Betrayal in the Crown's Shadow: Historical Novel

By: Stolle, Michael

Betrayal, intrigue, and a deadly game for the crown - a gripping historical novel from the heart of the 17th century

France, 1643: The young Louis XIV, barely eleven years old, ascends to the throne after the early death of his father-and instantly becomes the target of dangerous schemes. A sophisticated poisoning attempt shakes the royal court, thwarted only by chance. But Coquotte, the young king's beloved dog, dies in agony. The shadow of betrayal looms heavily over the Palais Royal.

Cardinal Mazarin, the powerful prime minister, suspects a conspiracy reaching far beyond Paris-to the highest circles of the Vatican and the court of Madrid. To unmask the plotters, he sends his most loyal agent: the sharp-minded and daring Marquis Fran ois de Toucy. Fran ois's trail leads him across a Europe torn by mistrust, war, and religious strife-from the secret corridors of the Palais Royal, through the swamps of southern France, to the opulent yet deadly halls of Spanish power.

But the closer Fran ois comes to the heart of the conspiracy, the deadlier the game becomes. Whom can he still trust, when even priests turn into murderers-and Queen Anne herself seems willing to sacrifice her own brother, the King of Spain?

For readers who...

love dramatic court intrigues and noble power gamesseek suspense, humor, and adventure in historical novelsare fascinated by the era of Louis XIV, the Fronde, and the great European dynastiesappreciate richly atmospheric storytelling with great attention to detailprefer clever heroes and dangerous twists

A spy novel in historical disguise - captivating, multi-layered, and full of surprises until the very last page

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FXDQHBNF
• ISBN13: 9798271064715
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 500 Pages
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"