Grave Merriment

Games can be dangerous.

It is the Twelve Days of Christmas, a time of joyous revelry which will see the end of 1561.  Both Queen Elizabeth I and her favourite lady in waiting, Catrin the Countess of Ashbourne, are hoping that it will also be the end of the difficulties they have been experiencing.  They are looking forward to a time of peace, pageantry and pleasure.

Unfortunately, that is not to be.  A new brute has appeared in London, terrorizing the population and forcing the young waifs and pickpurses to do his bidding.  A young boy is badly beaten when he refuses to obey, and Catrin has to use all her skills to find and stop this dangerous rogue before it’s too late.

And then the queen asks for her help.  A series of tricks at court has suddenly turned deadly, and the queen fears that it will cause her court to flare up into rebellion.  Especially since a very important guest will soon arrive from Ireland, and they dare not give him any reason to suspect that someone doesn’t want him there.

Catrin has to face a serious, delicate task in the midst of silliness and celebration.  Will she be able to win a game against two villains when the stakes are so high?