An edgy, engaging mystery with a few intriguing twists. West's fictionalized account of the period treats readers to delightful face-to-face conversations with such luminaries as Galileo and his fellow champion of the Copernican theory of the universe, Venetian scientist and politician Paolo Sarpi. The drama plays out against the backdrop of historical religious and political rivalries roiling Europe at the time. But it is the author's lively, frequently sardonic dialogue (despite Hugh's quirks in linguistic construction, which are initially challenging) and meticulous attention to the details of fashion, lifestyle, and culinary indulgences that bring the past alive-and paint a scathing indictment of a cruel, devious, and power-hungry papacy. - Kirkus Reviews

The prologue did a very good job at drawing the reader in, being witness to one of the crimes we are about to see investigated raised lots of questions and naturally entices the reader to keep reading. In all I enjoyed the story, I can see the scope for more books connected to these characters and I would be interested in reading future books. I think fans of historical fiction, perhaps those that enjoyed 'The Da Vinci Code' and fans of mysteries more broadly would enjoy this book. - LoveReading

This is a very entertaining and thought-provoking story. Above all, this novel illustrates how unscrupulous, hypocritical, and power-hungry religious and political leaders were back then, and it still continues to this day. The theological and philosophical questions posed in this novel reminded me of some questions that I have often pondered myself. That is why I recommend this book to open-minded people who like exploring possible explanations for the meaning of life, the nature of God, and the foundations of the universe. Fans of historical fiction will also enjoy this publication. - Online book club

Sir Anthony Standen has been hired by the Pope to find the murderer of priests. The adventure drags him into greater danger than even he anticipated. Needless to say, I couldn't stop reading until I reached the last page!

Julie Whitley - Reviewed in Canada on 12 August 2022

Mr. West has so far managed to write a very entertaining series on spying in the late 1500s in England. Fire and Earth is the second of a three volume series and is quite nicely done. The second book continues with more spying, danger, & a delightful introduction of some help to our main character from his children. I like the series books 1 & 2 so far, with the only slight negative being the author might have spared me 1 or 2 lines of some of the "how many angels dance on the head of a pin?" discussions the main character has. A little of that goes a long way, for today's reader, who wasn't blessed like some of us by endless hours of exposure to matters of faith. Nevertheless, the 2d book is a pip. I recommend it even if you can't imagine anyone was really alive back then!

Bill - Reviewed in the United States on 6 June 2022