My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
Well written and researched this is an atmospheric descriptive engaging story, a good mix of mystery and action some quite gruesome. The author gives the reader a real feel for time and place with excellent characterisation throughout.
Recommended. ( )

Tudor age, pan European thriller!

1485 Richard Plantagenet and Henry Tudor’s armies are moving. Richard comands Sir John Hawker to return a jewel, a huge roughly set ruby, gifted by its previous owner the Doge of Venice, to Richard. Called the Tear of Byzantium, rumour has it the the Tear must be returned if the current owner tired of possessing it.
Hawker has another obligation, to protect Richard’s illegitimate son. Hawker is a bear of a man, quick witted and discerning, although he’s much troubled in Venice. He’s a man off integrity who seeks to protect and adhere to his word. With a small band of stalwart companions and a doubtful Frenchman he travels to Venice, where as expected things don’t go quite to plan. The individual members of the company are an interesting lot, their loyalty mostly given—except when it isn’t.
Meanwhile more than one powerful party is seeking Richard’s hidden son and the Tear-a jewel with its own legend, it’s sordid mystery. Whether a curse or a blessing is to be discovered. When all else fails help comes from a quarter Hawker has his own doubts about.
A solid Tudor era adventure that travels from England to Venice, and beyond with many a twist and turn, and the promise more to come.
Bale’s Historical Notes are well worth the read giving a rounded view of dynasties, rumours and events at this time.

A Canelo ARC via NetGalley. Many thanks to the author and publisher. ( )