Players of Death

The greatest writer who ever lived… turns detective.

A thrilling adventure wonderfully evoked as Shakespeare turns spy' James OswaldPreviously published as A Serpent in the Garden

'Will Shakespeare as a detective is so good you realise he was wasted as a playwright... This clever crime tale blends pace and humour into a riveting, believable and funny read' Sun Pick of the Week

It's 1592. As plague ravages London and playhouses close, the Bard turns sleuth

A young William Shakespeare was the rising star of the theatre world before a deadly epidemic forced the curtain to come down on his promising career as a dramatist.

Lady Celia Vernon is one of the first to succumb, but her cousin, the Earl of Southampton, is convinced she was actually murdered. He commands Will to uncover the truth.

But while Shakespeare is investigating the capital's cutthroats, Robert Cecil Queen Elizabeth's spymaster hears of his activities. Cecil suspects the earl of treason, and charges Will to report on his comings and goings.

Caught between a suspected murderer and two of the most powerful men in the kingdom, Will is playing a dangerous game. Losing might cost him his life

A perfect historical mystery for those new to Shakespeare and Bard aficionados alike, this is a fantastically realised imagining of the events of the famous 'Lost Years', where almost nothing is known about the most formative events of Will's incredible life.

Praise for A Serpent in the Garden 'A thrilling adventure wonderfully evoked as Shakespeare turns spy' James Oswald

'Impressive... a delicious tapestry of intrigue and adventure' Crime Time

'Hugely entertaining, clever, engaging. An all-round delight' Trevor Wood

'A masterpiece' Rachael Blok

'I don't think I've ever read any fictional account that so accurately portrays the terrible autocracy that was in force during Elizabeth I's reign. I couldn't put it down' Barbara Nadel

'Absolutely fantastic. Clever, sly, funny, gripping everything to make it a terrific read' Ajay Chowdhury

'A rich page-turner the sights, sounds and atmosphere of 16th Century London pour from the pages' Isabel Ashdown

'Up there with the best historical fiction I've read Will Shakespeare is an almost competent private eye' James Oswald

'I haven't had this much fun in the Elizabethan era since Joseph Fiennes woo'd Gwyneth Paltrow' Douglas Skelton

'One of the best historical novels I've read in years' Robert Rutherford

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Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs