PROPHECY

The second in this historical mystery series is set in 1583, the year of the Great Conjunction, an astrological phenomenon occurring once every thousand years, presaging the end of an era. When one of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting is strangled, an astrological sign carved into her breast and a doll resembling Queen Elizabeth I clutched in her hand, Francis Walsingham employs defrocked Italian monk, philosopher, and spy Giordano Bruno to investigate. John Lee’s performance as Bruno makes PROPHECY a delicious wallow in court intrigue, the occult, and murder. Lee’s characters are singular, multilayered, and credible. His accents are as well developed as his characters. While there’s enough backstory to make this second Bruno adventure accessible, listening to HERESY first will make this a richer experience. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2011]