Traitor to the Crown

Book excerpt: “The meticulousness of the Longs’ research is awesome” in this historical account of the plot to brand a British naval official as a Catholic traitor (The Guardian). 1679, England: Fear of conspiracy and religious terrorism have provoked panic in politicians and a zealous reaction from the legal system. Everywhere, or so it is feared, Catholic agents are plotting to overthrow the King. Samuel Pepys, Secretary of the Admiralty, finds himself charged with treason and facing a show trial and execution. Imprisoned in the Tower of London, Pepys sets to work investigating his mysterious accuser, Colonel John Scott, and uncovers a life riddled with ambition, forgery, treason and—ultimately—murder. Using rare access to Pepys’ account of the affair, James Long and Ben Long brilliantly evoke a turbulent period in England’s history—and tell the forgotten story of the two most dangerous years in the life of the legendary diarist. “As gripping as any thriller.” —The Times (London) “I couldn’t put it down, and there aren’t many books on the seventeenth century you can say that about.” —History Today