Eyes of the Queen, Clements - B+

                     This is a very enjoyable historical novel set in 1572, featuring Francis Walsingham, leader of the monarch's burgeoning intelligence operation. England is opposed by enemies, all of whom would love to rally around the Queen's cousin, Mary of Scotland. Spain, of course, is the leader of the Catholic coalition, but France has just slaughtered its Huguenots and is clearly allied against England. Walsingham goes to great lengths to pass a phony document to the Spanish, which sets them off on a foolish attempt to find the northwest passage to the Pacific and put off any attempts to free Mary. Meanwhile, Mary continues her desperate attempts to communicate with anyone who will help her. Walsingham comes close to finding convincing evidence against Mary, but does not. Walsingham's most skilled agent, John Dee, astrologer and mapmaker, uncovers a plot to shoot the queen and personally captures the assassin. The queen eventually approves what Walsingham calls her majesty's secret service.