Traitor! by John Pilkington
This title is the second in a series of rip-roaring theatrical adventures set in the cut-throat world of Elizabethan England.When a series of unexpected disappearances and suspicious accidents start occurring at the Rose theatre, it looks like a group of rival players may be targeting Lord Bonner's men. And things really start to hot up when a mysterious fire threatens to send their plans up in smoke. Can boy actors Ben Button and Matthew Fields settle their differences to discover just who's behind these dirty - and increasingly dangerous - tricks? Readers will be hooked by the sinister sabotage and dark deception in this fiery sequel to Rogues' Gold.
Enjoyable, twisty, gripping* Rebecca Shaw - Student's review - Lancashire Book of the Year Award *
"Traitor" is a fast-paced historical adventure with some engaging characters. The language used gives a historical flavour without being distracting. There is enough fighting and intrigue to keep the reader gripped, and a satisfying conclusion. * Write Away *
**** Four star review! * Betty Bookmark *
In the second of the 'Elizabethan Mysteries' Ben's company, Lord Bonner's Men, are invited to play at the Rose Theatre and then to perform a new play in front of Elizabeth I on the 26th December. But things do not go according to plan when costumes are stolen, the theatre is nearly set alight and columns sawn through which would have meant a balcony collapsing when the theatre was full of people. A rival group, the Earl of Horsham's Men, is suspected after a stabbing on stage and Ben and another apprentice vow to find out who is behind the attempted sabotage. A fast paced adventure then ensues. This is a story completely comfortable in its setting, not attempting to be the great historical novel, but a really good adventure set within the world of the Elizabethan theatre. The details of the life of a boy apprentice, the somewhat uncertain future of the players seeking patrons to survive, and the seediness of the lower life of Elizabethan London are all part and parcel of the story. Ben is a likeable character and his sidekick Matt, once an enemy, convincingly becomes a friend. The rest of the players emerge as clearly defined characters too and the competition act honourably for the most part. This is a well written historical adventure which will take the reader back to the first story while looking forward to the next one, learning much about Elizabethan theatre while doing so. The cover however is not representative as the sword play in the story is not in armour but play-acting on the stage, and the title is misleading - there is no traitor just an aristocrat jockeying for power but these are small quibbles. There is a map to guide the reader back and forth across the River Thames. * Books for Keeps *
The world of the Elizabethan theatre, and indeed London as a whole, is a well-defined one here, with everything relevant seeming realistic. Beyond that there is a nice way with character - the way Ben starts the book really disliking his stage partner Matt, but finds their combination a good one to get through the mystery, is a pleasantly unspoken change in circumstances, that adds to the feel of this being part two of a series well worth exploring. * The Book Bag *
"Traitor" is a fast-paced historical adventure with some engaging characters. The language used gives a historical flavour without being distracting. There is enough fighting and intrigue to keep the reader gripped, and a satisfying conclusion. * Write Away *
**** Four star review! * Betty Bookmark *
In the second of the 'Elizabethan Mysteries' Ben's company, Lord Bonner's Men, are invited to play at the Rose Theatre and then to perform a new play in front of Elizabeth I on the 26th December. But things do not go according to plan when costumes are stolen, the theatre is nearly set alight and columns sawn through which would have meant a balcony collapsing when the theatre was full of people. A rival group, the Earl of Horsham's Men, is suspected after a stabbing on stage and Ben and another apprentice vow to find out who is behind the attempted sabotage. A fast paced adventure then ensues. This is a story completely comfortable in its setting, not attempting to be the great historical novel, but a really good adventure set within the world of the Elizabethan theatre. The details of the life of a boy apprentice, the somewhat uncertain future of the players seeking patrons to survive, and the seediness of the lower life of Elizabethan London are all part and parcel of the story. Ben is a likeable character and his sidekick Matt, once an enemy, convincingly becomes a friend. The rest of the players emerge as clearly defined characters too and the competition act honourably for the most part. This is a well written historical adventure which will take the reader back to the first story while looking forward to the next one, learning much about Elizabethan theatre while doing so. The cover however is not representative as the sword play in the story is not in armour but play-acting on the stage, and the title is misleading - there is no traitor just an aristocrat jockeying for power but these are small quibbles. There is a map to guide the reader back and forth across the River Thames. * Books for Keeps *
The world of the Elizabethan theatre, and indeed London as a whole, is a well-defined one here, with everything relevant seeming realistic. Beyond that there is a nice way with character - the way Ben starts the book really disliking his stage partner Matt, but finds their combination a good one to get through the mystery, is a pleasantly unspoken change in circumstances, that adds to the feel of this being part two of a series well worth exploring. * The Book Bag *
John worked at various jobs - in a research laboratory, on a farm, and as a rock guitarist - before realizing he wanted to write. He took a degree in Drama and English, acted and directed in a theatre company touring schools, and then began his professional writing career with radio plays in the 1980s. He has since written plays for the theatre and television scripts for the BBC. He is also the author of a series of historical crime novels, and a non-fiction book, A Survival Guide for Writers. The Elizabethan Mysteries series follows the same loveable character, adventurous apprentice Ben Button, and his fellow players.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780746087114 |
| ISBN 10 | 074608711X |
| Title | Traitor! |
| Author | John Pilkington |
| Series | Elizabethan Mysteries |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Usborne Publishing Ltd |
| Year published | 2008-04-25 |
| Number of pages | 224 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |