Sacred Treason, Forrester - B

                                               This book is a fine example of what I like about historical novels.  It is well-written and well-researched.  It conveys some of the passion, emotion and detail that is often missing in the academic and general histories.   The reason it is so well done is that it is written by a professional historian dabbling on the side under a pseudonym, and presumably looking for a few extra pounds.  The setting is London in the 1560's at a time when Elizabeth I is still very vulnerable.  The Catholics are hoping for a restoration; Mary Queen of Scots is their logical hope, and the plot here is about the possibility that Elizabeth is illegitimate.  Anne Boleyn may, or may not, have been married to Percy. If she had been, a case can be made against Elizabeth.  The lead character is  Clarenceaux King of Arms, a Royal Herald and a designer of coats-of-arms.  He is part of the old religion's underground establishment, finds conclusive proof of the marriage of Percy and Anne Boleyn, but opts to play his cards close to the vest and not rock the boat of rebellion. William Harley will be back, as this is the first of an already published trilogy.