Follow the journey of a young actor navigating the vibrant yet challenging world of 15th-century English theatre. This series plunges readers into the lives of traveling troupes, exploring themes of ambition, love, and the dramatic interplay between performance and reality. Experience a rich historical tapestry woven with wit, passion, and the enduring human spirit.
In 1434, Oxford prepares for the Corpus Christi festival, featuring traditional plays. Joliffe and his troupe are set to perform "Isaac and Abraham," while their theatrical skills have also attracted the attention of a wealthy merchant, Master Penteney.
Set against the backdrop of a wedding, player Joliffe is tasked with espionage while entertaining guests. As he delves into the Deneby family's dark past, he uncovers unsettling secrets that foreshadow a tragic turn of events during the celebration. The intertwining of performance and intrigue creates a suspenseful atmosphere, highlighting themes of deception and the hidden complexities within seemingly joyous occasions.
Set in 1435, the story follows Joliffe and his troupe as they travel to Ashewell to perform plays while investigating the dark secrets of three feuding families. The Ashewells, Medcotes, and Gosyns are embroiled in a rivalry filled with seduction, deception, and blackmail, which escalates to murder. As tensions rise and more lives are at stake, Joliffe must act swiftly to prevent further tragedy, highlighting themes of betrayal and the blurred lines between performance and reality.
Set against the backdrop of the British aristocracy, the story follows Joliffe and his companions as they navigate a treacherous political landscape filled with intrigue and ambition for the regent position of the young King Henry VI. As secrets unravel and violent deaths occur among those privy to sensitive information, the tension escalates, forcing the characters to confront their own vulnerabilities and fears in a high-stakes game of survival.
Set in France, the story follows Joliffe, who serves the widowed duchess Jacquetta of Bedford while secretly honing his skills in espionage. As he navigates the complexities of court life, the plot thickens when a murder occurs within the duchess's household, revealing the perilous nature of hidden truths and the risks involved in his dual life.
Set during the harvest of 1436, the story follows Joliffe as he navigates unexpected challenges after his troupe leader's injury. While seeking work, he encounters Mistress Cisily Thorncoffyn, a demanding widow with a penchant for exaggerating her ailments. This situation leads to a mix of humor and tension as Joliffe balances his responsibilities and the whims of a difficult patient, all while trying to keep his troupe afloat.
Set against the backdrop of the Corpus Christi Day festival in Coventry, the story follows Joliffe, a talented performer and spy, as he investigates the disappearance of a merchant. With members of his company implicated, he delves into the town's elite and confronts a secret sect of heretics threatening the Church. The narrative intertwines themes of deception, loyalty, and the struggle between faith and heresy, showcasing Joliffe's skills in navigating a web of intrigue to unveil the truth.