The King's Assassin

The Secret Plot to Murder King James I

By: Benjamin Woolley

Narrated by: David Timson

"...David Timson narrates this sweeping history of the court of King James I...Timson's emotionally demonstrative tones echo throughout this complex study of Villiers and the British court, adding suspense to every turn..." (AudioFile)

An absorbing account of the conspiracy to kill King James I by his handsome lover, the duke of Buckingham, a historical crime that has remained hidden for 400 years.

The rise of George Villiers from minor gentry to royal power seemed to defy gravity. Becoming gentleman of the royal bedchamber in 1615, the young gallant enraptured James, Britain’s first Stuart king, royal adoration reaching such an intensity that the king declared he wanted the courtier to become his "wife". For a decade, Villiers was at the king’s side - at court, on state occasions, and in bed, right up to James’ death in March 1625.

Almost immediately, Villiers’ many enemies accused him of poisoning the king. A parliamentary investigation was launched, and scurrilous pamphlets and ballads circulated London’s streets. But the charges came to nothing and were relegated to a historical footnote.

Now, new research suggests that a deadly combination of hubris and vulnerability did indeed drive Villiers to kill the man who made him. It may have been by accident - the application of a quack remedy while the king was weakened by a malarial attack. But there is compelling evidence that Villiers, overcome by ambition and frustrated by James’ passive approach to government, poisoned him.

In The King’s Assassin, acclaimed author Benjamin Woolley examines this remarkable, even tragic story. Combining vivid characterization and a strong narrative with historical scholarship and forensic investigation, Woolley tells the story of King James’ death and of the captivating figure at its center.

©2017 Benjamin Woolley (P)2018 Macmillan Audio

A bombastic thriller on power and corruption.

A vast illuminating inspection of the Villiers legend. The narration was riviting and storyline compelling.

Highly Recommend

Intriguing story - well crafted superbly read!

I began with some base knowledge but learned so much more from the book. The story was crafted in such a way that I was constantly surprised and enticed to continue listening. Honestly makes me want to read more about all parties to the plot!

Wonderful read!

This was the perfect balance of historical account and enjoyable presentation. I walked away feeling like I knew so much more than before, but not like I had just left a 6 hr lecture. The writing was wonderful, and the voice actor was the perfect accompaniment.

What Do You Want to Know?

Anne Somerset is a favorite of mine. I appreciate her level of detail and her clarity, and this history of James I and VI did not disappoint. Very interesting b