The third in the Kingsbridge series is set in the Christmas of 1558, with Elizabeth Tudor taking the throne but many fantasising about her removal, including the Paris-based Mary Queen of Scots.
Elizabeth sets up a secret service to ensure her protection, and Ned Willard answers the call, motivated by loyalty to the monarch and disaffection with his personal relationships.
Macmillan Children's Books Column of fire, paperback/ken follett
