THE SPY WHO SANK THE ARMADA

The first in a prospective series of spy novels about the real-life Sir Anthony Standen, an English spy for Queen Elizabeth I.

This novel fictionalizes Standen’s contribution to the sinking of two Spanish fleets meant to invade England during wars between Catholics and Protestants in Europe. He’s the Catholic son of a lawyer, and he was traumatized by his early witnessing of religious violence. He joins the Scottish court, eventually saving the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, and gaining a knighthood. Embroiled in political conflict after his employer Lord Darnley is murdered and consequently unwelcome in England, he finds himself at the English Embassy in Paris in 1567, seeking to gain the English queen’s pardon through employment under spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham’s recommendation. Standen’s many adventures take him across Europe as he takes on multiple identities in France, England, Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the Ottoman Empire. West does a masterful job of introducing Standen’s character while also showing 16th-century Europe through his eyes. The novel also delivers a remarkably nuanced depiction of diverse cultures and kingdoms along the way. The author establishes early on that his protagonist seeks “fame and fortune,” and keeps Standen’s characterization consistent and intriguing as he pursues these motivations. West carefully documents the consequences of Standen’s desire to prove himself and gain material wealth, creating a complex portrait. Spy techniques, fight scenes, and an array of attractive supporting characters give the novel a James Bond–esque atmosphere while staying rooted in historical context. However, its abundance of action-packed detail can make the plot somewhat hard to follow, particularly when it involves three men named Henry and three men named Anthony.

A dense but suspenseful European espionage tale.