aka The John Dee Chronicles
J.A. Downes 
Sometimes the best adventures come in the most delightful packages. I’m thrilled to announce that both Divination: A Conspiracy of Blood and Speculation: Undercurrents of Treachery are now available as beautifully crafted 6×9 inch paperbacks. There’s something wonderfully satisfying about holding a real book in your hands, especially when you’re settling in for a cosy … Read more
Let’s face it, if there’s one thing the English have excelled at over the centuries, it’s standing up to authority when pushed too far. From outraged peasants to ambitious nobles, England’s history is punctuated by dramatic uprisings that remind us: people have limits. Here’s your guide to the rebellions that shook the realm, each with … Read more
An Interview with Catherine Brandon Renaissance Weekly’s exclusive conversation with the formidable Duchess of Suffolk. We caught up with Catherine Brandon at her London townhouse, where the widow of Charles Brandon continues to navigate the treacherous waters of Tudor court politics. At thirty, the Duchess remains one of England’s most influential women – and one … Read more
If you have browsed around my website you may have seen the following phrase: My goal is simple: to share the complexity and wonder of Tudor history in a way that’s memorable, engaging, and fun. If you love historical puzzles and want to discover that history can be thrilling rather than dry, the Predestination series … Read more
We caught up with the 20-year-old Trinity College fellow who’s got all of Paris talking – and some people worried RENAISSANCE WEEKLY: John, you’ve just returned from lecturing in Paris where crowds were reportedly overflowing from the lecture halls. How does it feel to be the talk of the continent at just 23? DEE:It’s rather … Read more
RENAISSANCE WEEKLY: Master Whitely, you’ve been at John Dee’s side through some rather extraordinary adventures. How does a young scholar find himself involved in court conspiracies and treasure hunts? NICHOLAS: [grins ruefully, setting down a brass astrolabe he’d been adjusting] Curiosity, mostly. And perhaps a touch of youthful foolishness. [grows more serious] When I first … Read more
We catch up with the dynamic Hanseatic merchant duo who’ve been making waves in both Baltic and English waters RENAISSANCE WEEKLY: Gentlemen, you’re both successful merchants, but Jakob, you’re the seafaring brother while Andrus runs the King’s Lynn operation. How do you divide the business? JAKOB: [leans back in his chair, gesturing with a pewter … Read more
When Weddings Meet Rebellion The most dangerous guest at a Tudor castle? The dead one. I’m delighted to announce that Insurrection: Weddings Can Be Murder is now available in both ebook and paperback! The third book in the Predestination series takes Dr. John Dee and his beloved companions to Allington Castle in Kent, where the … Read more
I’m very happy to announce that final editing is complete on Insurrection (book three in the series) and we’re working on the cover art. As soon as the art is finalised, I’ll give you a preview here, and you can expect the book itself very shortly after that. Watch this space!
Renaissance Weekly speaks with Cristóbal Navarro, the mysterious operative whose loyalties proved more complex than his mission We arranged to meet Cristóbal Navarro at a discreet tavern near London Bridge, where the Spanish agent agreed to speak candidly about his recent activities on England’s coast. Tall and weathered from months of surveillance work, he carries … Read more