When young Symington Smythe discovers that his father has bankrupted himself trying to climb the social ladder, he decides to pursue his dream of a career as an actor. In 16th century Britain becoming an actor means going to London, so off Smythe goes. After being robbed so often that the last highwayman takes pity on him and gives him enough for dinner, the young man finally stumbles into the Hawk and Mouse which is so crowded he is forced to share a room with a stranger. Not just any strange, but Will Shakespeare himself, also off to London to make a start in the theater - as a poet. In short order the men become fast friends and travel the rest of the way together.
Once in the town Smythe (now renamed Tuck by Shakespeare) and the young bard have a bit of luck and meet Sir William Worley and Kit Marlowe in the midst of a brawl. When the smoke clears Worley offers Tuck and Will the opportunity of positions at the Queen's Men Theater. Well, 'positions' is a bit of an overstatement. Actually, they are given jobs as hostlers, attending the horses of the audience. Tuck and Will are undaunted, sure that time will favor them (assuming they can get rid of the smell of stable).
On the other side of town, in a much better neighborhood, lives Elizabeth Darcie. She discovers she has a major problem. Her father has decided to marry her off to gain preferment and a chance at a title. Elizabeth, who is quite independent for this age, is outraged. Prepared to do anything to put off her suitor, she is pleasantly surprised when her proposed husband confides to her that he loves another and has no desire to wed her. Or does he? The next day he appears to press his suit, and on the next he is stabbed and dies at her feet. And then he reappears once more. All of this panics Elizabeth and catapults her into the arms of Tuck, who is determined to investigate, despite warnings from Will and the other actors. In short order the plot becomes as complex as one of Shakespeare's own and every bit as exciting.
Simon Hawke's other works are primarily science fiction and fantasy, so it's difficult to know quite what to expect from this novel. The book begins slowly, as Hawke works at the construction of his setting in 16th century England. Which is no small task. Then the action and intrigue of the plot pick up, the characters lose their stiffness, and everything takes on life and becomes a light weight, extremely enjoyable, page-turner.
Not quite a farce, but a solid comedy in the Shakespearean style without the burden of iambic pentameter. Keep an eye out for the countless tidbits of Shakespearean lore that wander in an out of the story, playing their part as puns and puzzles.
Great fun for Shakespearean and mystery lovers of all ages.
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