The King's Minion — Rafael Sabatini

King James I, narrowly escaping assassination in the infamous Gunpowder Plot, has reason to suspect all around him. But surely he can trust members of his Privvy Council - and especially Robert Carr of Ferniehurst, Earl of Somerset and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter? 'The Minion' traces Carr's meteoric rise and fall at the hands of the wary king whilst capturing all the thrill and vitality of seventeenth century England.