King's Return

Murder, deceit and lies under a new monarch in 17th century London.

Spring, 1661.

Thomas Hill travels from his home in Romsey to London to attend the coronation of King Charles II. His sister Margaret has died, and both his nieces are now married. At a dinner party after the Coronation, Thomas meets the charming Chandle Stoner, and Sir Joseph Williamson, security advisor to His Majesty, and in charge of the newly restored Post Office. Learning of Thomas's skill with codes, Williamson asks him to take charge of deciphering coded letters intercepted at the Post Office. Reluctantly, Thomas agrees. A spate of murders takes place in London -- including two employees of the Post Office. Thomas finds himself dragged into the search for the murderer -- or murderers. It soon becomes apparent that those responsible are closer to Thomas -- and his loved ones -- than he imagined. But can he ensure they are apprehended for their crimes before it's too late?

   • Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, in a dangerous and deadly London.Like Swanston's other novels, this too features a combination of fact and fiction. The key context -- the Post Office -- was indeed a hotbed of spies both for the King and for his enemies.