Master, Sir Walter Raleigh, Guy Fawkes and a whole cast of historical conspirators.

Without giving to much away Stephen weaves Henry's story within the dirty world of ambition and corruption in the court. There are twists and turns, and murders and lies you move through the under belly of early 17th century